OpticalSerenity
Newly Enlightened
Thanks to 4Sevens and www.fenix-Store.com for getting a TK10 to me early. The Cake is delicious! If you have never dealt with Fenix-Store, you're missing out. They are the by far my favorite source for lights. In fact, if they don't have it, you don't need it.
So on to the review. As some of you know, I'm a metro Atlanta police officer, and I work the night shift. I am on regular patrol, which means I handle calls such as home invasions, home and business alarms, and of course, traffic stops. Obviously a regular stop requires a good flashlight, but a more indepth stop such as a DUI requires a great light for an extended period of time.
So when I found out I was going to be able to get the TK10 prior to launch, I decided to replace my Pelican 7060 LAPD on my belt with the TK10 and use it as my primary light. My Fenix P3D Q5 remained my backup light in my pocket while on duty.
First thing I noticed when I removed the TK10 out of the box was that Fenix had removed the round style of the T1 and made it more jagged. I instantly was in love. This light reminds me a lot of my Surefire M2, which up until it was lost was by far my favorite light body.
Usually when I use the light, I have my Hatch gloves on, so:
I modified the nylon holster that came with it from Fenix. I removed the plastic ring, removed the top flap, and removed the velcro on the front. My tip to fenix would be to look at slightly more durable holster designs. Perhaps even a kydex holster setup as an extra option. The open top is integral as it takes too long to access the light otherwise. Plus, many times when I need a flashlight while on duty, I need to be silent. A snap or velcro are out of the question.
Fenix TK10 + Gun:
Utilizing the ring on the TK10:
The bottom line:
I love it. I love having only a low and high. I have no use for strobe, SOS, or the low-low modes when I'm working. So this makes things easier. The low setting is perfectly fine for almost everything I did until we went behind a house looking for someone. Then I switched to high so I could pan the woods. It's noticeably brighter than my P3D Q5 Turbo mode. Or so I think. Maybe it's just me
It came with a clip, but I didn't put it on there. I like the option of having a clip if I want. But also being able to remove it. I've had Surefires that I thought would be perfect if I could remove the clip easily. Removable pocket clips have long been the norm in the knife world, so I'm glad to see it here.
I really like the new tailcap switch. It sticks out just right, and is easy to activate for momentary on. I'm not worried about sitting the light up on its tail. Its a "tactical" light, not a tent lamp. I don't kick a door down with a coleman led lamp in my hand.
I see Fenix being a much more known brand in the law enforcement community soon. This light and it's price range of $79 are exactly what most cops and firefighters are looking for. Most guys I know think that a $200 surefire is just too expensive, but they can better justify $79. My P3D Q5 has gotten much attention by other officers, but they always ask for something that is more rugged and easier to hold. The Tk10 answers that.
The only draw back I found, and quickly got over, was tucking the light under my arm while talking to someone in order to take notes. It'll take some getting used to.
Not only that, but at $79 this light out performs lights I have that are much more expensive.
While mine has gotten wet, I haven't fully submersed it yet. It looks like it'll handle being dunked just fine from the looks of the O-rings and construction.
Again, thanks to Fenix-store.com and 4Sevens.
So on to the review. As some of you know, I'm a metro Atlanta police officer, and I work the night shift. I am on regular patrol, which means I handle calls such as home invasions, home and business alarms, and of course, traffic stops. Obviously a regular stop requires a good flashlight, but a more indepth stop such as a DUI requires a great light for an extended period of time.
So when I found out I was going to be able to get the TK10 prior to launch, I decided to replace my Pelican 7060 LAPD on my belt with the TK10 and use it as my primary light. My Fenix P3D Q5 remained my backup light in my pocket while on duty.
First thing I noticed when I removed the TK10 out of the box was that Fenix had removed the round style of the T1 and made it more jagged. I instantly was in love. This light reminds me a lot of my Surefire M2, which up until it was lost was by far my favorite light body.
Usually when I use the light, I have my Hatch gloves on, so:
I modified the nylon holster that came with it from Fenix. I removed the plastic ring, removed the top flap, and removed the velcro on the front. My tip to fenix would be to look at slightly more durable holster designs. Perhaps even a kydex holster setup as an extra option. The open top is integral as it takes too long to access the light otherwise. Plus, many times when I need a flashlight while on duty, I need to be silent. A snap or velcro are out of the question.
Fenix TK10 + Gun:
Utilizing the ring on the TK10:
The bottom line:
I love it. I love having only a low and high. I have no use for strobe, SOS, or the low-low modes when I'm working. So this makes things easier. The low setting is perfectly fine for almost everything I did until we went behind a house looking for someone. Then I switched to high so I could pan the woods. It's noticeably brighter than my P3D Q5 Turbo mode. Or so I think. Maybe it's just me
It came with a clip, but I didn't put it on there. I like the option of having a clip if I want. But also being able to remove it. I've had Surefires that I thought would be perfect if I could remove the clip easily. Removable pocket clips have long been the norm in the knife world, so I'm glad to see it here.
I really like the new tailcap switch. It sticks out just right, and is easy to activate for momentary on. I'm not worried about sitting the light up on its tail. Its a "tactical" light, not a tent lamp. I don't kick a door down with a coleman led lamp in my hand.
I see Fenix being a much more known brand in the law enforcement community soon. This light and it's price range of $79 are exactly what most cops and firefighters are looking for. Most guys I know think that a $200 surefire is just too expensive, but they can better justify $79. My P3D Q5 has gotten much attention by other officers, but they always ask for something that is more rugged and easier to hold. The Tk10 answers that.
The only draw back I found, and quickly got over, was tucking the light under my arm while talking to someone in order to take notes. It'll take some getting used to.
Not only that, but at $79 this light out performs lights I have that are much more expensive.
While mine has gotten wet, I haven't fully submersed it yet. It looks like it'll handle being dunked just fine from the looks of the O-rings and construction.
Again, thanks to Fenix-store.com and 4Sevens.