Fenix TA21 & TA30 lights: “Fear No Evil”
Posted on April 02, 2010 by Ed
If you need more throw, more power to own the night, the Fenix TA21 and TA30 make good adventure companions. They are not the lightest and most compact light options but when you choose the “TA option” you’ve opted for more firepower and current technology brings a bit more weight and bulk to get it. The TA21 weighs 7.2 oz (with lithium cells); the TA30 is 9.4 oz (with rechargeable lithium-ion cells). Both lights use similar UIs: a mechanical, revolving dimmer ring beneath the emitter head that accesses the modes and brightness levels. The rear clicky switch (turns light on and off) and dimmer ring provide the user with excellent tactile feedback during use, even in high noise environments. This is a departure from the standard Fenix interface that is one-hand operable with taps on the rear-mounted clicky switch. The Fenix TA21 has nine different brightness levels ranging from 4 lumens to 225 lumens and 3 flashing modes (SOS, Beacon, Strobe) which offer more functionality. The TA30 is more limited: 3 brightness levels (9 lumen low, 60 lumen medium, 225 lumen high) and Strobe. The Strobe modes are rapid, blinding and might be useful for both tactical and high visibility requirements. Both lights feature a very useful low mode at a stated 4 lumes (TA21) and 9 lumes (TA30). Even lower “moonlight” modes which would go even further in preserving both user night vision and battery life. But as programmed, they are useful mode additions to the TA series that outdoorsmen will use frequently. The TA21 mechanical dimmer ring rotates 360º to access levels; the TA30s moves in a 90º arc. Users may find the ergonomics accessing the dimmer rings a bit confusing as heat sinks and other indentations also occupy the area but practice will minimize this. Both lights are tough, very shock resistant, and completely waterproof in my extensive testing in many different environments including diving to 20 foot depths in fresh water. The dimmer ring showed no leakage. As the O-rings age, this waterproofness may lessen. Knurling on the bodies is adequate and the longer cylindrical “real estate” (especially on the TA30) is a welcome feature. The strke bezels improve the lights impact capability in defensive use. The Cree XR-R Q5 LEDs are powerful, long lasting (50,000 hrs), and well-centered in the shallow textured reflector. The emitter head is protected with a hardened glass lens with anti-reflective coating. Beam throws on the lights are excellent although I feel the claimed 200 meter range is overly optimistic; more like 100 meters for target identification purposes. Like other Fenix lights, they are efficiently and digitally regulated to maximize and smooth power delivery. Burn times will vary with the health of your power cells and temperature but are good for the type. The beams show few artifacts, have a useful spill beam, and possess a tight and concentric hot spots appropriate for high range lighting. The lights come with a lanyard, two spare O-rings, and extra rubber switch boot (the TA30 has no pocket clip). Value is high on both lights with the TA30 costing around $75 and the TA21 around $95 (subject to change with no updates). In terms of the new Cree LED lighting technology and its usual compactness, I consider these lights to be full sized and best carried in a holster option (shown). But for the amazing 225 lumen capability their size and weight are reasonable in 2009 terms and will often be worth it when you no-kidding want to own the night and fear no evil. /////////////////////////// Nutnfancy LIkability Scale TA21: 8.5 out of 10. TA30 8 out of 10 ////////////// Music by ElDudio, an amazingly creative TNPr www.youtube.com/eldudio The song is Learning Curve.
Duration : 0:0:0
[youtube dbPwgmYqCMo]
Discussion: 25 Comments
25 Responses to “Fenix TA21 & TA30 lights: “Fear No Evil””
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nutnfancy
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
@riverdave7 …
@riverdave7 Excellent point, dave. Send it over once you make it…to post as a video response. — Veri (Nutn’s sister)
riverdave7
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Left out another …
Left out another critical light user category-firefighters- just pointing that out, mabye in the future extreme heat could be part of construction or something like that. Great review though. Hopefully im gonna be getting this light and a surfire of the same lumen count, and do a comparison review. 5/5 Nutn keep up the great videos!
rdclutch
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Fenix rep indicated …
Fenix rep indicated that the only production model they have in place is the one with the exposed clicker switch. So, that’s a big deal for you, then I would verify first with a seller which model they have. I was able to purchase on off ebay that had the recessed clicker switch.
