NiteCore TM26 Review

The NiteCore TM26 boasts itself as the world’s smallest and brightest flashlight - with light beam outputs at 4000 lumens.

The TM26 is more of a searchlight, than tactical. What you gain in high lumens, you lose with its heavy weight and your overall agility with the flashlight. That being said, this light is nonetheless a beast and perfect for any search and rescue situations.

Activities:

• Gear
• Outdoor/Camping
• Search

If you’re looking for a light-weight flashlight for more tactical settings, we highly suggest the NiteCore P12.

Specifications

Output and Runtime

This Tiny Monster offers 5 different light modes:

• Turbo
  • Output: 4000 lumens
  • Runtime: 45 minutes (4x18650) and 1 hour (8xCR123)
• High
  • Output: 1900 lumens
  • Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes (4x18650) and 2 hours and 30 minutes (8xCR123)
• Mid
  • Output: 700 lumens
  • Runtime: 8 hours and 15 minutes (4x18650) and 5 hours and 45 minutes (8xCR123)
• Low
  • Output: 230 lumens
  • Runtime: 48 hours (4x18650) and 32 hours (8xCR123)
• Lower
  • Output: 3 lumens
  • Runtime: 1000 hours (4x18650) and 750 hours (8xCR123)

The TM26 offers a location beacon, rapid flashing, SOS and strobe modes as well.

This NiteCore model uses 4 Cree XM-L2 LEDs instead of the conventional 1 LED most tactical flashlights use.

What is the TM26’s throw / beam distance?

The NiteCore TM26 utilizes its Precision Digital Optics Technology to achieve a throw distance of 454 meters.

What is the TM26’s peak beam intensity?

This model has a peak beam intensity of 51,600 candela per lumen (cd/lm).

Additional features

• OLED display for:
  • Lumen output and brightness modes
  • Batery status
  • Battery voltage
  • Approximate runtime
  • Temperature
• Integrated power indicator and multi-function switch

Accessories

The NiteCore Tiny Monster comes with a quality holster and lanyard. The bundle from Amazon additionally includes:

• 4 NiteCore NL186 2600mAh Batteries
• 8 EdisonBright CR123A batteries and Charger

Material & Durability

Size and Weight

• Head side length: 57 mm
• Body length: 142 mm
• Tail diameter: 438 grams without the battery

The TM26 is pretty compact and fits nicely in the size of your hand. It has a single switch that is accessible with your thumb making it easy for one hand operation.

On the bezel, the light features four stainless steel bezel rings to protect its reflectors and other core components from dmamage. The glass has dual-side-coated mineral material to help transmit the light from the LED to its target.

Like most other lights, the body is contructed with aircraft aluminum alloy. It boasts a lightweight design however it does get pretty heavy with the batteries.

This flashlight features thermal protection to prevent overheating.

Waterproof / Water-resistant

The NiteCore TM26 is IPX-8 waterproof and submersible to 2 meters.

Impact Resistance

The Tiny Monster is resistant to impact up to 1.5 meters.

It’s worth noting how durable this flashlight is. Most tactical flashlights are submersible and impact resistant up to 1 meter while the TM26 can handle more.

Battery

The NiteCore TM26 is compatible with 4x18650 or 8xCR123 batteries. With eight CR123 batteries, the flashlight can achieve longer runtimes.

It has a maximum runtime of 1,000 hours on the lowest setting.

For emergency situations, the light is capable of using 1x18650 or 2xCR123 batteries.

Conclusion: Our NiteCore TM26 Review

The NiteCore TM26 is a strong and powerful searchlight that offers long runtimes and a super bright beam. While it is very compact and fits the palms of most people’s hands, the batteries make it a bit heavier than other tactical lights.

We recommend the TM26 for camping, outdoors and search. If you’re looking for a light to be used with a firearm, we also recommend the NiteCore P12.