Operating Instructions
On/Off
- With the light unlocked: Tap the tactical tail switch to momentarily turn on the light or fully press the tactical tail switch to constantly turn on the light. With the light turned on, fully press the tactical tail switch to turn off the light or rotate the toggle switch to the middle to enter Lockout mode and turn off the light.
- With the light locked:
• If the tactical tail switch is in the ON position, the battery level indicator will light up and show the battery level constantly. Rotate the toggle switch clockwise to the end to enter IRIS X mode, rotate the toggle switch anticlockwise to the end to enter Duty mode.
• If the tactical tail switch is in the OFF position, the toggle switch and the functional switch will be disabled.
Output Selection
In Duty mode, single click the functional switch to cycle through Low→Med→High→Turbo.
In IRIS X mode, single click the functional switch to select between IRIS X and Low.
Intelligent Memory Circuit
The flashlight automatically memorizes the last selected output(excluding Strobe and IRIS X modes). When turned on again in Duty mode, the last selected output will be recalled. When turned on again in IRIS X mode, the flashlight will always activate in IRIS X output.
Mode Switching
- Rotate the toggle switch to cycle through IRIS X mode⇋Lockout mode⇋Duty mode.
- With the light turned on and unlocked, press and hold the functional switch for 0.5 seconds to enter Strobe. Single click the functional switch to exit Strobe or fully press the tactical tail switch to turn off the flashlight.
- IRIS X mode operation logic:
A Lux light sensor is integrated within the flashlight's reflector and is aligned with the beam direction. Based on the ambient light read by the sensor, the flashlight automatically adjusts the brightness reducing glare caused by reflections. As a result, it not only helps protect users' eyes but also improves the effectiveness of search efforts.
• When light is below 5 lux (e.g., in a dark wilderness), the flashlight operates at maximum output (within thermal limits).
• When light reaches 70 lux (e.g., in a large interior), output is reduced to approximately 1500 lumens.
• When light reaches 100 lux (e.g., in a small office), output is reduced to approximately 800 lumens.
• When the illumination distance is less than 10 cm (e.g., for reading), the output is reduced to approximately 30 lumens.
Other Operation
When the tactical tail switch is in the ON position and the toggle switch is in the locked position, the battery level indicator will light up to show the current battery status, reminding users that the tactical tail switch is currently in the ON position.
Battery Specifications
Type | Dimensions | Nominal Voltage | Usability |
|
Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 | 3.6 V | Recommended | √√ | |
Fenix ARB-L21-6000 | 3.6 V | Recommended | √√ | |
Fenix ARB-L21-6000B | 3.6 V | Recommended | √√ | |
Fenix ARB-L21-5000U | 3.6 V | Recommended | √√ | |
Fenix ARB-L21-4000P | 21700 | 3.6 V | Recommended | √√ |
*Do NOT use an 18650, CR123A, or 16340 battery.
*21700 Li-ion batteries are powerful cells designed for commercial applications and must be treated with caution and handled with care. Using low-quality batteries or mishandling batteries (such as short-circuiting or overheating) could lead to combustion and jeopardize the safety of users and property. Any adverse effects resulting from the use of low-quality batteries are not covered by any Fenix warranty or liability. Using quality batteries with circuit protection will reduce the potential for combustion or explosion.
Battery Replacement
Unscrew the light head and insert the battery with the anode side (+) towards the light head, then screw the light head back on.
Charging
- Open the anti-dust plug to reveal the USB Type-C charging port, then connect the USB Type-C end of the charging cable to the flashlight.
- The indicator will display red while charging and will turn green when fully charged.
- With the light turned off, the normal charging time of the Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery is approximately 1.5 hours from depleted to full charged with a 9 V/3 A charging adapter.
- Power specifications:
• Charging voltage: 5 V / 9 V
• Charging power: 5W (5V/1A) ~ 21W (9V/2.3A)
• This flashlight supports fast charging.
• Only use a certified USB charging adapter that complies with the government safety standards of the country or region where this product is sold.
Note: Recharge a stored flashlight every four months to maintain the optimum performance of the battery.
Battery Level Indication
Tap or fully press the tactical tail switch to turn on the flashlight and the indicator will show the current battery level.
- Green light on: saturated 100% - 85%
- Green light flashes: sufficient 85% - 50%
- Red light on: poor 50% - 25%
- Red light flashes: critical 25% - 1%
*This only works with a Fenix ARB-L21 series 21700 rechargeable battery.
Low-voltage Warning
When the voltage level drops below the preset level, the flashlight is programmed to gradually reduce the brightness level. When the voltage level is still too low, the battery level indicator blinks red to remind users to recharge or replace the battery in a timely manner until the battery runs out.
*This only works with a Fenix ARB-L21 series 21700 rechargeable battery.
Intelligent Overheat Protection
The flashlight will accumulate a lot of heat when used at high output levels for extended periods. When the flashlight reaches a temperature of 55°C/131°F or above, it will automatically step down a few lumens to reduce the temperature. When the temperature drops below 55°C/131°F, the flashlight will gradually recall the preset output level.
Usage and Maintenance
- Disassembling the sealed head can cause damage to the flashlight and will void the warranty.
- Fenix recommends using an excellent quality battery.
- If the flashlight will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery, or the light could be damaged by electrolyte leakage.
- Lock the flashlight or take out the battery to prevent accidental activation during storage or transportation.
- Long-term use can result in O-ring wear. To maintain a proper water seal, replace the ring with an approved spare.
- Periodic cleaning of the flashlight and battery contacts improves the flashlight's performance as dirty contacts may cause the flashlight to flicker, shine intermittently or even fail to illuminate for the following reasons:
A: Poor battery level.
Solution: Recharge or replace the battery.
B: The contact or contact point of the battery or flashlight is dirty.
Solution: Clean the contact points with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
If the above methods don't work, please contact the distributor.
Warning
- Do NOT look directly at the light source, stare at the light spot or shine the flashlight directly into the eyes of anyone!
- Do NOT disassemble this flashlight unless you are a professional.
- Do NOT place this flashlight in the reach of children!
- Do NOT place light head near flammable objects, high temperatures can cause objects to overheat and become flammable/ignite!
- Do NOT use this flashlight in inappropriate ways such as holding the unit in your mouth, doing so could cause serious personal injury or death if the light or internal battery fails!
- This flashlight will accumulate a significant amount of heat while operating, resulting in a high temperature of the light shell. Pay close attention to avoid burns!
- Turn off and lock the flashlight or remove the battery to prevent accidental activation when the flashlight is placed in a closed and flammable environment such as pockets and backpacks!
- The LED of this flashlight is not replaceable; so the whole flashlight should be replaced when the LED reaches the end of its lifespan.


