Nextorch TA70: An Ultra-Slim Tactical Flashlight Delivering Up to 3,500 Lumens 

When carried on the body, the Nextorch TA70 has a significantly lower profile than a conventional tubular flashlight, making it well suited for plainclothes LE officers and other professionals who require discreet everyday carry in urban environments. 

To carry the TA70, Nextorch offers two holster options. The first is the V43 Quick Draw Kydex holster, shown in our photographs, while the second is the simpler V18 nylon holster. 

Weighing 2.7 oz (76 g), the V43 fits belts from 1.5 to 2.0 inches (38-50 mm) wide and features a 360-degree rotating mounting platform with 16 locking positions. Retailing for $19.99, it offers outstanding versatility. Its relatively wide 2.2-inch (55 mm) mounting platform, however, somewhat offsets the advantages of the TA70's ultra-slim profile when carried concealed. 

Alternatively, the flashlight can be carried in the more compact V18 nylon holster or simply clipped inside a pocket using the supplied stainless-steel pocket clip. 

The 1.9 oz (55 g) V18 holster is made from durable 500D nylon and features a hook-and-loop retention flap, a MOLLE-compatible mounting system for belts up to 3.0 inches (75 mm) wide, reinforcement with carbon webbing, and a hook-and-loop panel on the flap for identification or morale patches. Suggested retail price is $11.99. 

Technical Design and Operation 

The Nextorch TA70 Ultra Slim is built from hard-anodized aerospace-grade aluminum and weighs 4.4 oz (124 g). Measuring 4.8 inches (121 mm) in length, 1.4 inches (35 mm) in width and just 0.74 inch (18.7 mm) thick, it lives up to its "Ultra Slim" designation. Carried inside a pocket using the supplied stainless-steel clip, it is noticeably less conspicuous than a conventional cylindrical flashlight. 

Its slim profile doesn't come at the expense of functionality. Like several other Nextorch tactical flashlights we've tested, the TA70 uses a dual-control interface consisting of a rear tail switch combined with a rotary selector ring positioned immediately in front of it. 

The selector ring offers three operating modes: 

Lock - disables the flashlight completely, preventing accidental activation and helping maintain light discipline; Duty - provides three output levels of 28, 300 and 1,300 lumens; Tac - delivers the maximum 3,500-lumen output, followed by the strobe function with a second full press of the tail switch. 

In Duty mode, the flashlight always starts on the 28-lumen Low setting, providing up to 30 hours of runtime with an effective illumination distance of approximately 66 feet (20 m). Releasing and pressing the switch again advances to 300 lumens, offering a 3-hour runtime and a beam distance of approximately 213 feet (65 m). A third activation selects the 1,300-lumen High mode, producing a beam that reaches approximately 443 feet (135 m) with a runtime of around 2 hours. 

Selecting Tac mode immediately provides the flashlight's full 3,500-lumen output with an effective range of approximately 722 feet (220 m). Pressing the switch firmly again activates the strobe mode, intended to temporarily disorient a potentially aggressive or dangerous subject. 

Thermal management is handled by Nextorch's proprietary UTB (Ultra Thermal Buffer) control chip, which regulates heat buildup while maintaining maximum brightness for as long as possible. Even during extended operation, the flashlight body remains comfortable to handle. 

Battery status is indicated by a small LED integrated into the tail switch. A steady blue light indicates a charge level between 100% and 75%, flashing blue indicates 75% to 50%, steady red represents 50% to 25%, while flashing red warns that the battery has dropped below 25%. 

Hidden beneath the folding tail switch is the USB-C charging port, used to recharge the integrated 1,400 mAh battery. 

Field Impressions 

The IP67-rated Nextorch TA70 is built to withstand demanding use. It easily survives drops from heights of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) and exhibits an overall level of fit and finish that reflects the manufacturer's attention to detail. The hard-anodized finish is evenly applied and highly resistant to wear, while both the folding tail switch and the rotary selector ring operate with precise, positive engagement. 

Although the operating modes and switching logic may initially appear somewhat complex on paper, they do follow some fuzzy logic that sticks to our patterns and quickly become intuitive in actual use. The user finds himself transitioning confidently between Duty and Tactical modes without hesitation. 

The TA70 ships complete with a stainless-steel pocket clip, a polymer indexing ring, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and an instruction manual. 

With an MSRP of $119.99, the Nextorch TA70 offers excellent value considering its innovative design, build quality and performance. Its ultra-slim profile makes it stand out in a market dominated by conventional cylindrical flashlights, while its intuitive controls, high output and practical carry options make it equally suitable for professional users, everyday carry and outdoor applications. 

Features 

Three-position rotary selector (Lock, Duty and Tac), rear tail switch, UTB (Ultra Thermal Buffer) thermal management system, integrated battery status indicator, hidden USB-C charging port beneath the folding tail switch, multiple output levels including tactical strobe mode. 

Nextorch TA70 Ultra Slim - Technical Specifications 

For more information on the TA70 Ultra Slim and other products from Nextorch, visit www.nextorch.com.