Nitecore MT26 Flashlight - Review

BR101

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Sep 12, 2012
Messages
81
20121113_192514.jpg


Nitecore MT26 Specifications:
Max lumen output: 800 lumens
Turbo: 800 lumens (2 hours)
High: 250 lumens (5 hours)
Mid: 78 lumens (17.5 hours)
Low: 25 lumens (45 hours)
Impact resistant to 4.9 ft. (1.5 m)
Water resistant to IPX-8 Standards
Uses 2 x CR123A or 1 x Li-Ion 18650 Battery
Length: 149mm
Head Diameter: 34mm
Tail Diameter: 25.4mm
Weight: 133 grams (without battery)


Today I am reviewing the Nitecore MT26 flashlight. The MT26 is part of Nitecores Multi-Task series of lights. The multi-task series is a new line of highly versatile and practical illumination tools designed for a multitude of users and environments. Inside the neatly packaged box was the light, clip, lanyard, extra push button, extra o-ring seals, sheath, neatly printed user manual, and a tactical ring for holding the light like a cigar.

20121113_184217.jpg


20121113_184746.jpg


The MT26 is constructed using a high quality aero grade aluminum alloy with a hard anodized Type III military grade body construction. There are three separate areas of rugged diamond-shaped knurling which offers a secure and ergonomic grip. The anti-rolling grooves towards the front of the light do an excellent job at keeping the light from rolling on a flat surface. With a IPX-8 standard waterproof rating, this light can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water without any leaks.

20121113_185621.jpg


To the business end. The Nitecore MT26 uses a toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating. Behind that is the CREE XM-L U2 800 lumen led powered by two CR123 or 1 18650 battery. Nitecore stats that the XM-L US led has up to 50,000 hours of burn time. The MT26 offers four different brightness modes as well as strobe and S.O.S. mode. If you twist the head of the light clock-wise you'll go into User-Defined mode. In this mode you can set the light at either low, mid, high, strobe, or SOS. And if you twist the head counter clock-wise it goes to Turbo mode.

20121113_190809.jpg


Here is the MT26 next to the Sunwayman C20C Tomahawk. The MT26 will tail stand with no issues at all. This is very convenient if you are working on something that requires two hands.

MT26-1.gif



Here you can see the different brightness modes. Definite hot spot with a bunch of spill illuminates a wide area. The turbo (800 lumens) lights the night!!


If you're a law enforcement officer or someone who doesn't mind carrying a light on their belt, this would be a great light for that carry system. This would also be a great light to EDC in a messenger bag, backpack, or even a fanny pack. I will be carrying the MT26 in my 5.11 Covrt ZAP 6 pack. This would also be a great light to carry in your vehicle. If you're working under the hood or dash, the MT26 would be a great option since it tail stands.You could pocket carry it if needed but in my opinion it's just to big to pocket carry.

Things I Like:

  • Light Output: In turbo mode (800 lumens) this light is bright! I also like that you can go to a lower mode for task that don't require much light. This helps preserve battery life.
  • Waterproof: The MT26 is waterproof per IPX-8 standards.
  • Tail Cap: The tail cap has two flat portions which allow the light to tail stand in situations where you may need both hands for working on something.
  • Construction: The materials used to build this light are all top quality. The diamond shape knurling, machined non-roll grooves are just two things that set this light apart from others.
  • Button: The button has a firm study click. It's easy to use for going through different brightness modes.

Things I Dislike:
  • For those looking for a pocket light. I feel this would probably not be your best choice due to the size. I feel the MT26 is best carried in either a sheath on the belt or in a bag. Just my personal opinion.
 

Overclocker

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
1,585
Location
Philippines
hi,

unfortunately you didn't answer the question everyone is asking: how many lumens does it step down to???
 

BR101

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Sep 12, 2012
Messages
81
hi,

unfortunately you didn't answer the question everyone is asking: how many lumens does it step down to???

I researched that and couldn't find anything either. And I don't have the tools to accurately measure that. But I will guesstimate that it's a little brighter than the High Mode (250 lumens).

Does it have momentary function?

Sent using Tapatalk 2

Yes it does. Thank you for pointing that out.
 

popeye

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Apr 29, 2007
Messages
13
I got the info e-mailed to me from nitecore and this is what they said, Turbo run time is 3 minutes and then it drops to 550 lumens until it is reactivated by the switch.
 

Labrador72

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 28, 2012
Messages
1,851
Location
European Union
Thanks, that's good to know! : )
Overall the MT26 seems a good light considering its price range. I'm just wondering what the actual runtime would be by when using only the 800-lumen turbo for 3 minutes before step-down repeatedly.
 
Top