For review today , the Tank007 TK-566 ,
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18626
1xAA [ + extension tube for 2xAA ] 14500 , 5 mode [ Hi-Med-Lo-Strobe -SOS ] with memory .
Some pictures first to entertain you :
First impressions :
When I first saw the light , I have to admit it looked a little better than expected , it feels like a quality product [ something you dont always get with AA lights ] , and putting in a fresh Ni-mh , I thought the output was very nice ..
Glass Lens
O rings where they need to be
Nice even anodizing
good machining
fits well together
nice smooth threads
no issues with clicky [ feels good ]
no battery slop
Beam is a little ringy due to smooth reflector [ I can live with it as its only minor ]
Wrist strap
Wont tail stand
Run's AA through to 14500 [ Tank007 web site say's so ]
Nothing was lose [ pill - lens - reflector ]
Threads even appear to be lubed
True SOS
Memory is not affected by how quickly you turn the light on , just off [ Turn it on for 5 seconds or more to engage memory ] Turn the light on and off before 5 seconds has elapsed , and it will start in the next mode .
Lets move onto performance as I have nothing negative to report at this time , apart from the slightly ring'y beam ...
Performance :
Nimh :
1.35v - 94L - Duracell 2650
1.32v - 85L - Eveready
1.38v - 92L - INCA
1.36v - 92L - Sony
Duracell High = 94Lumen - 1.83A / Medium = 25L - 0.43A / Low = 3L - 0.06A
2xAA Alkaline
Varta High Energy High = 168L - 1.6A / Medium = 44L - 0.42A / Low = 6L - 0.06A
2xAA Nimh
Ni-mh High = 163L - 2.2A / Medium = 44L - 0.62A / Low = 6L - 0.07A
14500
14500 @ 4.15v High = 192L - 0.86A / Medium = 49L - 0.22A / Low = 6L - 0.04A
Now I didnt bother with the dry cells as they tested very poorly , they just sagged something awful in this light , yes in 2x configuration . Started @ something like 146L , and just kept on sagging at a steady rate , and when the light sagged past 70L I called it quits , thats 50% sag from running dry cells , and it was still sagging , so this little battery vampire is not dry cell friendly , it really needs juice on high .
Conclusion :
Overall a very nice light with no quality issues [ at time of testing ] , its a bit of a battery vampire on everything but the 14500 , but so are most AA lights , its almost impossible to avoid , which is why its so nice to have modes . And the modes on this one are very nicely set out [ spaced ] and offer , possibly just the right amount of light for a persons needs . I really like the extension tube allowing for 2xAA , it offers the average person a lot more power without having to resort to Li-ion cells , which for the careless could spell disaster [ Li-ion requires some knowledgeable use ] .
The Tank007 TK-556 is perhaps trying to be all things to all people , and I think it has succeeded , it is certainly not the most powerful light in the single AA class but it offers far more options in the power source , which one has to like . The only downside from going from one AA cell to 2 , as there is not an increase in run time , but rather an increase in output , and if you dont need the output , your probably better off just running a single AA at a time and getting twice as much run time . But there is the rub , you have the option , AA's or even a Li-ion 14500 ..
The only thing that could possibly improve this light even more , would be one more AA extension to make it 3xAA , then you would see some increased run time , in fact , I will have to see about that , I think 3xAA would really make this light something special .
Beamshots Tonight !
1xAA on High /\
1xAA Medium /\
1xAA Low /\
2xAA High /\
2xAA Medium /\
2xAA Low /\
Wall shot