Clash of the Tactical Titans for Professionals and Enthusiasts

5.8. 2025

Light. A basic necessity that, in critical situations, determines success, safety, and sometimes even life itself. And when we talk about reliable light in demanding conditions, few brands can match the reputation of Fenix flashlights. Today, we're taking a closer look at five tactical models from the popular TK series: TK16 V2.0 and TK22R (which are replaced by the new TK17 and TK21R, and for comparison of these bestsellers with the new models, we have included them as well), TK17, TK20R V2.0 and TK21R. These flashlights appear similar at first glance, sharing a robust construction and high performance, but they differ in details that can be crucial for a specific user. They are designed for use on long firearms with a remote pressure switch and appropriate mounting, which predestines them for professional use.

From left: TK16 V2.0, TK17, TK20R V2.0, TK21R, and TK22R

Why are Fenix tactical flashlights indispensable?

Before we dive into a detailed comparison, let's discuss why flashlights like these are so important and who will appreciate their qualities:

• Armed Forces (military, police): For these professionals, a reliable flashlight is an absolute necessity. It allows for target identification in low visibility, temporary blinding and disorientation of an opponent, searching areas, and signaling. Resistance to recoil, water, and drops is a given.
• Rescuers: In search and rescue (SAR) operations, long beam distance and endurance are key. Flashlights with a beam distance of over 400 meters, like most of the models compared today, become compact searchlights that cut through the darkness and help find lost or injured persons.
• Self-defense and EDC (Everyday Carry): High light output can temporarily blind a potential attacker, giving you valuable seconds to react. Tactical models also feature a strike bezel for self-defense or breaking a window in case of an accident. Due to their compactness (relative to their performance), they are also suitable for everyday carry for a sense of security.
• Outdoor enthusiasts: Whether you're a passionate hiker, camper, hunter, or fisherman, a quality flashlight is essential. Durability, various lighting modes, and long battery life are features you'll appreciate in nature.
• Tradespeople and professionals: Many professions require working in poorly lit areas. Mechanics, plumbers, technicians – all need reliable light that frees their hands and illuminates exactly where needed.

All Fenix TK series flashlights compared here meet these requirements. They are made of aerospace-grade hardened aluminum, offer high water resistance (IP68), and are equipped with modern LED diodes with impressive performance and lifespan.

Model Comparison: TK16 V2.0, TK17, TK20R V2.0, TK21R, and TK22R

Now, let's look at the individual models and their key differences, especially in control, beam distance, and runtime.

Control – A Key Element of Tactical Deployment

Control is the alpha and omega of tactical flashlights. It must be fast, intuitive, and reliable even in stressful situations or when wearing gloves. How do our models perform?

From left: models TK16 V2.0, TK17 (next to the switch is a battery charge indicator), TK20R V2.0, and TK21R feature a dual switch,
while TK22R is controlled via FlexiSensa Control.

• Fenix TK16 V2.0, TK17, TK20R V2.0, and TK21R: These models rely on the proven system of dual tactical tail switches. The larger main switch is for momentary activation (half-press) or constant on/off (full press). The smaller, functional switch allows for easy switching between light modes and immediate activation of the strobe, even when the flashlight is off. This solution is very popular for its speed and clarity. The new TK17 and TK21R models also allow for holding down the main switch to directly activate turbo mode, so you don't have to cycle through modes to get maximum output, and when you no longer need maximum output, you can switch back to the original mode. The switch on these two flashlights is also silent - there is no classic 'click' sound when pressed.
• Fenix TK22R: Here, Fenix introduces an innovative patented control system called FlexiSensa Control. This is a combination of a rotary switch (lever) and a tactical tail switch. With the rotary selector, you can easily and quickly select the desired mode (including locking the flashlight) and then activate the flashlight with the tactical tail switch. This system allows you to pre-select a mode before actually using the light, which is invaluable in many tactical situations. If you turn off the flashlight by moving the rotary switch to the lock position, you can turn it on directly with this switch, which is very fast and responsive. You can read more about this advanced control system in our article: FlexiSensa Control – Tactical Options. However, the instant turbo mode that Fenix has newly implemented in the TK17 and TK21R partially blurs these differences, and in the future, we will likely see more of the popular and proven dual switch.

