Fenix TK40 High Performance Cree LED Flashlight, Maximum 630 Lumens
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List Price: Buy Used: from $104.95 (click here) Category: Sports See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Fenix TK40 High Performance Cree LED Flashlight, Maximum 630 Lumens
Customer Review: Amazing, Simply Amazing!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have wanted to buy the TK40 for quite some time now but for one reason or another, I just never got around to buying one. Then a couple week ago my local army surplus store was having a moving sale and they had all of their Fenix flashlights priced at 50-60% off. I simply couldn't resist and picked up both the Tk40 and the TK45. These flashlights are one of the few things out there truly worth the MSRP. The fact that I was able to buy them at such a discount is.....well, lets just say it was one of the best deals I have gotten in quite some time and to say I was impressed with both models is a massive understatement.
The Fenix Tk40 is one of the brightest AA powered flashlights on the market. It has a power rating up to 630 lumens and can illuminate distances up to 300 meters. Its the first Fenix light to use Cree's MC-E quad die which is one of the most powerful LED's on the market and has a 50,000 hour projected lifespan. The body is made with T6 aircraft grade aluminum with a Type-III hard anodized finish. T6 aluminum, also known as Alloy 6061, is very tough, has excellent corrosion resistance, and responds extremely well to anodizing. Anodizing is a process where the natural oxide layer on metal parts is increased thus improving corrosion and wear resistance. A Type III hard anodized coating is a thicker anodized coating made using a sulphuric acid process. Basically what that means is the body of the TK40 is very strong and extremely resistant to corrosion and wear.
The TK40 has an IPX-8 waterproof rating, thanks to 2 thick rubber o-rings, located at each end of the body tube, a sealed bezel and a rubber switch cover. The IPX waterproof ratings go from IPX-0, which is no water protection whatsoever, to IPX-8, which means the item is suitable for continual submersion in water under conditions which are identified by the manufacturer. That means that water is a non issue with this light, it will take whatever mother nature throws at it. In this particular case "identified by the manufacturer" means that this is a normal flashlight and not a dive light. While it is waterproof, its not meant to be used as a dive light. I am sure the vast majority of people know this but you just never know these days. If you want a dive light then buy a designated dive light. This light is not designed to work under such water pressure.
As for the size, its 208mm long (just over 8 inches) which is imo the perfect size for handheld flashlights. Then again I prefer my flashlights to be a bit bigger in size. If you prefer smaller sized lights then you might find the TK40 a bit much for your taste. I recommend the TK35 if your looking for a smaller light. If I were able to design a flashlight from the ground up I would make it roughly 7" to 8" in length so again, in this regard, its perfect for me. The body is incredibly light weighing in at just 284g or roughly .6 pounds but, once you add the 8 AA batteries....well it certainly isn't the lightest flashlight on the market. Once again this is perfect for me as not only do I prefer my lights a little bigger, I also prefer that they have a nice weight to them. Don't get me wrong, it isn't heavy by any standards, its just not really light either. Its important to note that this flashlight can run off of 4 AA batteries in case of emergency.
The Tk40 has 4 power settings with a separate strobe setting corresponding to each individual power setting. So in total it really has 8 different types of output. The power settings are low (13 lumens), medium (93 lumens), high (277 lumens), and turbo (630 lumens). The strobe settings are as follows, low (beacon flash), medium (slow flash), high (S.O.S), and turbo (fast strobe). In regards to running time, turbo will give you around 2 hours, high will get you roughly 7 hours, medium roughly 20 hours, and running on low will give you roughly 150 hours. You want to use 1.5V AA batteries, either Alkaline or Ni-MH compatible. All other batteries you use at your own risk. Fenix has specifically stated not to use Energizer Lithium AA batteries for this light. Just stick with Alkaline or Ni-MH compatible and everything will be right as rain.
The power interface is actually different from other Fenix lights. Instead of rotating the flashlight head, power changes are made by the switch in the tail cap. Changes are made by holding down the switch momentarily, roughly about a half second. To access the strobe setting, corresponding to the current power setting, simply double click the tail button switch. If you want to access a different strobe mode you must first change to the proper power setting and then double click the tail switch. This is actually one of my favorite aspects to the TK40 as I vastly prefer this user interface over the "rotate the head" interface that Fenix usually uses. I really hope that they stick with this interface in future models. The switch itself has a rubber coating and is recessed in the tailcap. The switch can be locked out by unscrewing the tailcap by 1/2 turn. This will prevent the light from being accidentally activated.
Other notable details include an AR-coated glass lens, digital regulation, and intelligent circuitry which keeps track of which primary mode was used last. Accessories include a nylon strap, Spare o-rings, a spare rubber switch cap, a key ring, and a lanyard.
Bottom line - Fenix has done it again as the Tk40 is a remarkable light. Its extremely tough, corrosion and wear resistant, waterproof, and extremely bright. The controls are the best I have seen yet from Fenix. Basically this is a fantastic light created by one of the best flashlight companies in existence. I expect a lot from Fenix flashlights and they have never disappointed me in the past. That streak remains alive and intact.
5 Stars!!
Customer Review: An excellent light, you get what you pay for!
Summary: 5 Stars
Since there are so many in depth reviews already posted I will keep this short and sweet! :) The build quality is excellent, the brightness is outstanding. This light is expensive but well worth the price, it's the Mercedes of flashlights! I did alot of homework before I chose the TK40 and have no regrets with this light.
The only con I have which really isn't a huge deal is the battery holder seems to rattle inside a bit. I wish there was a sleeve around it to take up the small space which is allowing the holder to rattle.
I highly recommend this light, it's well worth it.
Customer Review: As powerful as advertised
Summary: 5 Stars
Amazing flashlight and the output is as advertised. The full 630 lumen mode is like having your car high beams in your hand. Nice solid aluminum construction. Various output modes are easy to set and memorizes last setting.Customer Review: Beautiful bright white light, and handsome flashlight
Summary: 5 Stars
The TK40 flashlight is worth the money. Period. The lowest setting is has comparable brightness as my 3-AA LED Maglite. The highest setting is brigher than my headlights on my 2001 sequoia on low beam, though the coverage area is not as wide.
With 8-AA Eneloop rechargeable batteries, the TK40 weights in at 17.5 oz. It somes with a long shoulder strap that seems useless. A wrist strap would be more useful. If I can mount this on my bicycle, it would be sweet!
One thing I find strange is that the instruction manual says to turn the head 2.5 turns, if the light is not going to be used for a while, to prevent battery drain. It appears that some battery power is needed to maintain the memory of the last setting used. In any case, turning 2.5 turns make the light a bit longer, and that make a much tighter fit in the plastic case that is provided with the TK40.
This would make a nice gift to flashlight lovers, in my opinion. I've never heard of Fenix until recently. I'm likely to be an owner of more Fenix products.
Customer Review: Blinded by the Light!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a Geek.
I really like lights for some reason. I even own a 20-watt HID flashlight (w/adjustable focus - only thing missing from this light) that takes 30 seconds to start and needs a fresh rechargeable battery every 20 minutes. I DO work at night quite a bit, so at least I've got an excuse. Which is why the Fenix TK40 is so friggin' Awesome! Holy crap! It really lets you see what you're looking at! The beam is as intense as my HID, and it's instant-on. Plus, it's really light, well built, and seems waterproof. I know $150 is a lot for a flashlight, but you definitely get what you pay for with this one. Like!