I say go for it!!! I got mine and even if it's bigger then then other or this or that, I think it's a great light for the fact it used batteries you can find just about anywhere in the world. It is also a tough light and great thrower.
TK40 or wait?
- Thread starter Wildewinds
- Start date
You are quite off topic here... Aurora is just a noname Chinese brand. It has no customer service and questionable build quality.
If you have the willpower to wait, it might be worth it... or not....
Companies will always come up with products with higher specs (not always better). You can wait forever for best and final product to come out (which will never happen) or take a chance and buy now. It's mostly a matter or willpower and patience. I got my TK40 2 months ago, even though I promised I'd wait many more months and I just love it and swear never to regret it. I say this even though I'm probably wrong: I seriously don't need a brighter flashlight... just a more perfect combination of flashlights...
Companies will always come up with products with higher specs (not always better). You can wait forever for best and final product to come out (which will never happen) or take a chance and buy now. It's mostly a matter or willpower and patience. I got my TK40 2 months ago, even though I promised I'd wait many more months and I just love it and swear never to regret it. I say this even though I'm probably wrong: I seriously don't need a brighter flashlight... just a more perfect combination of flashlights...
jahxman
Enlightened
I have this light - it is nowhere close to 900 lumens. It probably puts out 350 lumens if it is lucky - lucky as in if it works when you get it from DX.
Mine didn't, it was non-functional when it arrived. I had to do some repairs to get it to work somewhat reliably. You will find this with most of the cheap DX lights - the high lumens that are claimed are theoretical amounts that could be produced under ideal conditions in a laboratory setting - not out the front lumens in the real world.
The light gets quite hot after a minute or two and the output drops further the hotter it gets.
Don't get me wrong, it's a bright flashlight - but you get what you pay for, and it is not anywhere near the league of some of the better lights available.
If you want an inexpensive, good quality MC-E or P7, get an MG PLI - only about 20 dollars more than the DX lights and vastly better IMO
Thank you for the information. I am very new at lights. I just remember a lot of folks here talk about DX when I became a member a year or so ago. I have a pair of Tradecraft that are very bright. They were $30 total from BJ and are very bright and durable. After buying them, my perspective on flashlights change as I no longer believe high dollar flashlights are the only ones of good quality.
I am in need of a good lights that can be used as defensive tool when I need to go in D.C. where all firearms are prohibit outside the house. A good flash in the face will temporarily blind the bg and give me a chance to either run and do some defensive damage.
It is hard to know what is a good company out there since there are tons of them popping up. A few reviews on here have low price clones beating high dollar originals. I definitely don't want a Surefire as the name is half of the cost.
I wonder of Dorcy is a good brand. I have a few Dorcy incansdescent lights and they always work whenever I need them. They are tough as hell too. Strangely enough, some Dorcy's have life time warranty while some only carry one year warranty.
I was considering the TK40 to replace a halogen spotlight but someone mentioned its more of a floodlight than a spotlight. I like the fact that it takes AA batteries but I would have liked a settng in between high at 277 lumens and turbo at 630 lumens. Any Aussies here use this light for spotlighting in the bush at night?
If the halogen spotlight you're thinking about is a 5 million candle power, 6V 55W spotlight or something similar to that, then taking it out into the bush its heavy and not the easiest thing to carry.
There are 500,000 candle power halogen lights. I think mines a dorcy, it has a cigarette lighter plug ,and its really cheap but beam is really ugly compared to the TK40. In terms of illumination, the TK40 is much much better. It has a smooth spot and great spill and shines a long long way. It nothing like a flood light but you can use it as one because the spill lights up a bbq area really well from a height.
Only wish the tint was different. When the beam hits close up silvery foilage, its a little too bright and it hurts the night vision.
Get one...enjoy it....
As soon as you get it there will be another bigger faster better one.
But then...you'll have a great light that you'll be enjoying.
I bought a TA30 and a week later the TA20 and TA21 came out...it happens.
The TK40 lives up to expectations. It's quite bright. I would be fine useing it as a spot light on a search. This light brings daylight to a dark forest.:D
As soon as you get it there will be another bigger faster better one.
