Finally some new lights in my life! Fenix TK22 TAC and E20 v2.0.

[fuyume]

I got a little extra work in this week, so I decided to finally do something about my desire to replace the Fenix PD36 TAC that I have been using mostly as a bicycle headlamp, so that I can dedicate the PD36 TAC to being my tactical light. Thankfully, I found a dealer that still had my preferred replacement in stock, the Fenix TK22 TAC, which has the same operating mechanism as the PD36 TAC, but a bigger head. I have wanted that light for years, and it was discontinued almost as soon as it was introduced!

So, as soon as that arrives, along with a second Fenix ALB-10 bicycle mount, the TK22 TAC will become my bicycle light (the second mount will allow me to move the light between bicycles more easily, and the PD36 TAC will be kept close at hand to be used for target acquisition when things go bump in the night, and as my EDC tactical light.

I have also decided to replace my Nitecore EC11 as my EDC utility light. While the EC11 is very versatile, the fact of the matter is that it has too many features for me to remember how to turn it on without blinding myself and everyone in the room with its Turbo mode. With its two buttons that each do two different things depending on whether you press them momentarily or press and hold, and depending on whether or not the light is on when you press, plus the lockout mode, the EC11 has nine different functions.

So, since the Fenix E12 v2.0 that the EC11 is no longer available (and I don't want the E12 v3.0), I decided to get a Fenix E20 v2.0 (2xAA) before they also disappear. That just arrived this afternoon, and I just popped two Energizer L91s in it. The E20 v2.0 is still short enough to fit into my EDC zipper pouch, and it's actually easier to hold than the E12 v2.0, because of its longer length. I just wish I didn't need to replace the batteries as a pair, but I can live with that for my new EDC utility light. A spare pair of Energizer L91s in their own tiny ziploc baggie to keep them separate will go in my EDC zipper pouch.

I will keep the E12 v2.0 I already own in my backpacking kit, since it only takes 1xAA, as do all my other backpacking/camping lights (except for the Nitecore NWE30, which isn't really a light, isn't an emergency beacon, which takes a CR123A). For backpacking and camping, I have my E12 v2.0, my Fenix HM23, and my Nitecore LA10 CRI.

That just leaves one more light on my wish list, and that is the Fenix CL27R lantern, which I intend to keep on my kitchen table for power outages, and as a 21700 battery charger, to swap batteries with the TK22 TAC and PD36 TAC. Well, unless I also decide to get a Fenix HM70R, which I don't really need, I just want.

I personally think the E12 v2.0 and E20 v2.0 are superior to the newer v3.0 units, and that the original HM23 is superior to the HM23 v2.0. It's just too bad that they don't use the same warm color temp emitter that's in the original HM23.

 

[fuyume]

Just arrived!

Pictured are my new Fenix TK22 TAC and ALB-10 bicycle mount, along with my old Fenix PD36 TAC with ALB-10 bicycle mount, my Nitecore EC11, and my Nite-Ize Inova X1. The E20 v2.0 is already in my EDC pouch in my handbag, which is upstairs in my bedroom, while I am currently seated at my kitchen table downstairs.

The TK22 TAC operates exactly the same way as the PD36 TAC; however, it has a much larger reflector, so it has a much more focused beam. Since I will be using this on my bicycle as a headlamp, that's a good thing, because I found the PD36 TAC a bit too floody for my tastes. However, as a tactical light, the PD36 TAC's mea pattern is better at close range.

The TK22 TAC does away with the 3000 lumen Turbo setting in Duty Mode, which is good, since I now only have to cycle through 30/150/350/1000 lumen modes, while its Tactical Mode ups the output to 2800 lumens, compared to the 2000 lumens of the PD36 TAC.

From now on, the PD36 TAC is my dedicated tactical flashlight (with the new battery from the TK22 TAC, which gets the old battery from the PD36 TAC that I've been using for nearly 4 years, already). Now, if something goes bump in the night, I have a true tactical flashlight to illuminate any potential target.

At night the PD36 TAC will be kept on my nightstand along with a suitable one-handed personal defense device made by (two kindly old gentlemen from Springfield, Massachusetts), and when I leave the house, it will come with me, along with the E20 v2.0 as my utility light. The fact that the PD36 TAC and E20 v2.0 are dramatically different sizes means I will never accidentally mistake the two.

The second ALB-10 mount goes on my fitness bicycle, so I can easily move the TK22 TAC between bicycls, and the overly complicated EC11 will replace the 2015 Inova X1 as my kitchen table flashlight.

I am so happy right now, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have the exact right mix of lights to suit my needs and tastes. There's nothing like that peace of mind. Now I can stop thinking about flashlights so much…until something better comes along!

I just need a Fenix CL27R for the kitchen table, for power outages and as a 21700 battery charger.

 

[dc38]

Just arrived!

Pictured are my new Fenix TK22 TAC and ALB-10 bicycle mount, along with my old Fenix PD36 TAC with ALB-10 bicycle mount, my Nitecore EC11, and my Nite-Ize Inova X1. The E20 v2.0 is already in my EDC pouch in my handbag, which is upstairs in my bedroom, while I am currently seated at my kitchen table downstairs.

