Fenix UC35 Review 2025: Rechargeable 960 Lumen Cree LED Flashlight

Last Updated on March 19, 2025

The Fenix UC35 is the suitable flashlight for everyday carry. It has served me well since I acquired it two years ago. First of all, I like its rugged construction as I have crashed it several times but it still functions perfectly. Secondly, I like its powerful 960 lumens and distance coverage of 200 meters. I don’t have to walk from one end to another with such a bright and great throw. Also, recharging the flashlight is easy by using the Micro USB cable that it comes with. I prefer using the 18650 battery rather than the non-rechargeable two CR123A lithium batteries. Read this Fenix uc35 review article to know more about this CREE flashlight.

Update Version: The Fenix UC35 V2.0 has been released this year. I have compared both version features here.

Technical Features of the Fenix UC35 flashlight

Features	Fenix UC35	Fenix UC35 v2.0
Maximum Brightness:	960 lumens	1000 lumens
Minimum Brightness:	14 Lumens	1 Lumens
Minimum Run-time:	1 hour & 30 minutes (960 lumens)	2hour 15min. (1000 lumens)
Maximum Run-time:	150 hours (14 lumens)	800hour (1 lumen)
Beam Distance:	200 Meters	266 meters
Modes:	3 (14, 50, 180, 480, 960 lm)	5
Battery include:	Yes, Two CR123A Lithium & 3200mAh rechargeable battery	Yes, 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Length:	150 mm	140mm
LED:	Cree XM-L2 (U2)	CREE XP-L HI V3
Waterproof standard:	IPX-8 (Underwater 2 meters)	IP68 dust proof and waterproof. Underwater to 2 meters
Weight:	126 grams	89 grams
Price:	Check Price	Check Price

The flashlight is compact and very lightweight. So, I can keep it in my pocket or belt when am not using it or busy doing other things on the farm. The strobe mode keeps me prepared to disorient a thief or an attacker, but I have never used it to date.

I also love its tactical tail switch which prevents accidental lighting-on of the flashlight. It also uses the indestructible LED bulb which emits a white light that is able to light well even during winter when the sky is almost invisible due to the fog and snow.

You can also take a look at the Fenix e12 flashlight. Generally, I highly recommend this Fenix uc35 flashlight as it has been what I have been looking for.

Fenix UC35 Review(video):

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Being a poultry farmer, I have to check on my poultry from time-to-time just to ensure that they are safe and sound. I always make rounds around the fence at night using the Fenix uc35 to inspect if a predator has broken into my farm or not. Before I bought this light, the flashlight before didn’t last long. But this one has stood the test of time and continued to provide me with a great source of light to keep watch of my investment.

Main features of he Fenix UC35 flashlight

Sturdy aircraft grade aluminum body
Premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
Toughened ultra clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
Anti-slip and slip resistant body design
Cree xm-l2 u2 LED bulb
Tactical tail switch with momentary on function
Side switch
Uses one 18650 rechargeable Lithium ion battery or two 3v CR123A lithium battery
Reverse polarity protection
Micro-USB charging for the 18650 rechargeable battery
Digitally regulated output
Low voltage warning function
Over-heat protection
5 lighting modes with strobe mode
Weighs 99 grams without battery
Maximum lumens of 960
Maximum runtime of 150 hours
Ipx-8 waterproof rated
Impact resistance up to 1 meter
Beam distance of 200m
holster
Limited lifetime warranty by Fenix lighting

Troubleshooting table for the Fenix UC35 flashlight:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Flashlight not turning on	Plastic insulation disc not removed Battery improperly installed Loose tail cap Incorrect assembly of head and tail cap	Remove the plastic insulation disc inside the flashlight body Ensure the battery’s positive end faces the flashlight head Tighten the tail cap securely Verify that the head and tail cap are correctly positioned; the tail cap should be on the side with the pocket clip
Charging issues	Faulty battery USB port malfunction (original UC35 model)	If the charging indicator shows constant green when plugged in but the flashlight doesn’t work, the battery may be faulty For the original UC35, if the light turns on when you click the tail switch even while plugged in, the USB port may be defective
Intermittent operation or flickering light	Loose retaining ring in tail cap	Inspect the silver retaining ring inside the tail cap; if loose, tighten it using a spanner wrench or needle-nose pliers

For a visual guide on troubleshooting the Fenix UC35 flashlight, you may find the following video helpful:

Fenix UC35 Review 2025

Aircraft-grade aluminum metal

The quality of the flashlight matters a lot. That’s why you should select a flashlight that is built to last and one that can withstand impact and other tough situations. Fenix uc35 delivers exactly that. It is sturdily made of aircraft-grade aluminum metal. This material is long lasting and lightweight. Also, the light has a toughened ultra clear lens that protects the LED bulb from being damaged.Check Price

Brightness

Today’s quality flashlights come with LED bulbs. These bulbs have a longer lifespan of 50, 000 hours and cannot be easily destructed. They can defy impact and offer bright white light. The Fenix uc35 rechargeable light uses a Cree XM-L2 U2 LED bulb. It provides a maximum of 960 lumens and a beam distance of 200 meters. Furthermore, the flashlight has 5 different lighting modes and a strobe mode. The Eco mode has the lowest lumens at 14 and runtime of 150 hours, while the turbo mode has the highest lumen at 960 with a runtime of 1 hr 30 minutes. For bright light, you can select either the turbo or high mode. The strobe mode is for disorienting assailants.

