Hi all! Fenix sent me the new TK25 R&B light to test so I'm here to share my thoughts! (Admin, please add to review area)
Are you a huntsman or detective looking for that hidden trail? Maybe you are in construction looking for utility markings during a night shift? Well if neither, have you ever heard of light painting? There is definitely something here for everyone, and what's not to love about playing with a flashlight that has something different than just white. Are you looking for a light with some red white and blue power? If so, then say hello to the Fenix TK25 R&B version.
QUICK SPECS
Here is the specs from Fenix' website.
OUTPUT & RUNTIME
Besides the more official times below, it took 14.5 hours to completely drain the battery starting on the turbo mode. I also got a drain down time of 7.25 hours for red (high), and 6 hours for blue before it switched back to red high for 1 more hour.
Notice: The listed flashlight parameters (lab-tested by using one Fenix 3.6V/3500mAh Li-ion battery) may vary between flashlights, batteries and environments.
LED SPECS
The light has 3 different colors and therefore 3 different types of LEDs:
(2) [White'] Cree XP-G2 S3 (has a touch of pink)
(1) [Red] Cree XP-E2
(1) [Blue] Cree XP-E2 (almost has a black light effect on bright colors, runs fairly hot)
OTHER FEATURES
Length: 5.61" (142.6mm)
Diameter: 1.0" (25.4mm)
Head: 1.57" (40mm)
Flashlight Weight: 5.52 oz. (156.5g) excluding battery
Batteries: One 18650 rechargeable Li-ion batteries or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries
Included: Lanyard, holster, spare O-ring, body clip
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee from Fenix Lighting US
VIDEO OVERVIEW
LOOK & FEEL
The name of the game of the feel of this light is "rugged". Right away this light feels heavier than it looks and taking off the cap you can see why, a double wall. The body has diamond knurling which has a bit higher friction than other diamond knurling I've held.
The tail cap has two buttons and the mode switch button is on somewhat of an angle, which I though at first would make things easier, but I found I have to move my thumb to a whole new plane to push it.
The light comes with a very nice belt clip but I found that if it's not needed, it's easier to grip the light without it or by putting the clip in a reverse position.
Part of the function of the light is to rotate the head and I found this is generally easy enough but a little slippery while wearing gloves and could have used some knurling on the head as well. I would have liked to been able to rotate the head with one hand as well but it is too stiff.
OTHER ACCESSORIES
INCLUDED HOLSTER
The TK25 R&B comes with a basic nylon holster which has 3 attachment options. Typically my favorite type is the hook & loop (velcro) style which worked well and did not unvelcro when using the holster.
SEPARATE HOLSTER
With the release of the TK25 IR version, they also designed a tactical, quick-release, type holster and it was included in the off the shelf package, but is not included with the R&B version; however, talking with the Fenix reps, it will be available for purchase separately in the future.
SEPARATE PRESSURE SWITCH
Fenix also carries a remote pressure switch which is compatible with the TK25 R&B. After trying it out, it replicates the user interface of the flashlight very well and instant response time. The cable is very thick but also flexible. The pressure pad has hook and loop closure system included for mounting. The mode switch is the long pressure momentary switch while the latching power switch is the circular button. The mode button is completely silent and the power button is barely perceptible.
BEAM PROFILE
White has 70 degree spill with slight spot having 20 degree. Red about the same as white
Blue has 80 degree spill with about 20 degree spot.
Beamshots from at distance
Beamshots from close
USER INTERFACE
There 2 basic modes, the white mode and the color mode. The white mode has a constant output profile with brightness memory, and a sub profile of dedicated strobe. The color mode also has a constant output color selection but no memory, and also has a dedicated red (high) mode. See below for a full diagram.
BATTERY
The light uses 1×18650 or 2xCR123 batteries. Fenix also recently released new 18650 batteries which have a built in 1A micro USB charger. I received the 3500 mAh version which charges in about 3.5 to 4 hours which seems pretty quick. The battery can also be charged using a traditional charger but not sure if the battery itself remains limited to 1A charge current due to the extra electronics. Additionally, the positive button-top end becomes a little hot during charging.
Here are some pictures of the new Fenix 18650 with integrated charging.
WARRANTY
Fenix provides only a lifetime warranty for free repair, so make sure you only buy from an authorized dealer (you can contact Fenix's customer service to find one) or you will waive your rights to the warranty . Check their website for their full Warranty & Repairs.
HIGHLIGHTS
OBSERVATIONS
IN-USE
All pics are using the light in it's brightest mode.
PRICE
Currently the light is around $90 USD for just the light or around $100 USD with a battery bundle.
THANKS FOR READING!
DISCLAIMERS:
Are you a huntsman or detective looking for that hidden trail? Maybe you are in construction looking for utility markings during a night shift? Well if neither, have you ever heard of light painting? There is definitely something here for everyone, and what's not to love about playing with a flashlight that has something different than just white. Are you looking for a light with some red white and blue power? If so, then say hello to the Fenix TK25 R&B version.
QUICK SPECS
Here is the specs from Fenix' website.
OUTPUT & RUNTIME
Besides the more official times below, it took 14.5 hours to completely drain the battery starting on the turbo mode. I also got a drain down time of 7.25 hours for red (high), and 6 hours for blue before it switched back to red high for 1 more hour.
Notice: The listed flashlight parameters (lab-tested by using one Fenix 3.6V/3500mAh Li-ion battery) may vary between flashlights, batteries and environments.
