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#Post#: 908--------------------------------------------------
Tangspower TK45 clone
By: JohnnyMac Date: May 12, 2013, 10:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[html]<h1 class="fl" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border:
0px; outline: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-family:
arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust:
none;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;
outline: 0px;"> TangsPower CREE XML-T6 18W 3LED 3800LM 5-Modes
White Light Flashlight Black</span></h1><p>*Flashlight provided
for review by Tmart.com</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/8729408617_fc6d4bf09d_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/8729408617_b464308b6e_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></
p><p>I
was contacted by Louis Huang from Tmart asking if I would review
this light if they sent it to me. Apparently there had been
mixed opinions of it on Tmarts site posted by a reviewer/owner
and Tmart wanted me to offer my opinion of the light. I will
say that for an off-brand like Tangspower it is a surprisingly
well constructed light. It's design renders it suitable for
outdoor use more than anything since it's lowest mode is 555
lumens OTF. Considering the small size of the individual
reflectors, the beam is amazingly tight with a relatively small
hotspot. This light is a larger, XM-L clone of the Fenix TK45
which is an XP-G light. While nowhere as refined as the TK45,
you could consider it the TK45's larger, redneck cousin. Let's
take a look at the Pros & Cons as I see
them.</p><p>PROS</p><ul><li>Flawless finish. No nicks or
scratches on my example.</li><li>Alloy used in it is very good
quality. Huge difference in the feel of the metal and sound of
it when struck compared to lights with known lesser aluminum
like the HD2010. The alloy in this feels very hard and
durable.</li><li>Bright, focused hot spot considering the size
of the reflectors.</li><li>No PWM in any mode.</li><li>Fantastic
knurling on the body is non aggressive compared to rhombic
knurling that is more commonly used but is super grippy,
especially with wet hands.</li><li>Clean, deep, nearly square
threading used throughout much of the light. Not much play in
any of the threads but the heavy components spin together with a
twist very easily.</li><li>Solid tail standing.</li><li>Perfect
lanyard mounting position.</li><li>Good thermal management and
excellent heat sinking. Warms up quickly but doesn't get too
hot.</li><li>Solid, well made driver with quality
components.</li></ul><p>CONS</p><ul><li>O-rings a little too
thin to provide good seal against water intrusion if submerged.
You can feel resistance in them but it's not as tight as they
should be Should be ok in the rain. A quick drop in the creek
shouldn't hurt anything as long as it is pulled out right
away.</li><li>Switch PCB is quite loose in the tailcap. Could
be a larger diameter for a more stable fit. Once the retaining
ring is tight it is fine.</li><li>Opening in tail for the switch
boot is a mm or 2 too large for the switch boot. The boot lip
still seals the opening but it could be a touch better
fitting.</li><li>No real low mode. Each LED is always driven at
full 2A output. High mode means all 3 are lit, medium means two
are lit and low is a single LED lit at
2A.</li></ul><p><strong>FLASHLIGHT
SPECIFICATIONS</strong></p><table style="width:
60%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:
169px;">Manufacturer</td><td>TangsPower</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 169px;">Seller</td><td><a
href="
HTML http://www.tmart.com/TsngsPower-CREE-XML-T6-18W-3LED-3800LM-5-Modes-White-Light-Flashlight-Black-7.4V_p171320.html"><br
/>Tmart.com</a></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 169px;">Purchase
Price</td><td>$52.93 USD</td></tr></tbody></table><p
style="border: 0px none inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em
0px; outline: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 20px;
-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><strong style="border-style:
none; border-color: inherit; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px;
padding: 0px; outline: 0px;"> Manufacturer
Specifications</strong></p><table class="auto-style1"
style="color: #444444; line-height: 20px;
-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; width: 60%;" border="0"
cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody style="margin: 0px;
padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px;"><tr><td
width="131">Emitter Type</td><td
width="365">XML-T6</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lumens</td><td
width="365">3800 Lumens</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Power</td><td width="365">18W</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Bulb Quantity</td><td width="365">3</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Light Color</td><td
