kj75
Enlightened
The "quad" XHP70 has become an often used emitter in flashlights in the past year. The advantage of this LED is the big output, light powered by this XHP70 can put out 3000 or more lumens. On the other hand, compact light that have this LED built-in, will get hot quickly and have limited runtime. Fenixlight has recently launched the TK65R: A big light with a XHP70 built-in. Made for longtime illumination at highest mode, equipped with a micro-USB rechargeable pack for long runtime. Fitted for search-jobs, security, police and defense. Also included: a new, nice accessory. How does this big Fenix perform, also if compared against some other lights powered by the same LED? In this review I'll give you the answer to these questions, show the light and the details and share my opinion about the latest Fenix searchlight. Let's have a look at the TK65R!
the next searchlight made by Fenix
designed for longtime-use
that has the powerful XHP70 emitter
special modes directly available
big power, long runtimes
As usual, we'll start by looking at the specs, given by Fenix:
Features:
· Cree XHP70 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
· Built-in 7.2V/5000mAh Li-ion battery pack
· Micro USB fast charging with fast charging adaptor
· Micro USB charging port with inner waterproofing design
· Dedicated catapult - action belt clip
· Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness
· Featuring battery level indication and low-voltage warning function
· Intelligent overheat protection protects from high surface temperature
· Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum; stainless steel strike bezel
· Premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
· Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating
Dimensions:
· 270.5mm / 10.65" length
· 36.5mm / 1.44" body diameter
· 61.5mm / 2.42" head diameter
· 418 grams including battery
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The TK65R is packed in an equal box as its earlier released brothers TK47 / TK47UE. Not a surprise, because those lights have about the same dimensions. So, again the attractive box here with the plastic carrying-loop in mostly black, orange and white. At the box the TK65R shown, the specs, the runtime graph, the output specs and some applications. This box looks neat and attractive. Restoring the light is no problem, you can easily put back the light and the parts in the protecting-foam inside. The box is complete and ready-to-go: Besides the TK65R a battery-pack, charger, spare O-ring, manual and leaflet is in. No holster this time, instead of this a new accessory is in: A belt-clip. Another nice accessory is the charger with USB-out: Nice to have an extra charger for your cellphone; you can also charge the TK65R by all micro-USB chargers. I can be short about this box: complete and good-looking! Have a look at the pictures below that show the box and what's in!
a neat box in Fenix-style
attractive and with plastic carrying-loop
on the back: features, specs and runtime graph
the light and the parts can easily be restored
mind to remove the cap on the battery-pack
the contents: TK65R, leaflets, manual, belt-clip, battery-pack, charger and spare O-ring
Impressions:
First impression: a big, rather heavy, but robust light that has high quality feels. The size of this light wasn't a surprise to me, because earlier this year I tried out the TK47 that has about the same length. But because of the 5000 mAh built-in battery-pack this flashlight has a thick body compared to its brother; this can be clearly felt when you pick up both lights. Nice fact is if you carry this light that you can use this "baton" for self-defense too; a safe feeling! Striking here is again the excellent overall build-quality of the TK65R: this big torch feels durable and long-lasting. The light comes in deep black and is easily recognizable as a Fenix: several details of the light remind on earlier released models. When I saw the first pics of this light, I had to get used by the little head relative to the long body, but in real life I have to admit that I like the appearance of the TK65R. Like I mentioned earlier, the overall machining and finishing is excellent done: No sharp parts of edges anywhere, perfectly anodized and a nice, grey engraving. There's one issue to me, also for the TK65R: the grey bezel is susceptible to get scratches after some use. I've had this with most Fenix-lights that I got; maybe other users will like it… The TK65R stands stable, both on head and tail, but the anti-rolling design should be improved. It will easily roll of the table; sometimes the fixed adapter for the belt clip that's on the body will stop the light. The nice body structure will give the light good grip. At the body we see the same buttons as on the big brother RC40-2016. Clear glass covers the lights' head, the orange peel reflector is free of defects and the XHP70 LED is perfectly centered. On the back we see the USB-charging-port that is protected against dust and water by a rubber cover. Also four green LEDS here that show the battery status, and a small rubber button that's needed to check the battery. Smooth running threads during releasing the cap (the head can't be removed) and also inside the cap and tube it looks ok: Same high-quality finishing as on the other parts of the TK65R. So, overall, I can be short: This is again a good looking and feeling product! Scroll down for the pictures that show more about the light and the details!
