One step up from TK45 ?

[JimInFL]

Need some advice before I spend any more money. I just added a Fenix TK45 to my collection, but I'd like to go 1 more step up, to satisfy myself.
In trying to describe what I'm looking for, this is the scenario I came up with.

Lets say we put a 3' dummy laying down at each corner of the goal line on a football field. Walk to the other goal line under the goal post, turn the light on beam down the center of the field, and be able to at least detect that there are two 'out of place' objects at the other end. Is that a realistic expectation from a handheld light ? Hopefully something not a lot bigger physically than my TK45 ? How about same scenario at 150-200 yards ?

Thanks guys !

JimInFL

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Need some advice before I spend any more money. I just added a Fenix TK45 to my collection, but I'd like to go 1 more step up, to satisfy myself.
In trying to describe what I'm looking for, this is the scenario I came up with.

Lets say we put a 3' dummy laying down at each corner of the goal line on a football field. Walk to the other goal line under the goal post, turn the light on beam down the center of the field, and be able to at least detect that there are two 'out of place' objects at the other end. Is that a realistic expectation from a handheld light ? Hopefully something not a lot bigger physically than my TK45 ? How about same scenario at 150-200 yards ?

Thanks guys !

JimInFL

To feel lots brighter than the TK40/45, you'll want to be lots brighter than 600 lumens. That'll pretty much call for double or triple, so you're into the range of a throwy reflector on a hard-driven SST90, several XP-G in nice reflectors, or HID. HID is the cheaper option, if you can accept it starting at less-than-full brightness and no superlong life modes. Those can be had in mag-lite-size things, for around $150-$200. Unfortunately I haven't used such beasts, just the Stanley HID.

In your football field, are you the only source of light? If so, these would manage it. If you're fighting other lights, then it's unlikely to work with most hand-held lights.

 

[mvyrmnd]

Sounds like a job for the SR90...

 

[shado]

Sounds like a job for the SR90...

I agree :twothumbs I have a Fenix TK45 and the Olight SR90 The SR90 is bigger but gets the job done and then some. Not only will you be impressed, your friend/family will be WOWed. Good luck with your search :wave:

Todd

 

[HKJ]

The TK45 is mostly a flood light, i.e. it is very useful at short distances, but does not throw light very far. Lights with about same output, but better focussed will throw the light considerable longer.

I have done a beamshot at 160 meters range with TK45 and some other high power lights, maybe this can help you.

 

[CarpentryHero]

To throw that distance just needs a good reflector, a Streamlight supertac has a tight beam, even though its only 130 lumen rated it eluminates well past the 100 yards that my eyes could focus in on. I couldn't say for certain the exact range without help, football field I would say plausible.
The Pelican7060 LED will throw for 100 meters +
I like it because it's rechargeable without removing the battery. It's more throw than I need, but no ones going to buy it from me for $180 so I might as well keep it.short range wall of light types suit me perfect for my line of work

The TK45 owns that first 30 feet great, it's very cool. Lots of throwier lights ou there

 

[JimInFL]

Just what I was looking for guys - Thanks.

Sounds like I'm at the turning point - if I want more now, I'm going to have to be willing to lay out the seriously bigger bucks.

Jim In FL

 

[CarpentryHero]

Using toe right tool for the job always makes things go more smoothly.
The Jack of all trades, master of none comes to mind.
You could go the Lego able route. Get a Solarforce L2M and one of the
the head that's for throw. Swap heads depending on what your doing.
Not sure on the name of it. That's the route I'm taking with my flashlights.
Swapping p60 dropins for different tasks, and requirements.
Solarforce are Surefire clones, some of there models take 18650 cells.
I like the affordability of them to figure out what set up I like, and consider there build quality great for the price.

 

[tre]

You don't need a brighter light but you do need more throw. That is my problem with the TK45- it is just a big flood light. When you have light go in every direction all over the place it seems less bright and is useless at distance. You don't need to spend bigger bucks to get more throw. You could go the Tiable A10G route or EagleTac M3C4 triple XR-E route. Both lights are the same money you spent on you TK45. For a bit more money you could do an Olight M31 - but only if you plan on using high mode for less than 10 min since it gets too hot to run on high after that. Also, don't forget the ever trusty Catipult V2. Don't bother to spend the money on an Olight SR90. If you want a light that bright (brighter actually), get a VaraPower2000 which will put out more lumens and you can get it dedomed for even more throw. After those, you next step is an HID. A cheap starting point is the Titanium L35.

 

[CarpentryHero]

Stanley HID is $80, if you live in the USA it's in Walmart.
In Canada the Motomaster Eliminator HID regular $100 on sale for $50 today.
Not small lights but alot of light for an affordable price. I own both

 

[JimInFL]

Lots of good info and opinions here. I could actually qualify my needs a bit better and take it a step further. Might make a good thread for another beginner like myself.

I'm getting involved with the local Sheriff's CoP volunteer program. I'm planning/hoping to also be involved with S&R. For my keychain I have a Maratac AAA. For EDC on belt, I have a Surefire 6P w/Malkoff drop-in (see additional below). For S&R, I was picturing the TK45 as being good for walking in the woods on low/med, then stepping into a clearing I have high, to better assess what my next step is. Honestly, I'm thinking now that the TK may do just fine for what I need. Getting out there 100+ yards is a very specific task, for a specific light. Like has been said before - even you're vision is getting questionable at that distance, regardless of the amount of light you put on it. I think I'll just be quiet and wait and see if the TK doesn't do just fine for me.

Jim In FL

-- on this side subject... I bought a 6P new off ebay. Ordered the drop-in from Gene, ordered a clicky tail cap. Approx $140 in it now. On a whim, I ordered a couple of Ultrafire 501Bs for about 15/ea from DE. I'm hard pressed to see the difference in performance.