kj75
Enlightened
For me, this latest Tiny Monster-member came as a surprise. From the first day I was impressed by the looks of light and the impressive output combined with huge throw. So far I know, this is the first 4000 lumen stock light that should reach up to 700 meters distance. So, highest time to have a closer look at the TM16!
Nitecore TM16, the latest Monster-series member
powered by four XM-L2(U2) leds
a handheld searchlight
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· Utilizes 4 CREE XM-L2 U2 LEDs
· Maximum output up to 4000 lumens
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 122,500cd and a throw distance up to 700 meters
· Dual-switch user interface ensures one-handed easy operation
· Features 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
· High efficiency circuit board provides max runtime up to 520 hours
· Integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power (patented)
· Power indicator's secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
· Direct access to ultra-low or turbo ensures flexibility and convenience
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from incorrectly inserted batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects the core components from damage
· Rear tripod connector brings extra funtionality
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aerograde aluminum alloy
· Sturdy HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 7.17" / 182mm
· Head diameter: 3.5" / 89mm
· Tube: 2.09/ 53mm
· Weight: 17.85oz / 506gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
Like the other TM-series, Nitecore brings the TM16 in a brown carton without frills. It seems like the most impressive light come in a simply box… Only thing we see is a stickers with the most importants specs mentioned on it. But, this box is sturdy enough to protect the light against damage and to store it when it's not used. Inside we find protecting foam, of course the light, a lanyard, warranty card, spare o-rings, holster and user manual. Overall, not a spectacular box, but, let's say, the quality is inside
a sturdy box without frills
good protection against damage
contents the light, manual, warranty card, spare o-rings and lanyard. A holster is missing
Impressions:
First impression: Really a monster, but do we call this "tiny"? This light really impresses! A big head with deeper reflectors and nice proportions make this light a successful creation. The TM16 feels a bit heavy, but is easy to handle and easy to control with one hand. The light has a clean reflector and perfect centered leds. Machining is well done, anodizing is good except some chips, mainly at the light edges. The threads are lubed sufficient and run smoothly. The light has a good anti-roll design and tailstand is, as expected, no problem. Handy feature and actually a trend: the TM16 can be mounted on a (bigger) tripod. Inside the TM16 is looks ok: Good finishing, clear marks how to insert the cells and gold plated, sturdy springs. Clear marks in the tailcap too: It's almost impossible to insert the cells the wrong way. Overall, a well-built, high quality "big-Tiny". Please scroll down for more impression, told by pictures…
TM16, after the TM36 (Lite) the biggest Tiny Nitecore has produced ever
this handheld searchlight has good proportions
deep reflectors and four XM-L2 (U2) leds: a lot of output guaranteed!
easy to handle with, easy one-hand operation
steady (tail)standing
deep cooling-fins and a good anti-roll design
the tailcap with built-in tripod hole
together with a TM brother: who's real tiny?
with recommended cells
overall, a good job on anodizing
impressive specifications
perfect centered XM-L2 (U2)'s
deep, clean reflectors and XM-L2's will give the TM16 a lot of throw
well machined and lubed threads
a look inside the tailcap
and a look into the tube
please mind this!
built-in voltage indicator, can also be used to locate the light
tripod mounting, hands free lighting up a complete area
compact, but great performance
thanks to this four leds
good machining, as usual
with added lanyard, a holster is missing
User interface:
It's no problem to control the TM16 by only using your thumb. The light has two buttons, one for on/off and one for mode selection. They are, in contrast to the EC4, separated by a notch instead of an edge. Those big buttons are easy to locate in darkness, and if needed, you can activate the "standby-beacon": one flash per three second will tell you the buttons' exact location. Simply press the power button (below one) to turn the TM16 on, after that select the desired mode by using the upper button. The light memorizes the last used mode, except the three special. Press and hold the power button while shutting off to activate standby-beacon. With the light on, press and hold to enter the special modes, starting with strobe. In strobe mode, you can cycle through the special by short pressing the mode-button. The TM16 has also three instant modes: With the light off, press and hold the on/off button to enter LOWER, or press and hold the upper button to enter TURBO. Quick double-press the mode button to enter instant STROBE. Personally, I love this modes, and have used them often.
The illuminated button has also another nice feature: A voltage indicator. There are two ways to check the actual voltage: A quick check by short pressing the mode button while the light is off. The button will flash up to three times: One time means critical, two below 50% and three above 50%. Second way to check is to unscrew the tailcap and tighten again. The indicator will tell you accurate to 0.1 volts about the actual voltage. Personally I prefer the "accurate-way". Hope Nitecore will fix this in the future. Summarized: A good interface, despite of the bigger dimension this light is easy to control by using one hand/thumb. Again here, a lot of modes and option, so Nitecore did a good job here!
