I have a MF02 and have been thinking about getting a TN42. Anyone have both lights and could tell me the real world differences, or if they are so close in similarity if it is even worth getting a TN42? I've read that the tn42 runs fine on the protected NCR18650B's and that the MF02 doesn't?
I ask myself nearly the same question for some weeks now. In my case, I still veer between buying the Acebeam K50v3, Acebeam K70, Niwalker BK-FA30S and the Astrolux MF02. They all have the XHP35 Hi and comparable reflector sizes respectively comparable outputs in Lux/Lumen. Most probably the differences are to be found in the user interface and the driver settings.
The TN42 seems to maintain the highest mode significantly longer than the MF02. I have recently seen some graphs in another thread. Unfortunately, I can’t find it right now. Probably, it’s somewhere in the MF02 groupbuy thread. Now, I’m curious how the Niwalker and these Acebeam throwers compare to the MF02.
I have MF02 and FA30S and both are good but If u have the money then definitely get TN42 as it’s still king of the throw for similar light size.
Also the driver have much nice regulate in comparison.
So many choices, it's hard to resist sometimes. I've read that the TN42 is much better than the K70 so that is why I was leaning towards it.
I also read that beam intensity of the TN42 is almost 50% stronger than the MF02. One of the reasons I was thinking about getting it as well. Sometimes my "little voice" keeps asking me if the TN42 is worth twice the price of the MF02!
I know that feeling, klrman! 
If you are interested in buying the the rechargeable version of the TN42, there’s a new version 2 available now.
http://www.thrunite.com/tn42c-v2-rechargeable-led-searchlight/
Yeah, it's more of an addiction to nice flashlights 
I wonder what they improved in V2 of the TN42C? I don't like battery packs though and sold one of my lights because it had one.
+1 :+1:
Same here, that’s why I refrain from buying Acebeam’s X70, Olight’s X9R Marauder and even Imalent’s DX80 (even though is just a bunch of soldered Samsung 30Qs)
Even though they are soldered and have a protection circuit for the group of batteries, my understanding is that it can't protect against a single cell going bad until its too late.
Got my TN42 yesterday in NW. After testing it in a park nearby, I'd have to say that I like my MF02 better. Beam is narrower on the TN42 but it just didn't seem that great. MF02 for sure looks brighter. I wonder how the TN42 would be with a XHP 70 with 5000k? Anyone know if I would need a new driver for that or could I just pop an XHP70 in there with a star and it would work?
I really like the looks of the tn42 and might as well make this my first big mod project.