Overview
The Fenix PD36R Pro is the flagship and best-selling model of Fenix’s vast flashlight lineup and for some good reasons. The Fenix PD36R Pro is a fantastic flashlight offering excellent runtime, good heat management, a good beam profile, quick access to a powerful strobe mode, and a durable build. I carry the PD36R Pro every day and have for over 7 months.
Who’s it for: Heavy and demanding flashlight users.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $119.95 USD
What’s in the Box?
- Fenix PD36R Pro Flashlight
- (1) ARB-L21-5000 Li-ion battery [21700 Branded Cell)
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Cloth holster
- Lanyard
- Spare O-ring
Technical Specs
Instead of typing them all out, here are the specs directly from Fenix’s website on their bestselling flashlight, the Fenix PD36R Pro:
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Fenix PD36R Pro is made from 6061-T6 aluminum (heat-treated and tempered) and anodized for a durable finish. The flashlight features light knurling for enhanced grip on the body. There are currently 10 (you read that right, ten!) different finishes available on Fenix’s website from standard Black with Gray to crazy colors like Dragon’s Breath. I went with the Urban Grey. Simple customizations are also offered when you order directly from Fenix – I did not opt for any myself.
The main switch is a tail cap mounted rubber pushbutton with a satisfying tactile on/off click – the main button switch also will momentarily turn on the light with a half press. Next to the main switch button is a beveled smaller button for mode control. This secondary button also functions as an instant strobe mode button when the light is not already turned on. The main drawback to the tail-mounted controls is the inability to tailstand this flashlight – not a factor for me but might be for some people. Also included on the tailcap is a charge indicator which also functions as a momentary battery level indicator when first turning on the flashlight.
There are no other buttons on the flashlight – which I am a big fan of! Also, there are NO external magnets to catch metal dust. I find that I will happily trade not being able to tailstand a flashlight for not having to clean metal dust from magnets every day.
The head of the flashlight is a normal Fenix head with some leading-edge serrations and a heat warning logo on the side. The head also features an anti-roll ring. The lens is made from what Fenix describes as “toughened ultra-clear glass with an anti-reflective coating”. The lens has held up well with no scratches from normal use. A USB-C charge port is also featured near the head of the flashlight with a well-fitted cover.
The Fenix PD36R Pro comes with a clip-on pocket carry clip that can easily be removed along with a pretty cheap, flimsy holster. If you are serious about holster carrying this flashlight, I would highly recommend ditching the included holster for a Kydex or leather one like this:
Amazon.com: HoldMyGear Holster for Fenix PD36R Pro PD36 TAC (Flashlight not Included) (1.5″ Belt Clip) : Handmade Products (not affiliated link)
The Fenix PD36R Pro is IP68 water/dustproof rated. I am assuming it is generally waterproof just from handling it and inspecting the overall build. I have submerged my PD36R Pro several times with no issues. Mine has also been subject to various shop solvents, citrus acids, etc. with no detrimental effects.
The Fenix PD36R Pro is a serious flashlight. At almost 6 inches long and over 1″ in diameter, the PD36R Pro feels substantial in the hand. Carrying this flashlight every day is a pretty big ask for the typical EDC user unless they are using a holster (cloth one included). That being said, if your use case requires a high-performing flashlight that will hold up to dirty and dusty environments, the Fenix PD36R Pro is a great option.
Electronics & Light
The Fenix PD36R Pro features a Luminus SFT70 LED bulb that boasts a lifespan of 50,000 hours. Luminus LEDs are fairly typical for Fenix lights and appear to be well manufactured. As for the 50,000 hours runtime claim – it’s great but not testable in real-life. You will wear this flashlight smooth before hitting 50,000 hours (that’s 5.7 YEARS of CONSTANT 24/7 runtime!).
The included ARB-L21-5000 (21700 size cell) is not directly rechargeable via USB and must be recharged using the USB-C port on the flashlight or a separate battery charging unit rated for this type of cell. As one of the most popular battery cell sizes in the world, quality can be all over the board. In my experience the cells that Fenix brands and includes with their flashlights are some of the best quality available and maintain excellent life-span. Note that Fenix recommends at least a 2 AMP (2000 mA) charger for this battery. Full charge time est. 3-4 hours. My use confirms this advertised charge time is fairly accurate.
As for the light generated by the PD36R Pro, I can say this – it is very bright. Almost more than necessary in the turbo mode. I typically run the MED setting (350 lumens) and honestly haven’t used the Turbo mode but a handful of times. Unless you like to spotlight animals at night, the PD36R Pro packs more than enough brightness. The onboard light management system (appears to be what Fenix calls “Advanced Pulse Frequency Transmission System”) does a good job of managing the high heat generated at the higher modes by throttling output after a certain full-output runtime has elapsed.
The beam profile hits a sweet spot with a good hotspot and acceptable levels of spill. Tight enough to reach out and spot something while broad enough for day-to-day use. The strobe mode is plenty bright and disorienting for would be assailants that go bump in the night.
Beam profiles are from approximately 8 feet away in an unlit garage. Brightness is hard to capture effectively on camera, but you can get an idea of the relative brightness and beam profile from the shadow contrasting.
Day-to-day Use
My Fenix PD36R has held up quite well over the past 7 months. It has been my everyday pocket carry over that time span. It has survived a number of drops exceeding the rated 1 meter and many swims in PNW puddles. I got rid of the pocket clip and have used the attached lanyard to fish the flashlight out of my pocket. It probably is a bit overkill for the average day to day user, but I have really enjoyed the extended duration between charges. I typically have it in use for at least a half hour per day and only have to charge it approximately every three weeks. It also plays nice with my growing collection of 21700 batteries so I am never without backup power – no one likes waiting on a charge.
Who is it for?
- Law Enforcement Professionals
- Industrial Workers
- Serious Outdoorsmen who need extended runtimes
- Fans of big ol’ powerful flashlights
Conclusion
| PROS | CONS |
| -Very High Output | -Quite Large |
| -Excellent Runtime | -Throttling reduces useability of higher outputs |
| -Great Color Options + Customizable | -Cannot Tailstand |
| -Durable in harsh conditions |
The Fenix PD36R Pro is a great upgrade from the original PD36R and an excellent carry for serious users or car carry backup. I think this light would be a favorite among LEOs, first responders, military personnel, and industrial professionals. The PD36R Pro has excellent build quality and runtime and comes in some great fun color schemes. I give it a 5/5 star rating. Add it to your collection today!
Buy it here (not an affiliate link): Fenix PD36R PRO Rechargeable Flashlight – Fenix Lighting
Check out some of our other reviews here: Gear Reviews – Gear Reviews Pro
Fenix PD36R Pro Rechargeable Flashlight
Rechargeable Flashlight
Product SKU: PD36RPRO-GIFT-E03GY
Product Brand: Fenix
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 119.95
Price Valid Until: 2026-02-20
Product In-Stock: InStock
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