There are a lot of things I love about this, but there is one thing that is a great inconvenience to me but might not bother others. The size and weight are great. The build quality is great as always with Fenix. It's bright and it also has a great moonlight setting for low light level. The battery lasts long. My only major problem is that I can't find the side button with my finger. You turn this light on with an endcap, and then you adjust brightness with a side switch that is flat and not distinguishable by touch. The side switch does light up for a few seconds after first turning on the light, but then it's gone and you can't tell where the button is. This is a dealbreaker for me and I need to find a way to make it stick out so I can identify it with my finger ... MoreThere are a lot of things I love about this, but there is one thing that is a great inconvenience to me but might not bother others. The size and weight are great. The build quality is great as always with Fenix. It's bright and it also has a great moonlight setting for low light level. The battery lasts long. My only major problem is that I can't find the side button with my finger. You turn this light on with an endcap, and then you adjust brightness with a side switch that is flat and not distinguishable by touch. The side switch does light up for a few seconds after first turning on the light, but then it's gone and you can't tell where the button is. This is a dealbreaker for me and I need to find a way to make it stick out so I can identify it with my finger in the dark.

This truly deserves one star - because it works. Functionally this light is fairly useless. Generally, you buy a Tactical light and pressure switch so you can mount the light to a weapon. That's also why Fenix's "Tactical Lights" are compatible with pressure switches. Here's the problem: On the Fenix "tactical light" I tried, you cant engage the strobe mode with the pressure switch. This alone would negate the function of the light but it gets worse! The cord for the pressure switch is far to short to reach the trigger assembly on a shotgun or a rifle. It's completely useless for its intended purpose. It's just plain useless in a home defense kit. If you want a bright flashlight you can purchase any other Fenix lights, but purchasing a Fenix Tactical light doesn't ... MoreThis truly deserves one star - because it works. Functionally this light is fairly useless. Generally, you buy a Tactical light and pressure switch so you can mount the light to a weapon. That's also why Fenix's "Tactical Lights" are compatible with pressure switches. Here's the problem: On the Fenix "tactical light" I tried, you cant engage the strobe mode with the pressure switch. This alone would negate the function of the light but it gets worse! The cord for the pressure switch is far to short to reach the trigger assembly on a shotgun or a rifle. It's completely useless for its intended purpose. It's just plain useless in a home defense kit. If you want a bright flashlight you can purchase any other Fenix lights, but purchasing a Fenix Tactical light doesn't seem like the best choice. They were clearly designed by someone who's never even thought about a "tactical" situation. It's unfortunate because many of the reviews neglect to mention this. Most probably buy the light as a general-purpose light. I think people just think the word "tactical" sounds cool as a styling term but in reality, it should represent the features and function of the product.

Bright but with design flaws...

I had high hopes for this flashlight, but it's real-life performance is not without issues. First of all, it's great that it's rechargeable, but that little rubber flap covering the port is not well-designed -- after just a two months of weekly use, it no longer closes properly, and I expect it will soon break off, leaving the port exposed to dirt and dust. Also, the cord's charging plug should've been made "reversible design" to fit the port without having to put one side up or down -- trying to correctly fit that 1 cm tab into its 1 cm slot while pushing the rubber flap out of the way is surprisingly tricky! Secondly, when the charge gets low, the flashlight automatically reduces its power regardless of the setting you select -- you put it up, it goes down, you ... MoreI had high hopes for this flashlight, but it's real-life performance is not without issues. First of all, it's great that it's rechargeable, but that little rubber flap covering the port is not well-designed -- after just a two months of weekly use, it no longer closes properly, and I expect it will soon break off, leaving the port exposed to dirt and dust. Also, the cord's charging plug should've been made "reversible design" to fit the port without having to put one side up or down -- trying to correctly fit that 1 cm tab into its 1 cm slot while pushing the rubber flap out of the way is surprisingly tricky! Secondly, when the charge gets low, the flashlight automatically reduces its power regardless of the setting you select -- you put it up, it goes down, you put it up, it goes down -- very frustrating. Thirdly, the button that adjusts the power-level should be more tactile, and easier to find blind -- the texture of the ring around that area makes it challenging to locate the button quickly. Other than these design flaws, yes, it's very bright -- often too bright at the highest setting! And too big a step-increase between the first and second setting -- if you're working with or near reflective surfaces, sometimes, less is more -- and super-bright can be blinding. All in all, this flashlight was expensive for what it delivers.

