NITECORE MH12GTS
The Nitecore MH12GTS was sent to me directly by Nitecore for the review.
For technical details: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/mh12gts
For purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/MH12GTS-1800Lumen-Rechargeable-Tactical-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-mh12gts.htm
The Nitecore MH12GTS incorporates the MH12GT model line but changes some things like LEDs, levels and power button.
The new born in the "Multitask Hybrid" series by Nitecore, the MH12GTS is equipped with a CREE XHP35 HD LED that brings the maximum brightness to 1800 lumens with 12760 cd. The levels available are five plus three special levels; strobe, beacon and sos.
The Nitecore MH12GTS features a tactical button in the queue and is powered by a 18650 battery (included) or two CR123 / RCR123 batteries. It has the possibility of direct access to UltraLow and momentary to the Turbo. It is particularly recommended for tactical use, search, rescue, law enforcement and hunting.
MAIN FEATURES:
• Uses CREE XHP35 HD LED, with a maximum power of 1,800 lumens
• Maximum peak radius intensity of 12.760cd and maximum shooting of 226 meters
• A combined optical system with crystalline coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
• The high efficiency constant circuit provides stable power up to 250 hours
• Metal side switch controls 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• STROBO Mode to change frequencies randomly for stronger vertigo effects
• A power indicator under the side switch indicates the remaining battery power
(Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
• The power indicator can also display battery voltage (± 0.1 V)
• Built-in lithium-ion battery charging circuit with a Micro-USB port
• NITECORE 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery (NL1835HP 3,500 mAh) included
• Rigid double-layer tube design
• Built-in Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module
(Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
• Electronic protection against polarity inversion
• Optical lenses with anti-scratch coating on two sides
• Made of aeronautical quality aluminum alloy
• Military anodized hard finish HA III
• Waterproof according to IPX8 (2 meters submarine)
• 1 meter impact resistant
• Tail stand capability
Specifications:
Length: 144mm (5.67 ")
Head diameter: 25.4 mm (1 ")
Diameter of the tail: 26mm (1.02 ")
Weight: 99.5 g (3.51 oz)
Accessories:
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Nitecore 18650 (NL1835HP 3,500 mAh),
USB charging cable,
Holster,
Clip,
Tactical ring,
Lanyard,
Spare O-ring
THE PACKAGING:
The Nitecore MH12GTS comes in the classic Nitecore packaging, a cardboard box with a black/yellow color.
The main characteristics that distinguish it are highlighted. Embossed the supplied battery and the Micro-USB charging with cable included.
Inside the package we find:
- Nitecore MH12GTS with mounted tactical ring
- Nitecore 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery (NL1835HP 3,500 mAh)
- USB charging cable
- Holster
- Clip
- Lanyard
- Spare O-ring
- Multilingual manual
- Warranty
The holster supplied with the Nitecore MH12GTS is in cordura with non-elasticated sides and a velcro closure. At the back there is a D-ring at the top and a double loop in the middle, one of which is a tear-off closure. The Nitecore MH12GTS should be inserted into the case with the head down unless the tactical ring is removed to prevent insertion with the head up. Once inserted remains well stable without strange movements.
The Manual:
The Nitecore MH12GTS, as mentioned, joins the less recent MH12GT maintaining the qualities of manageability and quality of construction. In his hand he is good and does not weigh particularly.
Good writing on the flashlight body without smudging.
The Nitecore MH12GTS is made of aluminum alloy with anodized military grade HA III finish.
It is IPX8 waterproof (2 meters submersible) and offers interesting and current features such as USB charging and the built-in residual charge indicator.
The Nitecore MH12GTS is also supplied with a 18650 (NL1835HP) battery with 3500 mAh.
It comes inserted inside the torch but sealed in a transparent plastic bag.
It is a high performance protected battery with a maximum continuous discharge of 8A.
In the accessories included in the package there is also the clip that can be easily installed on the torch. It is short but remains firm allowing an easy and safe insertion in the jeans. It can only be inserted into the torch in one position.
On the head of the Nitecore MH12GTS we find a SMO dish with the CREE XHP35 HD LED in the center. The glass has anti-scratch coating and anti-reflective treatment.
On one side above the head is the electronic button that allows us to manage the levels, including the special strobes, beacon and sos, but not to turn the flashlight on or off. This side button has a silent click and is slightly hollowed in its seat allowing you to find it even in the dark or if you wear gloves that are not too thick.
Around the side button is a translucent ring that lights up blue to indicate the state of charge of the battery and with a quick flash when it needs to be replaced because it is discharged. The power indicator can also display the battery voltage. Then we notice the base of the polygon-shaped head.
The central body of the Nitecore MH12GTS has a very pronounced anti-slip knurling with a rhomboidal shape. The thicknesses are good and the writings are clearly legible.
The tactical ring when it is inserted in the torch body also has an anti-rolling function and can be removed by unscrewing it from its seat (even without removing the O-ring). It is then possible to insert the cord into the hole on one side.
The threads to screw the tail cap have a good thickness and get well greased. Not being anodized, even if parting the tail cap, there is no mechanical lock of the torch.
Note the double layer design of the central tube. Constructed from aluminum alloy, the double tube design provides stability and efficiency of the circuit as well as increased rigidity and impact resistance.
At the two poles, due to the contact with the battery, we find a double plated spring. The Nitecore MH12GTS has electronic protection against reverse polarity.
The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore MH12GTS is the tail cap. On the tail cap the diamond knurling is similar to that seen on the torch body. There are then two holes for inserting the lanyard supplied with the torch.
