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Flashaholic
After reviewing the Nextorch K10, it's now time to take a look at the TA3. The TA3 is a tactical style light, that is focused towards the police, military and security personnel market.
The light uses a Cree XM-L led, with a max output of 550 lumens. This light is on the market for some time now. Therefor it has a XM-L instead of the newer XM-L2, or XP-L leds from Cree.
The packaging:
The TA3 comes in a white cardboard box, with a few specifications written on it. It also has a 'try new now' opening so you can try it, before buying
Inside the box you'll find; The TA3, a manual, CR123 battery magazine holder, 2 free CR123 batteries and a lanyard. No extra o-ring(s) what would've been nice.
Already attached to the light, is a pocket-clip which can be removed. The clip is held secure on the light, due to the tailcap. You've to unscrew the tailcap to remove the clip.
This way the clip doesn't come off, unless you want to.
Features and Specifications: (given by Nextorch)
• Led：Cree XM-L LED
• Max output：550 lumens
• Modes: 550/200/70/10lm (18650) 550/200/80/15lm (CR123) + Strobe
• Runtime：NT123A：80mins / NT18650：100mins
• Battery：one 18650 or two CR123As
• Max Throw：627'/191m (with 18650) 613'/187m (with CR123)
• Material：Aerospace grade aluminum 6061-T6
• Finish：Hard anodized finish
• Length：149mm x 25.4mm x 34mm
• Weight：4.69oz / 134g
MSRP: €43,50 (~USD 48)
According to Nextorch, the TA3 has a shock-proof rating of 3 meters. This is the highest I've seen among my lights. Further with the IPX8 rating, it should handle water very well.
Ridges around the head, acts like a anti-roll feature. Even without the pocket-clip, the light doesn't roll around.
The bezel is slightly crenelated which can be used in various ways. It also lets light protrude when headstands.
Knurling on the TA3 is enough when handling the light with bare hands. When wet or working with gloves, the light can be slippery. Because this light targets the 'tactical-market' knurling
could've been more aggressive.
Laser engraving is nice and crisp
The TA3 has a medium orange peel (MOP) reflector to smoothen out the beam. My sample has a good centered led.
User Interface:
The TA3 has a soft press reversed clicky switch. This allows you to switch modes without hearing a click. The light always turns On in Turbo.
From Off, click to turn On and click again to turn Off. Press half for momentary.
When turned On, half press to cycle between Turbo (550lm) > High (200lm) > Medium (70lm) > Low (10lm) (when using a CR123 output is 550/200/80/15lm)
There is also a Strobe available from Off. To access Strobe half press twice quickly and hold. Fully click to have Strobe continuously.
The soft rubber boot-cover has a nice touch but still offers enough grip. Because it's rounded, tailstanding isn't possible. There is also a lanyard-hole, for attachment.
Included pocket-clip should've been more firm. It holds the light clipped, but it feel quite weak to me.
Threads are nicely cut and smooth. They came with a little bit of lube.
Springs at both ends of the battery tube provide shock absorption for the battery.
Size comparison:
(From L to R: Olight 18650, Zebralight SC600 MKII, Olight R20, Nextorch TA3, Fenix PD35, Fenix TK12/09)
Indoor Beamshots:
ISO400, 1/10 sec, f/11.0 - Canon 500D. Light approx 0.50m / Camera 1m away from wall. TA3 used included CR123s, others on Eagletac 18650.
Outdoor Beamshots:
ISO800 - f/11 - 4 sec. - Canon 500D - Sign about 30 meters away. Path about 125 meters deep.
Conclusion:
The TA3 has amazed me from day one. Although it has a older XM-L led, his performance still good. Throw and spill are balanced, to provide a good view.
Comparing with my Olight R20, it has a super white beam. The R20 is more towards NW. UI is simple to understand and the light sits nicely in my hand.
It does need a stiffer pocket-clip to make it more secure. The light comes without a holster, which is a downside for some. But police/military/security personnel probably use
their own holster, so for them it isn't necessary. With a lower MSRP, than other manufacturers, this TA3 might be worth checking out for you
The TA3 was provided by Nextorch
