Acebeam T36

Name: Acebeam T36
Brand: Acebeam
Price: 130 USD
Availability: Discontinued

DiscontinuedAcebeam no longer makes this light; what dealers have left is the last of it. See Acebeam’s current lights.

Acebeam's T36 was a tactical light balanced between throw and runtime, with a dual-switch interface and USB-C charging. It was priced below most of its tactical rivals.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 19° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 2,000 lm ÷ 23,000 cd — how this works

$130

Specifications

Output: 2000lm
Peak intensity: 23000cd
Beam distance: 303m
Emitter: CREE XHP35 HI
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Throw
Cell: 21700
Runtime: 2.5 hrs (high)
Modes: 5 Stepped
Interface: Dual Switch
Water/dust: IP68
Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.1 in
Weight: 4.5 oz
Warranty: 5 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

USB-C Charging Pocket Clip Waterproof (IP67+)Tail Switch Momentary Mode

What owners report

Acebeam T36/5 sources reviewed

A tactical 21700 light running an XHP35 HI for 2,000 lumens and 303 m of reach, with onboard USB-C under a well-designed cover. Reviewers describe it as very well built and note it comfortably meets Acebeam's claims — which isn't universal — and charges the included cell quickly. The strike bezel is removable and reversible, there's no PWM anywhere, and it handles well and stays fairly compact given it has a tail switch, a removable head ring, a 21700 and integrated charging.

Three faults. It's long, which is the reviewer's main reservation. When the light gets hot on high or turbo, the USB-C cover pops out of its recess. And an 18650 in the tube is too short to power it reliably — knock the light and it switches off.

Consistently praised

2,000 lumens and 303 m of reach, comfortably meeting Acebeam's claims
No PWM on any mode
Removable, reversible strike bezel
Onboard USB-C that charges the included cell quickly
Compact given it packs a tail switch, head ring, 21700 and charging

Common complaints

Long overall — the reviewer's main reservation
The USB-C cover pops out when the light gets hot on high or turbo
An 18650 is too short to power it reliably; a knock switches it off
Cool XHP35 HI with ordinary colour rendering
Tactical layout limits its usefulness as a household light

Questions people ask

Can I run an 18650?: Not reliably. The cell is too short for the tube, so contact is marginal and a knock will switch the light off. Use a 21700.
What's the USB cover problem?: Heat from high or turbo makes the port cover pop out of its recess. It doesn't stop the light working, but it undermines the sealing while it's happening.
Does it hit its rated output?: Reviewers say it comfortably meets Acebeam's claims, which is worth noting — many lights in this class don't.
What's the strike bezel for?: A toothed ring on the head, intended for defensive use and for breaking glass. Acebeam's is removable and reversible, so you can run it flush if you'd rather not carry a toothed light.

Sources (5)