Fenix TA30 Torch.
First of all - a couple of things to make clear. First - I've been given the TA30 to review and publish my honest opinion on the net - I've not paid for it but from the outset it's been clear that Fenix want an honest review from me! Secondly I 'm a great fan of Fenix torches. I've used the L2DCE Q5 and TK11 as helmet torches for mountain biking and I also have a couple of their smaller torches for everyday use.
So, the TA30!
Detailed info can be found at:
http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=95
Being completely honest I was initially disappointed with the TA30. Having used other Fenix torches as MTB helmet lamps I was hoping for something similar and found it too big and heavy to use as a bike light. Using it however it became clear that it was not designed for that - its obviously been designed for the military/shooting market but has a great deal to offer to those looking for a reliable torch they can rely on in almost any situation.
It's obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the design. It's very well made and whist I'm not able to test it's ability in a military environment I'm sure it's up to it!
The rotating selector ring makes choosing any of the four output levels much easier than on other Fenix torches and switching from max (very bright) to low (still useable) is really straight forward. The torch itself is waterproof (to try it out I dropped it in the bath on the medium setting for half an hour and it worked fine)
I tested it in three different situations. One night riding trip on a mountain bike, a walk in the Brecon Beacons and a walk around local woodland. As a bike light it didn't work due to it's size (and in fairness it's not what it's designed for). In the Brecon Beacons though it gave me the chance to pick out a route from some distance and helped in locating way points (in the same way that it would have helped to locate others out on the hill) Around my local woods I rarely used full power, the lower one's being sufficient and it is perhaps a little over the top for casual use.
On full power the light output is superb, claims of a 200m throw are not exaggerated and it makes spotting objects or people in the distance very easy. Whilst I usually carry a head torch in the hills I have found myself also carrying a TK11 with me when taking out Duke of Edinburgh groups: spotting groups of youngsters in the distance is much easier and the run time means I'll always have light when I need it. The TA30 improves on the TK11 and I'm sure it will now be part of my group hill kit. It may also be a useful addition to mountain rescue kit, though I will admit to having little experience in that area.
It's not perfect - the CR123 batteries can be expensive if you don't get them over the net and it's neither light or small (though if you are stuck then 2x AA batteries do work albeit at lower levels). BUT as a well made torch that you can rely on in all situations it really is spot on. It's certainly not cheap at £74.95 but it may well be the last torch you'll need to buy!