LED SPECS
The light has 3 different colors and therefore 3 different types of LEDs:
(2) [White'] Cree XP-G2 S3 (has a touch of pink)
(1) [Red] Cree XP-E2
(1) [Blue] Cree XP-E2 (almost has a black light effect on bright colors, runs fairly hot)
OTHER FEATURES
- IP68 waterproof and 2 meter submersible (CivilGear un-verified)
- Powered by one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries
- Free switching between white, red and blue lights
- Compatible with AER-03 remote pressure switch
- Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery insertion
- Tactical tail switch for momentary activation
- Functional tail switch for output selection and strobe activation
- Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
- Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating
Length: 5.61" (142.6mm)
Diameter: 1.0" (25.4mm)
Head: 1.57" (40mm)
Flashlight Weight: 5.52 oz. (156.5g) excluding battery
Batteries: One 18650 rechargeable Li-ion batteries or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries
Included: Lanyard, holster, spare O-ring, body clip
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee from Fenix Lighting US
VIDEO OVERVIEW
LOOK & FEEL
The name of the game of the feel of this light is "rugged". Right away this light feels heavier than it looks and taking off the cap you can see why, a double wall. The body has diamond knurling which has a bit higher friction than other diamond knurling I've held.
The tail cap has two buttons and the mode switch button is on somewhat of an angle, which I though at first would make things easier, but I found I have to move my thumb to a whole new plane to push it.
The light comes with a very nice belt clip but I found that if it's not needed, it's easier to grip the light without it or by putting the clip in a reverse position.
Part of the function of the light is to rotate the head and I found this is generally easy enough but a little slippery while wearing gloves and could have used some knurling on the head as well. I would have liked to been able to rotate the head with one hand as well but it is too stiff.
OTHER ACCESSORIES
INCLUDED HOLSTER
The TK25 R&B comes with a basic nylon holster which has 3 attachment options. Typically my favorite type is the hook & loop (velcro) style which worked well and did not unvelcro when using the holster.
SEPARATE HOLSTER
With the release of the TK25 IR version, they also designed a tactical, quick-release, type holster and it was included in the off the shelf package, but is not included with the R&B version; however, talking with the Fenix reps, it will be available for purchase separately in the future.
SEPARATE PRESSURE SWITCH
Fenix also carries a remote pressure switch which is compatible with the TK25 R&B. After trying it out, it replicates the user interface of the flashlight very well and instant response time. The cable is very thick but also flexible. The pressure pad has hook and loop closure system included for mounting. The mode switch is the long pressure momentary switch while the latching power switch is the circular button. The mode button is completely silent and the power button is barely perceptible.
BEAM PROFILE
White has 70 degree spill with slight spot having 20 degree. Red about the same as white
Blue has 80 degree spill with about 20 degree spot.
Beamshots from at distance
Beamshots from close
USER INTERFACE
There 2 basic modes, the white mode and the color mode. The white mode has a constant output profile with brightness memory, and a sub profile of dedicated strobe. The color mode also has a constant output color selection but no memory, and also has a dedicated red (high) mode. See below for a full diagram.
BATTERY
The light uses 1×18650 or 2xCR123 batteries. Fenix also recently released new 18650 batteries which have a built in 1A micro USB charger. I received the 3500 mAh version which charges in about 3.5 to 4 hours which seems pretty quick. The battery can also be charged using a traditional charger but not sure if the battery itself remains limited to 1A charge current due to the extra electronics. Additionally, the positive button-top end becomes a little hot during charging.
Here are some pictures of the new Fenix 18650 with integrated charging.
WARRANTY
Fenix provides only a lifetime warranty for free repair, so make sure you only buy from an authorized dealer (you can contact Fenix's customer service to find one) or you will waive your rights to the warranty . Check their website for their full Warranty & Repairs.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Very bright blue and red; there aren't that many flashlights out there with the color power to match the TK25
- White color mode maintains brightness memory when switching between white and color mode.
- Constant current (no PWM) is a great feature for a light with a 2-button tail cap
- Very sturdy body with very tactile diamond knurling
- Double spring will keep contact strong with the battery (plus reverse polarity)
- Very strong but easy to use pocket clip
- Holster helps prevent button activation
- Blue light is kind of a black light as well
- Compatible with available pressure switch
OBSERVATIONS
- Wish that the color mode had memory so you could go straight to blue with the normal clicky switch or hold down the mode switch to go straight to red.
- If mounted you need enough space around the light to grasp it and turn. Maybe a separate accessory can created to accomplish this easier.
- There is no lock out mode (physical or electronic), which Fenix told me, is due to the tactical nature of the light and not wanting to accidentally have this turned on.
- The main tail switch seems to latch pretty easily.
- New quick-release holster is not included inside the TK25 R&B package.
- Complete IPx8 waterproofness is questionable with a rotating head. Fenix has confirmed that there is an o-ring in the head but it is not recommended to rotate the head underwater but ought to be rain proof.
- Knurling on the head would help with rotating the head.
- Holding down the mode in color mode does not do anything, perhaps a color strobe or a white strobe could have been assigned.
IN-USE
All pics are using the light in it's brightest mode.
PRICE
Currently the light is around $90 USD for just the light or around $100 USD with a battery bundle.
THANKS FOR READING!
DISCLAIMERS:
- CivilGear received this product for testing and honest review.
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