UK 4AA vs TEC40

[Stingray]

How does the UK 4AA compare to the Tec 40. I've had a few UK 2AAA's for many years (actually they're branded BUCK but made by UK) and I think they are great little lights, so I've been thinking about getting a 4AA version. Then I noticed that everyone here seems to highly recommend the Tec 40, so I was wondering how they compare to each other.
I'm new here so forgive me if I'm rehashing old topics.
tia
Steve

 

[kodiak]

I love my Tec - 40! It is my favorite incandecent light other than my E1E (soon to be E1E with KL1). I don't have the other so I am of no coparision use, but I have my Tec - 40 loaded with lithiums at arms leanth always.

 

[Nerd]

My father loves is so much that he bought mine from me..... cos he is in the telecommunication line, so lotsa dark corners..... and everytime I complain that I needed the TEC 40 and he took it.... so he just bought mine... haha... time to look for a new torch.

 

[txwest]

Both good lights. UK has smaller beam, longer reach; PT has larger, smooth beam & a PR base bulb for multiple configuations of bulbs, includeing PR based LED's. I'ld have to go for the PT40. If you like the clikie switch, go with the responder & some WrightRite. TX

 

[Monsters_Inc]

PT40 would have better modding capabilities, as it uses a standard PR bulb (from what I understand).

 

[ikendu]

I've had both.

I returned the PT TEC 40 'cause it puts so much pressure on the batteries, that the NiMH AAs I used were deformed (bent tips on the top and dents in the bottoms). It bent them so much, the light wouldn't work reliably (kept flickering on and off). Some folks on the forum have solved that by putting tin foil in the bottom for better contact. On throw-away batteries, it seems to be just fine.

I now use the UK 4AA AS2 (the new one with the switch). It is a great, easily pocketable 4AA light that is bright and long lasting. It does have the disadvantage of an expensive-to-replace bulb module. Although, changing "bulbs" (the module) in the field is REALLY easy. On NiMH it is almost as bright as Alkalines (barely noticeable difference) and doesn't seem to hurt the battery casings.

I also like the UK 4AA better for the switch. It is really easy to operate with one hand. So, easy in and out of the pocket (very small light head) + easy to switch on with one hand. Pretty nice!

I agree with the comments about modding... I now have a 4AA Responder on order. It has a nice tail switch and uses the PR bulb (80 cents at Walmart...) just like the PT 40. Plus, it is focusable to a REALLY tiny spot so that spot can be REALLY bright. Should be here in a few days...I'll let you know how it is!

As far as your original question (UK 4AA vs. PT40), some of that answer depends on your use.
Alkalines? Lithiums? NiMH? Modding? Use with another light (and LED for flood, up close light?)?

If you want to mod the light...the UK 4AA just won't really work for you. If you just want an easy to carry and easy to use 4AA light...I'd go with the UK 4AA.

 

[Grummond]

I'd have to say Tec-40.
On a side note if you choose to use rechargeables you might want to put a small piece of aluminium foil on the bottom, I have noticed that some rechargeables don't make good contact.
I don't own a UK 4aa although I have played with one.
My Tec 40 running with a KPR103 seems nearly as bright as my Surefire 6P, the beam quality is close, the run time is longer and it's not much bigger.

Grummond.

 

[Stingray]

Thanks for all your input, is the Tec-40 focusable, or fixed focus?

 

[pec50]

Tec40 is fixed. Be aware that you can obtain the Tec40 with either a smooth or stippled reflector. I believe Bright Guy will provide you with the option of reflector selection.

 

[artar]

has someone both lights and can post a side by side pic ?

 

[Stingray]

I'm a rookie re mods, is a KPR103 commonly available? What's it originally intended for? How long does it last in that flashlight?

 

[ikendu]

KPR103 is a PR base bulb that is intended for a 3 cell flashlight (it is manufactured to run on 4.8 volts...3 Alkaline cells @ 1.5v each = 4.5v).

You can get them at Walmart in a 2-pack marked 2-K3 for about $1.60 (80 cents each!).

I haven't measured them, but on NiMH AAs (4 @ 1.2v = 4.8v) they should last between 20-30 hrs I would guess. "Alan" on the forum reports getting decent life from KPR103 bulbs used in this manner.

 

[ikendu]

Well, the 4AA Responder arrived today!

And...as of this posting time, it is quite dark outside!

I would say that the beam quality of the Responder and the UK 4AA are very similar. Both are tightly focused (about the same even at the Responder's tightest spot). Both have minor imperfections in the beam shape...neither of which makes a real practical difference in application.

Since the Responder can be fitted with the KPR103 bulb, when running on fresh NiMH AAs, it is slightly brighter than the UK 4AA on fresh alkalines. The UK 4AA on alkalines is slightly brighter than the UK 4AA on NiMH (although the UK on NiMH is quite acceptably bright).

So...which would I pick?

Tec 40? UK 4AA? 4AA Responder?

For my needs...I'm keepin' the UK 4AA (w/switch!).

It's quite acceptably bright on NiMH (my battery of choice) and, since I use an PT Attitude on 4 NiMH AAAs for my routine walking around light...I won't have to replace the more expensive UK bulb module very often (maybe once a year...? maybe once every 2-3 yrs).

I like the UK switch a lot! It rests comfortably right under your thumb ready for action. The whole light fits my hand very neatly. It has the smallest light head I've seen on ANY 4AA light (or just about any bulb based light for that matter) so it slides in and out of the pocket with great ease. Light, compact, easy to work...couldn't hardly ask for more (except maybe 2-10 times brighter!).

I like the 4AA Responder as well. The light head is 1 3/4" in diameter vs. about 1 1/4" in diameter, which although only 1/2" larger, seems to make a BIG difference in how it looks, feels and goes into the pocket. If I used a flashlight a lot (like my daughter the naturalist that leads night hikes...), I might choose it because of the cheap and readily available replacement bulbs (PR base). It has a nice tail switch but you almost need two hands to work it, still better than a "twist on" light like the PT 40, but the UK switch is FAR superior to both (IMHO).

For me (and my needs) it is the UK 4AA.