Is there any TIR that can beat even a half-decent reflector on throw? (honest question as I really don’t know, but always associated TIRs with flood).
It depends on the size and geometry of the head and reflector itself. If you compare two lights like the IF22 & IF22A, the IF22 has a head about twice as tall to accommodate the reflector while the IF22A gets nearly the same throw with a TIR and shorter head. So the reflector throws farther but the flashlight is longer.
If you want the most throw possible you’ll need a deep reflector. Though when considering form factor TIRs might be the best in their weight class.
I have those two! I really prefer the reflector IF22 even though it is a little longer because the beam simply works better in my life and neither is a flashlight I will stuff in a pants pocket.
TIR flashlights to me work ‘best’ on small lights overall. On something larger that needs a holster or backpack, I find the right reflector simply works better for beam evenness, throw, and flood.
TIR and Zoomies to me are really special use case options.
