REVIEW – When it comes to an EDC flashlight, most people want something bright, versatile, and that won’t weigh down your pocket. That’s where the NITECORE TINI3 shines. Let’s take a close look at this compact, rechargeable keychain flashlight that packs up to 600 lumens of power and lets you switch between warm, neutral, and cool white light, all while fitting easily in your pocket or hanging effortlessly from your keys.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $44.95
Where to buy: Amazon
What is it?
The NITECORE TINI3 is a rechargeable keychain style EDC flashlight with 5 brightness levels.
What’s included?
- NITECORE TINI3 flashlight
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Key clasp
- Info sheet and NITECORE sticker
Tech specs
Max Output: 600 Lumens
Max Beam Distance: 90m
Max Beam Intensity: 2,050cd
Max Runtime: 85 h 0 m [at lowest intensity]
Construction: Aluminum alloy
LED: NiteLab MCT (multiple color temperature) UHE LEDs
Battery: Built-in 330mAh Li-ion Battery
Dimensions: 1.86″ x 1.00″ x 0.55″
Weight: 0.71 oz
Features: Lockout switch, Rechargeable, Multiple light color temperatures
Colors: Black, gray, orange
Design and features
- LUMEN LEVELS – The Nitecore TINI3 reaches 600 lumens with a 98 yard beam distance. It offers up to five brightness levels. Lumen levels: 1, 15, 65, 200, 600.
- MULTIPLE COLOR TEMPERATURES – Switch between Warm (3000K), Neutral (4500K), and Cool White (6500K) lighting to enhance visibility and comfort based on preference.
- SMART OLED DISPLAY – Stay informed with the display showing on brightness levels, color temperature mode, battery life, and remaining runtime, shown on the built-in OLED screen.
- USB-C RECHARGEABLE – The USB-C port allows for fast recharging in just 1.5 hours.
DURABLE FOR EDC – IP54 water-resistant rating and 2-meter impact resistance. - QUICK ACCESS LIGHT – When light is off and unlocked, access Ultra Low mode with a long-press on the power button. A long-press on the mode button turns on Turbo Mode.
Setup
The NITECORE TINI3 came 90% charged. After a very brief top-off charge, the light was ready to use.
Performance
The NITECORE TINI3 was a pleasure to use and performed flawlessly. I don’t use a light on my keychain. When I need a flashlight, my keys are usually elsewhere. I like to carry a small flashlight in my pocket so it is always with me, and the TINI3 was lightweight and didn’t crowd my pocket.
This video shows the brightness levels at 15 feet from our door.
The Turbo mode washed out the video so much that I’ve included a still photo of that mode. Suffice it to say the TINI3 fills the area with light. I don’t imagine using Turbo indoors unless maybe on a chore in my under-house crawl space.
I had to use the lockout feature due to the surprising number of times I looked down and saw the light on inside my pants pocket. Thankfully, I never invoked the Turbo mode, which would have been a battery waste but not an injury hazard with this light. Turbo mode does not make the end of the TINI3 uncomfortably hot. The light coming on in my pocket is only the fault of all the stuff I carry in my pocket, and not a problem with the TINI3. For a light this small that is so easily pocket carryable, it is a small issue to take the 2 seconds to unlock and turn the light on.
Full lock is invoked by a 3-4 second hold on the power button when the light is on. Unlock is done with a simultaneous press of both buttons for two seconds. The flashlight comes on in Ultra low mode after being locked. Light levels change with single presses of the mode button.
I didn’t use the Semi Lock feature. That allows for the Turbo mode to be turned on with a ½ second press of the mode key while the light is locked. I preferred Full Lock so that the light could not be activated in my pocket.
Final thoughts
I can easily recommend the NITECORE TINI3 flashlight to you. It is a reliable, bright (or not) pocketable flashlight which is conveniently carryable on your person or on keys, in a purse, briefcase or backpack. I reach for a flashlight 4-5 times a day or more. I’ll continue using the TINI3 long after this review is posted.
What I like about the NITECORE TINI3 flashlight
- The color temperature choices – find your favorite
- The button lockout saves battery waste from accidental turn-on
- Great size and weight for pocketablity
What needs to be improved?
- No complaints or suggested improvements
Price: $44.95
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Nitecore and the company did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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