Which one to get? Tk35 or DRY 3 xm-l

Vote for TK 35

I would go with the recommendations on the XML C8.

It's cheap and being used for work, so you won't feel bad if it gets beat up.

It's compact, and easy in the pocket.

It has good spill and throw.

I also recommend the C8 and you could even pick up spares at that price if absolutely needed. The one trade off: Less run time because it will be running on only one cell. It's lightweight, compact and will definitely get the job done. If you have to go with a tail switch light then you might as well go this route. I would still prefer a side switch in your line of work though.

But we also shouldn't fall into the trap that you should get cheap lights for work because you won't have to worry about babying them. Even though I'm a huge offender of treating my electronics light this, it still doesn't mean the expensive lights aren't supposed to be used for this application. They're high quality and are meant to be used. Sure you run the risk of losing more money if it breaks, but you should still get what works best within your budget. It's possible you can get more value out of using a more expensive light even if it eventually breaks versus keeping it as a shelf queen. Actually, I WISH I had more excuses (i.e. work related) to get better flashlights :)

TK35 hands down, for several reasons.

If I was a security guard/cop/EMT, I would not trust my illumination to the $20-30 lights recommended above, I'd buy at least a Fenix or better light.

You can run it on 4x Cr123, that you can keep handy as a backup, if you are using 18650 batteries.

Almost every triple-XM-L reviewed or owned on these forums seems like it has had reliability issues, plus you are using multiple-18650 batteries which you have to be very careful about charging and keeping in similar states, unless you like hand grenades.

A Blaze from Shiningbeam would probably be a good choice as well if you want something in a smaller, easier to handle package.

I'd also look at the Jetbeams, Klarus, and Olights in terms of quality but still reasonable...

You can't go wrong with a TK35

LoL. This is getting awkward.

If considering a C8 model, I'd look at this option more than any of the other C8 models out there for your purposes for the following reasons:

  • Large stainless steel bezel
  • 3 modes (High > Low > Strobe)
  • $24
  • Easy availability of spare parts

How2 has contributed over 1300 posts here, and I think he at least deserves to be able to express his opinion without being told to STFU. Everyone has opinions about different lights, which is one reason I hang out here. But to dismiss him in such a condescending manner is totally inappropriate. Take a step back and a deep breath....

]I’m new here but been on Cpf for quite a while, I can honestly say I was a smoggy Cpf guy that only bought the high end stuff back 4,5 years ago but back then they were that much better ,but I can say I bought a uf2100 and was floored with the quality for under20 bucks, so then I try a z1 and it is a beast for 12 bucks so then I buy that triple XML beam tech 4000 and it just keeps getting better , now the dry is on the way , Im not a fenix fan ,iremember when they first introduced themselves sort of like bronte is now , if u want name brand get a surefire , stream light , if u want budget then both u referred to r cool probably the tk35 from what I read may work good for security but when I was a security guard I would have crapped for a triple XML ,lol even my $50bt4000 has that wow for me;) but I like modding so as soon as Tony and the other guy finish doing and show me how I expect I will have to fun bright wrasse triple XML light:) if u r like e the brighter the better, shit all the XML will throw great with a lot of flood for security guard purposes on medium,lol

Btw the dry is different for me ,almost sexy ,lol but will let u know tomorrow hopefully

Back on Original Topic, sorry for interrupting your debate guys

Islandchannel my very personal suggestion is if you can afford you should take both them!

They are much different, as others pointed out yet.

Then if I had to choose, maybe for your guard job the TK35 is a better do-it-all package.

It's more pocket friendly, have a nice UI with dual separated buttons, and puts out a very nice beam with a good mix of throw and usable spill, illuminating not only your "target" but also the surrounding areas.

You cannot be unhappy with a TK35. I've one on order too!

DRY is a great flashlight, I love it, when you shine it in the dark is like switching on a halogen car hi-beam, literally it puts out a wall of light on Turbo, and even at the High level is very bright. The beamshot is more of a flood, also it seems more flood to the human eye due to the very bright spill that makes your eyes to consider the hotspot less throwy and bright in comparison.

But for your job I think that battery duration is important too, and I think that the TK35 has the edge here on efficiency and battery duration. With the DRY, to be on the safe side, I think you should always carry spare batts with you.

If you choose the DRY, let me suggest you to buy the newer version with step-down driver, it would be too easy to forget it's on turbo for too much time and burning emitters would be a no-no option.

Cheers

Well, at least we know who the liar was in this debate. Chicago X, that is just plain old rude and stupid.

don’t know about anyones age but that PM sure is not something an adult would usually do.

Wow… I see why chix is giving gifts away .

I have to say I'm quite shocked and disappointed by that. It's not photoshopped either.

I don't mind my thread getting jacked. Jerry jerry jerry!

Roflmao

I heard somewhere this was a flashlight forum.... lol!

Please do that, how2. Until you posted what ChicagoX said I found it impossible to believe you weren’t lying because I was fully convinced the guy I know wouldn’t stoop to that. That’s why I was so shocked to see it. I also have no doubt you must have said something similar or worse to him. If you want to be a stand up guy around here then I suggest you also make it public what you said to him that prompted it. If you can post his PM and call him to the carpet in front of everyone I suggest you do the same for yourself.

Why can't we all just get along. Life is too short for this bullshit, don't you think?