Review NITECORE MH12 V2 - 1 x 21700

Nitecore MH12 V2





I received the Nitecore MH12 V2 directly from Nitecore for the review.
For technical details: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/mh12v2
For the purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-MH12-v2-1200-Lumen-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-mh12v2.htm
The multilingual manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/mh12v2.pdf


The Nitecore MH12 V2 is the first Nitecore torch, from the MH (Multitask Hybrid Series) series, to use the new 21700 format as a power supply (included in the sales package). This format, only slightly higher than the previous 18650, brings a significant increase in autonomy thanks to a greater current intensity of the lithium battery (mAh).

The Nitecore MH12 V2 is rechargeable using the modern USB-C port, it produces up to 1200 lumens with 202 meters of launch and 10200 candles. Nitecore MH12 V2 is equipped with a CREE XP-L V6 LED, has 4 light levels (UltraLow, Low, Mid and High) plus 3 special levels (Strobe, Beacon and SOS). As mentioned above, it is mainly powered by a 21700 lithium battery or alternatively by an 18650 battery or 2 CR123 batteries. It is IP68 certified (submersible up to 2 meters) with impact resistance of 1m.
The Nitecore MH12 V2 is equipped with two switches, one in the rear and one on the side, which allow, together with the two modes of use (Daily Mode and Tactical Mode) and the simple user interface (UI), a very easy and quick use. Nitecore MH12 V2 is particularly suitable for police forces, the armed forces, for research, for outdoor activities and for camping.









Main features:

• Uses a CREE XP-L2 V6 LED with a maximum power of 1,200 lumens
• Maximum peak beam intensity of 10,200cd and maximum launch of 202 meters
• A combined optical system with crystal coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
• Powered by a 21700 high capacity lithium ion battery while compatible with 18650 and CR123 batteries, to guarantee autonomy up to 1,500 hours
• Tactical mode and daily mode available
• The tactical tail switch and the metal side switch control 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• STROBE mode uses frequencies that change randomly for stronger dizzying effects
• A power indicator under the side switch indicates the remaining battery charge
• The power indicator can display the battery voltage (± 0.1 V)
• Intelligent lithium-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
• NITECORE 21700 lithium-ion battery included (NL2150 5,000 mAh)
• The highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
• Built-in advanced temperature regulation module (ATR)
• Electronic protection against polarity reversal
• Optical lenses with anti-scratch coating on both sides
• Built in aviation grade aluminum alloy
• Military grade HA III hard anodized finish
• Classification according to IP68 (submersible of 2 meters)
• Shock resistant up to 1 meter

Specifications:

- LED: CREE XP-L V6
- Power supply: 1 x 21700, 1 x 18650, 2 x RCR123A or 2 x CR123A batteries
- Levels / Runtime / Distance:
High: 1200 lumens / 3 hours 45 minutes / 202 meters
Medium: 300 lumens / 8 hours / 102 meters
Low: 55 lumens / 46 hours / 42 meters
Ultra low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 6 meters
Strobe: 1200 lumens
Beacon: 1200 lumens
SOS: 1200 lumens
- Peak beam intensity: 10200cd
- Maximum throw in meters: 202
- Autonomy up to 1500 hours
- IPX-Rating: IP68 (2 meters submersible)
- Impact resistance: 1 meter
- Dimensions:
Length: 158mm (6.22 ") Head diameter: 25.4mm (1") Pipe diameter: 25.4mm (1 ") Tail diameter: 27.2mm (1.07") - Weight: 84.5 g (2.98 ounces)

Included Accessories:
NITECORE 21700 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NL2150 5,000 mAh), USB-C charging cable, metal clip, lanyard, spare o-ring, spare tail switch cover, 18650/CR123a Battery Adapter, NTH10 hard case Holster.







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THE PACKAGE and ACCESSORIES:

The Nitecore MH12 V2 arrives inside a dark colored cardboard box with the classic writings that report the main characteristics that distinguish it. On the yellow inside cardboard cover we find a welcome note from Nitecore "Begin your new journey with the high performance lighting gear". Inside the package, besides the Nitecore MH12 V2, we find the Clip, a battery 5000 mAh 21700 lithium, NTH10 tactical holster, 18650 / CR123 adapter, lanyard, spare cap, spare O-ring, manual and warranty.












The NTH10 Tactical Holster, already seen with the Nitecore New P12, was designed in particular for law enforcement; it is made of rigid black plastic. Once inserted into the belt, it allows rapid insertion and exit of the torch. It has 4 adjustment points according to the width of the belt and allows full use of the MH12 V2 even if inserted in it. Compared to the clip, the extraction of the torch is instantaneous and without any jams.