The TK22 TAC operates exactly the same way as the PD36 TAC; however, it has a much larger reflector, so it has a much more focused beam. Since I will be using this on my bicycle as a headlamp, that's a good thing, because I found the PD36 TAC a bit too floody for my tastes. However, as a tactical light, the PD36 TAC's mea pattern is better at close range.

The TK22 TAC does away with the 3000 lumen Turbo setting in Duty Mode, which is good, since I now only have to cycle through 30/150/350/1000 lumen modes, while its Tactical Mode ups the output to 2800 lumens, compared to the 2000 lumens of the PD36 TAC.

From now on, the PD36 TAC is my dedicated tactical flashlight (with the new battery from the TK22 TAC, which gets the old battery from the PD36 TAC that I've been using for nearly 4 years, already). Now, if something goes bump in the night, I have a true tactical flashlight to illuminate any potential target.

At night the PD36 TAC will be kept on my nightstand along with a suitable one-handed personal defense device made by (two kindly old gentlemen from Springfield, Massachusetts), and when I leave the house, it will come with me, along with the E20 v2.0 as my utility light. The fact that the PD36 TAC and E20 v2.0 are dramatically different sizes means I will never accidentally mistake the two.

The second ALB-10 mount goes on my fitness bicycle, so I can easily move the TK22 TAC between bicycls, and the overly complicated EC11 will replace the 2015 Inova X1 as my kitchen table flashlight.

I am so happy right now, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have the exact right mix of lights to suit my needs and tastes. There's nothing like that peace of mind. Now I can stop thinking about flashlights so much…until something better comes along!

I just need a Fenix CL27R for the kitchen table, for power outages and as a 21700 battery charger.

View attachment 94370

View attachment 94369

the lights look like they're floating...weird illusion caused by multi shadowing from 2 different CCT?

 

[fuyume]

As for the E20 v2.0, it is, I think, the *perfect* EDC utility flashlight.

It takes 2xAA batteries (I use Energizer L91 "Ultimate Lithium" lithium iron disulfide primary cells).

It has one physical switch (no parasitic drain).
It has NO memory function and always turns on in its lowest brghtness mode (5 lumens, which is enough without being too much).
I cannot stress how important these two features are for a utility flashlight and the fact that most manufacturers get this wrong.

It has 30 lumen and 150 lumen modes, and will hold a steady 150 lumens for over 2 hours. It has a 350 lumen mode, which is not constant, but nice to have if you really need it for a moment.

It is slim and light (5.0" x 0.8", 42 grams without batteries, 72 grams with 2 Energizer L91, 102 grams with a backup pair of L91s), so it fits right in the little zipper pouch in my handbag that holds my essential EDC survival gear. The additional length of the second AA battery over the E12 v2.0 means that it's actually easier to hold and manipulate.

It even has a fairly warm color temperature (at least, compared to my old Leatherman Serac S3), and reasonably good color rendition (though it is *not* a high CRI emitter).

 

[fuyume]

One other thing: the holster that comes with the TK22 TAC is much larger and nicer than the holster that came with the PD36 TAC, which is useless. So, on those occasions when I might be wearing my PD36 TAC on a belt, I will be using the TK22 TAC holster, since it's much easier to put the PD36 TAC into it and get it out of it.

At some point, I will want to find a nice brown leather holster to match my outdoors utility belt and my other holsters and sheaths. So far, all the leather flashlight holsters I've found are designed for police, so they are black, and while I like black, I want brown.

 

[fuyume]

It occurred to me that today is a good day to check exactly when I purchased each of my Li-ion rechargeable batteries, and use my Brother P-Touch to label them with their purchase dates. Thankfully, all the vendors have my order history for me to look up. I honestly did not remember that I've had the Nitecore EC11 since 2021.

Fenix ARB-L21-5000U, 2021-09 (21700, USB-C), came with my PD36 TAC, now in my TK22 TAC
Fenix ARB-L21-5000U, 2026-05 (21700, USB-C), came with my TK22 TAC, now in my PD 36 TAC
Fenix ARB-L16-700UP, 2021-11 (16340, micro USB), ordered for my Nitecore EC11. used with adapter sleeve
Fenix ARB-L14-2200U, 2026-05 (1.5 V 14500, USB-C), ordered to make up the free shipping minimum, will go in my Cat Eye Auto Rapid 3 bicycle tail light, or maybe my Logitech wireless mouse that I use on the road.

 

[fuyume]

And here's my EDC duo, now! The perspective makes the E20 v2.0 look much larger than it really is, in comparison to the PD36 TAC.

 

[fuyume]

Now that I've had the new lights for a few weeks, I can confidently say I am 100% satisfied with my purchases.

The Fenix TK22 TAC lives on my bicycle.
The Fenix PD36 TAC is my EDC personal protection light.
The Fenix E20 v2.0 is my EDC utility light.
The Nitecore EC11 is my nightstand light (even though the PD36 TAC and E20 v2.0 are right next to me in my handbag, when I'm in bed).
The Leatherman Serac S3 is my kitchen table light.
The Nite-Ize Inova X1 needs to be given away, because I no longer really have a use for it.
The Fenix E12 v2.0, Fenix HM23, Nitecore LA10 CRI, and Nitecore NWE30 are my backpacking/camping setup.