Modes:
The TM16 has in total five normal modes: starting with LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. I should really like when you could cycle up and down through the modes, but this isn't possible. The special modes are: STROBE > LOCATION BEACON > SOS. Enough modes for most situations. Also three special modes at the TM16: INSTANT LOWER > INSTANT TURBO > INSTANT STROBE. The light has also a lockout mode: Press and hold both buttons (when the light is off) for more than one second to enter this. Same way to activate the light again. Personally I'd like to have a lockout by unscrewing the tailcap too. It won't be a surprise that the TM16 doesn't have momentary on.
ATR:
Nitecore has built in Advance Temperature Regulation. This means: When the light gets overheated (mostly while using turbo a longer time) the output will decrease dynamically to prevent against damage. This means that the light will not step down from (for example TURBO to HIGH), but turbo will go on with less output.
Size comparison:
To show the TM16's dimensions, a comparison side by side with some other lights in the same lumen class: the Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C, and another Nitecore Monster: the TM06
18650 cell, Nitecore TM16, Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C and Nitecore TM06
Nitecore TM16, Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C and Nitecore TM06
Nitecore TM16, Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C and Nitecore TM06
all driven by four leds, but big difference in head diameter
and a look at the tails
Tint:
The TM16 has the same tint like most recent XM-L2 (U2) Nitecores: good coolwhite tint with a little green. I've compared the light to the Eagtac MX25L4C and the Fenix LD75C.
Beamprofile:
Thanks to the four, rather deep reflectors this light has an intense hotspot but also a big corona en a lot of spill. It's not as floody as its TM06 brother, but this is a really nice, mixed beam that is ideal for search jobs. It's easy to light up a complete area. Really a nice beam!
Beamshots:
To start with, at first the TM16 projected on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes shown in the forest.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
Location 2: distance to the trees about 200 meters
Some shoot-outs against other big-output lights:
a shootout against the Eagtac MX25LC4
and against the Nitecore TM06 brother
a shootout against the Fenix LD75C
Conclusion:
I really looked forward to this light from the first day after it was released. I can tell you now that I really love this light. Although it's not a light that you will carry with you every day (because of its weight and dimensions), you will love and pick up this light often for the "bigger" jobs. Operation with one hand is no problem, and the light feels comfortable in the hand. The TM16 has well-spaced modes, three instant modes and also a good low. So, no wishes here….Only thing you have to do, is look for a holster. Please don't forget this in future Nitecore…. I'd like to see the possibility of mode-switching up and down too. But overall, this is one the most impressive lights I've ever had: So much output in combination with decent throw!
Nitecore TM16 provided for review
Nitecore TM16, the latest Monster-series member
powered by four XM-L2(U2) leds
a handheld searchlight
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· Utilizes 4 CREE XM-L2 U2 LEDs
· Maximum output up to 4000 lumens
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 122,500cd and a throw distance up to 700 meters
· Dual-switch user interface ensures one-handed easy operation
· Features 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
· High efficiency circuit board provides max runtime up to 520 hours
· Integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power (patented)
· Power indicator's secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
· Direct access to ultra-low or turbo ensures flexibility and convenience
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from incorrectly inserted batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects the core components from damage
· Rear tripod connector brings extra funtionality
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aerograde aluminum alloy
· Sturdy HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 7.17" / 182mm
· Head diameter: 3.5" / 89mm
· Tube: 2.09/ 53mm
· Weight: 17.85oz / 506gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
Like the other TM-series, Nitecore brings the TM16 in a brown carton without frills. It seems like the most impressive light come in a simply box… Only thing we see is a stickers with the most importants specs mentioned on it. But, this box is sturdy enough to protect the light against damage and to store it when it's not used. Inside we find protecting foam, of course the light, a lanyard, warranty card, spare o-rings, holster and user manual. Overall, not a spectacular box, but, let's say, the quality is inside
a sturdy box without frills
good protection against damage
contents the light, manual, warranty card, spare o-rings and lanyard. A holster is missing
Impressions:
First impression: Really a monster, but do we call this "tiny"? This light really impresses! A big head with deeper reflectors and nice proportions make this light a successful creation. The TM16 feels a bit heavy, but is easy to handle and easy to control with one hand. The light has a clean reflector and perfect centered leds. Machining is well done, anodizing is good except some chips, mainly at the light edges. The threads are lubed sufficient and run smoothly. The light has a good anti-roll design and tailstand is, as expected, no problem. Handy feature and actually a trend: the TM16 can be mounted on a (bigger) tripod. Inside the TM16 is looks ok: Good finishing, clear marks how to insert the cells and gold plated, sturdy springs. Clear marks in the tailcap too: It's almost impossible to insert the cells the wrong way. Overall, a well-built, high quality "big-Tiny". Please scroll down for more impression, told by pictures…
TM16, after the TM36 (Lite) the biggest Tiny Nitecore has produced ever
this handheld searchlight has good proportions
deep reflectors and four XM-L2 (U2) leds: a lot of output guaranteed!
