Review: Nitecore MH23 (EDC, XHP35, 1x18650, Rechargeable)

I received the Nitecore MH23 from Nitecore for the review.

The MH23 is the upgraded version of the well known and appreciated EDC MH20/MH20GT. The MH23 features a XHP35 HD emitter powered by a 18650 cell. The MH23 offers recharging capabilities via micro USB port and it is controlled by a double stage electronic switch.

The MH23 comes in this box (Inside the box: the light, usb cable, battery, clip, sheath, spare o-rings, lanyard, manual).

Here with the provided battery

The MH23 mantains the form factor of the MH20: EDC size (32x111 mm, 97g) with a bigger head and a wide switch cover in grippy rubber.

The head with the smooth reflector

The clip always allow a deep carry

Under the switch cover there’s a blue LED that works as battery indicator and a locator.

At the other side of the head the micro USB port that charges the battery

Flat tailcap allows tailstanding and has a lanyard hole

The light is composed of head, body and tailcap. All the threads come anodized and well lubed


At the positive contact point there is a flat dot that provides physical protection against polarity inversion (ie: only button top cells will work).

In (medium sized) hand

Output and runtime
Tested with the provided battery



Beamshot

The MH23 doesn’t have the throw of the old MH20gt, but it has a lot of output that helps the light get still a decent distance enlightened with a wide and well illuminated spill.

My thoughts
The light is well made and finished.
I like the UI with the double stage switch: with instant access to highest, lowest and last used mode. I don’t like that the direct access to turbo from off is just a momentary feature, although it is possible to obtain the turbo output constant (as performed in the graphic) by scrolling trough the outputs. The battery indicator / locator are easy to understand and useful.
I like the recharging feature, but as in the MH20, when using the light at turbo mode for prolonged times, the air in the head expands from the heat and pops the micro USB rubber cover out of its sitting, reducing waterproofness.
Unfortunately I lost the sheath during the relocation and I can’t express my thoughts on it.
I would like to see this light come in a NW version.

Thanks to: AntoLed for the camera help and the luxmeter.

Thanks for the review, the cooled runtime is pretty awesome, 1,000+ lm for 40 minutes.

I don’t like the turbo mode being momentary, it’s not the typical nitecore dual stage switch UI.

What are your thoughts about the beam, does it have the yellow corona? did you measure lux at 1M?

The turbo is momentary only if accessed by shortcut.
I don’t measure lux/m.

Does it stay in turbo when fully pressed once?