To TK-45 users and lovers

LED Flashlights – General Info Multiple AA / 14500 Flashlights
1

I've fallen in love with this light from the first time, mostly because of its original mini-gun design, so choosing the TK-41 is not an option. And considering I can get one for 118usd in FocalPrice, I'm looking for some opinions.

So, for those who has it, or if you have any opinion, what do you think about it?

Have you ever considered to swap one (only one) XP-G for an XRE (I don't know if it will fit), or an XPE, to increase the throw? What do you think about it?

I'm planning to use it at home, and to carry it in my bag, mainly because of the possibility to get some spare AAs in an emergency.

2

I have a friend who disliked 18650 and had a TK40, it was top notch at that time. But those 8*AA were a hassle; he once accidentally mixed full and empty cells on a tour and was left with 2 damaged cells and without light (well he of course had a backup light, but...)

That was the point when he started using and preferring 18650 lights (I had unsuccessfully tried to convince him before).

I like TK45's design :) I'd have bought one if it used 18650s.

Well, now I have a TK35 :)

3

Thats a good point, anyway, I always a back up light.. well, not only one :P

I would like to see some mods of this light, for example, giving the leds more Amps, 1.5A would be nice, and will have around 1200lumens in turbo mode. It would be also interesting to replace the battery pack, with 2* 32600 li-ions. It would store about +50% of power and also would be lighter.

But I wasn't able to find any mods of this light, and I don't have money enough to try it on my own :)

4

That's probably the reason why: Many cosider it too expensive for messing around with it, I guess :)

5

Oh yes I know, but as there are some rich flashaholic who buy those titanium lights of 800usd, I was wondering if one of them have modded the TK-45.

I won't be the guinea pig.. I don't even know if I will get it

6

I have one and I don't consider it to be much of a thrower. I wouldn't dream of trying to mod it - too pricey.

7

I have a TK45 and don't use it. The tint is poor IMO and it's too green. My triple XPG builds in my L2P's kicks it all over the place.

I might try to sell it here with full disclosure if anyone wants to fool with it.

I tried to open the bezels to change the emitters and no way... I don't know what kind of glue they use on there. Heat gun, boiling, acetone, everything-no joy. What a cuss-job pain in the arse. Of course they got chewed up so I shelved it.

And those 8 AA's are a PIA... put 'em all back in my shortwave radios I stole 'em out of.

Rich

8

I just don't understand why companies go to the trouble of glueing their lights together, sure it probably takes little time and doesn't cost much....but for no gain other than pissing off some of your customers.

9

I think gluing prevents pissed of customers...

We are talking about cases where the consumer market includes people who cant work out which end opens up to change the battery, or how to turn it on, without having to search for a bit... Glued torches prevent the majority of consumers opening the wrong part, and then because they cant fit the seriously complicated puzzle of parts that might have fallen out (lens, reflector, bezel for eg.) they then can become very vocal about how "crap" the torch is, simply falling apart suddenly when they wanted to turn it on or change batts.....

We are the rarer and smaller percentage of the market who are comfortable enough to open up and service torches. From the manufacturers point of view, I totally understand what their doing. As much as I hate it myself (wont buy a torch thats glued If im aware of it) , it makes sense from to have a (glued) fool proof product. Why risk the torrent of complaints and returns (lost revenue).