I got me a Nitecore EX10 PD [ powered by CR123A ]
Features
Unique electronic-controlled switch (Smart PD System), very reliable;
Unique Infinitely Variable Digital-controlled Brightness System;
Quick direct access min & max brightness, very simple user interface;
Made from military grade aluminum alloy, really strong;
Extremely compact size and light weight suitable for EDC (every day carry);
Mil-Spec Type III Hard Anodized finish;
Resistance to impact by dropping according to US MIL-STD-810F;
Waterproof to IPX-8 standard;
Broad-voltage fully-regulated circuit, compatible with kinds of batteries;
Built in CREE R2 WC high efficiency LED (Light Emitting Diodes);
Torch Lumen 145 lumens;
Extended runtime;
Metal reflector;
Impact-resistant optical window with anti-reflective coating
Tactical lanyards braided with military grade 550 parachute-cord;
Tail stand.
Specification
Dimension: Total length 77mm; Diameter 21.5mm;
Weight: 35g
Battery: powered by one CR123 battery or other types of batteries of the same size
Output & Runtime:
CR123 battery
Maximum output 145 lumens, for about 90 minutes (with brightness declines to 50%)
Minimum output 3 lumens(1%), for about 65 hours (with brightness declines to 50%)
Li-ion Battery
Maximum output 145 lumens, for about 80 minutes (with brightness declines to 50%)
Minimum output 5 lumens(1%), for about 60 hours (with brightness declines to 50%)
The first thing you notice using the Nitecore is the User Interface , it's different to say the least , especially after all the regular 5 mode Chinese lights Ive grown accustomed to . After inserting the battery and closing the light , you will find the light has turned on , Click once to turn it of , Click again to turn it on . If you Click and hold [ from the light being of ] it will go into safety mode , and to turn on the light Click 3 times . To change modes [ light is on ] simply click and hold and the light will cycle through the modes . Just a interesting little thing I noticed , if you turn the light of in Medium [ has memory ] and turn it back on and then change modes , it will not go into High , but rather goes into low mode , and then cycles normally . [ PD system , Cycles through Lo Med High ]
Both SOS and strobe are hidden modes [ I like that ] and if the user wishes , you never have to be bothered by them . But should you be at a disco or something , to access strobe , from the light being on click twice and hold on the second click , sos same but dont hold on the second click .
Overall build quality is excellent , I got mine with the clip , and it came with spare screws and the key to install or remove the screws . The screws are tiny , and the instillation of the clip was fiddly , but in the end I was able to fiddle it together . Speaking of the clip , it has to be one of the best available , its very solid and sturdy , holding the light in place very well . It really allows you to carry the light with confidence , knowing its not going to go anywhere . Beam quality is excellent , and offers a decent amount of spill VS throw for me [ This is very personal , so may not please everyone ] .
Lets move onto performance :
AW RCR123A 4.2v Battery
High = 212L @ 1A
Med = 78L @ 0.28A
Low = 6L @ 0.03A
On a Primary CR123A 3volt
High = 143L @ now this was interesting , started about 1.2A and as the light was on climbed to 3A holding output at 143L , I suspect this was due to voltage sag under load , so better quality CR123A Primaries may do much better .
Med = 38L @ 0.2A
Low = 3L @ 0.01A
The above description came from Nitecore , and Im not sure about the run time on high , now the only other thing is the clicky , I really have to press hard to change modes , after two days of using the light , I have a sore thumb , I think its called RSI [ repetitive strain injury ] . It really does take a bit of force holding the button down to cycle the modes , and if you dont press hard enough , you may turn the light of or go into strobe or sos , which can be a little annoying . I find myself lubing the plunger tube often , so as to ease up the force needed to reliably change modes . It might take a while for the O ring to bed in nicely and hopefully ease up , making mode changes easier on my thumb .
Well , I like the Nitecore , its a quality Light , and if it falls within your price range , I can recommend it , just be aware that the thumb activation might be a little heavy , and lubing the plunger tube might be necessary .
Update , the DX 10 is some what battery challenged , I started of by using my AW 16340's as they have sat around doing nothing for the last 12 months or so , but then I thought , I should try out a few other cells . I started with the Trustfire [Flame] protected , and its too long for the light to work . Grey protected 16340 and Grey Trustfire protected are aslo to long , in fact anything longer than a Primary CR123A will induce greater force into the clicky action as the cell is longer , it looks like you need very short Protected cells or unprotected cells . Sorry guys , been bussy with school , or I would have checked sooner .
Low Mode ...
Medium Mode ...
High Mode ...
Beams was with AW RCR123A 4.2v Li-ion
Just a tid bit on the parasitic drain = Measured @ 0.23mA
That = 6mA per day
or 180mA per month [ around ]
So bear that in mind ..