Performance, Beam Distance, and Runtime – Light Where You Need It

• Fenix TK16 V2.0: With an impressive 3100 lumens and a beam distance of 380 meters, this is a very powerful flashlight. The 5000 mAh battery ensures solid runtime – for example, in High mode (1000 lm), it shines for approximately 2 hours 50 minutes, and in Eco mode (30 lm) for over 43 hours. It also features a strike bezel with tungsten steel tips for emergency glass breaking or self-defense.





• Fenix TK17: This model replaces the TK16 flashlight. It is powered by a 6000 mAh battery with a USB-C port for recharging and discharging, so it functions as a power bank for charging other devices (e.g., a mobile phone) and offers a maximum output of 3600 lumens with a beam distance of 330 meters. These values indicate that it has the smoothest (widest) light beam of all these models.





• Fenix TK20R V2.0: A proven workhorse with a popular design (dual switch, screw-on charging port cover). It offers 3000 lumens and an excellent beam distance of 475 meters, making it a great choice for search purposes. USB-C charging for the 21700 battery (5000 mAh) under the collar is a big plus. In Turbo mode (3000 lm), it lasts a total of 2 hours 50 minutes (with gradual power reduction), and in High (1000 lm), 3 hours 10 minutes. A UE version is also available in various color options and with FlexiSensa Control, see older article.





• Fenix TK21R: This is a new product that is structurally based on the 'Twenty-R'. It features a dual switch and a screw-on cover for the charging connector. Like the TK17, it can launch maximum output by holding the main switch without needing to click through, and then return to the original lower mode. It also accommodates 6000 mAh batteries, making it the most feature-rich flashlight among the listed models. With 3600 lumens and a beam distance of 480 meters, it also shines with the highest intensity.





• Fenix TK22R: This is the most robust of the listed flashlights due to its 40-millimeter head. With 3200 lumens and a beam distance of up to 480 meters, it provides massive light output comparable to the TK21R. It also features USB-C charging under a screw-on collar and a powerful 21700 battery. Runtime is similar to the TK20R V2.0 – Turbo (3200 lm) a total of 2 hours 50 minutes, High (1000 lm) 3 hours 5 minutes. The main advantage can be the already mentioned FlexiSensa control, which gives the user different options than the dual switch of other flashlights, see older article.

From left: TK16 V2.0 (head 34 mm), TK17 (36 mm), TK20R V2.0 (head 34 mm), TK21R (36 mm) and TK22R (40 mm)

Which one to choose?

The choice depends on your priorities:

• Fenix TK16 V2.0: A bestseller and discontinued model replaced by the TK17, it's a great choice if you prefer dual tactical control, high performance, and appreciate the special strike bezel with tungsten tips. Ideal for security forces and self-defense.
• Fenix TK17: The successor to the TK16 V2.0, which has a slightly shorter beam distance, features a durable construction without a USB connector (it's inside on the battery) and the widest light beam of the compared models. Along with the TK21R, it also has the highest output of 3600 lumens.
• Fenix TK20R V2.0: A versatile tactical flashlight with an excellent price/performance/beam distance ratio. Its dual switch, long beam distance, and convenient USB-C charging make it a favorite for a wide range of users, from armed forces to outdoor enthusiasts.
• Fenix TK21R: This is the largest and most powerful of the listed models. Structurally, it is the same as the TK20R V2.0, plus it has tungsten tips in the strike bezel, a longer beam distance, and at 3600 lumens, it achieves the highest intensity. It comes with a 6000 mAh battery.
• Fenix TK22R: A bestseller and discontinued model replaced by the TK21R. With it, it has the longest beam distance of the listed models and, above all, the innovative and fast FlexiSensa control. Integrated USB-C charging is the icing on the cake. Perfect for professionals who need to have the lighting mode pre-selected.

Conclusion

Whichever of these Fenix TK series flashlights you choose, you can be sure that you are investing in top-notch quality, reliability, and performance. Each model has its specific strengths, making it ideal for certain types of deployment. All are ready to serve on a long firearm, in a rescuer's hand, on a police officer's belt, they will be on standby in an outdoor enthusiast's pocket or backpack, or in a tradesperson's workshop.

If you are unsure about your choice, the easiest thing to do is to contact us. We will be happy to answer your email inquiries.