Rechargeable flashlights have become increasingly popular, and Fenix has established itself as a top contender in the industry. The Fenix TK05R Tactical EDC Flashlight is a compact powerhouse designed for those who need reliability and performance in a small package.

But how does it measure up against other tactical lights? Is it as durable as advertised, and can it perform under pressure? Let’s dig in.

Tech Specs

• Size: 4/53 inches x 1.26 inches x .93 inches.
• Weight: 4.37 ounces (including battery). 
• Battery: ARB-L 18-1100.
• USB Type-C Charging Cable.
• Dual tail switches operate three brightness modes and strobe.
• Rated IP68 water and dust proof. 
• The LED used has a 50,000 hour life. 

Output and Run Times

The TK05R exhibits some impressive lumen outputs and run times. The light also has built-in technology that reduces the output if the light gets too hot. They are as follows:

• High: 1,000 lumens for 50 minutes. 
• Medium: 350 lumens for one hour 45 minutes.
• Low: 30 lumens for 14 hours 30 minutes. 
• Strobe: 1,000 lumens, undisclosed run time.

On high, the light is rated to reach out for 450 meters. Medium gets us 260 meters, and low reaches out to 75 meters. I didn’t measure out the exact ranges that I used the TK05R at, but there’s a tree line a few hundred yards from my back deck, and the light illuminated that tree line pretty effectively in high mode. 

In high mode, this light is extremely impressive! Medium is a good all-around mode to operate in. Low mode is nice when you don’t want to blind yourself with reflected light, and also want to conserve the battery run time. It’s good for navigating around, hiking, etc. 

The outer flood of the light is extremely defined and not narrow; it spreads out generously, but cuts off abruptly. This isn’t a bad thing, just an observation. 

Check out the beam in this product video:

The beam is advertised as being able to prevent optical barriers like tinted glass. 

Durability

The TK05R is made from high grade aluminum. Although I didn’t jump out of any airplanes with it, nor did I run over it with vehicles, it has held up well in use over the past few months that I’ve been using it.

Given my long history of experience with other Fenix lights, I am 100% sure that this one will be just like the others, which have proven to be very durable. I’ve dropped the light a few times, but so far, it has shrugged it off. 

Uses

The TK05R is advertised for EDC and tactical use, and I believe that’s an accurate representation for this light. Which ever mode you shut the light off in, is what it will operate in when it is turned on next time. So if you want it in High mode, you can leave it set there, which is great for tactical use.

Likewise, Medium or Low modes are great for EDC use. The flexibility is excellent. 

One aspect of the light that is not exactly my favorite are the tail switches. Yes, there are two of them. One is a large button in the center, which is pretty much standard on lights nowadays. A light touch gives you light, and then when you release the switch, the light goes out (a “dead man’s” switch). Or if you push it in hard, it clicks and you have constant light until you push it in hard again.

In addition, there is a smaller, oblong switch so you can transition through the three levels of light and the strobe function. If the light is on constant-on, you can change the power level by pushing that smaller button. If the light is off, pushing the smaller button will get you the strobe feature.

However, in the dark, the smaller button is difficult to find by touch. This is less than ideal. 

It’s Rechargeable!

I love the fact that it’s rechargeable, so I don’t have to constantly buy new batteries for it. Plugging it in with the USB cable will get a fresh charge and I’m good to go. I seriously now love rechargeable lights.

One of the only down side of rechargeables is if you’re out in the wilds and the light’s battery is exhausted, you can’t recharge it until you get a power source. 

If you have a light that takes standard batteries, you can pop in a set of batteries, and you’re off and running again. 

It’s a trade-off, and I like having both types of lights. Honestly, I use rechargeables for the vast majorit5 of what I use a light for. I’ll still keep some lights around the operate with standard batteries, though. Choices are good! 

In Summation

Fenix has another hit on their hands with the TK05R. The fact that you don’t have to constantly buy batteries for it means you’ll save money. It’s also very durable. 

The performance is solid, and this light can reach out hundreds of yards easily. But if you dial the power back, it’s good for close up work as well for EDC duties. This one covers a lot of bases for users. 

I usually carry a light in the left front pocket of my pants for quick and easy access. The TK05R is slightly larger than the light I normally carry, so it’s not quite as convenient as an EDC light. However, the performance that it delivers is impressive. 

As this is written, the TK05R retails for $79.95, and I believe it represents an excellent value for the money. Overall, I’m well pleased with this light.