I remember a few months ago, during a chat in a WeChat group about flashlights, many friends expressed great interest and enthusiasm for Nitecore’s Little Monster series (TM). Indeed, these Little Monsters, with their powerful performance (brightness, beam distance, battery life, etc.), can easily handle a variety of scenarios. It’s clear that “powerful” performance is essential for both enthusiasts and those in extreme conditions. Perhaps that’s why many brands have launched their own versions of “monsters.” Just last month, I got my hands on a flashlight from another brand — its performance was indeed impressive, but its oversized size and weight made it a hassle to carry around. That’s when everyone started discussing: what’s the point of a “monster” that’s powerful but lacks practicality for outdoor carry? Other than just looking cool, of course. Opinions varied, but many agreed they’d prefer these “monsters” to be more like “little monsters”!
Back to the Little Monsters — they need to be small while still being monsters. Only by striking this balance can they accompany us through various environments. By coincidence, a little over a month laterTM10Khit the market, and I got one for myself. My first impression of theTM10Kwas that it’s small — not much bigger than a regular flashlight. Second, it’s “monster-ish” — its uniquely integrated rectangular shape is unlike anything offered by other brands. And yet, with10000lumens of brightness, it outshines most so-called “powerhouse” flashlights on the market.
I originally planned to start by comparing it to the large, impractical flashlights mentioned earlier, but the difference is so stark that I decided against it to avoid upsetting fans of oversized lights. Instead, I’ll compare it with theTM28.TM28is a monster that appeared alongside Tom Cruise in *The Mummy*, striking a balance between size and performance. But now, Nitecore, which never stops pushing the boundaries with new technology, has just released a flashlight that’s even smaller and more powerful than theTM28— theTM10K. In the images below, the one on the right is theTM10K. It’s noticeably smaller — much smaller, in fact.
To better illustrate its compactness, let’s compare it with some everyday gear. TheTM10Kis only slightly larger than the lighter in the bottom left of the image below. With this in mind, it’s likely that in the near future, we’ll start seeing thisedcamong outdoor enthusiasts.TM10Kmight just become a common sight.
TM10KNow that we’ve covered its small size, let’s take a look at its monster-like performance.
In two different scenarios, both near and far, objects illuminated by its maximum brightness are incredibly clear — as shown above, you can even make out the ceiling inside each room in the distance. At the same time, its beam angle is remarkably wide. As seen below, the person holding the flashlight appears relatively small in comparison. This demonstrates its exceptional brightness, range, and coverage.
The above points highlight its small size and monster-like capabilities. Next, let’s dive into the details that make this Little Monster truly special.
The square shape was first introduced in the previousC2model and quickly gained attention. TheTM10Kalso adopts the same design, thanks to the brand’s expertise in integrated molding technology. This approach enhances durability and heat dissipation while contributing to its compact and lightweight form.
Additionally, the square shape offers inherent anti-roll properties, and the grid-textured base allows it to sit stably on various outdoor surfaces, even on slopes. Its aerospace-grade aluminum construction, paired with a military-grade Type III hard-anodized finish, ensures it can withstand external friction and impacts with ease. It has a1-meter drop resistance.
Its small size makes it highly portable, and the addition of a clip further enhances that convenience. You can easily attach it to your belt, pocket, or backpack straps.
The clip is secured with3screws, making it extremely sturdy. The lanyard hole is notably large and features rounded edges — it’s even wide enough to accommodate550paracord, allowing you to use a sturdy cord for even more secure carry, such as attaching it to a tactical knife lanyard.
Upon closer inspection, the charging port is located at the tail, covered by a rubber flap. The circular metal area is the button, and pressing and holding it results in an ultra-bright illumination mode.
At this point, we can hold the flashlight as shown in the image below and press the button with our thumb. Due to its compact size, even when the button is rotated to the top, the thumb can still easily reach and press it. Therefore, its small size makes one-handed operation convenient.
Its interface usesType Ca connector, which is currently the most convenient interface type. The outer soft rubber cover features corresponding raised grooves, providing excellent waterproofing.
The center of the button is where the status indicator light is located. It glows blue when unlocking for use or during charging. However, because it has a display screen, for a more direct understanding of the flashlight’s status, you can check the numerical readings on the display (to be shown later).
The closed tail end of the interface is flat, giving it a design that allows it to stand upright. It remains stable even when used upside down.
If encountering rain, snow, or streams outdoors, its integrated form and effective protection at the interface allow it to easily withstand environmental challenges.
Moreover, it offers long-lasting protective performance. According to the data, it has aIP68,waterproof2rating of [meter value missing, if any].
At the back, the front section has two buttons: the one closer to the front adjusts the brightness levels, while the one further back is for turning the flashlight on and off. The rear section houses the digital display screen.
Therefore, during regular use, I can hold it with one hand as shown and quickly adjust the brightness level using my thumb. Of course, holding down the level adjustment button also activates the ultra-bright mode. Overall, the three buttons work together to provide the convenience of one-handed operation in various grip styles.