width="365">White</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lightbulb
Lifespan</td><td width="365">100000 hours</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Modes</td><td width="365">5</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Mode Arrangement</td><td width="365">Hi＞ Mi
＞ Low ＞ Strobe ＞ SOS</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Lighting Distance</td><td width="365">About 400
m</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Battery Configuration</td><td
width="365">2 x 18650/26650 Battery (not
included)</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Input Voltage</td><td
width="365">7.4 V</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Runtime</td><td
width="365">2-3 hours</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Switch
Type</td><td width="365">Clicky</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Switch Location</td><td width="365">Tail
Button</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Lens</td><td
width="365">Coated Glass Lens</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Reflector</td><td width="365">Aluminum Smooth/SMO
Reflector</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Material</td><td
width="365">Aluminum alloy</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Color</td><td width="365">Black</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Dimensions</td><td width="365">( 9.96 x 1.93 x 1.50
)" / ( 25.3 x 4.9 x 3.8 )cm / (L x Head Dia. x Body
Dia)</td></tr><tr><td width="131">Weight</td><td
width="365">16.54 oz / 469 g</td></tr><tr><td
width="131">Lanyard</td><td
width="365">Yes</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="border: 0px
none inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px; outline: 0px;
color: #444444; line-height: 20px; -webkit-text-size-adjust:
none;"><strong style="border-style: none; border-color: inherit;
border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px;">
Package Includes</strong></p><ul class="auto-style1"
style="border: 0px none inherit; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;
outline: 0px; list-style: none outside none; color: #444444;
line-height: 20px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><li
style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px;">1
x TangsPower CREE XML-T6 18W 3LED 3800LM 5-Modes White Light
Flashlight Black (7.4V)</li><li style="margin: 0px; padding:
0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px;">1 x 18650 Adapter Tube</li><li
style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px;">1
x Lanyard</li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;
outline: 0px;"></li></ul><p><strong>Additional Specs and
Measurements</strong></p><p>*These specifications were measured
by me and should prove useful for sourcing replacement parts and
for modding.</p><table style="width: 60%;"><tbody><tr><td
style="width: 193px;">Driver O.D.</td><td>32mm</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 193px;">LED MCPCB
diameter</td><td>15mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
193px;">Reflector (WxD)</td><td>21mm x 15mm</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 193px;">Lens (WxD)</td><td>21mm x
1mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 193px;">Switch
boot</td><td>16mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 193px;">Switch
PCB</td><td>20mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 193px;">Switch
type</td><td>Forward clicky</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
193px;">Main Head diameter
(widest)</td><td>54.25mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
193px;">Ind. Head diameter</td><td>24mm</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 193px;">Body
diameter</td><td>35.5mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
193px;">Tail diameter</td><td>38mm</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 193px;">Battery tube
I.D.</td><td>26.95mm</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
193px;">18650 adapter I.D.</td><td>19.01mm</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 193px;">Tail stands</td><td>Yes
(solidly)</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 193px;">Water
resistance</td><td>Rain Proof</td></tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p><strong>PERFORMANCE</strong></p><p>The following
performance specifications were measured by me using my
calibrated IS, lux meter, DMM, and IR thermometer. All output
measurements taken after 30 seconds. </p><table style="width:
60%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 195px;">Output (Lumens
OTF)</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2"
style="width: 195px;">High</td><td>1479</td></tr><tr><td
class="auto-style2" style="width:
