Thorfire TK15 and TK15s are compact EDC flashlights that run on the current most used battery size by most,the rechargeable 18650. Thorfire provided me these models for test and review.Read my impressions in the review below.
Thorfire TK15 and TK15s are almost identical flashlights,yet there are several differences in the design and operation. Both have a small metal side switch.
On the TK15s for mode changing.On the TK15 for On/Off and mode changing. The TK15s is slightly longer because of its physical tail switch.
The TK15 is equipped with a stainless steel "tactical" bezel.
Nice symmetric knurling on both models ensure stable grip.
Both flashlights come in the standard for Thorfire cardboard box with protective foam inserts.
The white sticker with the images,bar code and email address is originally not cut and ensures that the flashlight comes in brand new condition.
Thorfire TK15 Specifications and operation.
Thorfire TK15s Features and operation.
According to the specifications,the TK15 and TK15s support only 18650 batteries.
2xCR123A is not supported.
The TK15 has 5 constant brightness modes,while the TK15s has 4,as here one of the modes is replaced by the Bike light mode.
Both features Cree XP-G2 LED with very pleasant neutral white light.
According to the provided data the Highest modes have equal output of 1050 lumens.
The lowest modes of the TK15 are half the brightness of the TK15s's modes.
Identical reflectors with identical beam. 11200cd peak beam intensity-comfortable for close and mid range use.
My lumen measurements in an integrating sphere show:
Thorfire TK15:
Turbo= 1050 Lm initial output
High= 440 Lm
Mid= 140 Lm
Low= 24 Lm
Moonlight= hard to measure it correctly
Thorfire TK15s:
High= 1020 Lm initial
Mid= 430 Lm
Low= 55 Lm
Moonligt= hard to measure correctly
Size comparison with other Thorfire models-
Thorfire VG25- Thorfire TK15s- Thorfire TK15- Thorfire VG15- 18650 battery
Again,I am surprised by the quality of machine work that Thorfire does manage to maintain on most of their flashlights,especially while they are low priced budget models.
Black matte anodizing.Very consistent on my samples.
Clean square cut threads-anodized.
No sharp edges on the body allows comfortable grip.
Using the tail switch on the TK15s is easy and comfortable.
Both models allow tail-standing.
Thorfire TK15s disassembled
Very stable pocket clip on both flashlights.Should serve quite well for EDC use.
Both lights have two springs-one at the head and one at the tailcap.
All protected batteries that I have tested forsize compatibility fit well in the flashlights.
Thorfire TK15 disassembled
Below is a graph with run/time measurements taken on the highest modes,combined with the Mid mode on the TK15.
Here is a close up of both tailcaps.
As we can see from the graph,both flashlights are programmed to decrease their output 3 minutes after activation,which is expected knowing their maximum initial output of about 1000 lumens.Small flashlights like these two could easily overheat at this output,so the timed step down prevention is required here.
Yet as you can see from my second graph,if you use the flashlights in cold weather(cold ambient temperature) and need the maximum possible output,you can restart the light and get again the powerful illumination from these compact flashlights.
The drivers are programmed also for a second step down 30 minutes after the first.
The point of this step down is to protect the battery from excessive discharging,in the same time to give you a lot of time to continue with the work,if it can not be interrupted,to find the way home or to find a spare battery.
After first step down-
TK15s 405 Lm
TK15 395 Lm
After second step down-
TK15s 111 Lm
TK15 37 Lm
To test how the TK15s reacts on restarting after step down,I waited a minute and restarted it.
It was a nice surprise to find that the output after restart is the same as the initial. Even after the fourth restart,the driver managed to recover almost identical output to the initial.
Beam profile5 meters distance
The beam on both flashlights is well balanced with good hotspot,soft not distracting corona and useful spill.
Neutral white light without noticeable yellow or pink tint.
Overall,I found the beam on both lights very good without leaving desire for something more.
It is just the right EDC beam for most of the users.
Check out the comparison beamshots below and find for yourself if the beam meets your personal preferences.
1 meter distance.White wall.
Thorfire TK15s Moonlight-Low-Mid-High-Turbo
Thorfire TK15s Moonlight-Low-Mid-High
Comparison with other flashlights.All flashlights on their highest modes.
1 meter distance.White wall.
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