Fenix PD31 Front Light

The Fenix PD31 flashlight is one of those rugged designs for the great outdoors that happens to double as a really useful bike light. Fuelled by two little three-volt batteries, it'll pump out an impressive 304 lumens in turbo setting for about two hours but an aftermarket Li-on rechargeable type would be my choice, if used with any regularity.

Speaking of which, it even incorporates reverse polarity protection should you accidentally install the cells incorrectly when trying to pitch a tent at 3am. Arguably, peripheral prowess could be improved but the neatly machined aluminium cowling gives a surprisingly good spread of useable light, especially in the highest modes.

Measuring a sensible 120mm long, the aircraft grade aluminium body feels every bit as tough as it looks and the black anodising is to a better standard than I've come to expect. Ours has retained its looks and proven genuinely water and shockproof which is particularly good news for expedition touring, camping and mountain biking. That said, inspect the little O- ring seal every so often and give the contacts a lick of Vaseline while you're there to lock the elements out and retain connectivity.

Complete with its own Cordura nylon pouch, the PD31 is extremely versatile- hung from a belt loop, or clipped conveniently to pockets for quick draws during roadside mechanicals and better still, the beefy nylon bracket with soft rubberised jaws mounts securely to a variety of surfaces including standard diameter fork blades and handlebars. Though sufficiently lightweight, our bracket proved incompatible with my helmet collection but Fenix offer plenty of helpful guidance on their website.

At the nerve centre we've a single, super bright CREE XP LED with a digitally regulated output. This might sound like a concept plucked straight out of Star Trek but spells and en to dimming/flickering-especially along twisting, rutted tracks. CREE quote a 50,000hour lifecycle, which is several years' hardcore commuting with expedition riding thrown in for good measure. Switches can be make or break for bikies and I had reservations about the squishy rubberised design located at its base. Thankfully, it demands a deliberate prod, so accidental engagements when lolling around in pockets or luggage should be few and very far between.

Surfing between settings is a matter of gently prodding the switch-fine for map reading, pannier rummaging and other stationary activities but something of an acquired art from the saddle! Turbo mode is best along unlit roads to around 25mph but guzzles batteries at a wallet worrying two and a quarter hours (2hrs 3 minutes actual using premium grade lithium types) whereas 124 lumens seems more appropriate (and economical) round town returning 7hrs 58 from the original batteries. Dipping down to 67 lumens is the most frugal and still delivers a very pure beam of light but we're talking contingency illumination and/or 12 mph along well-lit town centre cycle paths.

Verdict

Great torch that doubles as a surprisingly powerful front light but get some aftermarket Li-on batteries if it's to be used regularly