The battery included in the sales package is a protected lithium Nitecore in 21700 format from 5000 mAh (NL2150). These are some of the battery features:

- An integrated safety valve
- A microporous barrier for heat dissipation
- Integrated PTC for overvoltage protection
- Cathode and anode in nickel-plated stainless steel
- Abrasion resistant coating
- Overload protection








Another useful accessory is the Adapter for 18650 / CR123 batteries. This allows the Nitecore MH12 V2 to be powered with various battery formats, flat or button top.










The stainless steel clip, included in the package, allows easy insertion into jeans. It can be inserted on the torch in several positions even with the Nitecore MH12 V2 inserted in the NTH10 tactical holster; it also allows you to insert a lanyard in its two slots.




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The Nitecore MH12 V2 has good build quality, good thicknesses and no construction residue. Very nice the design of the tail with the tactical button clearly visible. Even with the MH12 V2, Nitecore managed to maintain, despite the change to the 21700 format, the dimensions of the torch body width similar to the previous models, slightly increasing the length that now passes to 158mm. However, the grip and handling remain excellent. It is built in aluminum alloy with anodized finish, glossy black, hard military type; the coating is very good, it is difficult to scratch it (which happens sometimes by putting or removing the clip) if treated in the normal way. In hand it holds well and also the weight is not excessive. It is composed of two parts: head with body and tail. Well made and legible the writings on the torch.

The Nitecore MH12 V2 has an IP68 waterproof rating (submersible 2 meters) and withstands impact up to 1 meter.





On the head of the Nitecore MH12 V2 we find a SMO parabola with the CREE XP-L V6 LED in the center. Glass and parabola have anti-reflective treatment, crystal coating and with PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology). The bezel is slightly crenulated.









Also on the head there are circular cooling fins and the metallic side button (Side Switch) which allows us to manage the 4 levels available with the Nitecore MH12 V2. The button has a silent click and is surrounded by a translucent ring that lights up blue to indicate the state of charge of the battery. Under the button a polygonal shaped base avoids rolling.









On the opposite side of the side button we find the USB-C charging port protected by a rubber flap.

The MH12 V2 is equipped with an intelligent battery charging system. With the battery inserted, completely screw the shank of the torch and insert the USB charging cable (supplied) to any external power source (a USB adapter, a transformer for smartphone or tablet or a PC), then insert the USB-C cable in the dedicated port on the back of the flashlight to begin the charging process.

  • During the charging process, the indicator light will start to flash slowly.
  • When the battery is fully charged, the MH12 V2 will stop the process and the indicator light will remain on statically.
  • If the charging process encounters problems (damaged battery, reverse polarity etc.), the MH12 V2 will stop the charging process and the indicator light will continue to flash quickly.
  • The average charging time of a 21700 Li-ion battery (5,000mAh) is approximately 4 hours (using a 5V / 2A power supply)

Once the runtime was over I recharged the battery using a Quick Charge 3.0 power supply. The recharge, according to my instrumentation, is done at 1.8A with a recharge time of about 4 hours and twenty minutes.







The central body of the Nitecore MH12 V2 has a rhomboidal non-slip knurling. Are clearly visible the spaces for inserting the supplied clip or the Tactical Ring Pro sold as an accessory.





In the back we find the square-shaped fillets that arrive well lubricated. Being anodized they allow, by slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical locking of the torch. There is also the sealing O-ring for protection against water and dust. At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a double spring plated at the negative and a single spring at the positive. The Nitecore MH12 V2 has electronic protection against reverse polarity.






The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore MH12 V2 is the tail cap. On the tail cap the rhombus knurling is similar to that seen on the torch body. There are also two holes for inserting the lanyard supplied with the torch.

Very nice the design even if It is not possible to place the Nitecore MH12 V2 standing (candle). At the rear we find the mechanical tactical button to turn the torch on or off. The button also has the function of Momentary On. To operate it you have to make a fair strength and the click is noisy.






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The Nitecore MH12 V2 near other torches.



... and near to the Nitecore NEW P12 and Nitecore MH12GT. In the last photo you can see how the beam of the new MH12 V2 has a slightly warmer tone than the previous MH12GT.








USER INTERFACE (UI):





The Nitecore MH12 V2 has two switches, side and tactical (in the tail).

With the Nitecore MH12 V2 we have 2 Operating Modes: Daily Mode and Tactical Mode.

