Fenix PD32 flashlight

This is my first time to review a Fenix flashlight so I hope you'd bear with me on this.

Fenix Flashlight announced a few months ago that they'll be conducting a global testing campaign for the PD32 and I was lucky to be included in the list of testers. The prototype sample came at exactly noon time today via Air 21.

Prototype sample came in a white box which looks like the standard box Fenix uses for retail. No batteries nor accessories in the package. The retail version will include a clip, spare o-ring, and rubber switch. 

Design

127 mm (Length) x 25.4 mm (Diameter)

61 grams (excluding batteries)

The flashlight itself can be broken down into 3 parts--head, body tube, tail cap.

The O-rings are thick and located at both ends of the body tube. No lubrication yet on the O-rings. The pieces come together very easily thus avoiding cross-threading.

At 5 inches in length, it makes a nice every day carry light. Its head has a crenelated bezel but no sharp edges. Diamond knurling allows good grip.

Fenix PD32 is waterproof, IPX-8 standard (underwater at 2 m). 

Technical Parameters

The Fenix PD32 uses two (2) CR123A Lithium batteries or one (1) high capacity 18650 Li-ion battery. RCR123 batteries NOT supported. Potential dangers of using Li-ion batteries perhaps?

Operation/Mode Selecting

Pressing the switch (forward clicky) momentarily activates the light and pressing it completely turns the light on and locks it. A single press on the side switch located at the head will adjust the brightness levels.

Turbo - 315 lumens

Low - 3 lumens

Mid - 70 lumens

High - 130 lumens

Strobe - 315 lumens

SOS - 130 lumens

Conclusions

I really like the user interface especially the mode switching. Unlike other lights that you have to keep pressing the tailcap, it uses a side switch and no more head twists like previous Fenix lights. Mode memory is a very big plus on this one and 3 lumen for me is enough for being the lowest setting.

Compared to other lights using 2 CR123A's, this is very compact and I can carry this in my pocket though I wish they included the clip to give better evaluation during every day carry. 

Pro's:

- Mode memory

- 5 modes

- Not too long (5 inches).

- Momentary ON switch function.

- No more head twists to access Turbo mode.

Con's:

- It cannot tail stand.

- Ringy beam.

I'll add additional beam shots later. I can't wait for it to get dark.