First Impressions Nitecore EX10 Ti and EX11.2

LED Flashlights – General Info CR123A Flashlights
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My D10 R2 still get’s the most use out of all my lights. The ramping could be a bit slower on the low end but tbh I mostly just use min and max (praise the lord for shortcuts). A lower moon, aka firefly, would also be nice. Even the stock XR-E was pretty nice but I swapped in a neutral nichia for that holy tint and CRI goodness.

I also have a D11 but prefer the D10; more aggressive knurling and better rear end (imo). The D11 was the very first model with no shortcuts and horrendous parasitic drain so I don’t really use it. Been on the hunt for a replacement driver ever since.

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The ex11.2 fixed those issues, right?

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Yes, iirc. I’m talking D11 specifically though.

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I’m not even sure why Nitecore came out with the D/EX11. It was like taking a step backwards from the UI implemented with the latest version of the D10. Then when the 11.2 came out, it was like perfect. The body design wasn’t as attractive, though.

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There are a bunch of NIB winter editions on eBay right now. Was thinking about it but I can just get an 18350 tube for my S2+ for just a few bucks… I am more interested in fixing my D10 R2 I think. I don’t need to keep collecting but I am really tempted.

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thanks for sharing info, there is also a link higher up to an Anduril flashed D10

Flashing is beyond my present experience level, but I applaud anyone who can do it…

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not that I know of
I wonder if an EX11.2 off the bay, could be cannibalized to revive a D model… the pills are not identical, but maybe the drivers are… I have AA and CR123 models, but have not yet looked at the drivers…

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thank you for your very kind support and encouragement :slight_smile:

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agree
D11.2 firmware has lower low. Plus three more shortcuts (from off).

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supposedly
I still recommend doing a verification test.
Measure voltage on a the battery, 24 hours apart. A bad driver will kill the battery overnight. A good driver will show no voltage drop.

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agree
I prefer the full round body of the version 10 models, very ergonomic, like HDS

the 11.2 models have flats milled on the sides, like Novatacs…

I also prefer the tail of the version 10 lights with full surround for the piston (left), not the partial cut outs of version 11.2 (right):

personal opinion:
I prefer the smooth ramping of the Nitecore Piston UI. The HDS/Novatac UI ramping is a series of distinct jumps in brightness.

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yes, I also posted that further up
they are a very good price

I prefer the softer battery spring in the version 10 models… pics of the springs further up this thread.

The new Nickel plated 11.2 springs are ridiculously stiff, and even worse with protected cells.

The softer spring has no problem with protected cells, and it transforms the light into a really pleasant experience, instead of having to mash the button really hard.

If anyone can source the softer Gold plated spring from the EX 10 models, please share info. They are 18mm wide and 8mm tall, gold plated. (avoid the nickel plated)

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I bet that Hank Wang could source some of those really nice springs he uses in his lights in the right size.

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the pills are not interchangeable, however

It may be possible to harvest a driver from an EX11.2 and transplant it into a D10

The EX and D drivers look like they might have the same electronics,
notable differences include,
the EX driver has been sandwiched onto a larger diameter base,

and there are a couple minor differences
the solder mask coverage, and the color of the lettering:

minimum output differences,
the firefly on the AA powered D11.2 (left), is 1/3 as bright as the EX11.2 moonlight (middle), due to proportionally lower battery voltage

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thanks for the suggestion, sent email w spring dimensions and photo
the gold spring is softer and insho Much Better feeling in actual use
(though the stiff spring was probably chosen for the 11.2 because it resists accidental activation better)

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a couple of notes about disassembly of the D11.2 and EX11.2

The D11.2 can be disassembled without removing the contact ring. A flat screwdriver can be placed in the contact ring slot, aligned over one of the notches used to unscrew the pill.

The EX11.2 does not require removing the contact ring from the bottom. Just unscrew the bezel to drop the pill out the front. (The EX pill is not screwed in, it is a drop in.)

update
EX11.2 reflector is too larger in diameter, and does Not fit EX10 host.

the pill of the EX10 is shorter, than the pill of the EX112, so trying to use the EX11.2 pill with the EX10 reflector does not work because the reflector sits too high above the LED

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Nice catch bro!

Seeing this i had to mod my D11 and EX11.2. Love them, UI is awesome.

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Thanks, I did not realize how lucky I was to get custody of the EX10 Ti. The gods were smiling on me.

I did a little hand polishing with sunshine cloth… removed some of the Ti Oxide, and deburred the edges of the bezel… Great Hand Feel!

the 11.2 driver is a fantastic upgrade in output range, both lower moon and higher maximum. I ordered one off the bay as a driver donor.

I really prefer the softer battery spring in the version 10. Please help find a source if possible.

I wrote to Manker, and sent these photo thanks to KawiBoy1428


I told manker the spring is in their Manker U21 and in the Utorch UT02.

Manker replied upset, telling me the Utorch is an unauthorized “stolen” copy.

But they did not answer my question about sourcing springs for a Manker U21…

I also wrote to Hank at Intnl Outdoor, he responded promptly, that he does not know where to get a spring like that.

So, anyone with the savvy to locate a spring source… rules!.. :crown:

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Bummer :cry: that spring is also useful for converting SRK type drivers to Carrier drivers like in my BLFGT Whit Flat CULNM1.TG 1mm mod… :wink:

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I learned today that the EX11.2 does not require removing the contact ring from the bottom, to remove the pill. Just unscrew the bezel to drop the pill out the front. (The EX pill is not screwed in, it is a drop in.)

update
EX11.2 reflector is too larger in diameter, and does Not fit EX10 host.

the pill of the EX10 is shorter, than the pill of the EX112, so trying to use the EX11.2 pill with the EX10 reflector does not work because the reflector sits too high above the LED

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After reading this thread again, i agree that you are very lucky to get your hands on that ti version jon_slider. All this talk is persuading me… I want one :smiley:

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Photos cause desire… LOL!

Since the EX11.2 is being liquidated on ebay atm, I suggest you pick some up as donors, for the Ti Hosts you are going to build :slight_smile:

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Lol are trying to put ideas in my head :laughing:

In truth I have a piston drive that I’m working on :wink: Waiting on parts before I can finish the build

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There’s still some left on eBay, too. $35. I picked up one, I think I may have knocked my d10 off my desk into the trash. Which has been collected already.

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ngrrllxxxmmust resistmmnnuuooo :cowboy_hat_face:

It’s easier to resist if I calculate into AU$ ( 35 + 17 + exchange rate = AU$80 :confounded: ).

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Might be the only chance but at those prices you could get a handful of comparable lights with more output. Even at 35USD that is true, but nothing else has the Piston drive that I am aware of and that is the primary selling point for me besides the form factor. Since the D10 was my first real light purchase as an adult it’s sentimental. It’s killing me that it might have accidentally ended up in the trash on Tuesday. No more uncovered trash bins next to my desk or night stand. Never again!

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