the Fenix TK65R searchlight
the looks remind on some earlier released Fenix-lights
stable standing, can be used as candle with (optional) diffusor too
a long flashlight with rather thick body
a deep orange peel reflector for smooth beam
the powerful "quad" XHP70 led
the 5000 mAh pack for long runtimes
notches in the head, but no good anti-rolling design
excellent grip and machining
a look at the engraving and the power-buttons
the adaptor for the belt-clip is fixed on the body
clear glass and a defect-free reflector
the XHP70 led is perfectly centered
a closer look at the tail
a rubber cover protects the micro-USB port of dust and water
the threads are well-machined
a look into the cap
and the tube
overall finishing is very good
a new accessory: a belt-clip
the "catapult-action" system
comes including a nice two-part charger
made for security-jobs
no defects visible..
all parts well finished
on the tail: power indicator with button for checking and the charging port
all LEDS green: fully charged, battery in good condition
made for heavy and long searchjobs
nice appearance
the grey bezel isn't scratch resistant
using the belt-clip
TK65R in "stand-by-modus" here
another option to the clip: wall-mounting!
the TK65R in the twilight
User interface:
A big light like the TK65R can't be carried in your pocket, that's not a surprise to you I think. On the other hand, a torch of this dimensions has excellent grip, it won't slip out of your hand easily. So this is the advantage of the length and the body-thickness of this torch. I miss lanyard on this light. Fenix has added the (nice) belt-clip that works well, but in some circumstances a lanyard is better. Would like to see it back on next big Fenix.
A big step forward is the fact that this light has a micro-usb port. Now you can charge the light by using any charger with micro-usb plug. So no risk if you forget the dedicated charger that you will run out of power. Really happy with this update! The big battery pack charges in about four hours when completely depleted, so that's rather quick. The green leds next to the usb-port inform about battery- or charging-status: four LEDS mean that the battery is 80% or more, one LED means less than 20%. This works like we're used of Fenix: no-nonsense and good. What I miss is a discharging function, like the RC40-brother has. This pack has the power to charge your phone in case of emergency, so it would be a good option.
Fenix has kept the interface simple, you don't have to get used by it. The TK65R is designed for those who will be sure of a lot of light when needed, without having a lot of other options. The light has the same two-button operation like we saw earlier at the RC40-2016: The lower button is for the normal modes, the upper switch for the special. To me, the button might be some bigger and different in shape; it makes finding the right one easier. Also I like a stiff structure above these smooth buttons. Turn the TK65R on or off by a long press and cycle through the modes by a short press. That's all, and very easy. No special modes here, the light starts in last used normal mode. The upper button is only for the special modes, but works both from off and on: A long press from off and a short one when the light is on activates direct-Strobe; next short-press will bring you to SOS-mode. Long press in special mode to turn off, or press the lower button (when the light was in any normal mode) to go back to normal mode. I like to have direct access to Strobe on a flashlight, so well done, but the risk of activating it accidentally is high at the TK65R. What I like about Fenix that the SOS-mode doesn't have the full and battery consuming lumens: this medium output should be enough to get located. Press and hold bold buttons to lock-out the light. This lock is indicated by two flashes. Same way to unlock. Works well, no problems with it.
Advantage of a big light powered by a big pack is that it handles the HIGH and TURBO mode for a very long time without problems. I can't give you exact charts, but you can use the TK65R for very long time without burning your hands. Good to know when you're looking for a good searchlight.. When the light get hot (above 65 degrees), it will automatically step down some lumens (not a full step) to avoid damage. Good feature; needed this light, because the XHP70 gets hot rather quick. If the battery get low, the light will downshift to ECO by full steps until the battery has run out of power.
At the end of this paragraph I can tell that the TK65R works like a Fenix: A simple interface, no specialties, only the main modes you need. But it works fine and doesn't need exercise.
Modes:
Five normal white modus on the TK65R, in order of: ECO > LOW > MED > HIGH > TURBO. Because I'm a fan of very low modes, I would have seen a lower that 30 lumen mode on the TK65R. On the other hand, this is a searchlight, and it will have a runtime from more than four days on ECO. The spacing is good; a nice surprise here is the impressive jump from HIGH to TURBO. What you see often, is that the difference between HIGH and TURBO isn't that much. Not for this TK65R: its impressive to see the output increase when you switch from HIGH to TURBO. Special modes are: STROBE and SOS. STROBE is also the only direct mode and has two frequencies. The light can be LOCKED-OUT by the two buttons, LOCK-OUT by releasing the cap isn't possible. The light has LOW-VOLTAGE-warning: if the battery is close to depletion, the light will blink three times every five minutes. All-in all: The modes we need are there.
