Fenix TK35UE V2.0 Review- Best budget option for Law Enforcement

I have been in the pit flashlight for more than a year, and I have also played a lot of EDC flashlights. However, outdoor commuting still lacks a solid, high-brightness large floodlight flashlight. Fenix ??is ??known for its excellent durability among the four major domestic brands and does not have so many fancy skin-changing operations, which is quite my appetite. I have taken photos of its TK35UE before. The unique dual-lithium barrel shape and the tactical/duty dial dual switch design are very interesting. As a flashlight launched in 2018, its 3200 lumens brightness is slightly “conservative” today. However, the new Fenix ??TK35UE V2.0 is now “fierce” with various upgrades, and I am also fortunate to get a prototype for a quick look. Here is the recent performance to share with you; let’s take a look:

Because it is a prototype, the barrel inevitably has some “battle damage” and no packaging and accessories. Let’s first list the brilliant record of the previous TK35UE:

The Fenix TK35UE V2.0 flagship version on sale was released in 2018 and won the German “Red Dot” Design Award. It is equipped with a CREE XHP70 LED lamp with a maximum brightness of 3200 lumens and a range of up to 300 meters. The power supply system is two 18650 batteries. The battery holder is equipped with a direct charging function (but it is a Micro USB port), eliminating the trouble of frequent disassembly and assembly of batteries. The flat barrel is highly recognizable, and the dual-switch design at the tail provides convenience for tactical security, search and rescue, and outdoor adventure.

As a main high-performance dual-mode tactical flashlight, Fenix TK35UE V2.0 has the same design in appearance, double 18650 lithium battery + flat barrel design, considering a good grip and long-lasting battery life. Dial + tail press can freely switch among the three states of tactics, duty, and lock, and it will light up quickly. However, the details and performance have been significantly upgraded compared to the previous one. Let us understand step by step:

The body length of the flashlight is 143mm, which is more sophisticated than expected. The shell is made of A6061-T6 aluminum alloy, and the surface is treated with HAIII hard-anodized anti-wear treatment, so there is no problem with rough outdoor use. The bare metal weighs about 202 grams, and after adding two batteries, it is very stable in hand.

It is also very interesting to look at the knurling on the tube, and the pattern design pointed by the “label” is very attractive. The holding clip on one side is fixed by two screws, which is convenient to be inserted into the trouser pocket or clipped on the backpack and is stable.

The Fenix TK35UE V2.0’s barrel design is very interesting. Its barrel is not a cylinder consistent with the barrel head but flattened on both sides, which looks like a “T” shape from the side. The look and feel are unique, the grip is more comfortable, it is convenient for tactical tail presses, and there is no situation where one hand is difficult to control.

A close-up of the radiating fin on the tube head: The protection level of the flashlight is IP68, and it is used in harsh outdoor environments without any pressure.

Although it is still a dual 18650 power distribution plan, the new version of the Fenix TK35UE V2.0 cancels the previous battery rack design. Although it cannot be charged directly, it is more convenient to replace the battery.

The end surface of the “mosquito coil” disc-shaped copper column inside the tube head and the corresponding tube body battery compartment has bumps for positioning.

Several 18650 batteries at hand can be perfectly compatible with each other. It is worth mentioning that the flashlight has an emergency start function, and a single 18650/double CR123A battery can also light up the flashlight. With the original battery (Fenix ??ARB-L18 3000 mAh), it is officially claimed that the longest battery life can reach 85 hours (very bright mode can last for 1 hour and 40 minutes), which is still very powerful.

The design of the flashlight’s tail is the same as that of the previous generation. The rubber cap’s tail button is responsible for lighting up instantly, tapping the tactical burst, and then pressing it again for continuous lighting. The dial on the side can switch between three modes: tactics, service, and lock.

In the “tactical” mode, click the dial function button in any state to enter the flashing (short press when power on, long press when power off). After turning on the flashlight in the “duty” mode, press the function key to shift gears between gears. At this time, press and hold the flashlight to flash.

TK35UE is equipped with a gear memory function, and it is very convenient to lock/unlock. 

Both ears have double-hole rope holes, convenient for hand rope and wrist strap. The CD thread design on the edge of the dial is very beautiful.

In the actual measurement of one-handed operation, the thumb can be moved and tapped freely. When placed in a backpack or trouser pocket, you can switch it to the “locked” state to prevent the flashlight from being accidentally lit. There will be no response when pressing any key at this time.

The newly upgraded version 2.0 barrel head adds a stainless steel attack head, convenient for breaking windows and defending yourself in an emergency. At the same time, it also makes the previously “bald” tube head more attractive.

Another biggest change is that its lamp beads are SST40 with three lumens (lifetime of 50,000 hours). I believe that many students are familiar with the performance of this model. The 43mm diameter of the tube head and the glossy lamp cup design make the Fenix TK35UE V2.0 have an excellent floodlight performance while considering a certain long-range ability. Its maximum brightness reaches 5,000 lumens (40,000 candelas), and its longest range is 400 meters. The performance improvement compared to the old model is still very significant.

As mentioned earlier, Fenix TK35UE V2.0 has two modes.

The gear setting of each mode is different. The tactical mode has the tactical gear and burst flash, and its brightness is 3500 LM (320 meters); in service mode, There are extremely bright, high-brightness, medium-brightness, low-brightness, and energy-saving gears. The brightness and range are 5000 LM (400 meters)/2000 LM (250 meters)/800 LM (160 meters)/350 LM (100 meters)/ 30 LM (32 meters). Let’s take a look at its actual night shooting performance according to different scenarios:

In fact, in terms of configuration, TK35UE V2.0 is a bit like a reduced version of the LR35R released earlier. The same is all SST40 lamp beads, but the former is half of the latter (LR35R is 6), and the maximum brightness is also reduced to 5000 lumens (also exactly half).

Performance under the tactical gear of 3200 lumens:

After the ultra-bright is turned on, the entire gate bridge in the distance is instantly lit, and you can see from the whole to the details. The lighting strength under 5000 LM is still leveraged. It can also be seen that it also has a certain long-range ability. However, the flashlight has temperature control for safety reasons and will automatically downshift after being extremely bright.

The contrasting pictures before and after illuminating the bridge will be more impactful:

Dynamic picture display: The motorized well in the distance and the floor under construction are instantly illuminated. It can be seen that 35UE V2.0 has a large floodlight and a certain long-range ability.

The floodlight area of ??Fenix TK35UE V2.0 is large. Outdoors illuminate the trees, and the entire screen is covered by light.

When walking at night, the paving effect is also very good, and it can perform well under medium brightness. The wide tree-lined avenue and the trees on both sides of the road can be illuminated by the flashlight, and the details can be seen clearly. It is safer at night.

Large football field areas are lit up, including houses in the distance. Add a few more close-ups:

Summary of Fenix TK35UE V2.0 Review:

Not only for disaster relief and emergency, but flashlights are also used daily. Walking at night after night shift, night work, outdoor camping, and the prevailing outdoor adventures all need the light of a flashlight to have a light on the feet and feel at ease. The TK35UE V2.0 of Fenix ??has a highlight of 5000 LM, which can meet the needs of most daily scenes. A large area of ??floodlight and a barrel design can be completely tucked into the trouser pocket. In addition to not having a C-port direct charge, I am still very satisfied.