Fenix TA30 LED Flashlight Review and Shootout
Hi all,
I was fortunate enough to be chosen by Fenix to review their new light – the TA30. This light was built with the needs of law enforcement and military customers in mind. I am neither of these, but I am a member of our local volunteer EMS department, and have many similar needs to be met by a light. So far, this role has been filled by many lights that have passed through my collection, including models from Surefire, Inova, Fenix, Streamlight, and Olight. In the interest of full disclosure, I received this light at no cost to me, courtesy of Fenix and Fenix Outfitters.
First Impressions
When I first opened the package from the post office, my initial reaction was the same as when I received my first Fenix light (a P3D-CE) – a big grin and then amazement. With the P3D, my amazement was with the build quality, innovation, and output for its size. With the TA30, however, I can sum up my initial feelings for this light in one word… awe. This is a substantial light. This is no pocket/purse EDC like so many other new lights, nor does it deserve to be tossed into a junk drawer or tool box (although I’m sure there are folks out there that will do both of these things). Inside the package, the TA30 was nestled snugly into its molded plastic tray, along with a zip top bag with spare o-rings, switch boot, and a lanyard. There is also space for three CR123 cells, although none are included. Removing the tail cap reveals cleanly machined and anodized threads that came lightly oiled. Like other Fenix lights I have owned, the thread pitch is very fine, which concerns me given the abuse the target demographic is likely to give its equipment. I loaded the TA30 with a fresh set of USA made Battery Station cells and began waiting for it to get dark.
Outdoor Beamshots
These shots were taken with the lights mounted on a tripod, aimed at the front door of our house. The camera was mounted on a second tripod, slightly aft and starboard of the camera tripod (this is why the flood looks oblique in the shots). Included for comparison are:
* Surefire L1 Luxeon TIR
* Surefire E2L with KL1 head, TIR, and high CRI Seoul P4
* Surefire E2L with KX2 head (3/60)
* Surefire E2DL with KX2C head (120)
* Surefire G2 with P60
* Fenix E20
* Mag85
OK, kicking off the comparison, here are the low levels of the Surefire L1, E2L, and Fenix TA30.
Surefire L1 low
Surefire E2L low
Fenix TA30 low
Now, the medium TA30 vs. the high output settings on the L1 and E2L, as well as the high CRI E2L and Surefire G2.
Surefire L1 high
Surefire E2L high
Surefire E2L high CRI
Surefire G2
Fenix TA30 medium
Now, the higher output lights – Fenix E20, Surefire E2DL (single level KX2C) and the TA30 on high… as well as a Mag85, just for fun!
Fenix E20 – spot
Fenix E20 – flood
Surefire E2DL high
Fenix TA30 high
Mag85 spot
Mag85 flood
Beginning with the low output levels, it is clear that the TA30 is brighter on low than either of the Surefires – not a surprise, considering that it is rated at 9 lumens, compared to the L1 and E2L’s 1.1 and 3 lumen ratings, respectively. What is surprising is the way this light throws, with an even tighter hotspot than the new Surefire e-series TIR in my E2L and E2DL. Even at the lowest output level, I could readily see details on the front of the cabin from 30 yards out. This greater output, however, makes it a bit overwhelming when navigating a dark house.
Moving up to the tactical levels, things become more interesting, given the wide range of outputs that I am using for this comparison. The Surefire L1 is rated at a mere 22 lumens, I can only guess that the modded E2L outputs about 40-45 lumens, and the G2, E2L KX2, and TA30 are all rated at 60 lumens. Even so, I feel they are all roughly the same in terms of usability. Leading the pack in terms of throw are the E2L KX2 on high and the TA30 on medium. The E2L’s optic gives it a larger hotspot and narrow spillbeam, but the TA30 has the exact opposite – a small, bright spot, and wide but dim spill, much like the P60 module.
On the high side of the output scale, the TA30 really shines. It is brighter by far than the E20, and also outdoes my other favorite “really bright” single die LED light, the E2DL. I have yet to test the light’s longevity and usability in practical use (that will come later this week), but as far as the output levels are concerned, I feel they are pretty much spot on for the light’s intended market.
I'll continue the review after I have an opportunity to put the light through its paces on my next duty night, and I will loan it to a local Sheriff's deputy to use for a week or two on night shift to get his opinion of the light.
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Originally Posted by EzGoingKev
, and short evening/night hikes.
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