3,500 Lumen Wall of Light: Nitecore TM26 (Pics, Specs, etc...)

[BobD]

When I first learned that Nitecore was to introduce the TM26, I was not only underwhelmed by its fugly four headed design, but turned off by its inflated price for gobs of wasted and unfocused lumen output. Also called 'Quad Ray', It had four emitters each with small separate reflectors. It seemed inefficient and gimmicky. All of that room could house a single larger reflector, which would facilitate much longer throw. There are plenty of multi emitter lights that are collimated in a single housing. I assumed it lacked the ability to provide enough juice to efficiently use each emitter as well.


It appeared to me that it was designed just for the sake of an inflated spec rating...essentially just a lantern. The size and shape wasn't very appealing either. The multiple reflectors instantly reminded me of Fenix's TK45 and (in photos) it's footprint appeared fat and stubby like Olight's SR51.


To me, this translated as too big to be convenient/carry friendly and too small to house the necessary hardware to be a really serious light such as an SR90/95, TK70/75, TN31,Maelstrom etc...


It wasn't until very recently that I began to feel different. The TM26 is not a giant throw light nor an ultra compact, rather a unique class in between. Contrary to my initial speculation, the light is actually very well thought out and quite purposeful. But in what way? What roll does this light fill? It's difficult to put in a single answer, read below to piece together. I must say though, I'm happy to have it.


Contents
-Nitecore TM26
-AC Adapter
-Holster
-The usual paperwork
-(8) cr123
-(4) Nitecore 18650
-Smith & Wesson LED Carribeaner
-Extra O-ring
-Silica gel for threads
-Extra protective plug for charging port
-Lanyard

Officially:

Dimensions:


-Length 142mm
-Head Diameter 68mm
-Head Side-Length 57mm
-Tube Diameter 50mm
-Tail Diameter 50mm
-Weight 438g




Design:


Constructed from 6061 T6 aluminum and finished with Type III hard anodizing, the TM26 is both impact (1.5m) resistant and waterproof (IPX-8 '2m'). The light houses four 18650 (or eight cr123) lithium cells that drive four Cree XML-U2 emitters each of which are housed independently in highly polished aluminum reflectors. Each reflector is encased in "toughened ultra-clear mineral glass" and collimated into a large single center beam. Reflectors are protected by stainless steel bezels for increased durability.

Battery/Grip

Other Features:


*Socket for Tripod Use (I REALLY like this feature, I think all serious lights should incorporate this. You could also mount this parallel with another optic to be used in tandem. Imagine, everything moving in unison...*

-Holster with clip, sewn and Velcro buckle (mine came with a Smith & Wesson LED carrabeaner)

-Machined threads are O-ring sealed and have silicon lubricant (waterproof)


*NICE BONUS This light has a plugged, waterproof charging port for convenience when using rechargeable batteries (cord and adapter included)*


-Feedback related to battery state/status, charging, standby, operation, lumen and voltage output is relayed from the backlighting of the main switch and a dedicated OLED screen that has its own small dedicated switch. The screen will also display the remaining operating time left at any given lumen output (based upon juice left in battery), a very useful feature.

* The OLED screen has print the same blue color as the backlit switch... It is very sharp and easy to read, the lighting does NOT look tacky or cheap. It's difficult to represent in a photo*






First Impression:




The TM 26 is actually much smaller than I suspected. It's about 2" shorter than Olight's SR51 coming in around 5.5". It's also a full inch and a half shorter than my M30 Triton, an inch shorter than my TK 35 and only a quarter inch longer than my 6PX Surefire.

Here's a top down view from the picture above. Notice the similar diameter to the Olight M30 Triton. It looks much fatter in the above pic.