But then...you'll have a great light that you'll be enjoying.
I bought a TA30 and a week later the TA20 and TA21 came out...it happens.
The TK40 lives up to expectations. It's quite bright. I would be fine useing it as a spot light on a search. This light brings daylight to a dark forest.:D
maniacdave
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 21
TK40 vs. M1X
I'd rather go for M1X. Initially, I was torn between TK40 and M1X, but the latter is clearly better. Specs and numbers are all fine, but real world performance cannot be judged solely on them.
Clever statement by Fenix "TK40 is the world's brightest, AA-powered flashlight" has to be taken with a pinch of salt. The keyword there is "AA-powered". :) Although both have Cree MC-E diode, manuf. rated 700lm (at emitter), actual output depends on the current, the driver circuit and most importantly, the optics, where 30-60% of light volume gets lost.
I was lucky to have been able to test both flashlights; after that, there was no argument to which one is better. M1X has a more natual tint to it too. It's not exactly warm, but the light is more pleasant. TK40 isn't cool either, but personally I liked M1X better.
Overall light output - some say TK40 is brighter compared to M1X, but it just isn't true. I guess this opinion might be caused by different manuf. rating. TK40 says 630 lumens, M1X says 450. The difference is that TK40 rating is for the diode, whereas M1X is for the actual flashlight output (diode having 700lm). I'd guess TK40's actual output is somewhere around the usual 60%, 380lm.
I don't think I can do M1X justice just by describing it. It's an amazing thrower, but incredibly, there's enough spill to light up the trajectory all the way like a Christmas tree. TK40, having a smaller reflector, doesn't throw that much light that far. It has slightly more spill, but it isn't even as bright as M1X's.
Portability - it depends on what you prefer. Its small reflector makes for more compact shape. On the other hand, it's quite thick and it's harder to attach it to something. Empty, they both weigh the same, but with 8 batteries TK40 is noticeably heavier.
Batteries - M1X with all the possible combinations is a clear winner: 3xCR123A, 3xRCR123, 2x18500, 4xCR123A, 4xRCR123, 2x18650. That is unless you wish to stick with AA's and replacing / recharging 8 of those quite often. TK40 doesn't even approach M1X's runtime (even w/o the extender).
Check out these images. Same location and exposure. Unfortunately, the dark subject (woods) absorbs enough light to diminish the difference, it is more pronounced IRL. This M1X is the 1st gen, not as bright as the current version. Nevertheless, with it you can see the hotspot's cone of light all the way, hotspot itself is brighter just like trees 240m far away at the end of the trail and some spill-lit trees are not visible with TK40 at all.
TK40:
M1X:
In conclusion, both flashlights are great, but come on, M1X is the clear winner here. Considering TK40 is $10 more expensive...
I'd rather go for M1X. Initially, I was torn between TK40 and M1X, but the latter is clearly better. Specs and numbers are all fine, but real world performance cannot be judged solely on them.
Clever statement by Fenix "TK40 is the world's brightest, AA-powered flashlight" has to be taken with a pinch of salt. The keyword there is "AA-powered". :) Although both have Cree MC-E diode, manuf. rated 700lm (at emitter), actual output depends on the current, the driver circuit and most importantly, the optics, where 30-60% of light volume gets lost.
I was lucky to have been able to test both flashlights; after that, there was no argument to which one is better. M1X has a more natual tint to it too. It's not exactly warm, but the light is more pleasant. TK40 isn't cool either, but personally I liked M1X better.
Overall light output - some say TK40 is brighter compared to M1X, but it just isn't true. I guess this opinion might be caused by different manuf. rating. TK40 says 630 lumens, M1X says 450. The difference is that TK40 rating is for the diode, whereas M1X is for the actual flashlight output (diode having 700lm). I'd guess TK40's actual output is somewhere around the usual 60%, 380lm.