Size comparison:
For comparison, I picked some light powered by the same XHP70 LED, but that have different dimensions to the TK65R. Later, I'll use these light for my beamshots too, so we can see what reflector and heads can do to a beamprofile!
26650-cell, Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
the heads: all powered by XHP70
the tails: Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
Tint:
The tint of the TK65R is slightly cooler than the other lights that are shown on the tint-picture. The Olight has a greenish beam, the Thorfire has some green in the corona. The spill of the TK65R has some bluish tint. Overall, for a coolwhite tint this is ok.
Beamprofile:
The TK65R shows a mixed profile, usable up to medium distance. A medium to large hotspot, and medium corona and spill. The rather deep reflector that has orange-peel structure gives the TK65R a nice search-beam: Not to floody, and a wall of light at medium distance. It's a clear beam without defects, also thanks to the perfectly centered LED; no PWM at any mode.
Beamshots:
As usual, starting my beamshots-session by projecting the light on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter away; the five white output-modes shown here, followed by a GIF.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/200 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
Going outdoors now; the TK65R mounted on a tripod that's placed on a road. A tree-line at the left and a wall at right, distance to the curve / last tree is about 200 meters. Starting with the five output modes, followed by a GIF; after that some shoot-outs against the other XHP70-lights.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
a GIF:
A shoot out against the Olight R50 Pro Seeker now. The Olight creates a wall of light at short distance, has good output; but the TK65R is the better searchlight here. Too much flood will blind your eyes, so you can see less far.
the TK65R against the Olight R50 Pro Seeker, both on turbo:
The TK65R against the big Thorfire S70 now! The very deep reflector of the S70 gives the light more throw; the TK65R has a smoother beam.
the TK65R against the Thorfire S70, both on highest output mode:
Conclusion:
I'm a fan of big lights and therefore I like the Fenix TK65R too. The light is excellent built and finished, it has the size of a Maglite, but is good to handle with. The belt-clip is a nice option, but I would like to see a lanyard-loop on this light too. A big step forward is the micro-USB charging option, so the dedicated Fenix-charger isn't a must anymore. A discharging option would be great! Great fact is also that the TK65R can run a long time at highest output-level. Most (compact) XHP70-powered lights give up after a few minutes, the TK65R goes on! Would prefer the buttons of (for example) the LD75C that have different shape, so you could easier locate the right one in the dark.
Summarizing: this is a great product; will take this personal guard and searchlight with me if have a big search-job or when I'll be alone in the forest! But with the (optional) diffusor you will have a candle with great runtimes on the camping too!
Special thanks to Fenixlight and KATO for providing the Fenix TK65R!
the next searchlight made by Fenix
designed for longtime-use
that has the powerful XHP70 emitter
special modes directly available
big power, long runtimes
As usual, we'll start by looking at the specs, given by Fenix:
Features:
· Cree XHP70 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
· Built-in 7.2V/5000mAh Li-ion battery pack
· Micro USB fast charging with fast charging adaptor
· Micro USB charging port with inner waterproofing design
· Dedicated catapult - action belt clip
· Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness
· Featuring battery level indication and low-voltage warning function
· Intelligent overheat protection protects from high surface temperature
· Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum; stainless steel strike bezel
· Premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
· Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating
Dimensions:
· 270.5mm / 10.65" length
· 36.5mm / 1.44" body diameter
· 61.5mm / 2.42" head diameter
· 418 grams including battery
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The TK65R is packed in an equal box as its earlier released brothers TK47 / TK47UE. Not a surprise, because those lights have about the same dimensions. So, again the attractive box here with the plastic carrying-loop in mostly black, orange and white. At the box the TK65R shown, the specs, the runtime graph, the output specs and some applications. This box looks neat and attractive. Restoring the light is no problem, you can easily put back the light and the parts in the protecting-foam inside. The box is complete and ready-to-go: Besides the TK65R a battery-pack, charger, spare O-ring, manual and leaflet is in. No holster this time, instead of this a new accessory is in: A belt-clip. Another nice accessory is the charger with USB-out: Nice to have an extra charger for your cellphone; you can also charge the TK65R by all micro-USB chargers. I can be short about this box: complete and good-looking! Have a look at the pictures below that show the box and what's in!
