PREVIOUS CONSIDERATIONS.
In today's review we are going to present the new generation of one of the most mythical models of the flashlight world. The Fenix TK75 2018 edition. The TK75 has always combined two features that made it very attractive. A lot of power, and a brutal throw. It did everything well, also dressed with a dose of quality finishes and construction at the highest level. For many it has been the reference of the sector. We are at the end of 2017 and the models have evolved a lot. We will see what happens in this new version. One thing seems clear, Fenix has not wanted to make a radical change, but a modernization of a model that until now has been a safe value.
PRESENTATION
Inside the case we find the new model with the following accessories; A pretty good lanyard, an accessory to anchor it in the tripod thread and that will serve us among other things to hold it with the tape that also comes as an accessory. Replacement O'ring, instruction manual and a USB cable. The tape to carry the TK75 in shoulder bag is quite good (the same as in the previous version). It allows you to adjust your extension and at least it is comfortable for me. It has two good carabiners with which we can be calm of the lantern going to go good subject. The accessory to place it in addition to being quite good, has threads on both sides to not lose the functionality of using the flashlight on a tripod if necessary. The but, once again, is that it does not include a holster for the flashlight.
CONSTRUCTIVE ASPECTS
What has changed in this new model in terms of its appearance and construction?. Well, in relation to its external appearance, everything has changed, although it seems that nothing has changed because the quality is the same. The body of the model still maintains rectangular knurling and longitudinal stripes, although its size and thickness vary slightly. The Tail is similar, but the polygonal shapes that limit the lantern rolling are exacerbated. In the head, the proportions are modified, with greater the dissipating fins located in the thicker section, and less those located in the thinner section of the head (unlike in the previous model). The engravings are modified slightly in style and location, and in appearance. Where greater difference we are going to appreciate is in the new metallic pulsers, smaller and located in a metallic embellisher, that transmit a more modern and sophisticated aspect to the model. I like the feeling of its use more, but considering how well the previous models are, it may be something more personal than reality. Another very differentiating factor is the load indicator LED that includes the new model. Of course he still admits Tail Stand.
Fenix did a great job with the reflector of 4 sections of the 2015 model (as with the reflector of previous models), and this has allowed him not to have to do too much (or anything else), to take advantage of this new version . I am not able to perceive differences in each section, not even in the central pillar that joins the 4 sections and ends with a diamond shape. As for the centering and location of the new XHP35 Hi, everything is perfect as corresponds to the brand.
Little more to add in terms of its constructive quality. It is at the highest level and it shows immediately after picking it up. Aeronautical grade, anodized anti-abrasive Type III, anti-glare glass ultra clear, stainless steel push buttons ........ And a perfect cleanliness and neatness.
We begin to see if inside it continues maintaining the constructive criteria of quality. Little to add. It is divided into three parts as the previous model. The threads are magnificent, high quality, neat and well oiled. The driver comes immaculate clean.
Another of the fundamental changes of this model in relation to previous versions is seen in the battery carrier. Fenix has modified its typical white battery carrier that has given such a good result, for a new model that includes a USB bay and also has a battery charging function. This new battery holder has positive and negative aspects in relation to the previous one. As positive aspects, it includes the load function (we will analyze it later), which is just as good in quality and components as the previous model (holds any battery firmly), and that also has a button that will indicate the charge of the batteries. On the negative side, we can only use Button Top batteries. If we have Flat top we will have to use small magnets. I think that this has been in this way by the own use that the flashlight makes of the batteries, and thus try that inexperienced users always use models of protected batteries. Later we will explain why.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Regarding its size and weight, we will find what we can expect from this model. It is not the most portable, but it is not uncomfortable to use either. Below is the new model compared to its previous version and other current models. We also present the data of the weight without and with batteries.
USER INTERFACE
The UI is managed from the new stainless steel pushbuttons. The right is the main one, and the left is the secondary one.
On / Off: Long press on any of the buttons. If we do it in the right we will enter in the main modes, and in the left one in the auxiliaries.
Change of Modes: Simple press on any of the buttons, depending on whether we want to change main or secondary modes. The cycle in the main modes is Eco-> Low-> Medium-> High 1-> High2-> Turbo. In the secondary is Estrobo-> S.O.S.
Lock function: Press the two buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to lock the flashlight.
Instant Turbo: With the torch on or off press the right switch for 1.2 seconds to enter turbo. Simple press to return to the previous mode.
Instant Strobo: With the flashlight off or unlocked, click the left button for 0.5 seconds to enter the strobe. With the flashlight on, simply click on the left button to enter the strobe.
Memory: The flashlight memorizes the last general mode used.
Battery Status: With the flashlight on indicates it. With the lantern off a simple press on the assistant button.
BATTERY MANAGEMENT AND LOAD FUNCTION
Fenix recommends using protected batteries. When we have seen in detail the battery holder, it has been found that unlike previous models, this new version does not support flat top batteries. The reason for this modification can be determined by how the batteries use the new TK75 2018. The first thing I wanted to check is what type of voltage the battery holder offered. We see that the battery holder is configured in 2S2P and works with a voltage of up to 8.4 v. There is a kit to add more battery holders, but I do not know if it modifies the voltage. In any case, Fenix tells us that the runtime increases, but not the power.
