Beantown Review

Boston's Digital Lifestyle & Consumer Tech Site

  • Technology
    • For the Home
    • Computing
      • Hardware
      • Software
    • Automotive Tech
  • Sight & Sound
    • HDTV, 4K & Beyond
      • For Your Eyes Only
    • Hear This
      • Headphones
      • Speakers
    • Lights, Camera
  • Mobility
    • Apps
    • Phones & Phablets
    • Case Protection
    • Laptops
    • Wearables
    • Apparel & Bags
  • Beantown Gaming
    • Consoles
    • Gaming Hardware
    • Game Reviews
  • Entertainment
    • The Interviews
    • Blu-Ray Releases
    • Film Reviews
    • Digital Hollywood
      • Cable TV
      • Network TV
      • Streaming Services
    • Kool Stuff
    • Ping Pong Time
    • Toying Around
  • Lifestyle
    • Clothing
  • Giveaways
You are here: Home / Archives for tactical flashlight

Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC Flashlight Review

12/01/2019 By Hakan Can

It’s safe to say that anyone who owns a home or rents an apartment needs a flashlight. Actually, these people probably need two or three just to cover all events and emergencies. Two months ago we reviewed the Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight and got a taste for what a truly great flashlight can be. Because we received such positive feedback, we were presented with the opportunity to review another, the Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC flashlight. Now, this second light is different from the first, for reasons we’ll get into momentarily. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look in this Fenix TK22 V2 TAC flashlight review.

Fenix TK22 V2.0 Tactical Flashlight in Packaging

Pros:
• Multi-purpose flashlight
• Up to 1600 lumens
• Aluminum body
• Intelligent memory
• Low voltage indicator
• Overheat protection
• IP-68 waterproof
• Medium size, lightweight

Cons:
• Warm to touch at the highest setting
• Does not include battery or charger
• Price of $85 may be too high for some

Read:   Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review

Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC Flashlight Review

Once you’ve used a high-quality flashlight, you won’t want to go back to the low-quality $20 variety you see in the aisles of your nearest hardware store.

Unfortunately, you won’t find Fenix flashlights in either Home Depot or Lowe’s. I’m not sure why this is the case, but for the brand’s sake, I hope it’s rectified quickly. You can find their products on their website www.fenix-store.com.

For the sake of comparison, we measured the Fenix TK22 V2.0 against similar models at Home Depot. From the 389 flashlight models available at HD, the field was narrowed down to just under 10 when we based our selection on those with aluminum casings, rechargeable, 5-year minimum warranty, and lumens above 1000. In fact, only one brand met the criteria, a brand that I’ve never heard of before today. Oddly enough, their flashlights looked remarkably similar to those from Fenix.

So if you’re looking for a great flashlight, the field is quite thin, and you’ll have to look at Fenix.

Fenix TK22 V2.0 Tactical Flashlight
Fenix TK22 V2.0 Tactical Flashlight Extras

As you can see from our Pros vs. Cons list, the former greatly outweighs the latter. The $85 price tag isn’t an issue as you’re getting a high-quality product with a great warranty.

Read:   Telic Energy Flip Flop Sandals Review

Design and Features

There are only a handful things you need to know about operating the Fenix TK22 TAC V2. With a slight press of the tail switch, you’ll see the light beam that was last used. So if you shut off the light at ‘High-Mode,’ then it restarts at ‘High-Mode. A full press the tail switch activates the flashlight.

Pressing the stainless steel side switch once (and then again) changes the mode, of which there are four listed below. Holding the side switch down for three seconds takes the light into tactical modem, aka the strobe. It’s this setting you would use on someone to temporarily disorient them. There is plenty of police or military uses for this light.

The flashlight is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with notch and groove patterns throughout. In other words, this light should’t slip out of either hand.

The LED is the Luminus SST40, made from an ultra-clear glass with an anti-reflective coating.

If  you’re worried about using the flashlight in the rain or dropping it in shallow water, don’t be. The light has an IP-68 waterproof rating allowing it to be underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of two meters. It’s also impact resistant to one meter.

Additionally, it’s mind-blowing how good a product this is with its intelligent memory circuit and reverse polarity protection.

The TK22 TAC measures at 5.91″ long, 1.57″ head width, 1″ body width, and weighs 5.29 ounces without the battery. Speaking of batteries, you’ve got a few options to choose from, as this model does not come with a battery.