Easy to use

It is easy to use this flashlight. All you have to do is to unscrew the tail cap and insert the battery. Put back the tail cap and switch on the light by pressing the tactical tail switch with momentary on function. To change modes, press the side switch on the head. You will have to cycle through different modes to attain the mode that you want. To switch the light to strobe mode, press and hold the switch for one second. Again, to return to normal lighting, press once.

Good for Tactical use

If your job involves hardships, crashing or working in tough conditions, then you need a tactical light that can survive such toughness. The Fenix uc35 960 lumen light is built for tactical use. This is because it can withstand the impact of up to one meter. Its body is made of anti-roll and slip design. It is also waterproof up to 2 meters underwater for 30 minutes with its IPX-8 ratings. So, you can use it in your work area or outdoor, no matter the weather condition.

Powerful Battery

The flashlight offers two battery options. You can decide to use the rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery or 2 3V CR123A lithium non-rechargeable batteries. I prefer one 18650 Li-ion battery as it can be recharged using the micro-usb included in the purchase. Also, the rechargeable has a longer run time and is more reliable.

Reverse polarity protection

I hate lights that don’t come with features that protect your investment. Many flashlight lovers spend a lot to just acquire a quality flashlight. But some don’t have protective features and flashlights end up spoiling quickly than expected. This led flashlight is safe to use as it comes with reverse polarity protection to prevent bad battery placement. Also, it has a low-voltage warning function that enables the user to know when to recharge the battery. Also, the over-heat feature prevents the flashlight from overheating by adjusting the light mode to a lower one.

The Fenix uc35 is made by a reliable brand and comes with a warranty.

The bad side of the Fenix uc35 flashlight

The Fenix uc35 flashlight is quality and featured packed light. But just like any other great light, it also has its own shortcomings. The flashlight has a switch that is a bit tricky to use. For the flashlight to be switched on/off, the user has to hold the switch for long before the light comes on. Many users have found this feature to be disgusting as they prefer a light that switches on/off on the go.
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Another disadvantage of this flashlight is that it tends to overheat when used on the turbo or high mode for a long period of time. To prevent this, you will be required to adjust the modes after 15 or so minutes.

Comparison table for Fenix PD35 vs Fenix UC35:

Specification	Fenix PD35	Fenix UC35
Brand	Fenix	Fenix
Model	PD35	UC35
Light Source	CREE XP-L (V5) LED	CREE XP-L HI V3 LED
Max Lumens	1000 lumens	1000 lumens
Beam Distance	250 meters	266 meters
Peak Beam Intensity	15,600 cd	17,600 cd
Modes	5 brightness levels + strobe	5 brightness levels + strobe
Brightness Levels	1000 / 500 / 200 / 60 / 8 lumens	1000 / 350 / 150 / 50 / 1 lumens
Runtime (Max/Min)	140 hours (low) / 1 hour (high)	800 hours (low) / 2 hours (high)
Battery Type	1x 18650 Li-ion or 2x CR123A	1x 18650 Li-ion (USB rechargeable)
Rechargeability	No (external charger required)	Yes (built-in micro-USB charging)
Switch Type	Tactical tail switch + side mode switch	Tactical tail switch + side mode switch
Strobe Mode	Yes	Yes
Material	Aircraft-grade aluminum	Aircraft-grade aluminum
Body Finish	Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive	Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive
Lens	Toughened ultra-clear glass with AR coating	Toughened ultra-clear glass with AR coating
Waterproof Rating	IP68 (2 meters submersible)	IP68 (2 meters submersible)
Impact Resistance	1 meter	1 meter
Dimensions	134mm (L) x 25.4mm (D)	140mm (L) x 25.4mm (D)
Weight	88g (without battery)	89g (without battery)
Clip	Yes (removable)	Yes (removable)
Charging Port	No	Micro-USB
Tail Stand Capability	No	No
Lockout Function	Yes	Yes
Compatible Accessories	Filters, diffusers, mounts	Filters, diffusers, mounts
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Summary

For reliable and uninterrupted light, the Fenix uc35 is the way to go. This small but powerful flashlight has the ability to cover a distance of up to 200 meters on 960 lumens. It has 5 different lighting modes with strobe modes included. These can be applied in different settings and use. The flashlight is sturdily created for tactical use and has the ability to defy water and impact. On top of that, the manufacturer offers a warranty on the product and it is offered at such a great price. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, work in dimly lit places, or just want a quality flashlight for your everyday lighting needs, the Fenix uc35 is a quality LED light to have. I hope this Fenix UC35 review has given a clear idea about this flashlight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How bright is the Fenix UC35 flashlight?

The Fenix UC35 delivers a maximum output of 1000 lumens, making it a powerful compact flashlight suitable for everyday carry (EDC), law enforcement, and outdoor use.

2. What type of battery does the Fenix UC35 use?

It runs on a rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery (included in most packages) but is also compatible with two CR123A batteries as an alternative power source.

3. Does the Fenix UC35 have a built-in charging system?

Yes, the UC35 features a micro-USB charging port, allowing users to recharge the flashlight without removing the battery.

4. How many brightness modes does the Fenix UC35 have?

It has five brightness levels plus a strobe mode:
- Turbo (1000 lumens) – 2 hours 15 minutes
- High (350 lumens) – 4 hours 50 minutes
- Medium (150 lumens) – 10 hours 10 minutes
- Low (50 lumens) – 28 hours 10 minutes
- Eco (1 lumen) – 800 hours
- Strobe (1000 lumens).

5. Is the Fenix UC35 waterproof and durable?

Yes, it has an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning it is fully submersible in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. It is also impact-resistant up to 1 meter, making it highly durable for tactical and outdoor use.