Haleyday5893
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
are they waterproof …
are they waterproof? if so how deep can they go?
rdclutch
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Another great vid …
Another great vid review:)
I finally got my TA21. Love it. However, the specific onte I received has the click switch exposed thus it cannot stand on upright. I contacted Fenix about the difference in the design models and will let you guys know what they say. Almost a deal breaker for me- but the light rocks!
jacksquad11
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Does anyone out …
Does anyone out there know does the TA20 give any notice when the batteries are low? does it flicker or indicate somehow when the batteries are out or does it just stop working? thanks
ericssson
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
they don’t sell …
they don’t sell them anymore
it’s the LD20 or TK12
pioneerphill
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
i think they …
i think they discontinued the ta30. Really sad because I just lost mine in the field. I found it a few places online so i guess I’ll be keeping close tabs on it and protecting it like a child this time.
xwarmouthx
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Awesome review. …
Awesome review. Love Fenix.
Makinbadchoices
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
I asked Fenix and …
I asked Fenix and was told all the TK models are designed to operated with remote tape switches.
TheArmouredSoldier
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
0:36-0:40 totally …
0:36-0:40 totally the terminator look.
TwinrockHolmes
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Outstanding vid!
Outstanding vid!
varmanintheak
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
watch 19:45 and he …
watch 19:45 and he explains it
therealcarbine15
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Nutnfancy paired a …
Nutnfancy paired a 17670 with a 16340 cell. Recipe for disaster! Try this without protected cells and watch em’ explode! The higher capacity cell will reverse charge the lower capacity cell and will result in catastrophic failure including venting with flame. If you must try this use only AW brand LiIon cells like Nutnfacy does in the video. Never mix new and used cells in multi cell lights and never mix cell types or chemistry. Please annotate your video to warn others of this risk potential.
1CouldaHadaV8
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
love the music at …
love the music at the beginning. 5 stars!
350cutlassrocket
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Just picked up a …
Just picked up a PD30 and it’s amazing so far. Can’t wait to test it out in the outdoors. Not sure why I can’t rate the vid, but as usual 5 Stars! Great work Nutn, keep ‘em coming!
iluvmym4
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Your best vid yet! …
Your best vid yet! How many has nutn done?the Fenix lights look fantastic I can’t wait till I can get a hold of one myself!
DjMasquerade
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Are these Ideal for …
Are these Ideal for assult Rifle’s ? I just got word I can customize my M4A1 last night. I do tons of night patrols and need a better light than the standard military one. Any thoughts?
armednhappy
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Great review. …
Great review. Bought a LD20 not long ago based on your reviews of Fenix and couldn’t be happier. I preffer the price point of AA batts, and using this at work, wow… it throws some serious light. Keep up the great work.
jake262144
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
That is a most …
That is a most valid point, bro. Thanks for sharing.
GEYURI
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
My friend had one …
My friend had one of these (TA21 or TA30 not exactly sure). He said he liked it a lot but it got confiscated at the airport because the TSA agent considered the strike bezel to be a weapon.
Just a caveat to you guys. I think flashlight makers should include a interchangeable non-crenelated bezel with these lights so that users won’t run into trouble like this.
CTyler7
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Hey nutnfancy, …
Hey nutnfancy, great point about preserving your night vision with dim settings/red lenses.
It’s true, brighter isn’t always better!
sizemicaudio
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
I just got my ta 21 …
I just got my ta 21 and man is this thing bright. You have no problem seeing a 100 + yards with it. def worth every Pennie.
Thanks for the great review.
Shastri53
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Great review, shall …
Great review, shall probably go for the TA30 as i prefer fewer settings. Thanks.
mchris80
- 2nd Apr, 10 07:04pm
Great video. Sold …
Great video. Sold me on Fenix TA20. Same as 21 but with only 4 settings, low, med, high & strobe. I preffer fewer settings on a light.