This is an extensive field evaluation of the #fenix TK 16 V2 #flashlight for use in tactical #searchandrescue operations. 'Tactical' simply refers to the need to adapt to changing conditions on the ground over the course of a long search. Such usage favors a smaller and lighter flashlight instead of the much larger (10K+ lumen) lights that are often used for targeted area searches.
My standard night loadout consists of a headlamp and two shoulder-mounted flashlights. The Fenix TK 22 UE is on my left shoulder and I have both red and blue filters for this light. The TK 16 V2 was evaluated as the 'right-shoulder' light in this exercise. That light is most often used to briefly (anywhere from 5-30 seconds) illuminate territory beyond the view of my headlamp.
This exercise followed a prescribed scenario and illustrates frequent use of the TK 16 V2 in a wide variety of wilderness conditions from wide-open spaces to narrow trails surrounded by trees. All five lighting modes are shown in the video.
The exercise was filmed with a Go Pro 9 at the LBJ Grasslands near Decatur, TX. Filming was at EV +0.5 which I've found provides a better on-average representation of how lights appear as I see them. The disadvantage is that up-close highlights and reflections appear brighter than when viewed with the unaided eye. Please keep that in mind during the video.
Each segment was recorded one-take with no re-takes.
The video is nearly 30 minutes in length, so if you want to fast-forward to the final evaluation, I can offer two quotes from the video.
"On a scale from 1 to 10 where 10 means exceeding all possible expectations, this is as close to a 10 as I'm likely to see in my lifetime."
"I don't know what your application may be, but with five different lighting modes ... Fenix reliability ... the quality of the controls and the light ... I've got to believe ... this is your go-to tactical light."
I hope you find the review helpful. Thanks for your time! Subscribe here for new reviews and community updates: / @l5-sar