easy to handle with, easy one-hand operation
steady (tail)standing
deep cooling-fins and a good anti-roll design
the tailcap with built-in tripod hole
together with a TM brother: who's real tiny?
with recommended cells
overall, a good job on anodizing
impressive specifications
perfect centered XM-L2 (U2)'s
deep, clean reflectors and XM-L2's will give the TM16 a lot of throw
well machined and lubed threads
a look inside the tailcap
and a look into the tube
please mind this!
built-in voltage indicator, can also be used to locate the light
tripod mounting, hands free lighting up a complete area
compact, but great performance
thanks to this four leds
good machining, as usual
with added lanyard, a holster is missing
User interface:
It's no problem to control the TM16 by only using your thumb. The light has two buttons, one for on/off and one for mode selection. They are, in contrast to the EC4, separated by a notch instead of an edge. Those big buttons are easy to locate in darkness, and if needed, you can activate the "standby-beacon": one flash per three second will tell you the buttons' exact location. Simply press the power button (below one) to turn the TM16 on, after that select the desired mode by using the upper button. The light memorizes the last used mode, except the three special. Press and hold the power button while shutting off to activate standby-beacon. With the light on, press and hold to enter the special modes, starting with strobe. In strobe mode, you can cycle through the special by short pressing the mode-button. The TM16 has also three instant modes: With the light off, press and hold the on/off button to enter LOWER, or press and hold the upper button to enter TURBO. Quick double-press the mode button to enter instant STROBE. Personally, I love this modes, and have used them often.
The illuminated button has also another nice feature: A voltage indicator. There are two ways to check the actual voltage: A quick check by short pressing the mode button while the light is off. The button will flash up to three times: One time means critical, two below 50% and three above 50%. Second way to check is to unscrew the tailcap and tighten again. The indicator will tell you accurate to 0.1 volts about the actual voltage. Personally I prefer the "accurate-way". Hope Nitecore will fix this in the future. Summarized: A good interface, despite of the bigger dimension this light is easy to control by using one hand/thumb. Again here, a lot of modes and option, so Nitecore did a good job here!
Modes:
The TM16 has in total five normal modes: starting with LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. I should really like when you could cycle up and down through the modes, but this isn't possible. The special modes are: STROBE > LOCATION BEACON > SOS. Enough modes for most situations. Also three special modes at the TM16: INSTANT LOWER > INSTANT TURBO > INSTANT STROBE. The light has also a lockout mode: Press and hold both buttons (when the light is off) for more than one second to enter this. Same way to activate the light again. Personally I'd like to have a lockout by unscrewing the tailcap too. It won't be a surprise that the TM16 doesn't have momentary on.
ATR:
Nitecore has built in Advance Temperature Regulation. This means: When the light gets overheated (mostly while using turbo a longer time) the output will decrease dynamically to prevent against damage. This means that the light will not step down from (for example TURBO to HIGH), but turbo will go on with less output.
Size comparison:
To show the TM16's dimensions, a comparison side by side with some other lights in the same lumen class: the Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C, and another Nitecore Monster: the TM06
18650 cell, Nitecore TM16, Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C and Nitecore TM06
Nitecore TM16, Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C and Nitecore TM06
Nitecore TM16, Fenix LD75C, Eagtac MX25L4C and Nitecore TM06
all driven by four leds, but big difference in head diameter
and a look at the tails
Tint:
The TM16 has the same tint like most recent XM-L2 (U2) Nitecores: good coolwhite tint with a little green. I've compared the light to the Eagtac MX25L4C and the Fenix LD75C.
Beamprofile:
Thanks to the four, rather deep reflectors this light has an intense hotspot but also a big corona en a lot of spill. It's not as floody as its TM06 brother, but this is a really nice, mixed beam that is ideal for search jobs. It's easy to light up a complete area. Really a nice beam!
Beamshots:
To start with, at first the TM16 projected on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes shown in the forest.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
Location 2: distance to the trees about 200 meters
Some shoot-outs against other big-output lights:
a shootout against the Eagtac MX25LC4
and against the Nitecore TM06 brother
a shootout against the Fenix LD75C
Conclusion:
I really looked forward to this light from the first day after it was released. I can tell you now that I really love this light. Although it's not a light that you will carry with you every day (because of its weight and dimensions), you will love and pick up this light often for the "bigger" jobs. Operation with one hand is no problem, and the light feels comfortable in the hand. The TM16 has well-spaced modes, three instant modes and also a good low. So, no wishes here….Only thing you have to do, is look for a holster. Please don't forget this in future Nitecore…. I'd like to see the possibility of mode-switching up and down too. But overall, this is one the most impressive lights I've ever had: So much output in combination with decent throw!
Nitecore TM16 provided for review
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