Fenix

The Fenix torch range is a relative new comer to the UK tactical torch market, surging to popularity with their (relativly) low cost, high performance, feature rich torches rapidly making a name for themselves within the police community.

Fenix have a range of products designed to compete with similar offerings from more established brands like Led Lenser.  At the bottom of the price range is the Fenix E01 pocket or key ring torch retailing for about £12 it runs on 1 AAA battery and provides about 20-22 hours of 10 lumen output.  Made from anodized aluminium it offers a rugged finish and is in fact IPX-8 waterproof which is a nice advantage over comparable offerings.

At the top end of the range is the Fenix TK40 CREE MCE torch which will set you back about £130 online.  Whilst this is like the E01 in that it is waterproof to IPX8, that is about where the similarities end.  The TK40 is designed to run on 8 1.5V Ni-MH batteries for maximum output but will also run on 4 AA batteries in an emergency and can give an impressive 630 lumen white light beam that is brighter and clearer than most car headlights!!!

At the more intermediary level Fenix have a few offerings between the £40 and £60 pound mark the LD10, the LD20 and the TK11 R5 and the TK 11 Tactical Torches.

One of the major advantages with Fenix is the selection of accessories they have available including traffic wants, remote weapons triggers/pressure switches, weapons mounts and even a light diffuser. The traffic wands/cones are designed to fit the mid range Fenix torches for use by roads policing teams converting the white torch light to an orange glowing beacon.  The remote pressure switch replaces the normal tail cap and the 23.5cm cable allows you to mount the switch at a distant location.  The light diffuser is hinged to allow you to turn the focused beam into a soft light for reading or similar activities.

All in all the Fenix range sits comfortably in the middle of the market place, offering better lumen output, more features (most of the torches offer strobe, "turbo", half and low as standard) and rugged reliable performance at a price that won't break the bank.  If you pick up one of these you wont be disapointed.