Fenix PD32, Quark, or something else?

ol_sc

ol_sc

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Sep 12, 2011
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I need a flashlight for the upcoming fishing/camping season. Big enough for general outdoors use, but not to big to carry around. I have been looking at the Fenix PD32 because I like the price and the output it gives. It doesn't have a moonlight mode, which may be useful in the tent reading or rummaging around.

Mainly, since I don't know much about flashlights, I'm looking for either confirmation or guidance toward another LED light before I buy.
 
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The PD32 is a great light especially if you want to run it on 18650's. For camping, take a couple of spare batts and you should be set. The low is great for reading or checking on the kids at night. It'll run on two CR123 primaries or on 18650, which I reccomend. (BTW, this light was my EDC until I scored a Surefire E1B Backup.):D
 
The Fenix PD32 is a great light. For me, I would go with the 4Sevens X 123^2 Quark Tactical. A little brighter .5 inches shorter and slightly smaller bezel. Also, you have moonlight mode. About the same price. Big thing for me would be warranty, Fenix is 2 years and 4Sevens is 10 years. Really can't go wrong with either though.
 
GSDNPWC said:
The Fenix PD32 is a great light. For me, I would go with the 4Sevens X 123^2 Quark Tactical. A little brighter .5 inches shorter and slightly smaller bezel. Also, you have moonlight mode. About the same price. Big thing for me would be warranty, Fenix is 2 years and 4Sevens is 10 years. Really can't go wrong with either though.
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I like the slightly smaller size and moonlight mode. It can't use a 18650 though, right?
 
In addition to the quark x 1232 you should also consider the quark aa2 r5. A little longer but uses regular aa batteries and still has max 205 otf lumens as well as moonlight mode.
 
One nice thing about the Quarks is they have interchangeable parts..hmmm
 
People have had mixed success. If you cut off the outer labeling, most people can fit it. You can always use RCR123s if you want rechargeable. If you have a little higher budget, the Nitecore IFE2 is a wicked cool light that can use 18650s. The Nitecore is about 30-40 bucks more, but is just plain awesome with the infinitely variable output.

Yes, the interchangeable parts are VERY nice!
 
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ol_sc said:
I like the slightly smaller size and moonlight mode. It can't use a 18650 though, right?
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It won't be able to run an 18650 unless you can find a 18650 body for it. They've been discontinued by Foursevens. You can, however, run a 17670 in it, in addition to 2 CR123A primaries or 2 RCR123's.
 
ol_sc said:
One nice thing about the Quarks is they have interchangeable parts..hmmm
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I've only heard good things about the Quark series. On the other hand, on my Preon 1 the emitter flickers erratically at the 2nd brightness level when the battery is around 3/4 charged. Very annoying, since this is the setting I use most, and I've purchased 2 heads, 2 clicky tails and a flat tailcap, 2 bodies (titanium and aluminum) trying to solve the flickering problem. And yet, they refuse to send out replacement parts under warranty. My only solution is to keep replacing perfectly good batteries with fully charged ones until I find another light. I've heard 4Sevens has great customer service, but have yet to experience it. I would look elsewhere, but YMMV.
 
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I've had a PD32 for a couple of months and I really like it. It has very good output but is small and easy to pocket carry. If its lowest mode is not low enough for you, you could easily add a second small inexpensive light for that such as the Gerber Infiniti or the Fenix E01.
 
I'll probably get a smaller light anyway, something that i can throw in my pocket every day. I might have a chance to trade for a PD31, so I may end up getting that.
 
ol_sc said:
I'll probably get a smaller light anyway, something that i can throw in my pocket every day. I might have a chance to trade for a PD31, so I may end up getting that.
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I have a Fenix PD31 and love it.

I also have several Quarks and they are nice too. I would opt for the Fenix for tint preference.....unless you find a Quark with a Neutral or high CRI tint.

The high CRI models are tint lover's dreams. Nice, warm tint that is uber similar to incandescent light.


http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_456&products_id=2820

I also love the moonlight mode. But the Fenix lights are nice too.
 
If you end up getting a EDC light, I love my high CRI Quark Mini Cr2. The Mini 123 is also great is you want to run rechargeable batteries.
As moshow9 said, you can run the 17670 in the Quarks with no problem. Most of the Quarks have a blueish tint to the beam. Neutral is well, neutral. High CRI is a very warm yellow, like incandescent bulbs.
 
Thanks for the discussions so far, guys. I think I may get the Quark 123^2 because I like the size and the output is in my desired range. Whats the big deal with tints? Sorry, I'm a flashlight noob.
 
warm tints will show colors better than the cool blue. I like the warm tint on my titanium mini123 better than all my other lights with cool tint. So it gets the most carry time, but i wish it had a clicky. Other than the color deal not sure what makes either better. I will be purchasing a Fenix LD25 soon to replace my LD20R4 since it has a neutral tint as my general light around the house. I'm waiting for them to release a PD32 in neutral/warm before i think about it.
 
I'm a big fan of the Quarks and have several of them in different configurations. My go-to light for walking the dog is the basic Quark 123 Tactical. It is mighty bright, temp and voltage regulated, and has a momentary-on switch. The tactical UI is also programmable to give you two user selectable modes at the ready - depending on the bezel position. This makes it much easier to use than the twisties...

You can't go wrong with the Quarks.

TedP
 
My two cents on EDC or a light you plan on using a lot , all over the place ? Keep it simple as far as batteries are concerned. Trips , outings , etc sometimes turn into extended versions for whatever reason.
Imagine using up your battery exotica and trying to by a spare or three in Plumville , USA pop 170. Ain't gonna happen.

Just food for thought :) There are a plethora of great lights out there that run on AAA AA which are far more common than even CR123's which seem to be popping up at 7-11's in my area at least. CR123 is as out of the ordinary as I go.

Just a bubble. :)

Tostig
 
GSDNPWC said:
The Fenix PD32 is a great light. For me, I would go with the 4Sevens X 123^2 Quark Tactical. A little brighter .5 inches shorter and slightly smaller bezel. Also, you have moonlight mode. About the same price. Big thing for me would be warranty, Fenix is 2 years and 4Sevens is 10 years. Really can't go wrong with either though.
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Do you mean the newer Quark is brighter? I have a Quark 123^2 Tactical from about 10 months ago and it's only a 200 Lumen light. PD32 is a 300 isn't it?
 
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