How many TANK007 E09 Versions? And, how to tell?

LED Flashlights – General Info 1 x AAA Flashlights
1

As everyone on this forum will already know, the TANK007 E09 appears to be a great budget AAA keychain light. (An excellent value for its price.)

My problem is that you can find (at least) three “versions” for sale:

1) R2 (“older version”) for around $13-14.00 (current best price?)
2) R3 (“new version”) for around $15-16.00 (current best price?)
3) R5 (“newest version”?) for around $18.00 (not real?)

The “tank007store.com” website shows the R3 to be the latest version available ($22.99), so I wonder whether or not the R5 version (available elsewhere) can possibly be real. Can anyone confirm this?

Also, while I have seen considerable discussion on this forum of the various versions, and differences, I am hoping some one can summarize things for me.

As a matter of fact, I attempted to purchase a R2 and a R3 from the same vendor, so that I could confirm for myself what (if anything) was the difference between the two. But, after having received them, the best I can tell, they are both exactly the same.

(Appearance is truly identical, and even the output appears, to me, to be the same.)

The only difference I can determine is that the more expensive “R3” came with a Li-Ion battery. The flashlights themselves appear to be identical. And, the serial numbers on the two lights are also fairly close:

R2 = 303090718
R3 = 303092657

Can anyone shed any more light on this? (Pun intended!)

2

to date, only R3 exists and is being produced.

R5 doesnt exist.

R2 doesnt exist anymore, it was back in 2011.

hope this helps!

3

Fasttech are listing theirs as R3 and mine came with a Duracell Alkaline, however it was cheaper than you’ve listed too.

4

I have never ordered from Fasttech before, but at $13.26 they appear to have one of the best E09 prices out there.

(Anyone else have any suggestions, now that I know that they are all R3, regardless of whether or not they are listed as R2.)

5

At least I now know why the R2 and R3 both appear to be exactly the same. (I was always suspicious of the R5)

6

i think the best suggestion is the one you have, i bought mine from fasttech

7

Hi, Rosoku Chikara! Do you want suggestions for alternatives to the Tank007 E09? Or other stores? I think FastTech is your best bet. I have had only good experiences buying from them. Prompt shipping, great customer service.

8

If Kreisl says this, it must be true.

9

I am interested in “other stores” with even lower price. But, Fasttech sounds pretty good.

(I have shopped at several others over the years. Just never have purchased from Fasttech before.)

10

Hmm, maybe some store on Rakuten? Although from HK is probably cheaper.

11

I just received the brown model 3050 serial no[built may 2013?]- just wanted to ask what lux at 1m are you getting. I measure mine at 960 lux-really impressive for a little guy.

12

That is one impressive little guy!

13

Here’s what it looks like in a dark cave using a 4.2v Li-Ion cell:

14

TS great cave shot- thanks. thanks also HH for the tank specs, i will definetly have to get a 10440 cell. When i compared my olight i3s to the eo9 i was amazed at its throw. The olight has 420 lux vs tank at 960 lux at 1m on new eneloops. I am liking these aaa sized lights.