Built Like a Tank!

So, I have to preface this review by saying that it is actually about the first version UC35. But from what I can tell, the V2 is truly everything good about the first with some nice improvements. I actually purchased mine from REI as I was unsure about the quality control on a Chinese made flashlight at this price point, and I knew REI wouldn't give me a hard time if I got a dud. Anyway, I bought my UC35 v1 in 2016 and have been carrying it pretty much everyday since then. It's the perfect size. Fits in any accessory pocket on all pants I've tried. The battery lasts for a very long time! True, I don't usually use the light for extended periods, usually just to get a look here or there or as a reading light at night sometimes. But I can go for weeks between having ... MoreSo, I have to preface this review by saying that it is actually about the first version UC35. But from what I can tell, the V2 is truly everything good about the first with some nice improvements. I actually purchased mine from REI as I was unsure about the quality control on a Chinese made flashlight at this price point, and I knew REI wouldn't give me a hard time if I got a dud. Anyway, I bought my UC35 v1 in 2016 and have been carrying it pretty much everyday since then. It's the perfect size. Fits in any accessory pocket on all pants I've tried. The battery lasts for a very long time! True, I don't usually use the light for extended periods, usually just to get a look here or there or as a reading light at night sometimes. But I can go for weeks between having to hook it up to a charger. Oh, and the diffuser cap works great at turning this into a sweet camping lantern. But what really made me come on to write this review is that I recently made a very rookie mistake. Check your pants pockets before washing! I ran a load of laundry through the washer. I opened the lid and was quite confused as to why there was a bright glow coming from within. Then I realized, I forgot to remove my flashlight. Feeling like an idiot, I pulled out the glowing pants and removed the flashlight. The power switch still worked, and it cycled through all settings just fine. Was quite relieved to have not ruined my favorite flashlight. And luckily I caught it before it went through the dryer! But I made this flub about a week and a half ago, and it's still working like it's brand new. If you're on the fence about buying a Chinese flashlight, let me put your concerns at ease, this thing is solid!

Fenix UC-35 V2.0 USB

I purchased this light a few weeks ago to replace a “Cyclops “ flashlight which wasn’t rechargeable and needs cr123 batteries which are expensive. My options were limited due to the fact that I didn’t want to part with my holster which would fit a 5.25” long light. My hands are big and this new light fits my hands well without getting lost or causing a juggling act. I like the fact that I can lower its intensity and save the battery. As for the brightness, this light floods my entire yard which is roughly 1/2 acre. It wouldn’t have an issue filling 4x the land size! I can see my dogs like the sun is shining!!!! I haven’t dropped this light(yet) but it’s shell is definitely built tough and rugged .Overall this is a great buy!

Great Flashlight but don't drop it!

Bought this flashlight in March 2019, charged it once and was absolutely blown away by the performance. Great form factor and an intuitive design for daily use. In fact I used this little light daily since March (mostly in moonlight mode but occasionally throughout its brightness spectrum). It will heat up if used for several minutes (<10 min) at full strength but that is understandable. I sang praises about this light to anyone and everyone who would listen, and bragged about not giving it an extra charge since its arrival. And then, on July 4th evening as I took it out of my pocket it dropped a distance of 3 feet on to a tile floor and stopped working. I tried to charge the light since the charge indicator flashed red, and the circuitry would come alive and then, ... MoreBought this flashlight in March 2019, charged it once and was absolutely blown away by the performance. Great form factor and an intuitive design for daily use. In fact I used this little light daily since March (mostly in moonlight mode but occasionally throughout its brightness spectrum). It will heat up if used for several minutes (<10 min) at full strength but that is understandable. I sang praises about this light to anyone and everyone who would listen, and bragged about not giving it an extra charge since its arrival. And then, on July 4th evening as I took it out of my pocket it dropped a distance of 3 feet on to a tile floor and stopped working. I tried to charge the light since the charge indicator flashed red, and the circuitry would come alive and then, when disconnected from wall power, would die. After some research I have come to find that the batteries are an issue in this exact circumstance. I have seen reviews on the battery detailing experiences similar to mine where the battery will die when the flashlight is dropped. So there you have the Achilles heel. I would most certainly buy this light again but the durability/reliability is not something I would risk my life on. I see accessories for the light that allow the mounting to a rail but I question how the batteries would hold up with the jostling of a firearm if they cannot sustain impact with the ground from a reasonable distance. (Battery in the unit was the supplied ARB-L18-3500)

UC-35 V2.0 Best flashlight I've ever had.