In Daily Mode we have 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes available. The MH12 V2, after switching off, will keep in memory the level set previously (the 4 brightness and the STROBO) and will propose it to the user during the ignition phase.

o High: 1200 lumens / 3 hours and 45 minutes / 202 meters

o Medium: 300 lumens / 8 hours / 102 meters

o Low: 55 lumens / 46 hours / 42 meters

o Ultra low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 6 meters

o Strobe: 1200 lumens

o Beacon: 1200 lumens

o SOS: 1200 lumens

In Tactical Mode we have 4 levels of brightness and 1 special mode available. The MH12 V2, after switching off, will keep in memory only the HIGH and STROBO levels set previously and will propose them to the user during the ignition phase.

o High: 1200 lumens / 3 hours and 45 minutes / 202 meters

o Medium: 300 lumens / 8 hours / 102 meters

o Low: 55 lumens / 46 hours / 42 meters

o Ultra low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 6 meters

o Strobe: 1200 lumens







Momentary Tactical Lighting
To temporarily switch on the flashlight or to signal, partially press the rear power button. Release it to turn off the flashlight.

Switching On and Off
Power on: With a flashlight off, fully press the rear button until you hear a click
Switching off: with a flashlight on, press the rear button completely until you hear a click

Selection of User Mode
1. With a flashlight off, hold down the Mode button while pressing the rear power button.
2. Keep pressing the Mode button for about 5 seconds until the light under the Mode button starts to flash quickly.
3. The indicator will show User Mode by flashing once for Daily Mode and flashing twice for Tactical Mode.
4. The torch will automatically turn on when the selection is complete.

Selection of Brightness Levels
• In daily mode: With the torch on, quickly press the Mode button to cycle through the levels: ULTRALOW - LOW - MID - HIGH.
• In tactical mode: With the flashlight on, quickly press the Mode button to cycle through the levels: HIGH - MID - LOW - ULTRALOW.

Special Modes (STROBO / BEACON / SOS)

  • In Daily Mode: With the torch on, keep the Mode button pressed to cycle through the modes: STROBE - BEACON - SOS. Release to select the desired mode.
  • In Tactical Mode: With the flashlight on, keep the Mode button pressed to activate the STROBO.
  • With one of the special modes active, press the Mode button to return to the previously used brightness level or use the rear button to turn off the flashlight.

Indication of residual charge

With the flashlight off, hold down the Mode button while simultaneously pressing the rear power button. Releasing them, the luminous charge indicator will show the remaining voltage (with an approximation of ± 0.1V). For example, when the battery voltage is at maximum charge of 4.2V, the potentiometer will flash 4 times, followed by a 1.5 second pause and 2 further flashes before entering standby.

Note: when using CR123 / RCR123 in series, the flashlight only indicates the average of the two voltages

ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)

With the Advanced Temperature Regulation module, the MH12 V2 regulates its output power adapting to the surrounding environment, maintaining optimal performance.




BEAM and RUNTIME:

The beam of the Nitecore MH12 V2 has good uniformity with a pleasant tint and no artifact. With the lighting test close to the wall, a white spot is noticed while the crown that surrounds it tends to greenish up to the edges of the spill with a tint that turns slightly to violet. Moving away from the wall these changes are not noticeable and the beam is a nice white with a discreet shot. To the eye I do not see any significant PWM in any of the 4 modes. The start of the spill from the walk is over one meter.









The Runtimes were made indoors with an ambient temperature of about 20 ° C using the 5000 mAh Nitecore 21700 battery, found in the sales package, fully charged.

I want to clarify that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.


Nitecore MH12 V2 at HIGH level (1200 lumens) without ventilation.





Nitecore MH12 V2 at HIGH level (1200 lumens) in the first 20 minutes.





Nitecore MH12 V2 at MID level (300 lumens) without ventilation.





The HIGH and MID curves side by side.






VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/y-agJhErKR4




CONCLUSIONS:

The Nitecore MH12 V2 is the first Nitecore of the MH series to use a removable 21700 lithium battery as power supply, increasing performance while maintaining a format similar in width to previous versions. The possibility of being powered, also through its adapter, with CR123 / RCR123, 18650 and 21700 batteries, both flat and button top, is of particular importance for the Nitecore MH12 V2. Excellent the Runtime and the beam of the MH12 V2 well exploitable and with a good throw, the user interface is simple and immediate. Finally, complete the package with the new NTH10 tactical holster, the 18650 battery magazine and the 21700 battery included.



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