I just added the Fenix UC35 V2.0 to the store inventory a couple of months ago. Last week was the first chance I really had to get it out in the ‘field’ to try it out. I’ve used it around the house and in the garage for a few night time searches, but I finally had the opportunity to try it in ‘the dark’.
Measuring just 5.5″ long, 1″ in diameter and weighing 4.9 ounces it’s truly a powerhouse. With 5 power settings from 1 lumen to 1000 lumens it has a range of intensity that’s unmatched. At the 1 lumen setting it has an advertised 800 run time. Power it up to 1000 lumens and you still have 2 hours and 15 minutes of continuous run time. Plus you have the option of a strobe for personal security purposes.
It’s submersible to 2 meters (about 6 1/2′) and shockproof which I can personally attest to it’s durability. About the second time I used it I had lain it down on the bench in the garage and immediately knocked it off onto the concrete floor. No foul, no harm.
Most of the time we were camping I used it on the second setting of 50 lumens. It served it’s purpose lighting up the campsite at bedtime to pick up and put away odds and ends and in the camper. My wife’s nephew and wife were with us and I did turn it up to 1000 lumens just to see how bright it was. In that part of the world there aren’t any street lights in the woods and 1000 lumens will definitely light things up.
After years of carrying/using a MagLite I had some difficulty getting used to the tail switch. Like anything else, since I’ve gotten used to it I like it. Sometimes finding the switch on the side of the MagLite with gloves on was a guessing game in the dark. With the tail switch, pretty easy to figure out where it’s at. For tactical use against things that go bump in the night, the tail switch is the only way to go.
The rechargeable battery is fantastic and easy to recharge. A really nice feature is the light intensity doesn’t start to fade as the battery discharges and checking the battery charge status is simple. The run time is outstanding. Recharging is as simple as you could ask for.
On the forward part of the flashlight body is a small brass colored ring with a battery status light in the center. By pressing on the tail switch the color of the status light will let you know if it’s time for a recharge. After a couple of months usage, I’m still in the green.
When you’re ready to recharge it, simply take the standard supplied USB charging cord and plug it into the USB port on the flashlight. You can use either a wall plug in your house or the accessory plug in your vehicle and charge it on the go. To me this was a huge feature. In the past I’ve avoided the rechargeable lights that required a separate charging station and a 120V outlet. If I”m camping the only power source I typically have is my vehicle. With the Fenix UC35 V2.0, problem solved.
Try as I might, I can’t come up with a negative on this light. I have several other Fenix lights ranging from a little pocket light that uses a single AAA battery, an LD20 mounted on my AR and now this gem. All of them are stellar performers but the Fenix UC35 V2.0 is definitely the king of the hill in my book. Highly recommend it.