195px;">Medium</td><td>990</td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2"
style="width: 195px;">Low</td><td>555</td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 195px;">Total Amperage on High</td><td>6A
(18W)</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 195px;">Amperage at tail
(2*26650)</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2"
style="width: 195px;">High</td><td>2.94A (1.96A per
LED)</td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2" style="width:
195px;">Medium</td><td>1.81A (1.81A per LED)</td></tr><tr><td
class="auto-style2" style="width: 195px;">Low</td><td>1.01A
(2.04A per LED)</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
195px;">Calculated run time on high</td><td>1.4
hours</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 195px;">Calculated runtime
on low</td><td>4.2 hours</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
195px;">Lux @ 1m (measured at
2m)</td><td>13,760</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 195px;">Throw
Distance</td><td>234.6m</td></tr><tr><td
colspan="2">Temperatures in Farenheit after 15 minutes on High
(ambient temp 72 degrees)</td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2"
style="width: 195px;">Bezel tip</td><td>121.1°
F</td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2" style="width:
195px;">Bezel @ pill height</td><td>125.6° F</td></tr><tr><td
class="auto-style2" style="width: 195px;">Main head</td><td>110°
F</td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2" style="width:
195px;">Head/body junction</td><td>102° F</td></tr><tr><td
class="auto-style2" style="width: 195px;">Body</td><td>96.8°
F</td></tr><tr><td class="auto-style2" style="width:
195px;">Tail</td><td>88° F</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This
light is really like having 3 compact single-mode 18650 lights
bundled together. 3 output levels being 1 to 3 emitters lit
simultaneously. While this gives output levels of 100%, 66% and
33%, there is zero PWM visible as each LED is driven at full
power. The hot spot is very focused and the spill free from
artifacts. The beam is basically composed of 3 parts - a
central hotspot followed by a second zone which blends smoothly
into a third lesser zone before cleanly ending with a defined
edge of spill. There is none of the usual beam effects one sees
with most multi-emitter lights. Looking at just the beam and
spill one would not know this was a multi-emitter light. The
beam is CW but is not blue or purple and a pretty nice tint of
white.</p><p>Defnitely not suited for indoor use, except for
tailstanding and ceiling bounce room illumination, it is more of
an outdoor light. Visible difference between modes is not that
obvious except for between high and low but still not really as
obvious as most lights. With spacing of 100%, 66% & 33%, this
light is most useful for hiking or bicycling where medium mode
would be plenty for most uses and high for longer range viewing.
I observed no flickering when struck and there is no battery
rattle using my Trustfire Flame 26650 protected cells. It's
mass is very substancial and so is it's ability to manage the
heat from the emitters. </p><p>Tailstanding on high in a 72°
room saw the heat level off at 125.6 at the hottest area which
was at the pill on each of the small head barrels. The handle
was not uncomfortable to hold but the head itself definitely was
but still nowhere near hot enough to cause any damage to the
internal components. The wiring from the driver to the emitters
could have been a heavier gauge but since the light is not
driven that hard to start with I doubt a heavier gauge wire
would have made much difference in output.</p><p>
</p><p>CONSTRUCTION</p><p>The first thing I noticed after taking
the light out of the box was that it was heavy and solidly
built. The finish was immaculate with no dings or scratches.
The anodization is a glossier kind, most likely type II, but it
is consistently applied on all components and the colors match
well. The aluminum alloy in it is actually a very good graade.
It doesn't feel remote soft like the HD2010 and when you tap it
and feel it you can tell that it is a hard alloy and should
prove very durable. The threads are all deeply and smoothly cut
with a mixture of anodized and unanodized threads in various
area. Most of the threads are very nearly square and all are
very smooth. There is not a lot of play in the threads like in
other budget lights. The threads were very lightly lubed but
with an application of light machine oil on the threads they
pretty much allow things like the tailcap to spin right on with
just a firm flick. I won't go further into details except to
comment on the pictures I've taken for you. Why don't we just
start right in with them next?</p><p>The light arrived with a
fully anodized 18650 battery adapter that threads into the main
battery tube for no rattling and a super high quality feel.
