A single AA with a 14500 option for real turbo and a standard holster is the format that I find the most useful for edc, as all my other lights are just sleeping soundly in their covers.
What is the benefit using IMR instead of ICR in this light? Does it really need an IMR to get maximum lumen? I thought that protected ICR was the safe way to go but now they recommend IMR. Do they even sell IMR? Hmmā¦ It seems like a very nice light though, with very high output for such a small light. Just a little bit too expensive.
I picked up my EA11 at the end of March, and am very pleased with it. It came with an IMR. I wasnāt looking for super long run times. When I need long run times, I use a 18650 light.
Itās not my first Nitecore, but it intrigued me, so I picked it up. The instructions say that it will adjust the output, within twenty minutes, to avoid overheating. I used mine in the garage the other day, as I was looking up in the rafters for something; but probably not long enough to experience any step-down.
I have an E11, myself; and itās not a bad light, for something of that size. But - comparing apples with oranges doesnāt make sense. I donāt think thereās a Fenix light made that is compatible with 14500 batteries, or any other battery, for that matter, in that same form factor, thatās capable of that kind of output.
You know what they say about āthe candle that burns twice as brightāā¦ itās certainly true here; but the output on this thing is tremendous, and is worth the sacrifice in reduced run time. The feature set is very impressive, as well.
Bottom line - the other poster doesnāt like the Nitecore brand. He happened to pick the smallest, most powerful light they make, but didnāt to take into consideration there are very few light companies mass producing a light of this power and form factor, anywhere close to this price range. I think itās a positive step, for Nitecore, to offer such a light - and no, Iām not a Nitecore rep lol. I just happen to like their lights - enough to own nine of them, in various models/sizes/battery platforms.
Just out of curiosity @wolf359, what is it that you donāt like about Nitecore lights (aside from this particular model)?
Iām curious, as well, how long the EA11 can maintain 900 lumen output, before stepping down; but Iām with you. The output is amazing, even if it only for a few minutes. 9000 candela and 190 meter throw out of a single 14500 (IMR) light is staggering.
Can anyone here think of a single other light, comparably sized and priced, that can deliver the same, for any amount of time?
Truly, this is a niche light. Itās not going to be for everyone. Moonlight mode enthusiasts are going to hate this light, because of the low run time at 1 lumen. There are plenty of lights that produce moonlight mode, in this form factor, but not too many that have this kind of output, as well.
If such a light exists, point me the way. Iāll buy it, without hesitation.
I still havenāt figured out how to post pictures here. In other forums, I merely copy the image link from photobucket and paste it into the post, and the images shows up, automatically resized to 800 x 600 (to conform with picture size limits on most forums.
Agreed. My EA11 holster sits right next to my iPhone 5S and is practically invisible there (blends right in with the phone), and is extremely easy to access.
Iām also EDCing a ThruNite T10 (cool white) and T10 2014 edition - neutral (both running on 14500 lithim ions. Have to be careful not to run them for a few minutes at at time, because of the heat, but they work beautifully, but donāt come anywhere close to the output of the EA11.
I like the instant turbo, or instant low mode access, as well. Not sure how useful that flashing red light would be, but I didnātā buy if for that anyway lol. Mode memory is great - very handy
I would say, to those of you who are not happy about the performance of this light, using a AA (alkaline or NiMh) battery, itās not worth wasting time or money, buying this light.
If, on the other hand, you are already running lights that use the 14500 battery, you already own a charger for these batteries, and you would like to have a super compact, super high output light, with many features, you may actually end up loving this light.
As I mentioned previously, this is not a super performer, when it comes to run times - but the output itās capable of is pretty impressive.
If you love moonlight modes that can run for hundreds of hours,continuously, this is definitely not the light for you. The light is not touted as an AA performer; but a high output light (for which a 14500 IMR is recommended); but that is capable of running on AA batteries. Nitecore donāt make any false claims about overly-optimistic run times. In fact, their specs are pretty accurate. They tell you how it really is. I wish more light companies did this.
Edit - 04-12-15 - please see post #, in response to
(I tried to strike through all of what was written here, but it didnāt take, when I clicked on Save. Not sure why. Anyay, my initial (and incorrect) assessment can be found in MountainKingās quote in post #20.
I feel badly. Thank you for bringing Selfbuiltās review to my attention, MountainKing.
In looking through Thruniteās website, I found no mention of the Neutron 2Aās ability to run on a 14500 battery, or (naturally) the increased output that would be afforded, through the use of that battery.
Selfbuiltās reviews are always top drawer. Heās thorough, honest, and without a doubt, a first rate, credible reviewer, whoās been around for a while. I love reading/watching his light reviews, and trust his judgment implicitly.
Selfbuilt pointed out that, using the 14500 battery, according to his tests, the Neutron 2A V2 is capable of 810 lumens, with 9,600 candela, and a 196 meter beam range. That is amazing, and definitely makes it a viable contender for the EA11, with three added bonuses:
If you donāt happen to have 14500 batteries available, but still need the high output, you can attach the included extender, just use 2 regular AA batteries, and not lose the high output. This could be considerably convenient, in a pinch.
the moonlight (and low settings) run times on this V2 are superior to that of the EA11.
the light is available in a neutral white version! ThruNite use a wonderful neutral white emitter (I use that version in my T10 2014 Edition, and my T20 - excellent tint!).
I tried to strike through my incorrect assumptions I made in Post #18 (since I hadnāt yet read the selfbuilt review), but they didnāt take, so I deleted them. I wish I had done my due diligence and read this review, first.
Hindsightā¦
Sorry, MountainKing (tail between legs).
Now, what Iād like to know is - why hasnāt ThruNite mentioned that the 14500 can be used in the Neutron 2A V2 successfully, and that the additional power would be gained, using this single 14500? That would certainly be a tremendous selling point with high performance battery users who wanted that output with just one battery, wouldnāt it? True, they do mention the working voltage range with a high end of 5 volts, but nothing else about the possibility of using the much superior 14500 battery in their light.
Whyyyy?
In any case, I will definitely be picking up a Neutron 2A V2, to add to the 14500 collection. Thanks, MountainKing. Your points were well-made, and graciously received :D.
I add runtime for 21 minutes with 3 types of batteries. Surface temperature flashlight with lithium use. Voltage at the the end of the Test of 21min. (of each Lithium battery).
@david57strat: No hard feelings bro Not that I a thrunite fan or anything but that Neutron V2 is jaw dropping for me to be honestā¦.
As you said the voltage input says up to 5V which is fine for lions. Personally, this means that 1x14500 is fine but with the extender, there could have been cases of people using either to test/or by mistake 2x14500 cell in it thereby frying the driver or something?
This is the only reason I can think of. To limit its liability!
The Neutral version is so awesome as you said! Bought one for my broand I have been fighting the urge to buy one for myself for quite some time. When my quark died, I was happy to get one but 47 repaired it free of charge with the newer XML L2 head :P. So I canāt justify the purchase yet!