Best compact thrower?

rmorgan84 · Sep 8, 2008

Hi i haven't visited this site for a while and although i've asked a similar question in the past i'm guessing there might be some newer models out now.

So my question what is the best compact throw?

I am looking at the Fenix TK-11 but are there any better alternatives?

applevision · Sep 8, 2008

I am involved in another thread that is discussing the relative throwing abilities of the Tiablo A8 vs. the TK11. It seems as though the Tiablo (long-considered one of the top compact throwers) is only about as throwy as the Pelican 7060 in real life... that said, I have a Pelican 7060 and a TK11 and there is no contest--the TK11 blows it out of the water.

Thus, by the transitive property, I think the TK11 > Tiablo, and thus makes it one heck of a serious thrower in a small package! :party:

I'm looking to the wiser and more seasoned CPFers to help vet this and/or direct us to a good comparo. I am working on setting up a Pelican 7060 vs. TK11 comparison soon.:tinfoil:

youreacrab · Sep 8, 2008

applevision said:
Thus, by the transitive property, I think the TK11 > Tiablo

Wait, you have no experience with the Tiablo?

shakeylegs · Sep 8, 2008

Here's a thread that may be helpful. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=190999
FWIW, the DBS outthrows all of my lights.

djblank87 · Sep 8, 2008

I have owned a RF Spear, Tiablo, Dereelight DBS, Ledan Aspheric Mag and a 7060, I will be shocked if the TK11 I just odered yesterday can out throw the Tiablo.

We will see.

jirik_cz · Sep 8, 2008

You can choose from Fenix TK11, Olight M20, ITP C6, Tiablo M6, Jetbeam III Pro (or Ultra). All of them are good quality lights with very good throw.

A9, DBS, Spear and MRV are bigger and have even better throw.

applevision · Sep 8, 2008

youreacrab said:
Wait, you have no experience with the Tiablo?

No, though I lust for one. In looking at the comparison here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=190999
(thanks shakeylegs!) it does seem that the initial premise is flawed! It sure seems like the Tiablo can outshine the TK1 (and, the TK11 is unlikely to be THAT much more powerful, if at all). So now I'm not sure if my Pelican 7060 is flawed, or if that the other poster who said that the 7060 was essentially indistinguishable from the Tiablo A8 was mistaken... check that out here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2618658#post2618658.

So something is up!

Senior members--can y'all shed any light on this? :thinking:

StarHalo · Sep 8, 2008

For seriously compact throw, don't forget the 1x123 JetBeam Jet-II IBS. This one consistently scores 10k lux scores in testing, and has no problem keeping up with some of the two-cell competition.

superflytnt · Sep 8, 2008

+1 on the Jetbeams. If you're talking about pocketable compactness they have some of the brightest and tightest beams in their respective battery classes: http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jefl.html

They don't have the best runtimes but are small and, short of a true thrower like those mentioned above, are among the longest reaching pocket lights........................

DArklite · Sep 8, 2008

I have the Jet-III Pro using an 18650 and have zero issues concerning runtime. It's also an excellent thrower for its reflector size.

1dash1 · Sep 8, 2008

You're not going to find a lot of comparative reviews between the TK11 and the A9 because they're not in the same class. The TK11 is a general purpose, tactical light. The A9 is a (small) thrower.

Simply looking at their spec's, I'd say there is no way the TK11 would outthrow the A9.

However, if you were to physically throw each light as far as you can, I'd bet on the TK11 surviving better than the A9. :naughty:

varuscelli · Sep 8, 2008

You might want to read up on the newly released Olight M20 Warrior. There are several current threads about it both on the CPF and CPF MarketPlace forums. And you can check out BatteryJunction.com and 4sevens.com for more info. Unfortunately, there's not much available in terms of comparison reviews yet.

alex_ny · Sep 8, 2008

+1 for tk11 ... if u dont mind little bigger get Dereelight DBS

mdocod · Sep 8, 2008

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but any "D26" host with a DereeLight D26 Smooth reflector, or MalkOff M60 makes for a nice thrower without a huge bulky front end.

Thujone · Sep 8, 2008

D-Mini Digital (1xCR123a) Might be worth a look.

moses · Sep 8, 2008

I went with the Tiablo because now it is cheaper, and also much lighter than the DBS so easier to carry in jacket pocket. I don't think the throw diff is much although it does favor the DBS - but the diff to the eye is not that much.

Mo

Gunner12 · Sep 8, 2008

The A9 is a good choice, from the numbers, the DBS should only throw 10-15% more, not much in real life.

I hope you like it!

AlexGT · Sep 8, 2008

Jetbeam ultra for compactness

shakeylegs · Sep 8, 2008

rmorgan84
tonight I stumbled on a very compact thrower. http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1091. I swapped out the driver of my Romisen RC-V4 - I wanted multiple modes. In went a multi-mode 1.14 amp 7135 driver http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1678.
Combined with an rcr123 battery and romisen's deep stock reflector, this thing is now super bright with great throw and spill. Beam profile is similar to the Regalite WT-1 and perhaps 20% less bright. Not bad for 30 minutes work and $22.

brjones · Sep 9, 2008

I'm still eagerly awaiting for someone to try out some (any) of the new EagleTac series. Lighthound is the only U.S. retailer, and he's out of stock. But they look seriously interesting in terms of being tiny lights which pack some punch (low to high 200 lumens), with good quality at a reasonable price. Seems their "tactical" models throw farther due to the slightly wider reflector, though the word "wide" is relative here. Cell sizes are AA, CR123A, and 18650, with "Pocket" and "Tactical" versions for all except the 18650--which for some reason is only "Tactical", at least for now. Aside from that, their homesite, and a thread on light-reviews.com, I can't find more info on them. Man I'd love to see one of those side-by-side in outdoor pics to a TK11 or TK10!

Best compact thrower?

Help Support Candle Power:

Newly Enlightened

Flashlight Enthusiast

Enlightened

Enlightened

Enlightened

Flashlight Enthusiast

Flashlight Enthusiast

Flashaholic

Enlightened

Enlightened

Enlightened

Flashlight Enthusiast

Newly Enlightened

Flashaholic

Flashlight Enthusiast

Enlightened

Flashaholic

Flashlight Enthusiast

Enlightened

Newly Enlightened