The TM20K is a member of the Nitecore T(iny) M(onster) collection and these lights were given their names for a reason because, despite their size, they excel in light intensity or reach. The rectangular shape and the small dimensions make it easy to grip with the hand and of course they exclude rolling. The glass of the Nitecore TM20K comes with a protective film to be removed before use and, tied to the clip, a label with the warning to put the flashlight in the holster with the block inserted. And it is the most basic mode, so you press the button, the flashlight shines until you press that button again.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements.

Both the main and mode switch operate silently, which is a must-have for tactical use and therefore fine. On the box, in addition to the photo, there are technical details of the new Nitecore and serial number. Nitecore’s Tiny Monsters have always been punchy performers, from the first one I tested, (the TM11) all the way through to another Monster light that is Tiny compared to its output.

As mentioned before the light will only start with the central LED light in the middle; only for the three subsequent modes the remaining 18 LED lights in the edge of the head will work as well. Now we have two copies of the same graph, the first shows all the traces taken to check the behaviour during the ANSI 30 second measurement time. Lightweight with high strength, it gives excellent impact and vibration protection for the battery cell. You can also set up this central tactical button for direct access to the stroboscope mode by briefly pressing the mode button once as you hold the button.The head contains no less than 19 similar XP-L2 LED lights, of which one is located in the middle in a separate and deep reflector. This flood and throw combo is similar to a few other lights, like the Acebeam X10, Olight Marauder 2 and upcoming lights from Intl-outdoor and Wurkkos. It has an excellent construction with compact dimensions and a lighting power that reaches the remarkable brightness of 20,000 lumens in Turbo. The 3 switches are all at the tail end, so the TM20K is designed to be carried with your thumb at the end and your pinky towards the head.

The indicator will also show battery power when the torch is turned on with a solid light for above 50%, a slow flashing light for 10-50% or a rapid flashing light for below 10%, at which point charging is advised asap. When belt mounted you need to pull the holster body away from you to allow the lid to hinge open far enough to get the TM20K out.My preference is always for removable/replaceable batteries, but the other side to this is the guaranteed performance of the cells chosen by Nitecore to power this Tiny Monster, and the simplification of the design as it doesn’t need a battery door.

I work security for my church and this light works well for low light needs and blinding bright for dealing with those that need to be escorted out. But don't tell me you expected long turbo time from that small and good heat dissipation fins lacking flashlight. Starting from over 23000cd, of the High level (3,100 lumens), after 8 minutes there is a sudden decrease in brightness until it settles at a value, in candles, halved compared to the initial one. The ambidextrous lever button will access turbo or strobe, depending on which was last used, when either side of the button is held down. This seems about right, as after a run time from empty, it took about 4 hours 40 minutes to get to the point where it was trickling current into the cells.Lockout should always be easier to activate than to deactivate, and Nitecore have made it very easy. Choosing between light modes and the functions of the central button for turbo and strobe is the same as in the daily mode, with one main difference: the flood and the spotlight mode are not available in the tactical mode. From the powerful TM20K, offering up to 20,000 lumens, to the compact, handheld TM9K TAC, this range provides high performance, high range torches. The other 18 each have their own shallow mini-reflector and supply the TM20K with a lot of lumens and a broad beam.