a neat box in Fenix-style
attractive and with plastic carrying-loop
on the back: features, specs and runtime graph
the light and the parts can easily be restored
mind to remove the cap on the battery-pack
the contents: TK65R, leaflets, manual, belt-clip, battery-pack, charger and spare O-ring
Impressions:
First impression: a big, rather heavy, but robust light that has high quality feels. The size of this light wasn't a surprise to me, because earlier this year I tried out the TK47 that has about the same length. But because of the 5000 mAh built-in battery-pack this flashlight has a thick body compared to its brother; this can be clearly felt when you pick up both lights. Nice fact is if you carry this light that you can use this "baton" for self-defense too; a safe feeling! Striking here is again the excellent overall build-quality of the TK65R: this big torch feels durable and long-lasting. The light comes in deep black and is easily recognizable as a Fenix: several details of the light remind on earlier released models. When I saw the first pics of this light, I had to get used by the little head relative to the long body, but in real life I have to admit that I like the appearance of the TK65R. Like I mentioned earlier, the overall machining and finishing is excellent done: No sharp parts of edges anywhere, perfectly anodized and a nice, grey engraving. There's one issue to me, also for the TK65R: the grey bezel is susceptible to get scratches after some use. I've had this with most Fenix-lights that I got; maybe other users will like it… The TK65R stands stable, both on head and tail, but the anti-rolling design should be improved. It will easily roll of the table; sometimes the fixed adapter for the belt clip that's on the body will stop the light. The nice body structure will give the light good grip. At the body we see the same buttons as on the big brother RC40-2016. Clear glass covers the lights' head, the orange peel reflector is free of defects and the XHP70 LED is perfectly centered. On the back we see the USB-charging-port that is protected against dust and water by a rubber cover. Also four green LEDS here that show the battery status, and a small rubber button that's needed to check the battery. Smooth running threads during releasing the cap (the head can't be removed) and also inside the cap and tube it looks ok: Same high-quality finishing as on the other parts of the TK65R. So, overall, I can be short: This is again a good looking and feeling product! Scroll down for the pictures that show more about the light and the details!
the Fenix TK65R searchlight
the looks remind on some earlier released Fenix-lights
stable standing, can be used as candle with (optional) diffusor too
a long flashlight with rather thick body
a deep orange peel reflector for smooth beam
the powerful "quad" XHP70 led
the 5000 mAh pack for long runtimes
notches in the head, but no good anti-rolling design
excellent grip and machining
a look at the engraving and the power-buttons
the adaptor for the belt-clip is fixed on the body
clear glass and a defect-free reflector
the XHP70 led is perfectly centered
a closer look at the tail
a rubber cover protects the micro-USB port of dust and water
the threads are well-machined
a look into the cap
and the tube
overall finishing is very good
a new accessory: a belt-clip
the "catapult-action" system
comes including a nice two-part charger
made for security-jobs
no defects visible..
all parts well finished
on the tail: power indicator with button for checking and the charging port
all LEDS green: fully charged, battery in good condition
made for heavy and long searchjobs
nice appearance
the grey bezel isn't scratch resistant
using the belt-clip
TK65R in "stand-by-modus" here
another option to the clip: wall-mounting!
the TK65R in the twilight
User interface:
A big light like the TK65R can't be carried in your pocket, that's not a surprise to you I think. On the other hand, a torch of this dimensions has excellent grip, it won't slip out of your hand easily. So this is the advantage of the length and the body-thickness of this torch. I miss lanyard on this light. Fenix has added the (nice) belt-clip that works well, but in some circumstances a lanyard is better. Would like to see it back on next big Fenix.
A big step forward is the fact that this light has a micro-usb port. Now you can charge the light by using any charger with micro-usb plug. So no risk if you forget the dedicated charger that you will run out of power. Really happy with this update! The big battery pack charges in about four hours when completely depleted, so that's rather quick. The green leds next to the usb-port inform about battery- or charging-status: four LEDS mean that the battery is 80% or more, one LED means less than 20%. This works like we're used of Fenix: no-nonsense and good. What I miss is a discharging function, like the RC40-brother has. This pack has the power to charge your phone in case of emergency, so it would be a good option.
Fenix has kept the interface simple, you don't have to get used by it. The TK65R is designed for those who will be sure of a lot of light when needed, without having a lot of other options. The light has the same two-button operation like we saw earlier at the RC40-2016: The lower button is for the normal modes, the upper switch for the special. To me, the button might be some bigger and different in shape; it makes finding the right one easier. Also I like a stiff structure above these smooth buttons. Turn the TK65R on or off by a long press and cycle through the modes by a short press. That's all, and very easy. No special modes here, the light starts in last used normal mode. The upper button is only for the special modes, but works both from off and on: A long press from off and a short one when the light is on activates direct-Strobe; next short-press will bring you to SOS-mode. Long press in special mode to turn off, or press the lower button (when the light was in any normal mode) to go back to normal mode. I like to have direct access to Strobe on a flashlight, so well done, but the risk of activating it accidentally is high at the TK65R. What I like about Fenix that the SOS-mode doesn't have the full and battery consuming lumens: this medium output should be enough to get located. Press and hold bold buttons to lock-out the light. This lock is indicated by two flashes. Same way to unlock. Works well, no problems with it.
