Review: Nitecore SRT9 - the new powerful Nitecore's linear 2x18650 flashlight.

Hello everyone, today we will see the Nitecore 9, sent for the occasion from Nitecore, whom I thank for the opportunity and trust given to me.



CLICK HERE to go to the official page on the site Nitecore.

I would like to point out that the reviews are made at the amateur level and without the aid of scientific instruments or tests in cutting-edge secret laboratories therefore, among the lines that will follow, there will also be my humble impressions.


Official features:

- Designed for use in law enforcement, hunting and tactical application
- Die-cast unibody compact body
- The world's first line of flashlights to feature third generation SSR (smart selector ring) technology
- Smoothly and rapidly select brightness levels and function by rotating the smart selector ring
- Utilizes a CREE XHP50 LED for a maximum output of up to 2150 lumens
- A micro-textured reflector offers wide angle lighting
- Boasts a peak beam intensity of 15100cd and a throw distance of up 246 meters
- High efficiency circuit board provides up to 250 hours runtime on the lowest output level
- Equipped with unique multi-colored LEDs (red, green, blue and ultraviolet), red/blue signaling, strobe and location beacon lights
- 7 rapidly switchable functions to select from
- Versatile 500mW ultraviolet light at 365nm wavelengh
- Infinite brightness adjustment from 0 to 2150 lumens
- Multi-functional power indicator light displays low battery status
- Stainless steel titanium-plated clip
- Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
- Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
- Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
- Waterproof in accordance with IPX8 (two meters submersible)
- Impact resistant to 1,5 meters
- Tail stand capability

Where to buy it
You could buy the flashlight faster from Nitecorestore.com

The packaging and accessories

The SRT9 comes in a light cardboard box. In front stand out the information about the peak of 2150 lumens, the presence of several additional multicolors LEDs and that this model is controlled by the selector ring



on the back are some basic information



While on either side are two photos to indicate usage scenarios and badges depicting the main characteristics of the product.



Once removed everything from the packaging, we have:

- the SRT9;
- the wrist strap;
- a Nylon sheath;
- a spare cap for the power button;
- a spare silicone component for the closure of this model;
- warranty card;
- the manual in different languages.



The Nylon sheath can accommodate the flashlight only in one direction, did not have elastic parts and has a velcro closure.



Behind there is a plastic D-ring, a strap for the belt and an extra flap with velcro for a possible M.O.L.L.E. attack.



To follow, the pages of English manual that you can download or view full from site Nitecore.




The Flashlight

The SRT 9 is the new Nitecore's linear flashlight that can be powered by 2x18650 (in series) or, alternatively, with 4xCR123A.
The aluminum body has an unconventional shape just to let the two 18650 to stand together to each other and, rightly, differs from the usual cigar-shaped with the big head and slender body.
The head has repeated vertical grooves that improve dissipation. Immediately below are the ring mode selector, which is able to rotate almost of 360° and has almost the rhomboid checkering which improves grip.
Just a finger is needed to be able to rotate the ring but it is recommended that you use two for better control.
The rest of the body has square-shaped checkering large plot.



On one of the two sides there is the clip, which has a great bite. Below are the two buttons that are releasing the tailcap.



Closeup of clip



that can be removed if you have the suitable key.



Here's the clip removed.



On the opposite side to the clip there is a small blue LEDs.



Close-up of the LED.



LED photographed turned on.



Overhead there is the CREE XHP50, with no dominant CW tint, surrounded by a OP parable. The continuity of the parable is interrupted by 4 holes that contain other 4 LED colorful (red, blue, green and UV 365nm).



The glass has the anti-reflection treatment and is protected and locked by a disk of stainless steel with no battlements.



In the tail there is the mechanic button that allows the momentary-on when a light mode is selected. Has a medium/long run and the click has not much loud. In the button is printed an "N" to remember Nitecore brand.



Side view of the button, that is perfectly flush with the side flaps and allow the tail stand even though, at the first bump, can lose balance.



The two wings have a hole where you can insert the strap.



The dagger's handle is made easily and nimbly. I have a medium sized hand and I had no problems whatsoever.



Here the close-up of the closure that is managed by those two pressure's button that manage the lock system for the tailcap. To note that the inscription Nitecore engraved in aluminum.



Here's the flashlight with the tailcap detached. Can be divided into these two sections.



The close-up of the block that makes up the tailcap.



Side view where you can see the double spring gilded with a pole and a small golden contact, slightly raised, to the other.



Top view where you can better see the two different poles and the circuitry, easily removable to access below to replace the button and/or gasket.



Within of the body you can see another contact and another double spring.



To close this paragraph, a photo depicting two batteries inside the flashlight. Note the different height given by the spring.




