Just bought a Fenix PD31

00ChevyScott

00ChevyScott

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Dec 3, 2010
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And its my first non-maglite flashlight. Reviews were pretty good and light output looked amazing for the size. Did I make a good purchase for my first light?
pd31.jpg
 
I can't speak to this specific model, but I originally bought a TK-11 was extremely impressed; then when the lumen war escalated in my office I got a TK-21. Tough as nails, very bright and no problems. We have six of them in the office (Inspectors), no problems at all. We all love them.

Tom
 
Fenix was also my first non-mag flashlight. I opted for the LD10, which looks much like the model mentioned above. I carry/use the lil' guy every day, and it has yet to present me with any problems. I really like that it has an adjustable output. Yes, I think you made a good choice for a first light, all depends on whether or not you got a good deal on it.
 
Got the tk70, tk60, tk41, and tk25. Amazing lights. I think youll be happy.
 
I paid $70 through Amazon and bought a 18650 rechargeable battery and charger for another $10. Was thinking about the E21 but wanted something a little brighter.
 
Like you, my first non-Mag flashlight were Fenix's back with a couple of Pd3's several years ago. I've since expanded to Nitecore, HDS/Ra, JetBeam, Surefire, Solarforce-legos, NovaTacs, and, yes, more Fenixs. Even with this expanded experience of lights, I can say that Fenix makes good, solid lights with excellent economy for the lumens. In fact, of the above group, Nitecore is the only one I would suggest you stay away from.

Congrats!
 
Thats an awesome light, Scott. Don't tell anyone, but I own about 17 Fenix lights. Lights fueled my hoarding complex before I discovered knives. Link.

I currently EDC a Quark 2x123, which is very similar to your PD31. Feeding it the 18650 is the way to go, as you now have "free" light. (Assuming the 18650 will fit. If it won't, then use a 17670). You're going to like that sucker. Coming from Mag-lites, its going to blow you away.
 
Powernoodle, yes it will take the 18650. I got an ultrafire 3000mah to go with it. Thanks for the input. Can't wait to get it on Monday
 
congrats on your light
I have some fenix lights and they are really good.
not so expensive that they become shelf queens.

please,when charging those 18650's
keep the charger free of anything,and be around
while its charging. unplug when done.
 
fugawee said:
congrats on your light
I have some fenix lights and they are really good.
not so expensive that they become shelf queens.

please,when charging those 18650's
keep the charger free of anything,and be around
while its charging. unplug when done.
Click to expand...

Care to elaborate/explain that comment a bit more? Is there a danger with them? Also what do you recommend for a first charge with them? (how many hours, or overnight)
 
It should say on the package how long to charge them, there have been some isolated cases of cheaper 18650s venting with flame when overcharged, basically the end of the battery fails and toxic gases leak out, often the gases catch fire when exposed to the charger terminals.
Doesn't happen often, you should not have any problems, but keep an eye on it and have a dry chemical fire extinguisher handy. (ABC extinguisher)
 
The PD31 is a great light! It's my EDC and I'm very happy with it. Very bright, sturdy, multiple levels, brighter than the brightest maglites.
 
I got the PD30 about a month and a half ago and it was a similar situation, first fancy flashlight, and this thing has already earned a place in my pocket 24/7. Good flashlight!
 
I really like the look of that flashlight! I EDC a Fenix EO1 on my keychain. Does Fenix make a light like that uses just regular batteries or are they all CR123?
 
00ChevyScott said:
Care to elaborate/explain that comment a bit more? Is there a danger with them? Also what do you recommend for a first charge with them? (how many hours, or overnight)
Click to expand...

Your Ultrafire battery has a built-in circuit to prevent over-discharge, which will harm the battery. More important, the charger should cut off when a full charge has been reached. Check your charger to make sure. If so, you are golden.

The bigger issue is when you use 2 or more of these in series (which you are not), as a dead cell can cause the others to "reverse charge" the dead cell. Gases start venting, and heat and fire can ensue. This is especially bad inside a flashlight body which is airtight, as it can explode.

The moral is to use name brand batteries with built-in protection circuitry (as you are), and not to use lithium batteries in series unless you know what you are doing. Lithium batteries pack a lot of energy (which as a consumer is good), but that energy is a caged tiger which must be respected too.

:thumbup:
 
Congrats on your purchase. I got one when they were first made available in limited quantities. I keep it as my backup light in my BOB and EDC a Lumapower IncenDio v3+ since it also takes 1x RCR123.
I think Fenix ran a second batch due to their popularity. I also noticed this weekend that they've now got the PD32 out which has a 2nd switch on the body.
I think you'll be happy with the light. I've been collecting mostly single CR123 lights from Fenix since they first launched the P1 back in 2005/2006 and have always been happy with them. I made the switch to lights that take rechargeables to save a bit on buying regular CR123s though I've got quite a few CR123s in my light bin (I buy them in bulk online).

Old shot of my collection:
FlashlightCollection2010-05-1913.jpg


Lumapower Incendio v3+, Novatac Storm and Fenix PD31:
FlashlightCollection-Misc2011-05-1706Stamped.jpg


Misc Lights:
FlashlightCollection-Misc2011-05-1701Stamped.jpg
 
My first non mag was a LD20. I plan on getting the PD20 next week at the Saxet show. I've been impressed with the quality, no defects in the reflector so the beam has no spots or rings. i've dropped it onto tile, concrete and it's only slightly worn the finish off in the impact areas. Otherwise it works perfect as new. I say very good pick. :thumbup:
 
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Don't know about that model but bought a couple of LD20's and love em. I also have Surefire and of course Mags. The Fenix's are very well made and put out a lot of clear bright light. I opted for the AA lights to standardize carry. I gave one to a hunter friend and he has been impressing people with it. Good choice!
 
I just ordered a PD32, and a couple of 18650 batt.'s to run it on. Good to hear someone got a similar light.
 
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