The Nitecore T4K is a torch designed for versatile and practical use. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and handle. The torch features a maximum output of 4,000 lumens, providing excellent brightness for various outdoor activities and emergencies. There’s a few torches that didn’t make this top ten but deserve a mention. The Olight Baton 3 Pro is the most compact 18650 torch I’ve tested and almost the perfect EDC torch. Olight Baton 3 Pro (natural white version) in turbo mode The provided keychain clasp is of a fairly decent quality to be able to support the full weight of the light and should hold up to the test of time. There are tint shifts throughout the beam profile. The hotspot is cool white whilst the corona possess a slight yellowish-green tint; and most of the spill having a slight yellowish-green tint.

When in daily mode the light will stay on until you press the power button to turn the light off. To switch between daily and demo mode, simply hold both the power and mode buttons down at the same time until the light flashes once to indicate demo mode or twice to indicate daily mode and the screen will also display the selected mode. To switch between Demo and Daily mode, hold both buttons on the light and the display will show the mode changing, and flash (once for Daily to Demo, and twice for Demo to Daily). Nitecore T4K features the ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) module, which adjusts its output power by adapting to the surrounding environment, maintaining optimal performance. The OLED display is a fantastic feature because you’ll never be left wondering how much time is left before the battery dies. For each brightness level, the display shows a real-time countdown of the minutes left on that level. Brightness modes and max runtimes

What I like

With the torch both off and on, press and hold the MODE button to access the TURBO level; release the button to switch off or to return to the previous light level set. As the post inside the anodised part is rounded, it won’t just slip on. You need to fully actuate the button to slide the clip on; it isn’t angled like the latch on a door. I measured a colour temperature of 5612K with a slight green tint and a CRI of 66. That doesn’t sound hugely impressive but for its size and intended use I didn’t have any issues with it. Like turbo mode, you can also immediately activate ultralow mode by holding down the power button with the light off. It’s fairly large for an AA or 14500 torch but still pretty light at 58.8g including the battery. It has a rather unusual design, partly to accommodate the magnetic charging port. But it’s well built with an aluminium body – mine comes with a nice matt grey finish. It has an IPX8 waterproof rating.

The Sofirn SC31 Pro comes in a no frills box with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a lanyard, spare o-rings and a user manual. With the flashlight both on and off, press the POWER and MODE buttons simultaneously to switch between the DEMO and DAILY modes. The LED will flash to indicate the currently selected mode: Given that this light has a fully internal battery, measuring amps is a bit of a silly task. But I’m going to do it anyway! That said, because the battery is soldered to the driver, I can get a clamp meter around the wires, but don’t feel good about de-soldering the battery to test that way. So what I have is the High and Turbo current readings: Brightness: You should also look at the brightness of the flashlight. The lumens listed will give you an idea of how bright it will be. For general use, a flashlight with 100-300 lumens should be enough, but if you think you need more, 1000-2000 lumens is probably enough.Olight doesn’t specify the LED used but it sits behind a TIR optic and the beam has a good mixture of throw and spill for an EDC torch. There’s a noticeable hotspot with 220 metres of throw and 12300 candela of intensity in turbo mode.