We added a new light to our collection this week - Black Shadow Terminator U3. It appears to be a forum favorite, so we decided to do some beamshot comparisons with it and other popular flooders and throwers.
So the contenders along with my recent test stats for each-
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SKYRAY KING T6 - 2165otf, 25kcd
BLACK SHADOW TERMINATOR U3 - 2830otf, 57kcd
FENIX TK75 U2 - 2925otf, 95kcd
BTU SHOCKER U2 - 2975otf, 132kcd (UCL lens)
THRUNITE TN31 XML U2 - 1100otf, 126kcd
OSTS TN31mb XP-G2 - 741otf, 426kcd
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Now these shots were not long distances, all roughly in the 80m - 125m range. It was an impromptu run to the park and we were mainly trying to show how spotty or floody each light was. There are 3 different sets for each of the 6 lights. And they are in order as listed above.
All of the contenders -
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Now the first set, roughly 80m away -
SRK -
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Terminator -
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TK75 -
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BTU -
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TN31 -
.
TN31mb -
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The next set, same group of lights and in the same order, about 100m away-
SRK -
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Terminator -
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TK75 -
.
BTU -
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TN31 -
.
TN31mb -
.
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Ok, now the last set, same lights and same order, about 125m away and about 25m high, thus not much flood shown on the ground for any of the lights-
SRK -
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Terminator -
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TK75 -
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BTU -
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TN31 -
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TN31mb
The King and TK75 look really impressive in the first set of pics. After that you can really see the Terminator and BTU pull away. That mb is awesome and would be mine had Uncle Sam not been unkind to me.
Thanks again RDR.
Your comparisons are always appreciated.
The Terminator with a set of XM-L2 U2’s would be a pretty formidable small light.
Truthfully I and brother are a little disappointed with the terminator’s showing. Don’t get me wrong - it’s a great light. But we both think the Tk75 and BTU out perform it. Even the king in its own way. What I mean by that -
BTU - out throws it by 200m and offers just as much flood, and the same power
TK75 - out throws it by 100m and offers even more flood, and the same power
King - short on throw and power, but floods much more and costs 1/3 the price.
I don’t regret getting the Terminator in the least. It’s very unique. It throws well for a multi emitter light. It has great power. And it’s quality is impeccable. I truly love its alien looks. And If we didn’t own the other lights I would think it was the greatest thing since sliced bread was invented. But if a buyer is looking for just one powerful light, the other 3 in my opinion are better deals.
But all of them offer there own uniqueness. Again fortunately these lights are owned by me and my brother, so we are lucky to own all of them. Didn’t have to choose just one 
Thanks for the great beamshots. This comparison really re-enforces why I recently chose the TK75 over a host of other multi-emitter lights in store, it’s a do it all in one light and still remains reasonably compact, perfect for my collection as it doubles as both flood monster and thrower. I’m trying to downsize my collection and will sell or giveaway my unused lights, which now includes the Trustfire J18 and 3T6 thanks to the TK75.
I fully agree. The TK75 is actually my brothers light (manxbuggy1), but I do believe it is one of the best high power lights that can be purchased with its awesome combo of throw, flood, and quality.
Thanks for the beamshots! It looks like the TK75 offers the best flood and throw combination among all.
Excellent comparison, and very illustrative of the differences in beam profile.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Personally, based on bang for the buck, I would rate them as follows -
1-King
2-TK75
3-BTU
4-Terminator
5-TN31
6-TN31mb
That’s just my opinion based on what I like in a light and what I have observed. And based on just those lights tested last night. I do think they are all great lights and you won’t go wrong with any of them. And everybody has different needs, such more throw, or more flood.
You brothers have just saved a lot of people some serious money.
Nice, very revealing photos. As always, thanks for your efforts.
I agree…+1 Thanks for all the time and effort.
I noticed something when I upgraded my BTU… With the T6 emittier the flood was more roundish. With the u2’s the beam seems to flow out more giving the edge of the flood a more flowering effect. Have you noticed this?
Well truthfully I don’t know. You have a before and after comparison, where as mine has always been U2’s. The only remotely related thing I can offer is experience we’ve had with other T6 and U2 lights. We’ve noticed on C8’s for example when comparing the two versions that were driven about the same, the U2 with the higher output was always floodier. I guess the more power coming out of a reflector the more light tends to show the flood. Especially on moderate sized reflectors.
If I ever get my XM-L2 U2’s in I can compare how it does with the extra power, but looks like it will be 6 weeks or so before any of mine come in.
White wall hunting with My XM-L U2 BTU, I notice the the flower shaped spill (six small petals) especially on high and turbo.
Yep! Thats what I was referring to. The T6’s didnt do that like the U2’s do
Thank you for posting this test, it's a very nice comparison.
Am I the only one who wonders how the BTU shocker would perform if modded with copper mounted XPG2's and driven at 3-3.5amps?
I wonder if the T6 LEDs were slightly off-center, or if some stray solder was keeping the reflector from fully seating, affecting focus slightly ?
I’m sure it would be a throwing fool like that. And still respectable output. But I’m looking forward to doing the XM-L2 U2’s on copper. With my UCL lens and that setup I’m hoping for 3400-3600otf and perhaps 750m throw. And without no more stress on the 3 x 18650 setup. If again I ever get the dang things in. If got some ordered from Mouser and from Kaidomain. Mouser says mid April and Kaidomain isn’t saying anything. Already have plenty of copper sink pads.
Why does the TK75 throw so far? Most of the three led lights I have seen, don't throw very far, due to the fact that the reflectors are small and shallow. What makes a difference with the TK75. Since you have all of these lights, how are the reflectors different from the TK75 and the King for instance?
I will never be able to afford a TK75 and I really would not want it, because it uses Li-ions, but copying it and making something that would be similar would be interesting.
From what I saw in here, I fully agree with your rating. 