So it has taken a bloody long time to get this review sorted out. First of all, Fenix Flashlights Online, who gratefully provided this torch for review were waiting on stock, then we were waiting on new, better quality camera gear and finally the weather and the actual filming posed issues with it taking around 6 weeks for us to get all the shots we needed – even then some of them are less than desirable.
Nonetheless all is of course sorted now so lets have a look at the torches specifications before having a look at the video itself although you will hear me talk about some of them in the video review;
- Cree XM-L (U2) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
- Uses four 3V CR123A batteries (included) or two 18650 rechargeable batteries (Li-ion)
- Digitally regulated output – maintains constant brightness
- Modes and run-times:
- Turbo: 860 lumens for 1h37m
- High: 365 lumens for 6h48m
- Mid: 120 lumens for 23h
- Low: 15 lumens for 130h
- Strobe: 860 lumens
- SOS: 120 lumens
- Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
- Dual button switch in the tail cap, convenient operation
- Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminium
- Premium Type III hard-anodised anti-abrasive finish
- Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
- Included accessories: Holster, lanyard, spare o-ring, manual and four CR123A batteries
So what are the good and bad points of a torch such as this? Well quite frankly, given the lumens/power this thing outputs i’m surprised the batteries last as long as they do and additionally how incredibly lightweight yet sturdy the Fenix TK35 is. From a durability standpoint the materials seem to live up to what you would expect from a good quality flashlight and its functions are easy to get the hang of with a single button for power and a secondary smaller button for the different modes/brightness levels.
On the down sound though if you are looking to replace a heavy duty MagLite with something like this i would stick with the MagLite unless the torch isn’t doubling as a self defence tool (nothing can quite match the baseball bat style swing through of a heavy duty MagLite when fending off attackers in the dark). Additionally there is no way to change the dimensions of the beam – what you see is what you get. Thankfully though the light beam from the Fenix TK35 is broad enough to illuminate an area in front of you adequately and depending on the distance you are from your intended target you will permanently blind or possibly set fire to them, setting dependent of course.
Lastly if you plan on using something like this for hunting/spotlighting then you might find the Fenix TK15 a better suited flashlight to be rifle or scope mounted simply due to its size. As you can see in the video above the Fenix TK35 might be a bit chunky for some of you when mounted on a weapon but nonetheless it is an amazingly light and bright piece of equipment that i have found myself using around the house and in the field constantly in the couple of months we have had it in our possession (i’ll be sad to see it go).
The Original Post is Located Here: Fenix TK35 “Lightsaber” Flashlight – Don’t Burn Your Eyes!
