Fenix TK75 Full Review (Part 1)

This will kick off a two part review of the Excellent Fenix TK75. At time of upload, this is the best cost to performance value, Triple XM-L flashlight I've ever tested.

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[Patriot]

I know you're joking but there's actually a discussion on CPF in the spotlight section where we're discussing this topic. The idiot who opened the thread proved to be a troll or irrational and I eventually bowed out of the conversation. There are also beamshots posted of the newest fenix RC40 in the RC40 thread compared to other lights including HID. I'll let you be the judge. :)

[Patriot]

It's a strange and futile wish because someday when LED catches up to current HIDs like the Polarion, new generations of arc lamps are going to be utilized in new, expensive, Polarion like lights. The surface brightness of the new generation of lamps is magnitudes higher than that of LED even if we project 10 years into the future based on the current rate of development. As far as value goes, yeah LED uses less expensive components but whatever makes you feel better man...lol

[Patriot]

In short, there's no free lunch. That is to say, there's a reason why cheap lights are cheap. Enthusiasts are quick to recognize the best lights regardless of price, as well as the best lights for the money. Some DONT pass muster. Others are slight compromises but acceptable at the given price point. I can't point you to a quality triple under $100 however there are sales, like the TM11 that were selling under $160 or the thrunight TN30 that are great lights for the price. Check CPF too.

[Patriot]

Ok the best way to answer is with an analogy. It's like asking why Peterbilt trucks don't use lawnmower engines to power their semi-tractor trailers. The answer: Because lawnmower engines don't have sufficient power or capacity to generate the workload required by the tractor's mission. Likewise, several AA's might be able to drive a single XL-M LED to spec, but not an array of them. In other words you shouldn't put a 1 gal fuel tank on a Formula1 car. It might work but it won't last long.

[Patriot]

Thank you! I'd have to know what they're referencing when 'they' say not to store them charged. If this is about battery life span, you can pretty much ignore the suggestion. In practical terms the difference between storing them charged vs. uncharged is a matter of weeks over the period of years. It's insignificant compared to the necessity of having charged cells at the ready for the reasons of safety or even convenience. Or store them at 90% then & have solar, 12V, or 110V charger ready. :)

[Patriot]

Congratulations, after 7000K views you've just posted the most ambiguous, non-succinct, silly comment to date, which begs the question, "failed" compared to what? The bulk has more to do with the size and depth of the reflector REQUIRED to produce the target lux the manufacturer was shooting for. The body is compact for a 4 x18650 torch and with 3400mah cells will run 16.5 HOURS at 400L. That's two nights of 400L output. Either you're from the future or I've missed your point completely.

[Patriot]

The ARBL2s are decent quality cells however if you have one or more that's not performing properly it might not be able to sustain turbo mode. Since Fenix specifically recommends that cell (any good quality 2600mah or higher cell should work) I would contact fenix. If you don't feel like doing that, purcahase some Redilast, EAGTAC, Callie's Kustoms or Panasonic 3400mah. Again, yours should work but one or more cells might have an issue.

[BackusCreativeImaging]

This is a great review; you present the product in a professional way that's easy to follow and enjoyable to watch. I have a Fenix LD40, I might be upgrading to the TK75, soon. I prefer a mix of good throw with a slightly floody hotspot along with maximum spill. I basically want a balanced beam, which is what the TK75 seems to offer. The TK75 also seems a bit more neutral in tint than other triple XML lights, so overall it matches my preferences.

[Patriot]

I would suspect a cell issue first. Those cells should be just fine as far as discharge rate and capacity, however, if there are one or more cells that are faulty, that could be cause your problem. To diagnose, get a know good set of cells and see of the problems goes away. If it doesn't, you'll know the light has a problem. The EAGTAC 3400, Redilast 3400, or Panasonic 3400s, are all great cells. Google to find sellers but I use the EAGTACs from Going Gear.

[Patriot]

Snap or woohoo buddy... Mr. Gambini? Yes Judge! Are you mocking me with that outfit? Mocking you? No Judge I’m not mocking you. Then explain that out-fit? I bought a new suit, you’ve seen it and now & covered in mud. So I had to get a new suit. & the only place in town where you can a new suit is closed for flu. Yeah, the whole store got the flu! So I had to buy this at a secondhand store. So its either the leather jacket which I knooow you hate or this! So I wore this, ridiculous thing for you!

[Patriot]

It's a home build 300mw red. I didn't know about the nyogel, thanks for passing the info along!

Petroleum products tent to swell the o-rings ...so just be aware.

I'll see what I can do for you guys on the battery front. I'll have to give some thought to presenting it to those who are new to it. Thanks for the feedback!

[Patriot]

It's a great light but I probably wont be doing a review on that particular light. In short, it's the world's floodiest triple xm-l, in the triple or quad 18650 class. While unique, it's doesn't really interest me due to it's lack of throw, falling in well behind the TM11.

[Patriot]

Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. The TK75 is as you described and the tint seems to be better than the current olight and foursevens lights. Nitecore's tints have been a bit on the cool side depending on sample.

[Patriot]

it's not the battery size that's associated with LSD, it's the chemistry. The 18650s we're talking about are li-ion which is LSD. li-ion comes in 18650 17670 14500 26650 etc.

[Patriot]

Especially the case if you leave it in your front pocket. :)

Your strike me as the type who would wear your zebralight to the theater if your wife would let you! Snap!

[Patriot]

Nice! Great light! You might enjoy the Nitecore EA8 review too as I like a little bit better than the 41. Both are great though.

[Patriot]

I appreciate the encouragement because this review was several days worth of work. Thanks!

[Patriot]

The TK75. If you need something even smaller the TM15 but it wont throw like the Fenix.

[Patriot]

There in stock at predatorEDC if you hurry. Use coupon code in the description box.

[Patriot]

Thanks! The EYE30 is nice but the TK75 is great. Thanks for watching!