Nitecore’s TM20K | Ultra High Performance Tactical Search Light

In a sea of LED flashlights, there are only a few companies that keep raising the bar in both quality and value. Nitecore is one of those companies. We recently got our hands on one of the brightest handheld lights we’ve tested to date. Considering its size, the TM20K handheld tactical searchlight is a true power house. Rated at 20,000 lumens via 19 Cree XP-L2 LED’s, this 14.89 ounce torch throws an incredible amount of light downrange. Designed primarily as a search light, the TM20K can be used in tactical, search & rescue, camping and industrial environments.

The 50mm light head is configured with 18 flood LED’s surrounding a single flood LED in the middle. Once powered up, a discrete side mounted mode button toggles through four different light settings. 320, 1050, 1900 and 3100 lumens. A separate ambidextrous tactical button activates a dizzying 20,000 lumen Turbo Mode or Strobe. And at the heart of this beast is a 9600mAh pair of 21700 Lithium-Ion batteries. Rechargeable in 4.5 hours via an included USB-C cable with QC (quick charge) capability. Once fully charged, the max runtime at the lowest setting of 320 lumens is rated for 13 hours. Allowing all day use.

Nitecore TM20K Video Overview:

Three user modes are available with a separate toggle switch (see below). Lockout, daily (1) and tactical (2) mode. Lockout mode does exactly what you think it does. Disabling all the buttons to prevent accidentally turning the light on. In daily (1) mode, pressing and releasing the power button activates the light. The same press and release turns it off. Tactical (2) mode provides a momentary on/off feature. Pressing and holding the power button turns the light on. While releasing the power button turns it back off. Great for quick room checks or stunning an intruder.

Construction

The CNC machined unibody design offers superior heat dissipation through a series of cooling fins. Additionally, this rugged design withstands the 1 meter impact test. As well as earning an IP68 rating. Making the TM20K a real contender in the outdoors and tactical environments. Due to the size and shape, one handed operation is pretty easy. Even considering that some features require two buttons to be pushed simultaneously.

Nitecore includes a rigid belt holster with a slick magnetic opening. And a “peep hole” located in the bottom for discreet light output while wearing the holster. Also included in the box is a lanyard and charging cable. At $299.95, the TM20K is not cheap. But considering the build quality, run time, output and durability, it’s not a bad value at all. Despite including a giant pocket clip, it’s not designed to be an EDC light. It’s just too big to be comfortable in a front pants pocket. But certainly should be considered by LEO, SAR and other agencies.

Final Thoughts:

When I first unboxed the TM20K, I noticed the unusual shape. A rectangular grip area instead of the usual barrel shape found on most lights. Placing the batteries side by side made for this unique shorter, wider form factor. Once I handled it for a bit, it started to grow on me. I’ll admit, I’m the guy that opens the package, skips the instructions and proceeds to push buttons until I figure it out. Well, it didn’t take long for me to unfold the included instruction sheet. I couldn’t even turn it on. To get the light out of “lock mode”, you’re required to press the “mode” button while simultaneously sliding the “user mode toggle switch” from lock to mode 1 or 2. The mode button blends in very well by the way.

Once out of lock mode, it started to make sense. The oversized metal power button turns it on and off. While the mode button toggles through the various light output settings. Then there’s Turbo Mode. A quick peek at the instructions (or the back of the box) illustrate where the ambidextrous rocker switch is located. Again, the button is located at the tail of the light but blends in and is not obvious. This is the holy $#!T button that unleashes the full 20,000 lumens. While in turbo mode, a short press of the mode button will toggle it to strobe mode. Caution, do not look at the light in turbo mode!

About Nitecore:

“Yes, we believe in the power of gear. The cool gear makes you outstanding while the right gear can simply be the difference between making it or not. Our creation brings the best help because we make sure it does. We are campers, hikers, mountaineers and enthusiasts of diving, cycling, fishing and boating. We receive trainings from shooting, hunting and search & rescue. Sharing with them the same passion on rocks, mountains, roads, water and ice, in the woods, the sea, the rain, the fog and even the snow. We share with our customers the same definition of the right gear as we understand what they have been through. Such understanding is the source of our new ideas and perfect designs.” ~nitecore.com