Advantage of a big light powered by a big pack is that it handles the HIGH and TURBO mode for a very long time without problems. I can't give you exact charts, but you can use the TK65R for very long time without burning your hands. Good to know when you're looking for a good searchlight.. When the light get hot (above 65 degrees), it will automatically step down some lumens (not a full step) to avoid damage. Good feature; needed this light, because the XHP70 gets hot rather quick. If the battery get low, the light will downshift to ECO by full steps until the battery has run out of power.
At the end of this paragraph I can tell that the TK65R works like a Fenix: A simple interface, no specialties, only the main modes you need. But it works fine and doesn't need exercise.
Modes:
Five normal white modus on the TK65R, in order of: ECO > LOW > MED > HIGH > TURBO. Because I'm a fan of very low modes, I would have seen a lower that 30 lumen mode on the TK65R. On the other hand, this is a searchlight, and it will have a runtime from more than four days on ECO. The spacing is good; a nice surprise here is the impressive jump from HIGH to TURBO. What you see often, is that the difference between HIGH and TURBO isn't that much. Not for this TK65R: its impressive to see the output increase when you switch from HIGH to TURBO. Special modes are: STROBE and SOS. STROBE is also the only direct mode and has two frequencies. The light can be LOCKED-OUT by the two buttons, LOCK-OUT by releasing the cap isn't possible. The light has LOW-VOLTAGE-warning: if the battery is close to depletion, the light will blink three times every five minutes. All-in all: The modes we need are there.
Size comparison:
For comparison, I picked some light powered by the same XHP70 LED, but that have different dimensions to the TK65R. Later, I'll use these light for my beamshots too, so we can see what reflector and heads can do to a beamprofile!
26650-cell, Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
the heads: all powered by XHP70
the tails: Olight R50 Pro Seeker, Thorfire S70 and Fenix TK65R
Tint:
The tint of the TK65R is slightly cooler than the other lights that are shown on the tint-picture. The Olight has a greenish beam, the Thorfire has some green in the corona. The spill of the TK65R has some bluish tint. Overall, for a coolwhite tint this is ok.
Beamprofile:
The TK65R shows a mixed profile, usable up to medium distance. A medium to large hotspot, and medium corona and spill. The rather deep reflector that has orange-peel structure gives the TK65R a nice search-beam: Not to floody, and a wall of light at medium distance. It's a clear beam without defects, also thanks to the perfectly centered LED; no PWM at any mode.
Beamshots:
As usual, starting my beamshots-session by projecting the light on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter away; the five white output-modes shown here, followed by a GIF.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/200 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
Going outdoors now; the TK65R mounted on a tripod that's placed on a road. A tree-line at the left and a wall at right, distance to the curve / last tree is about 200 meters. Starting with the five output modes, followed by a GIF; after that some shoot-outs against the other XHP70-lights.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
a GIF:
A shoot out against the Olight R50 Pro Seeker now. The Olight creates a wall of light at short distance, has good output; but the TK65R is the better searchlight here. Too much flood will blind your eyes, so you can see less far.
the TK65R against the Olight R50 Pro Seeker, both on turbo:
The TK65R against the big Thorfire S70 now! The very deep reflector of the S70 gives the light more throw; the TK65R has a smoother beam.
the TK65R against the Thorfire S70, both on highest output mode:
Conclusion:
I'm a fan of big lights and therefore I like the Fenix TK65R too. The light is excellent built and finished, it has the size of a Maglite, but is good to handle with. The belt-clip is a nice option, but I would like to see a lanyard-loop on this light too. A big step forward is the micro-USB charging option, so the dedicated Fenix-charger isn't a must anymore. A discharging option would be great! Great fact is also that the TK65R can run a long time at highest output-level. Most (compact) XHP70-powered lights give up after a few minutes, the TK65R goes on! Would prefer the buttons of (for example) the LD75C that have different shape, so you could easier locate the right one in the dark.
Summarizing: this is a great product; will take this personal guard and searchlight with me if have a big search-job or when I'll be alone in the forest! But with the (optional) diffusor you will have a candle with great runtimes on the camping too!
Special thanks to Fenixlight and KATO for providing the Fenix TK65R!
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