Hi all! Nitecore sent me the SRT9 to test and so I wanted to share some of my thoughts and touch on my new hobby LIGHTPAINTING!
Have you been looking for 2k+ light with multi-color outputs? Still use cash and want to check it’s authenticity? Would you like to have god-like dimming control? Are you a lightpainter, woodsman, or detective? Got the SRT7 and want to double down? If so, say hello to the Nitecore SRT9!
QUICK SPECS
Here is the specs from Nitecore’s website.
| Max Output: | 2150 lumens | Max Run time: | 48 h 0 m / 2 d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Distance: | 246 m | Max Intensity: | 15100 cd |
| LED: | CREE XHP50 | Special Modes: | Location Beacon, Red/Blue Warning Light, Strobe |
| Battery: | 2 × 18650, or 4 × CR123 | ||
| Beam color: | White light | Length: | 148 mm / 5.83 in |
| Head Size: | 40 mm / 1.57 in | Weight: | 224.3 g / 7.91 oz |
| Activity: | Gear, Hunting, Law Enforcement, Military | ||
| User Manual: | Click to download the manual |
Other Features:
- Diecast unibody
- RGB + UV secondary LEDs (4 separate LEDs)
- 365nm UV light
- Infinite brightness fading
- Power indicator
- Built-in, large, titanium-plated stainless steel pocket clip
- Strong and clear mineral glass with AR coating
- IPX8 water proofness
- Aero-grade aluminium
- Hard type III anodizing
- Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
- Tail stand capable
LOOK & FEEL
Off the bat this light looks much smaller than I expected it to be as it packs a lot of LEDs and 2×18650 tube. Also the light looks pretty aggressive with all of its heat sink type fins and other sorts or knurling everywhere else but overall it is much smoother to hold than I expected.
The ring selector is a very neat feature and has very defined clicks, using a magnet, as it comes to each mode.
The light can tail stand but is pretty unsteady and needs a very flat surface.
Even though the light is made from 2 different die cast pieces (in order to make the ring flush) the light maintains a much cooler temperature than would have expected after have been using the Nitecore P36 for a year now.
The main tactical switch is a forward clicky switch, so it has a momentary on function and the button has a decent range of motion before it latches.
The tail cap like none I’ve ever seen before which is kind of neat but sort of challenging. Unlike the EC4S, the SRT9 uses mechanics instead of rubber friction to hold the cap closed using brute force. This is Nitecore’s first (that I know of) die-cast light to feature a tactical switch so they likely will have some ideas of refining this design a bit more in the future.
BEAM PROFILE
White has 70 degree (total edge to edge) spill with slight spot having 20 degree. The color LEDs have a bout a 50 degree spill.
USER INTERFACE
For all the modes in this light the UI is very straight forward, you turn the dial to the mode you want and then click the tail switch to turn on and of the light, simple. There are no other secrets in the UI as the tail switch is only 1 click to turn on and off.
BATTERY
The light uses 2×18650 or 4xCR123 batteries. The light has an indicator light that helps ball-park the remining power in the battery. To perform the check, turn the control ring to the standby mode (between low white and UV), and click the light on; look at the indicator, if it flashes about once every couple of seconds the battery is about 50% level or less; if the light is blinking rapidly, the battery is about 10% or less.
WARRANTY
The warranty is only for 5 years for free repair (cost of parts not included), so make sure you only buy from an authorized dealer (you can contact Nitecore’s customer service to find one) or you will possibly waive your rights to the warranty . Also, take care to store your light properly, as the warranty does not cover damages caused by batter leakage. Check their website for their full terms of service.
COMPARISON
Comparing the bodies of SRT9 to Nitecore’s P36 it’s surprising to see just how much shorter the SRT9 is. Similarly, the P36 can be dimmed (10-steps) but by using a dial at the end of the light instead of a control ring.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Very bright for a small package (for a 2×18650 format)
- Die cast construction allows for good heat dissipation
- Great “knurling” / grip all over the light and the selector ring, takes the EC4 type knurling to the next level
- Tail cap is mechanical instead of friction
- Built in flat style belt clip is very sturdy and easy to hold
- Many beam output color choices, with solid clicks in between modes
- Love the smooth fading so YOU can pick your brightness
- Great heat dissipation
OBSERVATIONS
- Hard to remember which way to turn the ring the first time you pick it up
- Would have liked some small braille-like bumps to give reference for the ring
- Tail cap takes some strength to close
- Colors are dim, but this may be a tactical choice, but I would have liked to seen some Cree XP-E color LEDs with 50+ to 100+ lumens
- No SOS mode, similar to SRT7 and SRT7GT
- No integrated charging
- Need two hands for it to be a multi-purpose light or only one hand for a single function light
- Ring selector has stronger magnets than might be necessary
- Not really meant for weapon mounting, due to the built-in pocket clip, the lack of double springs in the battery tube, and no remote switch was made for this model.
- Hard to select the lowest output, it seems to turn off before you get to standby mode
- Although the blue is rated only 3 lumen, it seems brighter than the red which is around 10 lumen.
IN-USE
LIGHT PAINTING!
Some thoughts on light painting with the SRT9, as all the color options makes this a great tool.
- Being able to change colors without having to spend time changing gels or filters is so freeing and you can change color mid-swing even
- I didn’t realize that you can mix the RGB in different way to get different colors
- Switching colors while holding and painting with one hand is a little tricky, but doable
- Need to memorize the order of the color modes, and may need two hands to turn off the light in-between switching colors
- The beacon mode is really quite bright and can be substituted for a speed flash
- The UV light can come in handy if you plan to use a subject with UV reactive makeup or clothing
- Although the color LEDs have low lumen values, the are still very usable for light painting
- The white primary is so much brighter than the colors so it’s tricky to match the lumen between the colors and the white
- The white light tends to fade on after turning on the light which can cause a delayed start
- It has a pretty uniform strobe and can add some cool texture to your light art
PRICE
The current price for the SRT9 is about $120 USD . If you appreciated my review and would like to support me, feel free to check out this product on amazon using my affiliate link (does not cost you more, amazon gives me very small % of the profit):
Nitecore SRT9 2150 Lumen Multi-LED Smartring Tactical Flashlight (White, Red, Blue, Green, & UV)
THANKS FOR READING!
Disclaimers:
- CivilGear Reviews received this product for testing and providing an honest review.
- CivilGear Reviews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com