I don't think I can do M1X justice just by describing it. It's an amazing thrower, but incredibly, there's enough spill to light up the trajectory all the way like a Christmas tree. TK40, having a smaller reflector, doesn't throw that much light that far. It has slightly more spill, but it isn't even as bright as M1X's.
Portability - it depends on what you prefer. Its small reflector makes for more compact shape. On the other hand, it's quite thick and it's harder to attach it to something. Empty, they both weigh the same, but with 8 batteries TK40 is noticeably heavier.
Batteries - M1X with all the possible combinations is a clear winner: 3xCR123A, 3xRCR123, 2x18500, 4xCR123A, 4xRCR123, 2x18650. That is unless you wish to stick with AA's and replacing / recharging 8 of those quite often. TK40 doesn't even approach M1X's runtime (even w/o the extender).
Check out these images. Same location and exposure. Unfortunately, the dark subject (woods) absorbs enough light to diminish the difference, it is more pronounced IRL. This M1X is the 1st gen, not as bright as the current version. Nevertheless, with it you can see the hotspot's cone of light all the way, hotspot itself is brighter just like trees 240m far away at the end of the trail and some spill-lit trees are not visible with TK40 at all.
TK40:
M1X:
In conclusion, both flashlights are great, but come on, M1X is the clear winner here. Considering TK40 is $10 more expensive...
jimmy1970
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: TK40 vs. M1X
James....
Fenix Lumens of 630lm are out the front. If the fenix was only putting out '380lm', then your beamshots wouldn't look so alike.
James....
Vesper
Enlightened
Re: TK40 vs. M1X
Love those photos. Cool pic into the forest path.
I have tried both and they're great - not sure you can pick a "clear" winner. Just research the UI differences, size, etc and go for either one. You'll be happy with your purchase. :thumbsup:
Love those photos. Cool pic into the forest path.
I have tried both and they're great - not sure you can pick a "clear" winner. Just research the UI differences, size, etc and go for either one. You'll be happy with your purchase. :thumbsup:
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jahxman
Enlightened
Re: TK40 vs. M1X
I'm not seeing a clear winner here - It looks like the color rendition is a lot better with the TK40, a factor that for some would be decisive.
Also your statement about Fenix's 630 Lumen rating being an emitter rating is not accurate - to my understanding the lumens ratings quoted by Fenix for their lights are OTF lumens, not emitter lumens.
Most of the other differences - battery types, runtimes, reflector size and general size and shape of the light, as will as overall appearance - are all fairly subjective.
For some, clearly, the M1X wins out - but for others, clearly, the TK40 wins, for many reasons that are spelled out in numerous threads here on CPF.
I'm not seeing a clear winner here - It looks like the color rendition is a lot better with the TK40, a factor that for some would be decisive.
Also your statement about Fenix's 630 Lumen rating being an emitter rating is not accurate - to my understanding the lumens ratings quoted by Fenix for their lights are OTF lumens, not emitter lumens.
Most of the other differences - battery types, runtimes, reflector size and general size and shape of the light, as will as overall appearance - are all fairly subjective.
For some, clearly, the M1X wins out - but for others, clearly, the TK40 wins, for many reasons that are spelled out in numerous threads here on CPF.
maniacdave
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 21
Re: TK40 vs. M1X
Thanks for replies.
I don't think so, both flashlights were fixed on the same tripod with center pointing towards the far trees at the end of the trail. TK40 covering more grass is caused by the smaller reflector with more spill.
First and foremost, I don't wish to cause a flame, that wasn't my intention at all. I just want to help out.
Nevertheless, I can't imagine 630lm being out front measurement. Real world performance aside, I cannot imagine such a torch spouting 90% of the light untouched. It just isn't realistic. BTW, the number, 380lm, was a pure guess based on common percentages of light loss and some testing.
Your original argument, the difference, be it 70lm or whatever, is actually quite minor compared to these volumes of light. Light isn't "linear", it doesn't add up with the distance as one might expect. Its intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.