With the batteries fully charged, I proceeded to perform the first Runtime test. The battery indicator changes from solid green to blinking green, solid red, and then flashing red. This means that the batteries are very low.
At that time I turn off the flashlight and take out the batteries to see what is your level of charge, which is around 3v
Ok, all right, but what if I leave it on longer? It will turn off?. Well, for all those who suffer because the flashlight can be turned off at that inopportune moment because the battery is very low, ...... Buy a TK75. The flashlight keeps giving light up to minimum battery levels. But it is also in another download I happened to cycle the turbo ..... In the runtime graphs later we will see what happens. The issue is that it does not turn off (what for some is very good, and for others is very bad). The danger is that we can damage the batteries if due to the use we make we do not realize the low battery indicator. In the test where I cycled the turbo while the 3v batteries came out very low voltage, and was still on. So for certain uses we can use unprotected, and for others in which the saint can go to heaven, it would be good quality protected.
Once the batteries were discharged, we proceeded to test how the integrated battery holder was charging. Within the limitations of my measuring instruments it seems that it makes a correct charge. With the batteries very discharged, it starts charging very slowly, to later increase the speed to almost 2A. In the final phase of the process again decreases the loading speed as it seems correct. The battery holder indicates with a red LED that it is charging, and with a green LED when the load has finished. After the complete load we see that the value of the batteries is very close to 4.20 v. It seems that the deal is pretty good. It is true that 2A can put a maximum of 0.5 A per battery, which is not a very high speed, so the entire process takes time.
MODES, POWER, RUNTIME, LAUNCH AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT
In this aspect the obtained in my sphere is faithfully similar to that specified by Fenix in all levels. The distribution of modes is pretty good in my opinion. An appreciable staggering between each of them and with sufficient ways to satisfy all needs. I do not know if it would have been possible to have a moonlight mode in this type of flashlight in auxiliary modes, but some people would have found it interesting. It is true that the turbo mode is far from the most powerful flashlights of today, but it is also true that none of them reach more than 800 meters real with that power (despite what the brand says), so the TK75 can boast of being the flashlight that exceeds that range with more power (although the TN40 with slightly less power, reaches even more).
As for the runtime, Fenix not only offers the duration, but also shows the actual discharge curve. My curves are almost nailed, somewhat smaller in time, because my batteries are of 3100 and those used by phoenix of 3500. We observe in the graphical linear regulations, and stepped descents, without getting to turn off the flashlight.
The TK75 presents a thermal management system, although I have had the feeling that it is more like a Step. I have done a test with assisted ventilation to see how the curve is modified. Something if it acts, because there is a greater delivery (very light), and about five minutes less duration. Seeing the temperature reached without the forced ventilation I think that at this point the flashlight is inferior to the previous model, which I definitely prefer its thermal management system. This is very conservative, and at least in turbo mode there are situations in which it would have better performance.
I also tried to do a couple of turbo mode reactivation tests. One shortly after the Step, and the result is that the turbo is activated again, and another very curious with the batteries to the limit (3v). I do not know where the energy comes from, but the truth is that for a short period of time the TK75 manages to supply a considerable amount of light.
Finally some comparisons with the previous versions are presented, and with models of the competition in turbo and high modes.
Fenix also offers the data of candles in each mode, something very much appreciated. My measurements are very similar to the official ones.
PROJECTION
The first positive surprise is that the dye, being cold white, is something more neutral.
Below is a video of the projections.
The following image shows the projection on slides
Indoor photos in the garage of almost 100 meters long, 4.5 meters high and 6 wide.
As for the exterior images there are three blocks. The first throwing on the edification to little more than 230 meters of distance. The following blocks are on buildings more than 720 meters away, with two different camera lenses.
Block 1 .. Projecting a little more than 230 meters away
Block 2. Over 720 meters with objective 18-55.
Block 3. Over 720 meters with objective 55-200.
CONCLUSION
For many years the Fenix TK75 has been for many the queen of the Multiled. It was not the best in anything, (there were some more powerful, others throw more, had more portable, with more features), but it was great in almost everything. Fenix has had to choose what to do with this model. Put more powerful LED and lose throw, that has been one of the characteristics of this model for a long time, or try to be a less powerful flashlight. I think the decision has been correct, although it is true that now the competition is much tougher than before. I do not deny that maybe a "flood edition with XHP70 II or 50" version could be fantastic.
In general the flashlight is what I expected and I liked it a lot. Obviously I did not expect a revolution, but an update. I believe that the option of loading, indicators, the new push-buttons, and the most modern LEDs put it back on the market, bearing in mind that it belongs to a high quality segment, and I have to say that I believe that few can be compared in quality .
What could be improved?
I like the thermal management system of the previous model more. I think we would have a much more turbocharged Turbo.
The battery holder should allow the use of any type of battery, as in previous models
Moonlight mode
Please, a case included as an accessory once