Fenix TK35UE alternative with high CRI?  Or similar?

robertsig · 2019-01-22T12:24:29.000Z

I love everything about the TK35 UE 2018 except that the XHP70 has a low CRI. I've only been in this hobby for a couple months and I think I may already be entering custom territory! I want a combo of throwy and floody - a good general outdoors flashlight. I like the OP reflector with enough gusto to handle some throw.

Does anyone know of a product similar to this with a better LED? 5000K with at least 80+ CRI is preferred. Or, does anyone offer modding services? I'm not sure what other options there are.

I could also look at P60 or Convoy designs but I really like the 2x18650 style as it's a battery I already use. Recommendations? Maybe a triple SST-20 of some kind? My minimum lumens is around 1500 on high/turbo.

Anthon · 2019-01-22T12:46:43.000Z

Nitecore P36 has a beautiful tint thanks to the 5000k MTG2

zak.wilson · 2019-01-22T15:21:06.000Z

The MT-G2 is pretty on a white wall, but the versions used by major manufacturers have unspecified CRI that’s around 70 in testing and it shows outdoors. Here are some options with performance comparable or superior to the TK35UE that do have high CRI:

Haikelite SC04, 4000K version. 95 CRI. Output and throw specs listed on the page are almost certainly for the low-CRI 6500K version and may be optimistic even for that. It should, however exceed the 3200 lumens and 300m FL1 throw of the TK35 UE. There’s probably a coupon code or group buy out there for this one. This has the option to run 2x26650 for a lot more battery capacity.
Emisar D4S SST-20 4000K/3000K or 219C 5000K. I’d almost certainly go with the SST-20 over the 219C for more throw and less chance of noticeable green tint.
Fireflies E07 again with the SST-20 4000K/3000K. There have been some construction issues with these lights where the thermal path isn’t what it should be so I’m a little hesitant in recommending it to someone who doesn’t want to take it apart and fix it.

Or modding the TK35 UE is an option. TK35s use a pill containing the driver on one side and the MCPCB/LED assembly on the other. This screws out of the head using snap ring pliers, giving access to the relevant parts. This XHP70 has 90+ CRI and a fairly nice tint. I have these in a couple lights.

robertsig · 2019-01-22T15:49:28.000Z

Thanks everyone. I'll look into those options too!

"Nitecore P36 has a beautiful tint thanks to the 5000k MTG2"

That has a standby drain, otherwise it would be at the top of my list. The Fenix side-by-side options don't.

robertsig · 2019-01-23T01:49:16.000Z

Zak, I may have somebody assist me with modding the TK35UE 2018. I'm torn between the 4500K or 5000K in either 80 or 90 CRI. So four option combinations. While every single flashlight I own is 90 CRI or better (all Nichia's), I wonder how much output I'd give up by going with a 90 CRI version? Do you have any spot pictures between 4500K and 5000K? I want white with no green....

zak.wilson · 2019-01-23T02:29:15.000Z

4000K 219C left, 4500K XHP70 (shaved) right. Shaving it didn’t change the tint that I noticed. Go with 90 CRI and don’t look back. I’m not sure how much output you’ll give up, but it’s usually little enough that you’d only notice if you had the two side by side. Human perception of brightness is roughly logarithmic.

CRI, on the other hand is [100 - color error], so 80 has twice the error of 90.

robertsig · 2019-01-23T02:47:39.000Z

That Cree light actually looks great. OK thanks!! 90 it is.

zak.wilson · 2019-01-23T03:29:34.000Z

Indeed. I’m happy with it in the Acebeam L30, and I’m rarely happy with anything from Cree.