Fenix TK10 review (comparing to Streamlight TLR-2) Any Opinions?

[batpot]

newb here...looking for feedback on the Fenix series of lights.

My primary concern is that it seems the "turbo" mode is not all it's cracked up to be. Besides not seeming to perform as advertised, you have to twist the head down really tight in order to get the turbo mode to engage.

My little experiment:

Quick rundown of the 2 lights...
Fenix TK10:
Cree Q5 LED; 2 modes: Normal 60 lumen and Turbo 225 lumen
Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries

Streamlight TLR-2:
C4 LED; 1 mode at 135 lumen
Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries

I performed a simple test to compare the 2 lights; I shined them on my hallway wall at just a few feet away. I used the same batteries for each light (and they're not fresh batteries)

Initial reaction to TK10:
I'm not convinced it's actually putting out 225 lumen. Compared to the TLR-2 which is rated at 135 lumen, it doesn't seem much brighter at all; in fact the TLR-2 might even be brighter.

Initially, the "turbo mode" (which is how it puts out the purported 225 lumen) did not work, but after taking it apart and wiping down and cleaning the contacts it did kick in...there was quite a bit of oil/gunk in there.
Essentially, you screw the head on tighter and it makes more contact closing another circuit which boosts the intensity...I may have over tightened it prior to cleaning though; it looked like there might have been some metal shavings from the 2nd set of contacts rubbing against each other...whoops.

Here's some comparison pics...you can definitely tell the difference between the cast of the Fenix's Cree LED and the TLR-2's C4 (there are 2 little nail holes in the wall that you can use for size reference).

Normal Mode TK10:

Turbo Mode TK10:

TLR-2:

 

[DaFABRICATA]

I do not have a TK10, but I do have the TLR-2.

If you are not using FRESH batteries, that could be the reason the TK10 seems not as bright.

Try fresh batteries and report back...


BTW...Welcome to CPF!:welcome:

 

[batpot]

thanks!

I will definitely do it again w/ fresh batteries.
Does that mean the Cree LED's are more susceptible to weak batteries than the C4 LEDs?

Also, any other Fenix owners have the same problem w/ having to really crank down the head to engage turbo mode?
I was thinking I could possibly get a small washer to stick in there, to take up some of the space, so I wouldn't have to screw it down so tight.

 

[TONY M]

Hi Batpot,

I have to ask if the beamshots were taken with the camera in manual settings? If they were taken in auto mode then this would explain the lack of differences in the beamshots.

I don't have to crank the head down that hard to engage turbo mode but it can not be done easily with one hand.

:welcome:

 

[Henk_Lu]

Beamshots can be hard to analyse as you never know the camera settings, but that turbo shot doesn't look like my TK10 on turbo! :duh2:

Of course it doesn't get 4 times as bright as on low, but it is actually a real difference. If I compare the beam to the U2 that puts out 100 real lumens, the TK10 is noticably brighter.

As for the engagement of the turbo, the lights are all as different as their beams are. Mine is like Tony M described, difficult with one hand, but smooth wit two hands. I can even adjust it that way on low, that I can have temporary turbo by tearing the head down.

 

[batpot]

Good point about the camera settings; as far as I know they were consistent, but it is an auto camera, so who knows how it might have changed on me.
However, the images do corroborate my naked eye observation.

As for the turbo mode engagement, I think it must be a manufacturing flaw. it's very difficult to engage it; requires 2 hands, and I often accidentally unscrew the base cap due to the tight grip on the shaft while trying to twist the head w/ my other hand.

If I can't find a washer that will work, I might just have to send it to fenix for repair/replacement, but that's on the other side of the world.

 

[Zatoichi]

Also, any other Fenix owners have the same problem w/ having to really crank down the head to engage turbo mode?

When I first got mine I noticed after tightening it for turbo mode, then leaving it a while it would sometimes come on in low mode, and I'd need to loosen and tighten it again. I gave it a good clean and it's been fine since. Try cleaning and lubricating it (if you haven't already). It is still a little on the stiff side, but I think that's just resistance from the o-ring.

*Edit* sorry, I see you've tried cleaning it. Maybe it'll just take a little while to 'wear in'.

 

[batpot]

I got a brass c-clip from the hardware store and it worked like a charm!

I won't bother w/ additional beam shots due to my auto camera, but needless to say the flashlight is not only much brighter in turbo mode, but it also engages much easier!