Threading on this part is flawless and fits the main body very
well. A lanyard is included but it is pretty much worthless as
the cord is very thin and cheap feeling and makes the hardware
feel like it is grossly oversized. The lobster claw is smaller
though and fits very nicely into the lanyard attachment hole in
the head of the light.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/8730605696_6c9a54d6d9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/8730605696_81089481f1_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The TANGSPOWER logo is extremel
y
white, clean edged and well etched into the finish of the
head.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8730527020_7a5048bf44_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8730527020_a6ff2a2b11_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The head itself is very heavy a
nd
triangular shaped. Each of the three emitters is contained
within a seperate, smaller head with it's own seperate pill,
reflector and lens.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/8730526498_1aec249dfa_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/8730526498_5d855c26ca_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>"CAUTION:HOTSURFACE" is cleanly
etched into one of the facets of the head. Notice the lack of
spaces between words. I didn't even notice that until just now
looking at the picture I took. LOL.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/8729401301_ae3d4765ac_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/8729401301_8d86304106_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The neck of the head where it
joins the main body/battery tube is knurled with the same unique
siped block knurling as the main body.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/8729405775_0e54d2cf82_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/8729405775_78dc2e3513_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The lanyard mounting hole is in
the head (where I feel they should always be in a light of this
size) and the look of it is reminiscent of the switch location
in the Fenix TK45 from which the light gets it's
inspiration.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/8729403181_3833ed0c5d_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/8729403181_f4e37e150d_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The large hole will allow one t
o
string 550 paracord through it or to directly attach a lobster
claw like on the included lanyard.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/8729402233_f23a9864a8_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/8729402233_e10ab058db_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>If you remove an individual bez
el
from the head you will see the pill and emitter inside. There
is an o-ring in the base of the pill to seal out moisture. Each
MCPCB is fujik'd into place for better thermal
transfer.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8729386293_8826d0e5b0_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8729386293_cd14b68b8a_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>If we take a closer look at the
bezel we removed we will find an SMO reflector, a glass lens
(which does appear to be coated but not with the usual coating
that can be seen as purple at the right angle), and an o-ring
which seals the lens from moisture.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/8729387659_e70b888318_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/8729387659_6930e6b3cb_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>We can see the clean, anodized
threading in the bezel where it threads onto the individual
pill. The reflectors are free of blemishes and came very clean
and decently polished.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/8729386973_9e01b7f63a_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/8729386973_f707d4d2c8_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here you can see the emitter
mounted in it's pill. The mounting base of the pills are solid
and the star is mounted with thermal epoxy similar to
Fujik.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/8730504828_5b79ee8b77_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/8730504828_eb62a94db5_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Each besel has square
crenelations but with no sharp edges and no exposed aluminum or
thin areas in the anodization. No fingerprints or dust in any
or gthe reflectors or inside of the lenses.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/8730503918_a85c3b6324_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/8730503918_e343fc572d_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The head itself is comprised of
two parts. The o-ring here is the correct size and seals
tightly with the front half of the head.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/8730500996_5dc140e2df_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/8730500996_7a96fafc02_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here you can see the backside o
f
the front of the head. Each individual pill is threaded into
the main head.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/8729383789_fc96448dc4_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/8729383789_64a48ae29a_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"
id="yui_3_7_3_3_1368328097025_438"></a></p><p>Threading on the
front and rear halves of the head is perfectly machined and
anodized. You can see part of the threading which the pills
screw into in the pill below.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/8729383247_70bf951133_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/8729383247_f08e7f6415_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>This is what the rear of the he
ad
looks like. There is a solid retaining ring that threads
against the driver for the ground contact. In the center of
this ring is a nylon bushing that is press fit into the
retaining ring. In the center of that is a brass contact post
for battery positive contact.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/8729396375_63b5759968_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/8729396375_811250083a_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>You can see the clean, very fin
e,
nearly squared threads used in this light.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/8729395421_d67f54d6bd_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/8729395421_853b72dd92_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/8729394621_bb1c4f31dd_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/8729394621_564f2f8b4f_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Behind that retaining ring is t