Let's think about it, 60lm is what usual 2006 gen LED flashlights achieve. Imagine pointing such a common flashlight into the distance on the picture. Some near parts would be lit somehow (it's farther than seems, perspective is compressed due to camera's longer focal point), but without much spill, rays travelling mostly towards the centre, they would quickly radiate "into nothing". When you point TK40 like on the picture and add such a common flashlight, how much would really change? I'd dare say even less than the difference we see on the pictures.
That's why it takes so much power, so much light to achieve these throws. That's why I'm so excited about M1X. TK40 is a close shave and no doubt an amazing performer too, but not the winner. Not for me. :)
That's all.
Thanks for replies.
I don't think so, both flashlights were fixed on the same tripod with center pointing towards the far trees at the end of the trail. TK40 covering more grass is caused by the smaller reflector with more spill.
First and foremost, I don't wish to cause a flame, that wasn't my intention at all. I just want to help out.
Nevertheless, I can't imagine 630lm being out front measurement. Real world performance aside, I cannot imagine such a torch spouting 90% of the light untouched. It just isn't realistic. BTW, the number, 380lm, was a pure guess based on common percentages of light loss and some testing.
Your original argument, the difference, be it 70lm or whatever, is actually quite minor compared to these volumes of light. Light isn't "linear", it doesn't add up with the distance as one might expect. Its intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.
Let's think about it, 60lm is what usual 2006 gen LED flashlights achieve. Imagine pointing such a common flashlight into the distance on the picture. Some near parts would be lit somehow (it's farther than seems, perspective is compressed due to camera's longer focal point), but without much spill, rays travelling mostly towards the centre, they would quickly radiate "into nothing". When you point TK40 like on the picture and add such a common flashlight, how much would really change? I'd dare say even less than the difference we see on the pictures.
That's why it takes so much power, so much light to achieve these throws. That's why I'm so excited about M1X. TK40 is a close shave and no doubt an amazing performer too, but not the winner. Not for me. :)
That's all.
I can assure all involved that the 630lm rating is the OTF rating, not the emitter rating, which would be something like the 900lm the DX lights think they are.
Whether it really is 630lm or 580 or whatever we wont know till MrGman puts on in the sphere, but i'm pretty sure it will be more than 380, looking at Fenix's track record they seem to be fairly accurate (dont know what happened with the TA30 though..)
I also dont see a clear winner between the two, though the M1X does appear to throw a bit further, i would take the AA batteries and TK40 form factor over the M1X anyday.
Whether it really is 630lm or 580 or whatever we wont know till MrGman puts on in the sphere, but i'm pretty sure it will be more than 380, looking at Fenix's track record they seem to be fairly accurate (dont know what happened with the TA30 though..)
I also dont see a clear winner between the two, though the M1X does appear to throw a bit further, i would take the AA batteries and TK40 form factor over the M1X anyday.
If you like a smaller light the 47`s MC-E light with 500 OTF lumen should be out in a month or so. Selling for around $100...and running on a single 18650 batt. If it`s anything like the Quarks quality it could be a great bang for the buck light.
The TK40 would be fine for spotlighting rabbits on foot with a .22/shotgun .
I primarily spotlight with a vehicle and use a lightforce SL240, which of course has MUCH more throw than the TK40, however, wheeling a wheelbarrow with a car battery + that in it isnt really practical (and a battery small enough to carry wont last very long..)
You can also spotlight rabbits decently with a TK11 up to the PBR range of a .22 no problems.
Yes thats exactly the sort of spotlight I have. Its a Michelin one actually same as the tyre company but with a built in battery it is quite heavy and only lasts for 15mins on a charge. I wasnt it actually wanting it for shooting but bushwalks and camping trips to spotlight all the nocturnal animals that come out in the trees etc. The Michelin you cant really take bushwalking its just too large.
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Too large to take bushwanking eh? lol
To be honest, and joking aside, the TK40 sounds just about perfect for your needs. Even if its not perfect for that, it has tonnes of other uses, and makes an excellent emergency light (simply cos of the long long runtime on low, and low is enough lumins to find your way around the house..)
As an alternitive to the TK40 you might also want to think about a hotted up maglite, like the Mag85, but, personally, I would take the TK40 anyday :P
