Need replacement/upgrade for TK20

[Akilae]

Longtime lurker here from EDCF! A few years ago I bought a Fenix TK20 on the strength of the recommendations I saw on the forums, and have loved it ever since. While it's still going strong, I was wondering if newer technology might offer possible upgrades for my trusty TK20. My folks are also asking for flashlight recommendations, and while I would have said the TK20 without hesitation, the fact that it's discontinued makes it difficult. My main consideration is: AA batteries, and primarily throw rather than flood. So far I have a few possibilities in mind: 1) Another TK20 - If it works, why not? However I have not been able to find any place to buy more. 2) A 4sevens Quark Turbo (or even just a Quark AA2? A Quark X AA2?) - This seems to be a forum favorite, although I've seen heard rumblings about QC issues. 3) Any others you guys can think of? Thanks in advance!

 

[Ezeriel]

Fenix E40 is just out yesterday or so... I don't think it's neutral tint though...

I replaced my TK20 with a ShiningBeam Spark XP-G Neutral. It's floody, but it throws just as far as my TK20, and puts out an absurd amount of light (265 lumens)

There really isn't a good replacement for the TK20 out there. The Fenix E21 is rather similar to the TK20; 135 ANSI lumens.. should be about the same as the TK20.. but it's floody.

 

[MichaelW]

The E21 is more/less the spiritual descendant of the TK20.
It has an xp-e, and is pretty throwy.
Alkalines won't provide maximum runtime in Turbo mode. So if you are going to supply batteries for them, I'd recommend the updated Energizer EA91s, or if you can find some closeout/clearance Energizer L91s 7x/8x.

Another possibility, ET P100A2 + xp-g S2, that should throw as well as a TK20

 

[Akilae]

Thanks! The E21 seems to be a good choice for my folks: simple to use so they won't have to fiddle around with modes, simple construction, and takes 2xAAs. I actually don't allow them to use alkalines. After their run-in with battery leaks I've supplied them with eneloops and chargers, and things seem to be working out well enough. For myself though, I've been reevaluating my light usage, and am trending towards a neutral-white Quark X for more flexible general use... won't get as much throw, but the extra flood will be worth the tradeoff.

 

[biglights]

I have the E21 and it will work well for your parents. You mentioned that you are getting a neutral white light, have you given the EagleTac D25LC2 a look? It runs on 2cr123a or 18650 I really enjoy this light.

 

[Akilae]

The D25LC2 looks good, but I need something that runs on AAs. I've long since standardized all of my battery usage to eneloop AAs to cut down on what I need to bring with me when out and about.

The Dereelight Javelin looks to be a solid choice as well, and might actually complement my (soon-to-be) Zebralight H502 better than a Quark X. Decisions decisions decisions...

Edit: Seems like the older XPG Quarks would also provide a bit more throw than the newer XMLs... hmm...

 

[SuLyMaN]

Self builts rated the quarkx at around 400 lumens....

Sent from my GT-S5660 using Tapatalk 2

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

Why not swap the LED with a neutral, modern emitter? It can be done. :)