Nitecore TM28 Tiny Monster Review: A Sci-Fi Favorite With Serious Output

Introduction

Some flashlights earn their reputation through specs alone. The Nitecore TM28 Tiny Monster has done that, and then some: it has appeared on screen as a futuristic prop, held by actors playing characters traveling through time and space. That sci-fi pedigree is part of its charm, but what matters here is whether the flashlight itself still makes sense to buy today.

The short answer: it is a genuinely impressive light with great build quality and a memorable design, but it is an older model and it is expensive. Whether it is right for you depends on how much you value raw output and that distinctive look.

Design and Build

Part of the Tiny Monster range, the TM28 is built from aircraft-grade aluminium and feels appropriately substantial. It weighs 640 grams, about 21 and a half ounces, with a maximum length of 142 millimeters (5.6 inches) and a widest point of 68 millimeters (2.7 inches). The futuristic, slightly industrial look is presumably why it keeps getting picked up as a screen prop for science fiction productions.

One of its standout features is an OLED screen, one of the first integrated by Nitecore on a flashlight of this type. The display shows the brightness setting, operating temperature, remaining runtime, and battery voltage, and it looks genuinely cool in use. There is also a lockout function so the light cannot be switched on accidentally.

Performance and Features

The TM28 uses four Cree XHP35 LEDs and offers five brightness modes with a maximum output of 6,000 lumens, plus SOS, strobe, and beacon modes. The beam reaches 655 meters with a peak beam intensity of 107,000 candela, which puts it firmly in the serious-searchlight category.

The light carries an IPX8 rating, meaning it can be submerged to a depth of two meters and keep working. Battery life ranges dramatically by mode: up to 1,000 hours at the lowest setting of 2 lumens, down to roughly 45 minutes at the full 6,000-lumen output.

What’s in the Box

The TM28 ships with four 18650 lithium-ion batteries included, along with a dedicated charger and a holster. Note that the charger is not USB, so plan your charging setup accordingly. There is also an optional add-on battery pack that extends the light further, if the standard configuration is not already big enough for your needs.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Here is the honest part: the TM28 costs a hefty 375 pounds in the UK, or 300 plus tax in the US. For that money you are getting proven performance and excellent build quality, but also a design that has been around for a few years. Nitecore’s newer Tiny Monster models push output far higher, and buyers who mainly want maximum lumens may prefer a more current option.

If the price does not put you off, however, you are getting a flashlight that works well, feels premium, and has a look you will not find elsewhere.

Buying Advice

The TM28 suits buyers who want a statement flashlight with serious output, a useful OLED interface, and rock-solid construction, and who are happy to pay for it. Its 655-meter throw makes it genuinely practical for search, security, and outdoor use across large properties.

If you would rather have the latest and greatest from Nitecore’s Tiny Monster line, newer models in the range reach up to 20,000 lumens and may be the smarter buy at a similar budget.

Conclusion

The Nitecore TM28 Tiny Monster is hard to recommend without reservations: it is an older design and it costs a lot of money. But the build quality is great, the performance is excellent, and the sci-fi pedigree is a fun bonus. If that combination appeals to you, it remains a very rewarding purchase.