  • The ARB-L21-5000 – 21700 battery w/o USB port for charging, currently $24.45
  • The ARB-L21-5000U – 21700 battery with USB Type C port for charging, currently $24.95
  • The ARB-L18-3500 – 18650 battery w/o USB port for charging, currently $24.45
  • The ARB-L21-3500U – 18650 battery with μUSB port for charging, currently $23.45

If you purchased a battery without a USB port, then it’s recommended you purchase the Fenix ARE-D1 ($14.95) smart battery charger. In full disclosure, we need to purchase one ourselves.

Read:   Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

Specifications

This “professional performance” flashlight puts out some amazing specs.

Outdoor Mode
• Turbo: 1600 Lumens, 405 Meter Distance, 2 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• High: 500 Lumens, 231 Meter Distance, 4 Hr 40 Min Runtime
• Mid: 150 Lumens, 112 Meter Distance, 17 Hr Runtime
• Low: 20 Lumens, 51 Meter Distance, 80 Hr Runtime
• Strobe: 1600 Lumens, switching between 6 and 15 Hz every 2 seconds

Read:   SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset Review

What’s In The Box?

• TK22 TAC V2.0 Flashlight
• ALF-18 Battery Holder
• Holster
• Lanyard

• Two spare o-rings
• Spare rubber boot
• Warranty card
• User manual

Fenix TK22 V2.0 Tactical Flashlight and Case

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Performance

During an evening one week ago, we tested the TK22 V2.0 outdoors, and we were blown away with what we saw. With 600 more lumens than the PD35 TAC, we had a feeling we would be.

Under the three higher settings, the beam throw goes from the long end of my yard to the other and beyond. There are woods on two sides of my home, and they were lit up like fireworks. Suffice to say; if you’re searching for someone or something outdoors during the evening, you’ll have no trouble seeing where you’re walking and for hundreds of meters ahead of you.

Based on its smaller size, I recommend having the PC35 TAC over the TK22 V2.0 when it comes to what to keep in one’s automobile glove box.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found the TK22 TAC V2.0 to be very comfortable and portable, true to its mission, and best used outdoors. The quality of light and its throw is most impressive.

So you don’t waste your time, we’ve done plenty of comparison research here, but as always, feel free to do your own.

At $85, and without the battery, the cost of the Fenix TK22 V2.0 is an expense that will cause some to balk. Despite this fact, this product is worth taking a long look at. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

If you’re shopping around a major holiday, there may be special pricing on this model or another, so please check. Recently we’ve seen a 60% discount on the battery.

What do you think of this Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC flashlight review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts. Should you wish to purchase this flashlight, click this PD35 TAC store link. We don’t earn a commission or anything.

Fenix TK22 V2.0 Tactical Flashlight Photo

• Follow Fenix Store on Twitter
• Follow Fenix Store on Facebook
• Follow Fenix Store on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Fenix Blog page to see the latest announcements and reviews. The Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC flashlight comes with no less than a 5-year warranty on the light. If you have a rechargeable battery, there’s a 1-year free repair warranty. See the Fenix Warranty page for more information.

FTC Disclosure: Beantown was provided with one (1) Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC flashlight sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   Telic Energy Flip Flop Sandals Review

Filed Under: Mobility Tagged With: Fenix, flashlight, tactical flashlight, TK22 V2.0 12/04/2019

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review

09/23/2019 By Hakan Can

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

As someone who’s owned numerous flashlights over decades, I can say with sincerity that I’ve been disappointed with all of them. Most were hand-me-downs that were no better than a candle. Nowadays, we see TV commercials and internet ads for some amazing flashlights, tactical ones even, that can produce more than 1000 lumens with beam throws in upwards of 1000 feet. This brings us to the Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight. This “professional performance” flashlight puts out some amazing specs. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight 2019 review.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

Pros:
• LED has 50K Hour lifespan
• Tactical and outdoor modes
• Up to 1000 lumens
• Aluminum body
• Intelligent memory
• Low voltage indicator
• IPX-8 waterproof
• Small size, lightweight

Cons:
• Warm to touch at the highest setting
• Price of $72 may be too high for some

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

Head into a Home Depot or Lowe’s, better yet, head over to their respective websites and type in the word “flashlight.” You’ll see hundreds of flashlights, almost all sub-par, mostly from brands that aren’t in the lighting space. In other words, flashlights aren’t their main product line, they’re an accessory. So if you’re looking for a great light, then you’ll need to look into those from a great brand like Fenix.