More info coming in following posts

 

[BobD]

Compared to other common lights:


Fenix-
2.5" shorter than TK45, 10mm wider grip
1.75" shorter than TK75, slightly narrower grip
1" shorter than Tk35, 6mm wider grip


FourSevens-
3.8" shorter than Maelstrom S18, 4mm wider grip
.1" shorter than Maelstrom X10, 17mm wider grip


JetBeam-
2.3" shorter than M1x, double grip width
.13" shorter than RRT-21, double grip width
1.7" shorter than PA-40, 10mm wider grip
1.9" shorter than RRT-15, double grip width
2.3" longer than RRT-01, double grip width
1.9" longer than PC-10, double grip width


Surefire-
.25" longer than 6PX, double grip width
3.5" shorter than UB3T


Klarus-
4.25" shorter than XT30, double grip width
.3" shorter than XT11, double grip width


Nitecore-
.72" shorter than TM15
.19" longer than TM11


Olight-
1.5" shorter than S35, 14mm wider grip
1.9" shorter than SR51
2.9" shorter than M3x, double grip width
7.7" shorter than SR90


Streamlight-
.4" longer than Scorpion
1.1" shorter than Supertac
2.9" shorter than Stinger
.2" longer than Strion


Thrunight-
1.7" shorter than Catapult, 15mm wider grip
1.5" shorter than TN30, same grip
2.5" shorter than TN31, same grip


Tiablo-
4.5" shorter A60G, 14mm larger grip




Here's a couple pics to put the length and width in perspective...

My fingers can touch when wrapped around it

Performance and UI:


As mentioned in the opening, although not a dedicated throw light, the TM26 runs at a respectable 43,000 candela with a beam distance of 415 meters. This distance is usually calculated from the lux rating and reports how far the light travels until it drops in brightness to a specified level (usually .25 lux), not the actual useful distance.


The beam color is cool white with a fairly unique distribution. Ie. the balance between its hot spot, corona and spill. At close distance, next to my upgraded TK75 (119,500 candela/ 2,900 lumen), the TM26's hot spot is significantly larger and the corona is significantly brighter. The TK75 is an incredible light with superior distance but inside 100 yards the TM26 lights up a much wider field of view. It's particularly noticeable when viewing taller object like buildings and trees...


Eg. At around 50 yards, with the TK75 pointed in the center of a large object would make the middle look almost reflective, surrounded by a very large circle of bright warm light. The same scenario with the TM26 renders quite different results... The tree/building would be covered almost evenly top to bottom with a respectfully bright white wall of light (tongue twister), no dark spots or shadowing.


Also, due to the arrangement of reflectors, there is no obvious pedaling on the border of the corona as often seen in multi emitter configurations. This contributes to the fairly even appearance.


Here are a few pics that show the beam's profile and the proportions I was just discussing, notice how the beam comes together:


*Don't try to draw any conclusions to relative brightness, the lights are on low setting and the camera is not fixed, I'll post that later*


TM26

TK75

TM26

TK75

As you can see, the lights distribute their power very differently. The hotspot to corona ration is quite large and drastic on the TK75. The center beam is very concentrated and is very small relative to the size of corona. You can also see the heavy pedaling from having the emitters inside the same reflector. Obviously, using three emitters opposed to four will create a more asymmetrical appearance.


On the other hand, the TM26 puts out a less concentrated hot spot. The beams do become concentric but at a further distance. The corona is also much smaller, not only in comparison but relative to the size of the hotspot.




There are a few reasons for the different beam types aside from the size, angle and shape of the reflectors. By design, the TK75 not only shares three emitters but also has three separate recesses where the they contact a reflector from a near by emitter. This means that every emitter also shares the two other recesses. After this they pass a protruding single bezel. Essentially what's happening is that the light is creating more asymmetrical coronas for each emitter, spreading the remaining brightness over a larger surface area.

 

[BobD]

User Interface:




Circuitry in the TM26 allows for memory and 'lock out' modes. Operation is controlled by a backlit two stage side clicky. The switch controls 8 different lighting modes, include four brightness levels from (3) to (3,500) lumens (@43,000 candela) as well as strobe, beacon and s.o.s. modes. On its lowest setting, it has the ability to run for 1,000 hours. It's circuitry also allows for something fairly unique... In emergency situations, it can be operated with only 1/4 of necessary batteries (18650 or cr123) meaning although it properly runs on 4 18650's, it has the ability to operate with only 1.




The Screen and Second Switch-


In standby mode, the second switch will have the OLED screen display for several seconds the current voltage available and the word (standby). The backlit mode switch will pulse blue slowly on and off to remind user that all modes are instantly accessible. When turned on, the backlit light will remain steady. This lights acts as a charging indicator as well when plugged in.


