The TF20 is one of many tactical rotary flashlights under the Niteye company, which has shown a lot of promise in their performance and unique application of a rotary ring into a type of light to where the ring is usually seen as taboo. What makes this light stand out from its counterparts is not necessarily it’s applications, but it’s size.
The super slim profile on the TF20 allows the user the ability to pocket the light, or even use it in the holster in a more concealed manner. The light itself is powered by two CR123′s or a single 18650 to produce an output of 480 lumens from its CREE XM-L U2 LED. The modes can be accessed through the infamous Niteye ramping ring that allows the user to select a custom output for the light that includes a hidden strobe feature. The body of the light is constructed of a heavy duty aluminum and the ring is made of stainless steel, making the light very durable and shock resistant. The durability of the light is only complimented by the waterproof IPX-8 rating, making the TF20 a perfect choice for an EDC light or makes a great camping light.
Nitecore has a very impressive tactical flashlight line that covers a broad spectrum of wants and needs for flashlight users alike. The last Niteye flashlight we reviewed was the TF25, which is a great light for those that are looking for a beam that has a good amount of throw and a great amount of flood with its over-sized head and a ramping ring that allows a customized output. But for those that are looking for a light with a smaller profile and a no-nonsense interface approach that packs a punch, the Niteye TR20 tactical flashlight is a great candidate.
Starting with the most unique feature of the light, the TR20 is actually a rechargeable light (but batteries are NOT included). By using the connection port that is located towards the head of the light, the battery does not have to be removed from the light, making it a simple package for those that are not looking to invest in a battery charging set up. The charging port is protected by a rubber stopper, which keeps out dirt and also allows the TR20 to maintain its IPX-8 waterproof rating.
Powered by either two CR123 batteries or a single 18650, the light’s CREE XM-L U2 LED can produce up to 650 lumens, and has a total of three simple modes that are all managed by the tail switch. By quickly pressing on the tail switch, the user can cycle through a high, low, and strobe mode until the preferred mode is chosen. Once selected, the light should be left on that mode for a minimum of two seconds before turning it off in order to allow the light to memorize the last mode used.
This light is a great choice for those that are looking to minimize cost by excluding an external charging unit, or for those that are looking for a high-powered light with simple functionality.
As stated previously, Niteye has a wide range of flashlights that fits the needs of any flashlight user. Regarding the tactical flashlight division of Niteye, there are a few variations of the T series lights, in which there is a unique characteristic that makes each light stand out from the other.
What makes the Niteye TS20 stand out from the other T series lights is its simplicity. By only using a tail switch to turn the light on/off and a side switch to access the modes, the TS20 is a perfect light for those that are looking for a simple interface that can easily be used either on a rail mount or as a stand alone light.
The TS20 uses a CREE XM-L U2 LED that is powered by two CR123′s or a single 18650 battery to produce 650 ANSI lumens, packing a lot of lumens into such a small body. Unlike the TF25′s over-sized head, the slimmer profile of the TS20′s body allows the light to be mounted easily to a wide array of weapons, and it has been designed to handle any type of recoil or drops.
All in all, if you’re looking for a light like the TR20, but something with an easier interface, the Niteye TS20 fulfills all of the requirements for any tactical flashlight user.
Niteye’s TF25 has really impressed us with its unique features and strong design points, which is why it stands out compared to other flashlights in its category.
At first glance, people can notice that the TF25 has been designed with the intention to perform better than the competition by adding an over-sized smooth reflector in the head of the flashlight, that when it is combined with the CREE XM-L LED, it has a fantastic amount of throw, and an impressive amount of spill. The modes on the light can be accessed through Niteye’s infamous ramping ring, that includes a range from 2 to 500 lumens, and a very useful strobe feature.
The lights structure is very sound as well, being constructed out of aerospace aluminum and having an IPX-8 waterproof rating ensure that this tactical flashlight can hold up to some of the toughest conditions, and will minimize any chance of surprise.