he
32mm driver.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/8730513550_c5e4669fa6_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/8730513550_3860f9a472_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>It is a solid, double stack
driver which is essentially three seperate drivers combined into
one.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/8730512588_ac5e06fc9a_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/8730512588_88ee27e47a_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/8729392281_3fc4f1655e_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/8729392281_80aa352c1b_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Behind the driver is a large pi
ll
cavity should one decide to upgrade the driver to one more
powerful.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/8730510444_f725945287_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/8730510444_e891aaf214_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The body is covered with a uniq
ue
knurling that really works well. Very non-aggressive in look
and feel yet it provides amazing grip with it's small, clean
siping in each of the rectangular blocks. It privides great
traction when wet or dry.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8729404671_720398b673_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8729404671_01ac6d20b5_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here is the joint at the head e
nd
of the battery tube. Fine square threading.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/8730520576_103d4761b7_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/8730520576_89c77ae508_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here is a look at the tail end
of
the battery tube. Same great threads as everywhere
else.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/8730519700_4c58075ee2_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/8730519700_d691b0aa76_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Thick walled and smoothly
machined throughout. The inside of the tube is evenly
anodized.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/8729399185_6049883c7f_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/8729399185_108e048c61_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The tailcap is a solid heaving
chunk of aluminum. Square crenelations are here to match the
ones in the bezels up front. It provides good tailstanding and
easier finger access to the switch. The boot is thick and
provides good feel. The switch action is solid.</p><p>
</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/8730523670_e5a6b05f71_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/8730523670_05b19e061d_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The tailcap with the components
removed. It's a nice piece of machining here, too.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8729379767_62241ba317_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8729379767_9b03072d65_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/8730500182_a487f9e1e6_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/8730500182_1abfdb2f31_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>THe switch with all it's
components removed. Nothing unusual here at all. Standard
reverse clicky switch.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/8730497964_717f074ee1_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/8730497964_c8d8c47f1b_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Protected Trustfire Flame 26650
cells fit nicely. The light should take all brands of 26650 in
both protected and unprotected.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8729377515_7eed811d6c_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8729377515_216e8bc1a9_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here is the one-piece 18650
adapter tube. This slides into the battery tube from the head
end and threads into the main tube for a rattle free fitment.
Machining on this piece is very well executed and is fully
anodixed. Smae quality feeling alloy used here as well.
Threads are extremely nice and smooth. It also adds extra mass
and thermal path when used.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/8730609562_3a2b8f11c9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/8730609562_e3621532e4_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"
id="yui_3_7_3_3_1368328623298_461"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/8730601846_1858ddcc1d_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/8730601846_2768fe21de_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>You can just see the threading
in
the main tube where the adapter threads in.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/8730608992_d9a10a1599_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/8730608992_9c6fbb0c0c_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>It drops into the head like so.
Insert a finger into the adapter and spin the outer tube
and...</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/8729488471_707d80082b_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/8729488471_704b9a8c8d_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>You end up with this.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/8730607942_1165a412b6_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/8730607942_594c05f0d3_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/8730606748_3ba58459d1_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/8730606748_49a2b45560_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Perfect fit for the 18650
cell.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/8729486199_ee9067d8fc_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/8729486199_ecaf119e6f_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><strong>OUTPUT
SHOTS</strong></p><p>I will provide outdoor beamshots in a day
or two. I will also recharge the cells and take new throw
measurements. I did not measure throw when I was taking the
other output measurements and have used the light a fair amount
since then prior to the lux readings. I'll redo lux and throw
calculations tomorrow.</p><p>Here is the Tangspower in high
mode.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/8729376949_f5aea6a25f_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/8729376949_3daacc5e48_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Medium mode is merely 2 of the
emitters fully driven.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/8729376345_b917198328_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/8729376345_2d68cbddcb_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Maturally, Low mode is just one