As you can see from our Pros vs. Cons list, the former greatly outweighs the latter. To me, the $72 price tag (reduced from $99) isn’t an issue as you’re getting a high-quality product with a great warranty.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

There are only a few things you need to know about operating the PD35 TAC. With a slight press of the tail switch, you’ll see the light beam that was last used. So if you shut off the light at ‘Mid Mode,’ then it restarts at ‘Mid-Mode.’

Fully pressing the tail switch activates the flashlight. Pressing the stainless steel side switch once (and then again) changes the mode, of which there are five. Holding the side switch down for three seconds takes the light into tactical modem aka the strobe. It’s this setting you would use on a home intruder.

The PD35 TAC is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with notches, grooves, and cross-patterns throughout. This way the light should’t slip out of your hands.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

The LED is the XLAMP® XP-L from Cree, which has a lifespan of 50K hours. The lens itself is made from ultra-clear glass. It also has an anti-reflective coating.

Are you worried about using the PD35 TAC in the rain or dropping it in shallow water? Well don’t be. The light has an IPX-8 waterproof rating allowing it to be underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 2 meters.

The PD35 TAC measures at 5.4″ long x 1″ wide and weighing at approximately 4 ounces with installed battery. Speaking of batteries, you’ve got two options here. The model we received came with two CR123A batteries, but we would recommend getting the Fenix ARE-X11 rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 battery with charger. There’s no reason to keep tossing batteries out once they expire.

Read:   Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

Specifications

Tactical Mode
• Turbo: 1000 Lumens, 200 Meter Distance, 1 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• Low: 60 Lumens, 48 Meter Distance, 29 Hr 15 Min Runtime
• Strobe: 1000 Lumens

Outdoor Mode
• Turbo: 1000 Lumens, 200 Meter Distance, 1 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• High: 500 Lumens, 135 Meter Distance, 2 Hr 55 Min Runtime
• Mid: 200 Lumens, 80 Meter Distance, 8 Hr 30 Min Runtime
• Low: 60 Lumens, 48 Meter Distance, 29 Hr 15 Min Runtime
• Eco: 8 Lumens, 17 Meter Distance, 140 Hr Runtime
• Strobe: 1000 Lumens•

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

What’s In The Box?

• PD35 TAC Flashlight
• Two CR123A batteries
• Pocket clip
• Holster
• Lanyard

• Two spare o-rings
• Spare rubber boot
• Warranty card
• User manual

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Performance

We tested the PD25 TAC indoors and out, during the day and night. We were thoroughly impressed with the results.

It’s crazy how good a product this is with its intelligent memory circuit and reverse polarity protection. Under most settings, the beam throw goes from one end of my yard to the other, and I’ve got a good-sized yard. The rabbits feeding throughout the yard become quite visible.

Think of the benefits of using this flashlight during a brownout or in the event your car fails along the road. The typical car engine light barely illuminates anything, but the PD35 TAC certainly will. And the PD35 TAC hardly takes up any space in the glove box.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found the PD35 TAC to be very comfortable and portable, true to its mission. The quality of light and its throw is most impressive.

The more I write about this product, the more excited I get about it. As a consumer technology writer, flashlights are on the edge of what we cover. While we review keyboards and headphones by the dozens, we only use one at a time, preferably a great one. The same could be said about flashlights. You, the consumer only need a great one. Having a second (that is another PD35 TAC) for your car wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

The cost of the Fenix PD35 TAC is an upfront expense some will balk at. Feel free to do your research, but don’t do so much that you’re now wasting time. Take our word for it; this product is worth buying. You won’t be disappointed.

What do you think of this Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight 2019 review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts. Should you wish to purchase this flashlight, click this PD35 TAC store link. We don’t earn a commission or anything.

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019
Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

• Follow Fenix Store on Twitter
• Follow Fenix Store on Facebook
• Follow Fenix Store on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Fenix Blog page to see the latest announcements and reviews. The Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight comes with no less than a 5-year warranty on the light. If you have a rechargeable battery, there’s a 1-year free repair warranty. See the Fenix Warranty page for more information.

FTC Disclosure: Beantown was provided with one (1) Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight sample (2019 model) for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Mobility Tagged With: 1000 lumens, Fenix, flashlight, PD35, PD35 TAC, tactical flashlight 12/11/2019

FOLLOW BEANTOWN

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Tweets by @BeantownReview

Amazon Deals and Promos

Copyright © 2021 Beantown LLC - All Rights Reserved