Review: Shadow TC6 (new version)

Another Winner from Int'l Outdoor: Shadow TC6

Flashlights that crank Foy's Evinrude, very often don't float other peoples' boat. The Shadow VG-20 for example, continues to entertain and delight but it seems not everyone is into the 2 x 18650/P60ish form factor. The TC6 acquits itself somewhat better however, with its larger C8 head but that's not all this awesome Shadow has going for it. I buy a lot of (too many) flashlights and occasionally get a stinker (Sky Fail 818) but I have yet to purchase a Shadow that hasn't been an absolute gem of a torch. The Shadow TC6 gets an easy . . .

Foyapproved

Bottom line: The Shadow TC6 is as bright as an UltraFire 980L with half again the run time and none of the heat. You get double o-rings, brass contact inserts, beautiful square threads, a fully regulated, 4-mode UI with low battery warning and brighter-than-you-need XM-L performance. Like every Shadow branded light I have, assembly and machine quality are exquisite. Superb anodization, reliability and a collection of upmarket extras make the TC6 look, feel and function like a $100 flashlight. The good news: it only costs $50.

Another Winner from Int'l Outdoor: Shadow TC6

Flashlights that crank Foy's Evinrude, very often don't float other peoples' boat. The Shadow VG-20 for example, continues to entertain and delight but it seems not everyone is into the 2 x 18650/P60ish form factor. The TC6 acquits itself somewhat better however, with its larger C8 head but that's not all this awesome Shadow has going for it. I buy a lot of (too many) flashlights and occasionally get a stinker (Sky Fail 818) but I have yet to purchase a Shadow that hasn't been an absolute gem of a torch. The Shadow TC6 gets an easy . . .

Foyapproved

Bottom line: The Shadow TC6 is as bright as an UltraFire 980L with half again the run time and none of the heat. You get double o-rings, brass contact inserts, beautiful square threads, a fully regulated, 4-mode UI with low battery warning and brighter-than-you-need XM-L performance. Like every Shadow branded light I have, assembly and machine quality are exquisite. Superb anodization, reliability and a collection of upmarket extras make the TC6 look, feel and function like a $100 flashlight. The good news: it only costs $50.

I have since, changed the OP reflector for an SMO. My TC6 will now throw as well as (possibly better) than my 980L.

Full disclosure:

Upon arrival, my new TC6 measured .90 amp (approx. 1.80 to the emitter) at the tail cap on high. I was mildly disappointed (2.5 amps advertised) but I liked everything else about the light and, because an XM-L at 1.80 is still plenty bright, I chose not to pursue it with Hank. Some time later, a response in a thread I've now forgotten, I mentioned the lower than expected current. I received a PM from Hank the next day that said my TC6 had shipped with the old style head by mistake. He said a replacement was on its way and I could then send the old head back at IO's expense. The new head arrived about ten days later and the light now measures a fairly steady 1.25 amps (approx. 2.50 to the emitter) no matter what battery I use. I've PM'd Hank, awaiting instructions to send the old head back. He has yet to reply and I just wanted to express my complete satisfaction with Hank and Int'l Outdoor Store. None of us are perfect (IO included) but when there is an issue, Hank never fails to do the right thing.

What I like:

- bright, bright, bright

- buff finish

- thick, red o-rings (feels snug and tight when threading on tail cap/head)

- brass contact inserts

- double o-rings

- all the o-rings

- aesthetics

What I do not like:

- center, smooth tail cap band not completely free of cross-hatch

- fast strobe

- dead link address on flashlight body, forever remembered with equally stupid battery polarity diagram

New Version Shadow TC6 Flashlight

$49.90 Int'l Outdoor Store http://www.intl-outdoor.com/new-version-shadow-tc6-flashlight-pics-heavy-p-278.html

ordered: 3-26-12

received: 4-12-12

Cree XM-L/T6 1A/cool white emitter

OP reflector (C8 size)

designed for 2 x 18650 lithium-ion batteries

working voltage: 4 to 8.5 volts

fully regulated, low voltage warning

6061 aluminum construction

buff black "HA3" anodization

square threads

double o-rings at each end

tail standing, tactical reverse clicky tail cap switch with 16mm boot

4-mode user interface, descending high, medium, low and fast strobe - no mode memory, always starts on high

mode spacing: 100%, 50% and 5%

IPX-8 waterproof rating (immersion beyond 1 meter)

selected manufacturer specifications:

"800 lumens" on high at 2.5 amps

run time on high: 2 hours (I only got 1.5 hours)

run time on low: 35 hours

215mm (length) 25mm (body) 46mm (head)

what you get for $49.90:

- TC6 flashlight

- spare lens

- 5 spare o-rings (I got 6)

- spare switch

- lanyard

- gift box

- I also got an extra boot (not listed)

Tail cap draw with 2 unprotected Tenergy 18650 batteries:

high - 1.25 amps (approx. 2.50 to the emitter)

medium - .61 (approx. 1.22 to the emitter)

low - .05 (approx. .10 to the emitter)

I took these pictures with the old head, which had a small spot of missing anodization on the bottom knurling band on the head. The new head is perfect and let me be the one to say that the name "Shadow" and the Shadow logo is quite fetching, compared to a lot of flashlight graphics out there. A lot better than "Fandy Fire" "Dry" (??) or Illumiscrotum . . .

. . . one of the few places where Shadow completely showed their drawers is this helpful battery polarity diagram and equally useful web address to nowhere. Dead links aside, the low cut knurling is extra grippy with the strong, buff black finish.

The TC6 is a solid tail stander and Foy is a big fan of the larger 16mm boot and side drilled holes.

