Flashlight Comparison - Fenix, Olight, Streamlight, Inova

[esrice]

This past Sunday, while doing some testing on AR compensators and flash suppressors, tyler34, theweakerbrother, lovemywoods, and myself took a few minutes to compare several lights side-by-side.

We first spent some time going over each one and looking at their functions and specs. Then later we stood on the lake dam and compared each light's 'throw' by aiming them at a target stand 206 yards away, and then at the lake dock about 20 yards away.

First, the lights. . . .

The numbers:

• Streamlight MicroStream - 20 lumens - $15
• Romisen RC-A4 (NiteCore Extreme Tactical knockoff) - 150 lumens - $15
• Streamlight PT-2L - 180 lumens - $50
• Fenix PD30 - 235 lumens - $32
• Inova T2 - 140 lumens - $50
• Fenix TK15 - 337 lumens - $80
• Olight M20 R5 Warrior - 320 lumens - $80
• Fenix TK40 - 630 lumens - $130
• Power On Board HID Spotlight - 3,500 lumens - $100

What follows are some simple observations made by myself based upon what I saw.

• The MicroStream, even at 20 lumens, is plenty bright enough to take a walk through the woods at night. But, it has a very short throw.

• The Romisen could light up the dock just fine. If you want a lot of light in a small package, check this one out. It is too small, however, to be used as an impact weapon.

• The PT-2L gets points for switchology. All functions can be done with the thumb, which is easy when its dark, and when you have gloves on. Its a good size for pocket carry, and its big enough to use as an impact weapon. It lit up the dock just fine, but couldn't reach the target stand.

• The PD30 is the same size as the PT-2L, but boasts more lumens. The real-world difference was minimal, but the PD30's throw seemed more "clear". I'm not a fan of the clicky tailcap, as there is no momentary ability.

• The T2 is older technology and it shows. For the price I'd just assume have another PT-2L.

• The TK15 is a BRIGHT light. It was able to light up the target stand. While you would be able to see a person that far out, you wouldn't be able to tell any details. Though I feel its size is too large for everyday carry, it would be perfect for uniform carry-- especially if you were a county deputy. I didn't like the mode selector button on the side because I couldn't find it in the dark! It sits flush so as not to be hit accidentally, but this makes it very difficult to locate it in the environment in which you would typically use it (the dark!).

• The M20 is very similar to the TK15, but differs in several key areas. Their beams were very similar, and I couldn't tell any difference in their throw. However, the M20's mode selector is more user-friendly in the dark (you twist the head 1/8" and back). It also has a memory, so it will turn on with whatever mode you were last using. I also like how it is user customizable, as I can remove the cigar ring, pocket clip, and front strike bezel as I see fit.

• The TK40 takes 'throw' to another level. It lit up the target stand, and you'd be able to tell if someone that far away was wearing glasses, or had something in their hands. This would make an excellent search and rescue light, as it would fit in a small pack easily, and takes readily available AA batteries (8).

• The HID Spotlight from Power On Board is in a league of its own. It lit up the target stand like it was daylight. When we pointed it skyward it looked like a spotlight for a movie premier. It has a white color that makes finer details stand out, even at distance. This would make a killer search and rescue rig if you were in a boat or vehicle. At 13lbs it would be a bit much to lug around on foot, although it did have a shoulder strap.

At the end of the day, I think the Streamlight PT-2L and Fenix PD30 have a nice balance of price, light output, and size. For more specific roles, the others could just about handle both ends of the spectrum.

I'll have a more thorough and comprehensive comparison of the Fenix TK15 and Olight M20 R5 Warrior at a later date, after I've had some more time with them.

 

[esrice]

Note: I went ahead and pulled this into its own thread for easier searching.