*Sorry, I did not have a chance to take any pictures but they are easily found on other reviews. I can add them later if necessary. Thorfire provided this light for free in exchange for my review. They did not make any demands on the content or tone of this review.*
Thorfire TK18 Review
The single 18650 cigar style flashlight segment is loaded with choices and price ranges. The budget end of the spectrum is dominated by the likes of the Convoy S2+ and the BLF A6. Thorfire, however, has been making inroads to the market with its popular VG15S. It has now introduced the TK18, a more premium model with some attractive features. But it is worth the extra cost?
TK18 MSRP: $29.80
Highlights:
- CREE XPL2 LED; Up to 1200 Lumens on Turbo
- Requires a quality 18650 battery such the Samsung 30Q (not included)
- Memory mode
- Ramping UI
INITIAL THOUGHTS
The specs on the TK18 are very attractive. 1200 lumens, dual switches, ramping and traditional UI, battery level indicator, and mode memory. All for under $30 dollars, including Prime shipping from Amazon.
Build
The build quality is ok. For $30 I did expect more. The light looks cheaper than it should. I prefer the S2+ and A6 machining and finishes. The TK18 looks cheaply painted. The tail switch is crisp with a satisfying amount of travel and click. I found the electronic side switch to be mushy and unappealing.
User Interface
I hate the UI on the TK18. The ramping UI on the BLF Q8 is such a pleasure to use. Smooth and lively, letting you move up or down with ease. The ramping UI on the TK18 is terribly slow taking several long seconds to max out. Switching to the traditional click through mode requires 4 presses of the electronic switch. On my review unit, each press was not always recognized making switching UI’s far too cumbersome. The memory mode is much appreciated. Waiting for the light to ramp up each would be a deal breaker on ever using this light.
Tint
Cool White only, 5300-5500k
Performance
The TK118 is also a bit of a dud here too. The 1200 lumen turbo steps down you are left with a rather pedestrian 500 lumen high mode.
WOULD I BUY IT?
In short, no. I had high expectation for the ramping UI and was totally let down. If Thorfire can bring it in line with the Q8, the TK18 would be more attractive. But even with that improvement, the BLF A6 is a much better buy in my opinion. For the same $30 you get a robust UI, tint choice, easy modding and a Samsung 30Q battery.
EDIT: I would like to clarify I did not mean to imply the TK18 was hard to or could not be modded. Just that the A6 was a known commodity for those wishing to do so.