Nitecore TM20K

Product Information

The memory function will remember the previously used brightness level or special mode when it is next turned on. Nitecore’s marketing information lists this button as activating strobe too but I haven’t figured out how to do that as I don’t have the user manual. The TM20K is also equipped with Quick Charge capability for faster charging, and when plugged into a QC USB adaptor/port it will charge the battery in approximately 4 hours, 30 minutes. Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements.

The light itself, including the familiar documentation, is hidden in the holster in between the foam of the box.

Modes are selected using the toggle switch and Strobe Ready technology allows for instant access to strobe from any state. However, if you struggle to carry a single 21700 flashlight then you’re not going to be able to carry this either. This can be accessed from on/off in mode 1, or from off in mode 2, and to change between strobe and turbo press the mode button while still holding down the lever button. Two 21700 lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 9600 mAh are built into the aluminium CNC machined unibody of the TM20K, which provides lightweight as well as excellent heat dissipition.

The Nitecore TM20K Turbo Ready is a ultra high performance tactical torch, with an astonishing maximum output of 20,000 lumens in turbo mode using 19 x Cree XP L2 HD LEDs, which is absolutely amazing considering its size. You activate these modes by holding the mode button when the light is turned on, the spot and flood mode will now alternate intermittently as long as you hold the button. Half the table is normal, then where it starts to list an ND filter, this is a ‘neutral density’ filter that simply cuts the light reaching the sensor by approximately 90%. Via a cut-out below the slide you will quickly know which position it is in; also on the opposite side of the mode switch you can find this type of slot that helps you find the button by feel. To lock the light you only need to put the slide to zero, or move it to the left (the head facing down, in case it is dark out).As well as a look round the TM20K, this review includes output measurements, runtime graphs, and beamshots to give you the true story of its performance. If you try to reactivate it too soon then it will either only last 1 second or won’t go above 3000 lumens. The CARBO20K is the lightest QC powerbank in it's class, and will charge your TM20K two times over when out in the field. If you immediately reactivate Turbo, you can do this two further times (three times before a cooling off period) where the thermal protection prevents the TM20K from going above High mode even using the Turbo button. Among the accessories supplied, the rigid holster with magnetic opening and closure is of excellent quality, perhaps a little bulky but essential to carry the TM20K safely on the belt.