How does that work

The Nitecore SRT9 is very particular about the location and operation of its modes. They are distributed in a predetermined order and are retrievable, even with flashlight turned-off, leaving the ring selector on their position.

I enclose a photo borrowed from Nitecore to understand more.



According to official data of the House main levels have this light output


- Turbo -> 2150 lumen
- Ultralow -> 0,1 lumen
- Red -> 13 lumen
- Green -> 19 lumen
- Blu -> 3 lumen


I make a small clarification: the main LED havent' preset mode but the brightness can be dimmed by the ring, for this in the official data are shown only the turbo mode and the ultralow mode. We can choose the luminous power that we want but never know with accuracy on what level we are. Also because it is not reported outward.

To turn the flashlight on or off click on the button in the tail. Remember that you can use the momentary on, that will turn-on on the selected mode from the ring.
Obviously there is no electronic store since there's no need.


If you leave the ring selector to the standby position, the small blue LED on the body will flash to indicate that the torch is not switched off mechanically. We can use this to our advantage as it led flashing can be used as a locator for the flashlight.
If we are using the main LED, the one on the body will flash every 2 seconds to inform us that the battery will be charged less than 50%. If instead will flash rapidly, the charge will be less than 10%, and it will therefore be necessary to replace them as soon as possible.

The flashlight has also the ATR system that adjusts brightness depending on the outdoor temperature to avoid damage to the circuitry.


Dimensions: dimensions and weight

The SRT9 is 14.85 cm long and wide, in its peak, 3.26 cm. The head has a diameter of 4.04 cm.
Weighs 224 gr without anything, 314 gr with 2 batteries (samsung 30Q) and 349 gr with the addition of the scabbard.

Following pictures for dimensional comparison with a BIC lighter and unprotected 18650 (Samsung 30Q)




and with the Concept 1.





Lumens, runtime, candles and beamshot

N.B. The tests to follow were made with 2x18650 Samsung 30Q unprotected and buttoned top. The whole thing was done in a home environment to 25° C with or without forced ventilation.

The following values were taken with 18650 charged and are considered peak.



The following values were taken with 18650 charged and are considered peak.

N.B. Discharge curves are obviously indicative, the result may vary in either positive or negative depending on the batteries used by the end user or by the conditions of use that may vary from mine during my tests.

Any read discrepancies relating to tests made on the same level are due to a different positioning of the measuring equipment.





The following values were taken with 18650 charged and are considered peak.



The following photo was taken at a distance of 20 cm from the wall.



Beam width



Here, the same series of images but for three coloured LEDs more the UV one. In some seems that the beam is deformed but is only the location of the flashlight. In fact you have to turn the flashlight to get the best possible illumination.

The purplish reflection is an artifact of the camera and not seen in reality.

















Beamshot Turbo and lower modes, unquantifiable in lumens. Trees line at 25 meters.





Little house at 70 meters. Modes used Turbo and lower, unquantifiable in lumens.





Only the colored modes, trunk of the tree is about 2 meters and Hill about 3 meters.







UV LEDS on a banknote.




Personal considerations

The SRT 9 is the brightest Nitecore's flashlight powered by 2x18560. Rich is the accessories that comes out of the box.

Apparently it may seem awkward to grasp but, even those who have medium sized hands like mine, you will not have problems. The mechanical button will be there, right where you expect it, and the dagger handle is confortable.

The UI is very easy to use even for the "uninitiated". Simply press the button and turn the knob.
For this ring I want to make a clarification: it is true that turn well, has very little game and it is easy to locate it ... but you have to learn a bit from memory the location of modes or go to trial. In fact there are no outward signs, numbers or abbreviations that may make the finding of a specific level if we wanted to select it by having the flashlight off.


Always talking about the modes and thinking a little practicality, I personally found it awkward on the main LED brightness "dimmer". Despite knowing that at most I have 2150 lumen and idling I have 0.1 lumens, I would like to know when using at least 2 or 3 intermediate modes position to be able to realize the runtime.
I want to clarify that is one thing that I don't like, I didn't say that does not work, and maybe I find it a flaw but another user finds it more comfortable. Although I do not deny that it is cool to see increase light in this way with the simple turn of a wheel.

Overall it is a great product, it's comfortable to hold and the colored LEDs are useful without the need to bring the colour filters.

good review and beamshot pics. Thanks!

I love control rings with continuously variable output, but they’ve implemented it poorly here.

My light stops well above 0.1 lumens. It’s closer to 10 lumens.

When it’s between the lower and upper detents, it can lose track of where it is, and it’s even possible to rotate the control ring without changing light output.

that’s good to know.