Whats like a TK40 ?

[RoBeacon]

I want to purchase a hand cannon. I do not want to spend over $150. I'm willing to custom build myself if I have to. I like the overall design of the TK40. What else is similar in price/output/runtime. Or. Is there a write up of how to build something like this? I have an old Brinkman 3D cell light that's about 17 years old, give or take a few years. The lense unscrews and the reflector can be changed easily. This looks like a great host, but i'm soo new to this I wouldn't have a clue where to start for parts. Keep in mind I don't have a set of taps. I would like to keep the bore and length factory and keep it running on 3D's. All Suggestions are VERY welcome.

 

[Magic Matt]

You could make it into a nice light, but it wouldn't be like a TK40 for the price of a TK40. There's more to the TK40 than just being bright - it has a superb beam, lots of throw, very well made, nice and compact, lightweight. By all means make a light, but don't kid yourself into thinking your first build will be like a TK40 for less money ... it wont... but it can still be very enjoyable and satisfying.

There's TONS on these forums about how to build your own lights. Just use the Google Search at the top of the page.

 

[Beamer4D]

Im also fairly new at all this so correct me if I'm wrong. But for starters wouldnt a malkoff dropin be able to be modified to fit into that Brinkman? From what I understand, maglites and brinkmans are very similar in size.

 

[Locoboy5150]

Yep, I agree with what MagicMatt said. If you like the TK40's beyond excellent (in my opinion and for my use) beam pattern, then buy one. Once I got my TK40, literally *no* other light's beam pattern comes closer to what I deem "perfect." I have not had much desire to buy another large sized light once I got my TK40 because it just works so well for my use.

That being said, there is a new Fenix TK45 coming out soon that you might want to wait for before making a choice now.

 

[CinSityShooter]

I'm on the fence right now about getting one! Don't know how long I can hold off. Waiting for tax return>

 

[Jash]

Mmm...I hate my TK40. Well, I love it and hate it. It is simply the best light and has now retired over $500 worth of other lights (which is why I hate it), including my P7 mag. Well amost my P7, it is floodier and more suitable for puting away the cat and checking on the chickens.
If you're going to own one light, it will be the TK40. The TK45 will probably be considerably more when it first comes out, but why not buy both, it's only money.

 

[lightseeker2009]

If only the TK40 did not have that slow discharge problem then it would have been perfect. I also would not have mind a lot if I could have charged the batteries inside the flashlight without the need to take them out. Otherwise, its perfect for me.

 

[Locoboy5150]

The TK45 may take care of that parasitic drain that the TK40 has. We'll see, so stay tuned to CPF!

 

[carrot]

The TK45 will have parasitic drain as well, as it uses an electronic clicky.

In any case the best way to have a similar light output for less money is to DIY your own hotwire like a Mag85, etc. I haven't kept up with the hotwire scene but that's your best chance for a cheaper light with that kind of output. It is not LED but you will get the same end result.

 

[orbspeed1]

Cant believe no one has said it yet a :wave: TK30 :wave:

 

[vizlor]

You can check out the iTP polestar. Not quite as bright, but it runs on 6xAA.

 

[apontes]

The TK30 is marginally cheaper and has the same outstanding beam as the TK40, and some prefer it because of the batteries it takes.

The iTP Polestar can be had for ~US$ 80 and has slightly lower output compared to the TK40, and its more of a flooder.

 

[bhuber]

Has anyone actually had any first hand experience with the parasitic drain? Is it a real problem, or perceived because someone said it's there. Mine rides in my bag, ready to fire up, and i've had no issues. I do carry 8 spare batteries, but I've had it now since they hit the market, and ran 1 set of primaries and currently run duraloops.

 

[carrot]

It's a perceived problem.

 

[LittleBill]

It's a perceived problem.

perceived issue.

same eneloops have been in since december 25,

i don't use it a ton, but bats are sitting at 1.27 on all 8

thats with a bit of play time


someone figured close to a year to completely drain the battery's

i personally could care less at that point.


i will it much more then once a year

 

[swrdply400mrelay]

You can check out the iTP polestar. Not quite as bright, but it runs on 6xAA.

+1


Or check out the Lumapower Mentor MT-E

 

[Databyter]

It would be cheaper to buy a TK40 new (or used for that matter) than trying to get your light to perform anywhere near as good.

Of course, you can have alot of fun with your own build and you can make a hand cannon.

You can probably get a TK40 for less than 150, I didn't pay much more than that and that was when it was a lot newer of a light.

 

[Magic Matt]

Has anyone actually had any first hand experience with the parasitic drain?

Yes. I can't conceieve ever leaving my TK40 alone long enough for it to become an issue. Perhaps for those that may not use their light for months on end it may prove an issue... but if they just unscrew the tailcap so that the silver thread just starts to become visible the problem goes away completely anyway.

A far bigger problem with the TK40 is that it's a bit of a hand magnet... in other words, you want to pick it up every time you go near it.

I had a look at the TK30 ... I didn't like it as much... I actually liked the thicker body and more weight of the TK40. It just felt more solid to me, although I wanted something AA powered anyway so the TK30 was more out of curiosity.

 

[Locoboy5150]

A far bigger problem with the TK40 is that it's a bit of a hand magnet... in other words, you want to pick it up every time you go near it.

Haha, I thought that I was the only one that suffered from that! :crackup:

I agree, the TK40 fits in my hand perfectly as well due to its wide body.

 

[AMD64Blondie]

Agreed on the hand-magnet quality of the TK40. I'm having a tough time typing this because I'm trying to keep one hand off of my TK40 while I'm typing.

The TK40 and Eneloops go together like peanut butter & jelly.(It's a natural fit..)