I really like the 2 x 18650 form factor. Like every Shadow I have, machine work on this light is outstanding. The two-battery tube is a good fit for my large hand and it has a comfortable balance when your middle finger naturally finds the smooth center cut in the middle . . .

My TC6 has been a terrific light at work and I love the smooth (no attack) bezel.

As I mentioned, I replaced this OP reflector with an SMO and my TC6 is now a very real thrower. Sometimes an SMO can be a little ringy but I got lucky this time with a gorgeous beam profile.

Yes; I will include a white wall shortly so you can see how awesome it is . . .

One thing about Int'l Outdoor; your new light usually comes with some other cool stuff. Especially nice is the extra switch, which I had to use on another Shadow light. (switch issue on the JM05) The clear o-rings on the head are thick, as are the red o-rings on the body. When corners are cut on a budget light, you'll often see the thinnest black o-ring they can get away with and you'll never see an extra lens. Good job, Shadow.

I need to include a picture of the new head, which is flawless. Other than the ano issue, machine work is spectacular . . .

. . . some mighty fine lathe work . . .

. . . except for this. In real life it's actually hardly noticeable but, I noticed it. Looks like it needed one more pass to get it completely smooth. Ahh well; gives it character. Like a cute birth mark. Or a wart.

These threads feel like silk and I don't know if the brass inserts actually improve the connection but they look like they might. Foy likes it.

Centering ring keeps the centered emitter shrills quiet . . .

Whenever I begin thinking I'm all-that, an issue like this comes along to expose me for the wannabe advanced beginer that I aspire to be. I have waxed poetic several times about the inference of quality I feel when I see a brass plunger sliding beautifully within a nylon-sleeve where once, a naked spring curled up. (poetic enough fer ya?) In practice, these spring caps suck cold horse dong. They limit spring travel and thus, pressure against the battery. By removing this useless (and concealed) bling I not only solved an annoying failure-to-turn-on riddle, I also got a few tenths of an amp more current.

No mo plungers.

Battery length adviser . . .

I've not yet removed the metal whatever from my industrial packaged Tenergy 18650's.

I haven't done any beam shots yet so . . . I'll do that tomorrow along with the white walls.

The Shadow TC6 makes a great shelf queen and an even better flashlight. I've been using it at work and the only complaint I have is that it is a little long for my shorts side pocket. Under a car, the TC6 will fill every nook and hidden corner with a lot more light than the $200 joke of a flashlight the Snap-On jobber sells.

There it is guys - a great flashlight. $50 ain't cheap unless you're buying a $100 flashlight. Beam shots to follow . . .

Foy

reserved

Sexy, Shadow makes me want to buy more of their stuff, but they have got to start driving everything harder.

Thx a lot for the great review Foy! Also great to hear that Hank is a stand up guy! I’ve had two positive purchase experiences with IO and definitely wouldn’t hesitate to provide them with more biz.

Great review foy,these shadow lights are really attractive especially the finish.Bummer about the mode memory and how about the PWM with this light?That's really cool of hank to swap heads,even more a reason I will patronize his store.

Thanks for the review Foy!

And for 50 bucks?

Thanks Foy. This light just may be my first foray with 2x18650. Lot a light for $50. It is almost like Hank sits looking at his screen waiting for incoming. He answered two different e-mails of mine with in ten minutes! Stand-up guy. Some others should take lessons from him.
Keith

Thanks Foy. If I may be so rude as to ask how it comes up against your JM05? The lights in spec seem pretty similar.

Another great review, thanks.
Wow that’s a sexy light.I really like the fact that the manufacturers are getting the message and driving these things harder so I don’t have to waste my time shoving new drivers in otherwise perfect lights.

Nice review Foy! Thanks again for doing this for us.

Thanks for the pics and review Foy -much appreciated.

May I please request one more, with a side-by-side of the new and old ?

Thanks !

Haha, great review, pal :bigsmile: Waiting those beamshots :stuck_out_tongue:

Thank you Foy for the great review.

Memo to myself: Don’t read Foy reviews - they are extremly good and at the moment I have no money for new flashlights. Solution: If I don’t read the reviews, I will not know the flashlight and don’t want it :~

One question:
Is the eternal mystery of the homepage of Shadow solved? www.a-mu.co / www.a-mu.com is it not.
Why do they print a not useful www address on their flashlights?

Thanks for the review. I couldn’t help notice you say “an SMO” as in “an S M O reflector” while I think “a SMO (smow)” reflector. Or it could be pronounced “smooth” in your head as well, that would be “a SMO (smooth)” reflector……

Beautiful review as usual Foy! Thanks so much for your hard work on this.
Frontpage’d and Sticky’d.

Here you go, Chicago . . .

Old on top, new on bottom . . .

Old on left, new at right . . .

These are lousy but it's all I have right now.

DNF - JM05?

I know they're both C8 SMO's so, it might be easy to assume similar performance. Nope. E/JM05 is brighter, has more run time and (between these two) is easily superior to the TC6. Mind you; it was not before I sent it to E1320. But now . . . (smug laughter) the E/JM05 is a different conversation. I was hoping some others that had Erik mod their JM05's would chime in and corroborate my feelings.

Tecmo -

Not sure I understand the question. Also; never gave my OP/SMO usage much thought . . . "OP" = orange peel reflector and "SMO" = smooth reflector. Don't know if it's correct but . . . that's how I roll.

busyFoy

Thorough review as usual. I like the lite, but lately i’m not liking 2 battery skinny long tube lites. Just like don’t feel of the lite. Maybe a 26650 battery would change that.

If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get the SMO reflector for yours?

Thanks for the review. Its always been a looker

Can i borrow $50 bucks