Los Angeles, CA (FirearmsGuide.com) - I already reviewed the Fenix PD35 Tac flashlight and I thought that there was no better flashlight out there. Then I got the Fenix LD30 in my hands and I realized that the LD30 is even better!
The Fenix LD30 is an ultra-compact flashlight that is only 4.29 inch long and weighs only 2.08 ozs. It is much smaller than PD35 Tac (please see picture below) but it easily outperforms the PD35 1000 lumens with its own 1600 lumens. The LD30 is a smaller package but more powerful package. Its ultra-compact size and small weight is very important to me, but I believe even more important to anyone who seriously needs to pack small and light….from prepers, to hikers, alpinists, etc. Smaller and more power is always better. I simply don’t see a reason to carry larger a flashlight anymore.
Dimensions: Length: 4.29 inchs. Head diameter: 1 inch. Body diameter: 0.85 inch.
But the Fenix LD30 is not just that – a small flashlight, it’s so much more. It’s packed with hi-tech features. The LD30 features a tail switch and a side switch. With a half press of the tail switch, you’ll get a momentary on and a full press will turn on and off the flashlight. The side switch is going to allow you to cycle through the brightness levels and access that strobe mode. This user interface is extremely straightforward and I love it. Boot-up Battery Level Indication is another feature. Each time the light is turned on, the battery level indicator in the middle of the switch will automatically display the battery status for 3 seconds.
Steady Green: Full (100% - 85%)
Green Flashes: Sufficient (85% - 50%)
Steady Red: Low (50% - 25%)
Red Flashes: Insufficient (25% - 1%)
The Fenix LD30 also has an Overheat Protection feature that will adjust the brightness according to the temperature of the Luminus SST40 LED so that is always protected from burning out. A low-Voltage Warning feature is there to automatically lower the light output all the way to ECO mode when your battery is running out of the power. This flashlight reminds you when battery replacement is needed. All of these features are not only good for the life of the flashlight but they make use easier and safer.
Production quality: The Fenix LD30 is superbly manufactured. Every detail is simply perfect. Ultra-thin optical lens provides 193° light spill. It is IP68 waterproof (2 meters submersible). 1 Meter impact resistant. Plating around the bezel is bronze colored and that gives it a more unique look. The body of the LD30 doesn’t have traditional knurling. Instead it has ridges, which provide grip to prevent the light slipping out of your hand. The tail cap doesn’t come off by unscrewing.
Bronze colored details are super cool!
Rechargeable – This is a function that I like more than any other! Simply perfect and exactly what I wanted for a long time. The Fenix LD30 doesn’t have microUSB charging port on itself but on the provided Fenix ARB-L18-3500 18650 Li-ion battery. A micro USB charging cable is also provided in this package. The LD30 runs on a single 18650 battery, but you can use two CR123A batteries.
Fenix 3500 mAh rechargeable battery is charging on my computer while I writing this article. Note the red light on left end of the battery telling me that battery is still charging.
Light Output – The LD30 has Luminus SST40 LED that produces 1600 lumens output and 205 meters beam distance. It is the brightest flashlight that I ever used and it has 5 output settings:
Turbo - 1600 Lumens/1.3 Hours/672 Feet
High - 800 Lumens/1.5 Hours/492 Feet
Med - 350 Lumens/5.30 Hours/311 Feet
Low - 150 Lumens/17.3 Hours/196 Feet
Eco - 30 Lumens/70.3 Hours/82 Feet
High at 850 lumens is extremely well regulated, and runs for almost 2 hours. 1600 lumens is way too much for me in 90% of situations but sometimes when you need it it is better to have it then not to have it.
This package includes: LD30 Flashlight, 18650 battery, Lanyard, Holster, Spare O-ring, User Manual and Warranty Card
Conclusion: This battery is a masterpiece. Small, light, intelligent, easy to use and super powerful with 1600 lumens. Wins in all categories.
Fenix Store (Fenix-Store.com) sells it for only $64 without the batter or for $79 with 18650 battery included:
https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-ld30-flashlight-1600-lumens/