When turned on the screen will display the level of brightness selected (eg. Level 2) as well as the current lumen output. For more information, the user can cycle the display to next read the current voltage, then a battery indicator with five levels, then time remaining (in hours and minutes) for given brightness at battery level, lastly the internal temperature of the light can be accessed with an additional click. When turned on from standby mode this information will cycle once automatically. When switching brightness, it will display the new level number and lumen output for a few seconds and turn off.




The Mode Switch (Half Press)


While in standby mode, the user can half press (like a camera) to turn on the light in memory mode. If the user half presses the mode switch a second time it will cycle through the first four brightness levels. Flashing modes are accessed by a double click. Fully depressing the switch will turn off the light. Holding the switch half pressed for longer than one second will access "momentary on" and the user can continue to hall press and let go for instant on/off. The last mode accessed when the light is turned off will be remembered)


(Full Press)
While in standby mode, if the user fully depresses the switch it will instantly place output to Its highest level (3,500 lumens). This function will always create max output and cannot be changed. While in max output, half pressing will switch back and fourth with the level below it (1,700 lumens). Regardless of how it is turned off, it will always bring you to max output first so that it can be accessed quickly in an emergency. Same as the other mode, double pressing will activate flashing modes (strobe is ALWAYS first and is always max output). From standby, holding the switch depressed will activate momentary on for full presses.




(Holding the Switch)


Depressing and holding the switch after it is on will activate "lockout mode" so that the light cannot be turned on accidentally. It can be accessed while in any mode. The light will turn off and the screen will flash lockout. While locked out, pressing the screen switch will remind the user that it is locked out. Simply depressing the switch for 2 seconds will return to standby.



I'll add some outdoor shots later. Hopefully that will paint a better picture

 

[BobD]

Here it is in action, next to:


6PX Pro (Surefire)
35 watt xenon HID (3,000 lumen) (Stanley)
140 watt 12V quartz halogen (9" reflector) (Thor)
Triple XML-U2 (2,900 lumen) (Fenix TK75)
Quad XML-U2 (3,500 lumen) (Nitecore TM26)




This is daytime view and a couple of reference marks.
The trees in front are:
Tall tree in center 40 yards
Then to the right are 50, 60, 80 and (third tree from the right) 100 yards
The phone poll is 150 yards
The tree line is 175-185 depending on angle

Surefire 6PX Pro

Stanley 35 watt HID

Thor 140 watt 12v Halogen

Fenix TK75 (2,900 lumen)

Nitecore TM26 (3,500 lumen)

TM26 still. As you can see, even when aimed very low (much of the beam wasted on ground) it has no problem tearing through the tree line and going across the street.

This is the second view, its from behind the tall 40 yard tree in the first pic

Nitecore TM26 (sorry, this pic got a bit messed up, I'll replace it with a better one later)

Surefire 6PX (about the same length as the TM26)

Image specs from above pics


5 second
F 3.5
ISO 200
Auto white balance

 

[Munson]

awesome write up. Thanks for the info

 

[Redmanss]

A great writeup for sure. I have a TK75 I use here at work and while I like the tighter hot-spot for distance observation at night, I do like the "wall of light" from the Nitecore. Both great setups for sure.

It's good times in the LED market right now. Every time I turn around, there's a new light that's brighter and smaller than it's predecessor. Remember when a 70 lumen xenon Surefire was the shit?

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Great writeup and timely... my 6 year old Wolf Eyes is acting up and this looks like a quantum leap in flashlight technology.

Do the rechargeable batteries come with it? Or are they ordered separately? Looks like it has a charger, etc. but are the supplied-batteries rechargeable?

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Wyfox]

What kind of price range are we looking at on these?

 

[Layton]

I struggle every year to find my father and father-in-law a xmas gift they will actually like and use. This is it!! Thanks!!

L

 

[Ninja]

Tm 26 is around $300 with batteries, I'll go for the SureFire or OVEREADY for the perfect beam ... all the flashlight info ya will ever need:

CandlePowerForums

 

[wkahler]

What is the heat off the lamp like? Also what kind of warranty does it have mainly for the price point just curious!