I've had this light two years now and have used it daily. Battery life is extra long. Light is well made, easy to use and the diameter isn't too large so it fits in my pocket well. I think "moonlight" at 1 lumen is a little dim for walking in the woods while hunting and I think it would be better at 3-5 lumens. Although 1 lumen is ok for looking at things up close in your vehicle or hunting pack. Battery life is so long I use it on 50 lumens most of the time. My pet peave with this light is that the rubber dust cover that covers the micro usb port must have stretched or gotten swollen and will no longer stay in place so it just flops around. Understand that this is a minor issue and would not prevent me from buying this light again. I may just cut the rubber off ... MoreI've had this light two years now and have used it daily. Battery life is extra long. Light is well made, easy to use and the diameter isn't too large so it fits in my pocket well. I think "moonlight" at 1 lumen is a little dim for walking in the woods while hunting and I think it would be better at 3-5 lumens. Although 1 lumen is ok for looking at things up close in your vehicle or hunting pack. Battery life is so long I use it on 50 lumens most of the time. My pet peave with this light is that the rubber dust cover that covers the micro usb port must have stretched or gotten swollen and will no longer stay in place so it just flops around. Understand that this is a minor issue and would not prevent me from buying this light again. I may just cut the rubber off because the port is still waterproof without it. I really like the convenience of the micro usb charging and not needing a separate charger and I can even charge it in my truck. When the battery is really low it takes about 5 full hours to charge and I have two batteries that I rotate. Something I really like is how "white" the light is instead of yellowish. Also 1,000 lumens is incredibly bright and I cant imagine needing more, range is excellent also. Overall a great easy to carry light that I wish I bought sooner.

UC35 V2.0

Excellent overall quality light. Very durable; has withstood many drops and continues to function well. Customer service/warranty work from Fenix Store is top notch. I use this light for 70 hours plus a week as an A&P/IA aircraft mechanic and it is an absolutely essential tool for my job. I own 3 of these lights and never go to work without it.The batteries are the weak link, but this seems to be an inherent issue with the 18650 batteries from Fenix, not an issue with light itself.The rubberized charging port "cover" is a horrible design and once opened, will never stay closed; it might as well not be there as it simply flaps around and eventually breaks off.The on/off tail switch and head mount brightness control is an excellent design. It makes the light very ... MoreExcellent overall quality light. Very durable; has withstood many drops and continues to function well. Customer service/warranty work from Fenix Store is top notch. I use this light for 70 hours plus a week as an A&P/IA aircraft mechanic and it is an absolutely essential tool for my job. I own 3 of these lights and never go to work without it.The batteries are the weak link, but this seems to be an inherent issue with the 18650 batteries from Fenix, not an issue with light itself.The rubberized charging port "cover" is a horrible design and once opened, will never stay closed; it might as well not be there as it simply flaps around and eventually breaks off.The on/off tail switch and head mount brightness control is an excellent design. It makes the light very easy to use and the brightness level stays were it is set.

What the PD35 used to be

I was delighted to see that this light has the beam pattern similar to the older PD35 models which is the main reason for purchase. It has just the right amount of brightness in that 1000 lumen range with good throw while maintaining enough spill to see more than just a focused and limited point. I also love the moonlight mode, the older style knurling and the side button which is easier to locate by feel but also partially protected from accidental switching. Now if Fenix would bring back the front front spring for more reliable weapon mounting and flat top battery usage they would return to the throne of my favorite edc.

flashlight

I bought two of these flashlights and have an older model. they are prefect for home use and emergency use and on the road use. If you needed it in a hotel room to navigate to the bathroom at night, or in case of emergency in the hotel where their systems go down. The light is the best travel and home light you can get.If you needed light from your car to a building or walking on the street after dark, these lights are the best.I like it so much I bought one for my adult son and may buy them for my grand children sooner or later.