Fenix TA21 & TA30 lights: “Fear No Evil”04:33

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.