The Armytek Predator is a fantastic tactical light that a plethora of modes with an ultra smooth reflector and XP-G S2 LED for an incredible ability to light up targets from far away. However, the Predator is rather tricky for novice flashlight users due to its complex user interface, which can leave a few people confused and frustrated. Thankfully, the Armytek Viking S and Viking X still have the same power output and durability, but feature an easier user interface for those that are just getting into the tactical flashlight realm. The Viking S is similar to the Predator S with its long throw and 500 lumen output, while the Viking X includes an upgraded XM-L U2 LED that boosts the light up to 750 lumens, and creates more spill for a larger area. Both lights have an incredibly tough body material that can handle extreme conditions, and can work in almost any element. These lights are a fantastic choice for long distance targets, and can easily be used for an EDC bag light.
Almost every flashlight company on the market has at least one flashlight that is dedicated to be used for tactical purposes or to be weapon-mountable. As for the Sunwayman company, the T20CS is a greatly improved predecessor of the tactical line that has proven its worth. Using a CREE XM-L U2 LED, the Sunwayman T20CS can produce 658 ANSI lumens that will be sure to light up targets near and far. A rubber tactical ring has been placed closer to the tail of the light to allow easy one-handed access to turn the light on/off, while the secondary switch on the side allows the user to cycle through the modes or to use as an instant kill switch. The standard one inch diameter body allows the T20CS to be mounted with any standard flashlight mount, and it has been designed to handle intense recoil. Even though it can be used for tactical purposes, the light is small enough to fit into any pack, making it perfect for EDC or in a bug-out bag.
Earlier in the month I published a review of the JETBeam PA20: a two cell AA flashlight that has a tactical purpose in mind. For those that liked the features of the light, but were looking for a smaller version/CR123 version, we have officially received three new lights from the P series. The JETBeam PA10, PC10, and PC20 are the single cell AA, single cell CR123, and the double cell CR123 answers to the PA20 by providing smaller size and a higher lumen rating. Surprising enough, the most powerful out of the series is not the PC20, but the PA10 (when powered by a lithium-ion 14500 battery) can produce a whopping 650 lumens. The PC10 (using an RCR123/16340) can produce 550 lumens, and the PC20 can produce 410 lumens. While the three new lights may be brighter, they do still keep true to the easy user interface that is loaded with different outputs and modes, and includes a heavy duty carrying case and holster with accessories.
The JETBeam PA20 is one of the company’s higher end, EDC sized lights that has a very durable build with a simple and easy-to-use interface. Designed with a tactical purpose, this dual cell AA powered flashlight has a turbo mode that produces an impressive 230 lumens, and has a plethora of modes that can be accessed with the head of the flashlight loosened (this includes a moonlight, strobe, SOS, etc). The light is great to use for instant flashes of lights thanks to its forward motion tail switch, and can also be used to cycle through the modes quickly for the PA20. This light comes standard with an IPX-8 waterproof rating with an anti-roll body design that will keep this light by your side, even if it is placed on a slanted surface. For those that love the grand mode selection with a tough aluminum body that’s powered by the convenience of two AA batteries, then this is a great choice.
Known for making the toughest and most reliable flashlights in the world, Surefire could very well be considered a household name for those in the flashlight world. With their most recent release, the Surefire P2X Fury meets the standards of its predecessors, but is the first of its kind from the manufacturer to produce 500 lumens from a compact light. About the same size as the G2X and 6PX, the Fury comes with a micro-grooved orange peel reflector, giving the beam a great amount of throw while introducing a fair amount of flood for illuminating larger areas. The light comes with two modes: a 15 lumen low output comes on first to give the user a great light for any night searching that will not damage nightvision, and a 500 lumen high mode for those that need to light targets from far away. As per all Surefire lights, the Fury uses two CR123 primaries to power the flashlight.
Being well known for their tactical and practical T20C2, the engineers at EagleTac have announced another great light that has an upgraded XM-L U2 and can produce 770 LED (640 ANSI) lumens. Known as the G25C2, this new weapons light has a significant amount of throw and a fair amount of flood thanks to the deep reflector that is textured with a minimal orange peel. Unlike their previous models, the G25C2 has the ability to house tubular extensions, which allows the light to hold more batteries in order to increase runtime (the light can house three CR123s/four CR123′s or two 18650s with the three and four battery extender respectively). There is an option on the site that will allow the user to add an accessory kit, which includes: filters (red,green,blue,yellow,diffuser), and the three and four cell extension bodies.