 

[Wyfox]

This seems like just the ticket for night time predator hunting. You can scan on the lower lumen setting without spooking predators then start to crank up to 3500 as the animal commits. Two of these mounted side by side on a smooth tripod head would be ideal.

 

[BobD]

Thanks for the comments guys,
Hope it helps.

A great writeup for sure. I have a TK75 I use here at work and while I like the tighter hot-spot for distance observation at night, I do like the "wall of light" from the Nitecore. Both great setups for sure.

It's good times in the LED market right now. Every time I turn around, there's a new light that's brighter and smaller than it's predecessor. Remember when a 70 lumen xenon Surefire was the shit?

RedManss-

Yeah man, lights have come a long way. It's funny how impressed we get at every development... Just like when 100 lumens blew us away. Further improvement seems unfathomable every time there's a breakthrough. Never would have imagined they would come this far. They've certainly stretched the boundaries again in the past several years.

Here's a look next to the TK75. Although it's smaller, it's still a one pound light. It's different enough for me to own both. I could understand some that might feel it's not improved enough to buy big again.

Sirhrmechanic-

The TM26 comes with the ability to recharge 18650 batteries. It includes an AC cord that's plugged directly into the light. It will also take cr123 batteries. Neither come with the flashlight. The 18650 need to be of the protected variety, there are a lot of shitty variations available. Nitecore makes their own and I decided to buy a package that included 4 of the rechargeable.

Wyfox-

The light is hovering around $299 right now. I bought it as a package that included
-(4) Nitecore 18650 rechargeable batteries
-(8) CR123 batteries
-Smith and Wesson LED Carribeaner

The charging cord comes standard with the light
I believe some packages include a car DC adapter as well

In my opinion, it's a bit steep. It will drop as a bit more time goes by. The previous models, the TM15 and TM11 are selling for half of this or less.

Other big names like Olight and Fenix charge this premium or more for their flagship lights. The SR95s UT, SR96, and RC40 are all above $300 right now. Their still only 1/4 (at most) the cost of Surefires (top line).

Fenix's standard and upgraded TK75 are probably the best deals going right now at $199 (upgraded). Price has gone down since they released the monster RC40, which has the same lumen output as the TM26 with slightly better throw than the TK75 with its own built in battery pack. I passed on it for the moment as it's size was not as appealing as the Nitecore, which makes it pretty unique.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[BobD]

What is the heat off the lamp like? Also what kind of warranty does it have mainly for the price point just curious!

Heat off the lamp isn't bad. The screen displays the current temperature. It will warm your hands if you cold though.

The warrantee is:

2 types

1.5 years (replacement for free)
10 years afterwards free of defects (pay shipping) they will fix or replace

Accidental damage
They have discretion to make it free depending on circumstances.
If at worst, you really fuc*ed it up then you only pay for the parts to replace and shipping (if it's after 1.5 years). No other fees or service charge, only the cost of parts. If they consider it not extremely negligent, it's fixed or replaced for free


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[wkahler]

Cool thanks!!

 

[BobD]

This seems like just the ticket for night time predator hunting. You can scan on the lower lumen setting without spooking predators then start to crank up to 3500 as the animal commits. Two of these mounted side by side on a smooth tripod head would be ideal.

That would be pretty intense. I think pairing it with a throw light such as the TK75 or similar would cover the best of both. You would have ridiculous spill, a hot corona and beam that drives even further. I actually did this when I was taking the photos for this and it was quite remarkable. It was like the sun came out (the lake area in the last photo was COMPLETELY lit up



EDIT:
Here's a shot I took doing just that. 6,400 lumens
Sorry, this was part of the crappy group of pics that didn't quite come out.
Just to give you an idea though. It was pretty crazy in person

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Wyfox]

Here's where I got the idea, In the video "Night Crew" these guys have something like six production spotlights on a single mount with a dimmer switch. It looks like a lit up stadium when they crank it up.
Night Crew Trailer - YouTube

 

[Layton]

To dig up an old thread, I just got a TM26. WOW is all I can say!!

L

 

[WyomingShooter]

Thanks for the excellent review. I have several Nitecore lights. All have been GTG.