The button in the queue functions as Momentary On or how ON/OFF. To operate it you have to make a good strength and the click is noisy.
The Micro-USB charging socket has a double protection. The waterproof design inside the charging port and the rubber cover offer excellent resistance to water, dust and shocks.
I had noticed that the rubber protection can open easily and does not make a secure seal on its own.
The Nitecore MH12GTS has tail stand capability (candle).
The Nitecore MH12GTS along with other torches.
USER INTERFACE:
The Nitecore MH12GTS has two switches, one lateral and one tactical (in the queue).
With the flashlight we have 5 levels of brightness and 3 special modes available.
Turbo: 1800 lumens - 30 min.
High: 900 lumens - 2 hr 15 min
Mid: 240 lumens - 5 hr 45 min
Low: 70 lumens - 19 hr
Ultralow: 1 lumen - 250 hr
Strobe: 1800 lumens
SOS: 1800 lumens
Beacon: 1800 lumens
Tactical Momentary Illumination
Half press and hold the Tail Switch to turn on the light momentarily. Release to turn it off.
On/Off
On: When the light is off, press the Tail Switch until a click sound is heard to turn on the light.
Off: When the light is on, press the Tail Switch until a click sound is heard to turn off the light.
Note: MH12GTS has mode memory. When reactivated, the flashlight will automatically access the previous memorized brightness level or STROBE mode (SOS and BEACON excluded).
Brightness Levels
When the light is on, short press the mode button to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH – TURBO.
Direct Access to ULTRALOW
When the light is off, press and hold the Mode Button, then click the Tail Switch and release both to access ULTRALOW. (This access does not have the mode memory.)
Momentary Access to TURBO
When the light is on, press and hold the Mode Button to access TURBO. Release to return to the previous memorized brightness level.
Special Mode (STROBE / BEACON / SOS)
Access: When the light is on, double press the Mode Button to access STROBE.
Switch: When STROBE is on, long press the Mode Button to cycle through the following special modes: BEACON – SOS – STROBE.
Exit: When one of the special modes is on, short press the Mode Button to exit special modes and access the previous memorized brightness level; or click the Tail Switch to exit special modes and turn off the light.
Charging Function
MH12GTS is equipped with an intelligent charging system. Screw to fully tighten the tail cap after inserting the battery, and then use the USB cable to connect an external power supply (e.g. a USB adaptor, a computer or other USB charging devices) to the Micro-USB port located on the tail cap to begin the
charging process.
• When the charging status is normal, the charging indicator will flash slowly to inform the user.
• When the battery is fully charged, MH12GTS will cease the charging process and the charging indicator will become steadily turned on to inform the user.
• When the charging status is abnormal (e.g. the battery is broken/inserted incorrectly), MH12GTS will cease the charging process and the charging indicator will flash quickly to inform the user.
• The charging time for an 18650 Li-ion battery is approx. 8 hours.
NOTE: it is possible to recharge internally to the torch only IMR or Li-ion type 18650 batteries, it is not
it is possible to recharge other battery formats.
Power Indication
• When the battery is inserted, the power indicator beneath the side switch will flash to show the battery voltage (±0.1V). For example, when the battery voltage is at 4.2V, the power indicator will flash 4 times followed by a one second pause and 2 more flashes.
Different voltages represent the corresponding remaining battery power levels:
Note: when using two CR123/RCR123 in series, the indicator will show the average voltage
between the two batteries.
• When the Mode Button is pressed when the light is off, the power indicator will flash to
indicate the remaining power of the batteries:
1. Flashing three times indicates that the power is above 50%;
2. Flashing twice indicates that the power is below 50%;
3. Flashing once indicates that the power is below 10%.
• When the light is on and the power level is close to 50%, the power indicator will flash every
2 seconds to inform the user. When the light is on and the power is close to depleted, the
power indicator will flash quickly and continuously to inform the user.
ATR
With incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation module, MH12GTS regulates its output
and adapts to the ambient environment, maintaining optimal performance.
Replacing the batteries
Replace the batteries when the brightness is dimmed or does not change.
BEAM, RUNTIME and BEAMSHOT:
Pleasant the color and the beam of the Nitecore MH12GTS that turns out without artifacts. In the center the spot is white while the crown surrounding it is tending towards yellow until it reaches the edges of the spill with a tint that turns slightly to violet. I can not see any significant PWM in any of the 5 modes. The start of the spill from the walk is about one meter.
The runtimes were made in the domestic environment with an ambient temperature of around 19 °C with the supplied battery (Nitecore 18650 3500mAh) fully charged.
I would like to point out that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with different environmental means and conditions from those used in the laboratory.
Runtime was performed with Nitecore at the Turbo, Turbo FAN, High and Mid levels.
Beamshot and VIDEO:
VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/NS7BZH_wv40
CONCLUSIONS:
The Nitecore MH12GTS does not disappoint and stands out for being a beautiful and quality product. Discreet launch and good light emission with its 1800 lumens. There is also a built-in recharge, a residual charge indicator, water protections and polarity reversal and tactical button in the queue. Rich equipment accessories including rechargeable battery, holster and clip. Regarding the interface I like the spacing of the levels and the ability to have strobes, beacon and SOS. Too long the necessary time (almost 8 hours) to recharge the supplied 3500 mAh 18650 battery. In conclusion I recommend the Nitecore MH12GTS to those who need a flashlight with a good light output but in small size and ready to use.
Thank you for reading the review.