emitter driven fully. The nice thing about this is a lack of
PWM. The un-nice thing is that low mode is still pushing 555
OTF lumens!</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8729375767_99273b435f_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8729375767_12fc453487_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here you can see the 3 zones of
output. The focused hotspot, middle spill ring, and outer spill
ring with clean edge of spill. many prefer a smooth even fade
in spill while some prefer a zoned spill like this. The choice
is yours if you like spill like this. One thing that amazed me
is that just lookig at this spill one would never guess that
there are 3 seperate emitters making it. It looks like a large,
single emitter reflector is producing it. The light is exactly
1 meter from the wall in the following pics. This will give you
an idea of the beam and spill angles.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/8729370247_3989b463ac_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/8729370247_b0b3e1d3f2_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>With the exposure reduced you c
an
see the size of the central hot spot.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/8729370699_e37cd43a39_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/8729370699_01647c8fe8_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here is the included lanyard
attached to the light.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/8729485071_de3f24217f_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/8729485071_46f704fc30_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>An in hand shot for those of yo
u
who like this stuff. Here we have the foregrip...</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8730604446_9f9977d34f_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8730604446_af7ab9115b_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Tail grip...</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8730603820_9a0b805818_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8730603820_36ffd0b6ee_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>And a tactical grip. It would
have been so much better in a light this size to have placed the
switch up in the head but it is what it is.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/8730602736_9dc1e2d5eb_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/8730602736_ae4c426490_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here is a size comparison again
st
a couple other multi-emitter standards. The SRK, the
Tangspower, and the Terminator. The Tangspower really looks
small compared to these lights when viewed head on.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/8729374659_a61e3e1d83_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/8729374659_d80d34832b_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>It's large size in readily
apparent when viewed from the side.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/8730493512_5609c3b934_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/8730493512_b8cf080d03_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here it is next to a standard P
60
torch, the Solarforce L2T</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/8730492428_6b0bc48b9d_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/8730492428_cf8f8a2911_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>And a full side shot between th
e
L2T and my Olight S10 Baton</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/8730491870_2e7d0d5260_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/8730491870_9aa0a0a190_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></p>
<p>It's
really not a bad light, nor is it a great light. It's looks
will only appeal to Fenix TK45 fans or fans of the movie
Prometheus. It would make a great bike light and a great hiking
light. With around 235m of throw it's not an exceptional
thrower but it is a decent mid-range light. As a backyard
sweeper it would excel and it's solid construction means it
should last a good long time and still look good. It's a solid,
well machined light moderately driven that unfortunately does
nothing spectacularly. It really comes down to it's looks,. If
you love the style then I'd say get it. If you aren't thrilled
with the looks, I can guarantee you won't be thrilled with the
output when compared to other lights like the SRK that can be
had for far less money.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/8729375097_1af1217948_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/8729375097_aaf763603e_c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p> </p><p> </p>[/html]
#Post#: 913--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tangspower TK45 clone
By: Spasmod Date: May 13, 2013, 5:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic review Johnny with some great pics. I will have a
thorough read through it in a little bit.
I'm glad you did a couple of in-hand shots because for some
reason I had it in my mind that the light was bigger than it is.
Thanks for sharing :)
Spas
#Post#: 914--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tangspower TK45 clone
By: MRsDNF Date: May 13, 2013, 6:10 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the review JM. With the small reflectors I would
think that this light would have a large hot spot with a very
large spill. Its a shame the driver uses less leds turned on or
off for high, med and low instead off reducing or increasing the
current to 3 the leds at the same time. All up though it appears
to be well built light.
#Post#: 927--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tangspower TK45 clone
By: Chicago X Date: May 14, 2013, 10:37 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I've always been a fan of the TK45, so it comes as no surprise
that I find this one to be likeable as well.
The cell adaptor is one of the nicer versions I've seen yet.
This thing is one driver away from a win, IMO.
Thanks for the review!
#Post#: 931--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tangspower TK45 clone
By: JohnnyMac Date: May 14, 2013, 12:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Chicago X link=topic=266.msg927#msg927
date=1368545843]
I've always been a fan of the TK45, so it comes as no surprise
that I find this one to be likeable as well.
The cell adaptor is one of the nicer versions I've seen yet.
This thing is one driver away from a win, IMO.
Thanks for the review!
[/quote]If only the price didn't feel so over-inflated for it.
At $40 or less it'd be a better buy. With the SRK around for
just $40 (give or take) I feel it's priced itself out of most
folk's consideration.
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