Its10000lumen high-output illumination comes from its6[number missing]cree xhp35 hd ledLED chips. To ensure rapid heat dissipation under high brightness, these chips are directly mounted on a4mm[thickness missing]CNCmm thick copper heat sink base and are embedded to become an integral part of the flashlight body. As a result, the heat generated during use is conducted directly through the copper base to the unified flashlight tube, achieving fast cooling. Additionally, to protect the battery, the internal structure includes an aluminum alloy heat sink block integrated with the battery, shielding and safeguarding it from heat-induced performance issues. Furthermore, to reduce overall system heat, it utilizes an expensivempshigh-performance synchronous rectification boost circuit and high-performance power inductors to enhance the efficiency of the drive circuit. As for the battery, it uses a21700[battery type missing]21700battery, which was mentioned in a previous post as having innovative performance. Originally designed for Tesla, it is known for its high capacity and compact size. TheTM10K[model or brand missing]21700even employs a high-output21700[battery type missing]10000battery, enabling it to instantly achieve
lumen output. At the same time, due to the significant power draw and potential oxidation of heating components at high brightness, which could increase contact resistance and affect overall efficiency, the designers implemented an integrated and stable circuit. This results in a non-removable, unified design where the battery and flashlight are integrated as one.pdotAdditionally, it adopts a crystal-clear technology combined with
digital optimization in its optical system, effectively projecting all light onto the target area during use.
The following section explains its display screen.OLEDIt uses a
The battery life of this gear level
Here it needs to be explained that it breakthrough-adapts2one temperature sensor monitorsledthe temperature, while another assists with system temperature. The cooperation of these two sensors enablesARadvanced thermal control to calculate the aforementioned various data and display itoledon the screen.
Such intuitive display allows us to effectively understand the working status of the flashlight, making usage more efficient.
At this time, it also displays the charging record, as previously mentioned, the charging process is also visually presented on the screen.
Here it first explains that there are two charging methods: normal charging and fast charging. During fast charging, the screen displays“Q....” as well as the current battery voltage. Normal charging showsCharginalong with the current battery voltage. While in standby, it displaysChgfinishedalong with the voltage value. Fast charging takes1.5hours, normal charging takes4hours. Full charge standby is about1year.
To prevent accidental touches and for user convenience, it features a lock function. The lock function is divided into semi-lock and full lock. In semi-lock mode, the flashlight switch and dimming are locked; a short press shows the screen, and a long press on the tail can activate extreme brightness. In full lock mode, none of the three buttons can activate the light. Unlocking in any state requires a short press followed by a long press on the switch. The screen will then showUNlock...as a prompt.
The following content shows nighttime usage records. The regular gears include3lm--100lm--300lm--1000lmsettings. However, sometimes1000lumens are not enough, in which case you can set a custom high-brightness gear. The high-brightness setting can be chosen between400-2000lumens. When setting, the display shows and adjusts in increments or decrements based on100lumens. This way, you can use it freely according to scene needs.
Next, let’s take a look at the effect of10000lumens. For comparison, first is the scene record with the light off.
The building being illuminated is approximately50-100meters away.10000Under10000lumens, every detail directly facing the building is clearly shown. The sides are also well illuminated. This demonstrates just how powerful288lumens are. Meanwhile, the
meter range is more than sufficient for many scenarios.3lm--100lm--300lm--1000lmThe effect of gear changes. The image below3At 90 lumens, the effect is not obvious due to the inherently dim environment.
100At 120 lumens, the illuminated condition of distant areas becomes visible. Although far away, their outlines can be distinguished.
300The effect at 200 lumens is broader and clearer.
1000Under 300 lumens, you can see that the yard beneath the building has been dug up beyond recognition due to construction. This level of brightness also achieves illumination over longer distances.
Light it up again10000At 1000 lumens, the opposite side is incredibly clear. The weeds in the river channel, the soil piles on the ground, the compartments of the building, and even the ceiling inside the compartments are all distinctly visible. If you’re interested, counting the number of windows is no trouble at all.
Changing the scene — if outdoors and unfamiliar with the environment, this can greatly impact movement or even pose safety hazards. Such pitch-black darkness can sometimes oppress us and evoke fear.
But by quickly turning on an extremely bright light, you can immediately illuminate the surrounding scenery. The sense of the unknown instantly becomes manageable. And this kind of brightness becomes even more critical in certain emergency situations.
Of course, aside from usage, its compact size makes it easy to carry. After all, its dimensions are only110mmLength*41mmHeight*31mmWidth including the clip, and the weight is only246.5g. And this is just a pocket-sized volume.
Likewise,TM10KIn my opinion, it can be used asEDCa powerful tool for fun. Or rather, by subverting conventional perceptions, future high-lumen flashlights should, likeTM10K, have the "powerful tool" functionality but with the form factor of a "little monster."
Therefore,TM10Kis different from those high-lumen flashlights that can only “be used for show”13or “for flying.” With its unconventional appearance, unique design, and craftsmanship, this flashlight achieves a compatibility between fierce, powerful functionality and a cute, compact form. This is the result of Nitecore’s continuous commitment to innovation. And so, I begin to look forward — looking forward to more compact and practicalTM20K,TM30K....