Do you need a light to keep in the car? Do you need something that you can rely on in emergency situations? Have you been struggling to find something that you can use one-handed? If this is you take a closer look at the Fenix TK09. The Fenix TK09 belongs to the tactical family of lights manufactured by Fenix. The compact and durable TK09 is powerful enough to blind potential attackers and can even double as a weapon. To find out even more about what this Fenix TK09 review has to offer, keep reading!
Before You Buy
When purchasing a flashlight you want to consider your options. Doing so allows you to pick the right style of light for the job at hand. One of the options users have with flashlights is a tactical light. These lights are designed to be the most powerful lights in the industry. They also make great weapons in life and death situations. When comparing tactical lights look at the various features and benefits.
A true tactical light offers different modes designed for emergency and tactical situations. Users depend on those modes in life and death situations, so you need to find a light that you can depend on. Tactical lights need to be able to withstand heavy use, so look for a durable light. You need something manufactured from high-grade materials. You need a light that can withstand a variety of impacts; one that is waterproof with a high IPX rating. Your best tactical lights are designed for indoor and outdoor use.
Fenix TK09
The Fenix TK09 2016 Edition is the newly upgraded version of the original Fenix TK09. Offering the same powerful and rugged as other Fenix tactical lights, the TK09 is an excellent choice for hunters, law enforcement, and many others. Made from durable aircraft grade aluminum with a Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, the Fenix TK09 is built to last.
The Fenix TK09 uses a CREE XP-L HI LED that is powered by a single 18650 battery. For optimal performance, Fenix recommends using a single 18650 battery. For those in colder climates, the TK09 is compatible with CR123A batteries. Designed for one-handed operation the TK09 utilizes a tactical tail cap switch. The Fenix TK09 offers three brightness levels to choose from, plus strobe mode. Users can expect a maximum output of 900 lumens in High and Strobe mode. Maximum beam distance with the Fenix TK09 is 1,017 feet with a beam intensity of 24,000 candelas.
Pros:
- 900-lumen strobe mode
- Momentary-on function
- Tactical tail cap switch
Cons:
- No memory mode
- No lockout feature
Specs:
- Dimensions: 5.1 inches long with a 1.3-inch diameter
- Weight: 3.7 oz without batteries
- Lowest Setting: 50 lumens for 65 hours
- Highest Setting: 900 lumens for 1 hour and 25 minutes
Fenix TK09 Features & Benefits
User Interface
The Fenix TK09 is powered by the tail switch located in the tactical tail cap. The tail cap switch powers the light on and off, allows users to switch between brightness modes, and provides access to the momentary on function. To turn the light on or off users need to fully press the tail cap switch. Momentary on is accessed by a light tap of the tail cap switch. To cycle between output modes, tap and release the switch. Quickly tap the switch within 1 second to cycle through the modes in this order: high, mid, low, and strobe. Once the desired mode is found fully press the switch to turn the light on.
Low-Voltage Warning
The Fenix TK09 utilizes a digitally regulated output to maintain constant brightness. Even with the digitally regulated output, the batteries are still going to run down. The more you use the light the faster the batteries run down. If the battery voltage drops below the preset level the TK09 will shift to a lower brightness level. If the voltage drops in low mode the TK09 will blink three times every five minutes as a reminder to switch batteries. The light will continue to work until the battery dies.
Overheat Protection
When used in High and Strobe modes the Fenix TK09 emits 900 lumens of light. That many lumens produce a lot of heat. The longer the light is in use at that lumen level the more time heat has to build up. High levels of heat may damage the inside of the flashlight and makes the light too hot to handle. To prevent this the light steps down to Mid output level after working on High for five minutes or longer. You can access High Mode once this occurs by resetting the light.
Social Proof
The Fenix TK09 is a light that I would recommend to anybody looking for a light that you can rely on. The Fenix TK09 is an EDC style light with tactical abilities. It is an excellent light for normal or emergency use. After spending hours reading through online reviews, I have discovered my good opinion is shared by others. Several reputable review sites offer numerous positive reviews of the TK09.
While most people have a good opinion of the Fenix TK09 that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its flaws. One of the things that all readers took notice of was the lack of a memory mode. The light will always reset itself after being powered down. Some complain the TK09 always starts in High Mode. When used for tactical situations though you want instant access to High.
Alternatives
Fenix TK15UE
The Fenix TK15UE is an excellent alternative to the TK09 for those that want more power. The TK15UE offers the same compact design as the TK09. The Fenix TK15UE features four brightness modes, plus strobe. The TK15UE uses a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED to achieve a beam distance of over 1,000 feet. The strike face bezel is impact resistant and built for heavy duty action. The TK15UE offers a single tactical tail cap switch with a side switch for brightness modes. The TK15UE is compatible with an AER-01/AER-02 remote pressure switch.
Nitecore P20
If you are looking for a tactical light with less power the Nitecore P20 is an excellent choice. The Nitecore P20 features a CREE XM-L2 (T6) LED with a peak beam intensity of 11,000 candelas. The powerful LED offers a throw distance of 688 feet. The P20 to offer three different modes: tactical, general, and law enforcement, as well as a strobe mode. Each mode provides different brightness levels allowing the light to be used in different situations.
Streamlight Strion DS HL
The Streamlight Strion DS HL is a great alternative to the Fenix TK09 for users who aren’t concerned with a lot of extra features. The Strion DS HL offers users a maximum of 700 lumens with a C4 LED to ensure maximum brightness. The TEN-TAP programmable switch allows users to select one of three different programs. Dual Switch Technology provides access through the tail cap or head mounted switch. The Strion DS HL is powered by a Lithium-ion battery that can be recharged up to 1,000 times before being replaced. A full charge will be reached within three hours.
Fenix TK09 Review Final Thoughts
For those of you that need a light, you can depend on the Fenix TK09 is an excellent choice. Despite its compact design, with 900 max lumens, the Fenix TK09 is one of the more powerful lights of its size. While there are many other tactical lights to choose from, not all of them can be depended on in life or death situations. The Fenix TK09 meets and exceeds our high standards of expectation. Now that you have seen what the Fenix TK09 has to offer, go on out and purchase on today.
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