TM9K TAC from Nitecore | Blinding Light on Demand

Flashlights are tools that sometimes people can overlook as a part of their EDC or kit. However, having a good flashlight on hand helps while looking for dropped items in the dark while walking around a campsite. In addition to looking for dropped items, a flashlight is useful for temporarily blinding an adversary in a dangerous situation. By using a dedicated flashlight, an individual does not have to rely on a cellphone’s built-in light and worry about how much battery is left on the phone. Nitecore provides an innovative and improved version of their TM9K, the TM9K TAC for EDC. The TAC comes with a USB-C charging cable, attachable belt clip, lanyard, and holster. The flashlight offers six light modes, from strobe to a high-power light mode, in a sturdy body with a built-in Li-ion battery for $159.95.

TM9K TAC Overview

Starting at the TAC’s end are the two controls for the light and a battery power indicator. The first control is the raised power button. The power button is easy to manipulate and allows the user to have momentary illumination by pressing the button halfway or complete illumination by pressing down on the button. Next to the power button is a flat mode button that selects the TAC’s different light modes.

Moreover, Nitecore also designed the mode button so that by simply pressing and holding it, the TAC will send out 9,800 lumens in its Turbo mode. To disengage the Turbo mode, merely release the mode button. The TAC will cycle to its strobe mode by pressing the mode button twice. Besides the two buttons, the power indicator shows how much battery power the TAC has remaining by a small blue indicator light. The TAC also has a lockout mode which prevents a negligent discharge of the light when it is in the holster or a backpack.

“The Nitecore TM9K TAC torch outshines the competition.”~nitecorestore.com

Above the end of the TAC, Nitecore has added a tactical ring for several purposes. The first purpose of the tactical ring is to provide a grip to hold the light in between one’s fingers. This purpose allows freedom to manipulate or control a sidearm and maintain a solid grip on the firearm. The second purpose of the tactical ring is that the four wings prevent the TAC from rolling around on flat surfaces or the floor. The third purpose of the ring is the addition of a dedicated lanyard hole drilled into the ring. Below the tactical ring is a smoothed cutout area for the optional belt clip.

The entire body of the TAC is made from aero-grade aluminum alloy with a hard-anodized finish. The body and finish make the TAC durable and protect the light from the effects of corrosion and rust. Just below the TAC’s front is the USB-C charging port, and when there is no need to charge the TAC, a dust cover protects the charging port. At the TAC’s front is a stainless-steel strike bezel and nine LEDs. The strike bezel is a helpful tool for breaking glass, and the edges are dull enough that they will not damage a backpack when the bezel rubs against the backpack’s material. At its highest brightness setting of 9,800 lumens, the LEDs can produce light reaching 280 meters. The TAC will produce 30 lumens in the ultralow mode and throw out light to 15 meters.

Nitecore TM9K TAC Specs courtesy of nitecorestore.com

• LED: 9 x CREE XP-L2 HD LEDs
• Maximum Brightness: 9800 lumen
• Peak Beam Distance: 306 yards
• Peak Beam Intensity: 19800 cd
• IP Rating: IP68 – 2m submersible
• Impact Resistance: 1 m
• Dimensions: L-4.92” x W-1.57” x H-1.1”
• MSRP: $159.95

Final Thoughts:

Nitecore’s TM9K TAC is an innovative and versatile flashlight. The TAC’s intuitive controls and memory make it easy and quick to use for military and LE in high-stress situations. Besides using the TAC for the military and LE situations, the TAC is also practical for campers and hikers walking around at night looking for that dropped glove. Or doing a good deed and cleaning up a campsite.