woodrow
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hi,
I went for a walk with a buddy tonight and decided to take my TK20 instead of the Raidfire Spear that usually comes with me. After walking with the light on a dark dirt path for 40 minutes, I began to think about the light's tactical applications.
First off, I should say that I have never been in Law Enforcement, so I would welcome comments from people who are. I have been in both low level (guarding property) to higher level (armed escort) security for a number of years of my life. (though it is not what I do now) While involved in higher level security, I was into the study of proper shooting techniques and tactics just like many other members are here. So while I do not claim in any way to have the depth of knowledge of a seasoned S.W.A.T. team member.... I might have a small amount of insight to back my argument.
The following are reasons that I think the TK20 has some great merits not found in any other Patrol/Tactical lights.
First, the obvious reasons.... It is bright enough at 150 lumens. At least as bright or maybe slightly brighter than my old SF Gpz with the P61 bulb....with much better runtime. It has a forward switch that gives enough feedback that you are unlikely to click it full on, when you only wanted momentary. It has an incredibly simple UI with high and medium levels that can be set with the light on or off. Lastly, it has enough throw to illuminate objects well out to 50 yards, while keeping a wide usable spot and a wide usable spill area.
The above reasons work for and hold true for many of the 2x123a/18650 lights on the market right now. But the TK20 does some things that no other tactical light does.
The TK20 is the first (to my knowledge anyway) 2xAA light that is a true tactical light. I really like the AA platform because it would give the police officer or security guard the ability to either use Enerloops or other common (buy anywhere) rechargable battery options. While 123a and 18650 rechargable batteries are common to us.... you do not find them at your local 24hr Wal-Mart. The light can also run on the wonderful AA Energizer lithium batteries which have a 15 year shelf life and give the light about 2 hours of regulated use on high. Alkilines could also be used in a pinch....though runtime would be much less on high and reduced on medium. But, they would be availible at any 24 hour gas station or Walgreens type of store that someone working the 3rd shift would have access to. 123a's are harder to come by in the middle of the night. I find this to be very important because I have forgotten to bring extra 123a's to work...or had my rechargable battery stick die in a Ultra Stinger and SF and Inova rechargable lights....and either had to goto a backup light...or be in the dark.
Next, the light's output and tint are nice when clearing a building with white walls. I do not notice the loss of night vision as much while walking through my house with the TK20 shining on walls a few feet in front of me nearly as much as I do when I am hit by the light bounce back from my Olight M20 on high or worse, the Spear on high. The TK20 also has a wider spill than most of my 2x123a lights.
Finally, the TK20 is one of the toughest lights I have owned. Its switch is protected on two sides by metal fins. Its battery tube is 3+times thicker than the battery tube on most of my lights, and the head is solid and heavy. (this gives the added benifit of the light not getting to warm with extended use) The light could deliver a serious blow from either end... and it is long enough that both ends stick out past the front and back of my hand.
So, what do you think? With its multiple power sources, good output, simple UI and extreem toughness, would you recomend it as a serious contender for one of the best tactical lights out there..... or am I missing something and is there a huge hole in my logic? (it would not be the first time) I would be interested in what others in the LE/Security industries have to say on the matter as well. But for myself, after spending $,$$$ on lights, I think the Fenix may have stumbled onto a great tactical light with the TK20.
Here is a link to a great thread on the TK20, including beamshots and runtime graphs from various members:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205800
I went for a walk with a buddy tonight and decided to take my TK20 instead of the Raidfire Spear that usually comes with me. After walking with the light on a dark dirt path for 40 minutes, I began to think about the light's tactical applications.
First off, I should say that I have never been in Law Enforcement, so I would welcome comments from people who are. I have been in both low level (guarding property) to higher level (armed escort) security for a number of years of my life. (though it is not what I do now) While involved in higher level security, I was into the study of proper shooting techniques and tactics just like many other members are here. So while I do not claim in any way to have the depth of knowledge of a seasoned S.W.A.T. team member.... I might have a small amount of insight to back my argument.
The following are reasons that I think the TK20 has some great merits not found in any other Patrol/Tactical lights.
First, the obvious reasons.... It is bright enough at 150 lumens. At least as bright or maybe slightly brighter than my old SF Gpz with the P61 bulb....with much better runtime. It has a forward switch that gives enough feedback that you are unlikely to click it full on, when you only wanted momentary. It has an incredibly simple UI with high and medium levels that can be set with the light on or off. Lastly, it has enough throw to illuminate objects well out to 50 yards, while keeping a wide usable spot and a wide usable spill area.
The above reasons work for and hold true for many of the 2x123a/18650 lights on the market right now. But the TK20 does some things that no other tactical light does.
The TK20 is the first (to my knowledge anyway) 2xAA light that is a true tactical light. I really like the AA platform because it would give the police officer or security guard the ability to either use Enerloops or other common (buy anywhere) rechargable battery options. While 123a and 18650 rechargable batteries are common to us.... you do not find them at your local 24hr Wal-Mart. The light can also run on the wonderful AA Energizer lithium batteries which have a 15 year shelf life and give the light about 2 hours of regulated use on high. Alkilines could also be used in a pinch....though runtime would be much less on high and reduced on medium. But, they would be availible at any 24 hour gas station or Walgreens type of store that someone working the 3rd shift would have access to. 123a's are harder to come by in the middle of the night. I find this to be very important because I have forgotten to bring extra 123a's to work...or had my rechargable battery stick die in a Ultra Stinger and SF and Inova rechargable lights....and either had to goto a backup light...or be in the dark.
Next, the light's output and tint are nice when clearing a building with white walls. I do not notice the loss of night vision as much while walking through my house with the TK20 shining on walls a few feet in front of me nearly as much as I do when I am hit by the light bounce back from my Olight M20 on high or worse, the Spear on high. The TK20 also has a wider spill than most of my 2x123a lights.
Finally, the TK20 is one of the toughest lights I have owned. Its switch is protected on two sides by metal fins. Its battery tube is 3+times thicker than the battery tube on most of my lights, and the head is solid and heavy. (this gives the added benifit of the light not getting to warm with extended use) The light could deliver a serious blow from either end... and it is long enough that both ends stick out past the front and back of my hand.
So, what do you think? With its multiple power sources, good output, simple UI and extreem toughness, would you recomend it as a serious contender for one of the best tactical lights out there..... or am I missing something and is there a huge hole in my logic? (it would not be the first time) I would be interested in what others in the LE/Security industries have to say on the matter as well. But for myself, after spending $,$$$ on lights, I think the Fenix may have stumbled onto a great tactical light with the TK20.
Here is a link to a great thread on the TK20, including beamshots and runtime graphs from various members:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205800
