3 in 1 review. At the end there will be a summary for those who like only particulars, in each topic I will bold the key sentences for those who read a little more, and a long waffling for everyone else. Enjoy!
For VERY large photos: click -> on the photo page right click -> "Open image in new tab"
I got a flashlight for testing from Nitecore. Thanks!
Table of Contents:
-General parameters
- Package content
- Appearance, parameters
- UI, runtime and charging
- PWM
- Waterproofness
- Light pattern, tint
- Beamshots
- Usage and my experiences
- Summary
LED: Luminus SST-40-W LED (cold tint)
Max brightness: 1800 lumens (max brightness at first flash 1965lm, 5s ~ 1820lm each)
Throw: 293 meters
Number of modes: 5 + 3 special
IP standard: IP68 - immersion up to 2m
Resistance to falls: 1 m
Dimensions: 14cm length x 2.5cm diameter
Weight: 75g flashlight and 148g flashlight with battery
Current price: ~ 91$
In the package there is::
- Flashlight
- Battery 21700 with 5000mAh capacity
- USB cable type C for charging (with Nitecore logo!)
- Metal clip
- Lanyard
- Spare O-ring
- Adapter for 18650/CR123
- Some kind of mini manual...or something like that, I don't know, because I'm not good at these bushes (chinese characters :P)
- NTH10 tactical...holster?
The set is quite rich, the most important are the battery and a metal clip. Well, there is also a lanyard. As for the holster, I didn't like it, but maybe someone will love it.
I won't deny, I like the design of Nitecore flashlights most of all the designs of flashlight brands. They have this... something, such a futuristic look, various shapes, do not look like a glowing sausage.
Begining with the head:
For me, there is a little lack of a steel ring, but there is a delicate tactical bezel (for breaking glass etc.).
The lens has a blue anti-reflective coating.
- In the SMO reflector there is a cold-tinted diode SST40
- On the head, there is a mode change button and a C-type USB port. We also have fins to help dissipate the heat.
The button is illuminated, it's a shame that only when charging and checking the battery voltage (yes, the flashlight has this option, it works like a function in Anduril). It does not illuminate at all during lighting up. It is a pity, because it would be easier to find it in the dark.
- The battery tube has an interesting design, a lot of grease on the threads and thin walls, which allowed to achieve such a low weight of the flashlight. The spring at the driver and the cap is double, which - considering the electric currents - is a good and desired thing.
- Forward switch, i.e. turning on after half press, and not, as in the case of reverse switch, after an audible click. The switch is not shielded by anything, so it is impossible to put the flashlight on the switch. On the one hand it is a cons, because it cannot be placed on the switch, but on the other hand it is a plus, because it is easier to turn it on, especially when wearing gloves.
In my opinion it is more of a plus for a tactical flashlight.
UI
Tactical forward switch on the back of the flashlight, button to change the brightness on the head. I like this combination. We have a choice of 5 loop modes (1lm, 43lm, 265lm, 745lm, 1820lm) + 3 special ones, i.e. Variable Frequency Stroboscope (very cool), SOS and something else, but I don't remember... well, wait, I'll check it out... oh yes, the beacon.
We have 2 mode profiles, regular (that is, from the lowest mode to the highest + strobo, SOS and beacon) and tactical (the same number of modes, but from the highest to the lowest + strobo).
Runtime
Graph of lighting in the first 10 minutes. The brightness drops quickly, but the flashlight had only 47°C on its head at 6th minute.
Charging
Through the USB C port in the flashlight. The cable is included and the battery charges up to 4.19V, so fans of fully charged cells will be satisfied.
I did not see any on the lowest mode.
Declared IP68, so full resistance to dust and powder as well as to immersion in water up to 2m. Everything a tactical flashlight could dream of. Let's check if it will last 2 hours in an aquarium at a depth of 25 cm.
The fish clearly liked it. This is a good sign.
SST40-W, cold tint, max ~ 1965lm, but after 5 seconds 1820lm.
Clear spot, the flashlight is to light up at a distance.
ISO200, t2s, f/3.5 sunlight white balance
Picture how the forest looks:
The flashlight beamshots:
It lights as you can see, which is really good. There is a big leap between the second to last mode and the last one, i.e. turbo - and it should be like this for me, 745lm is enough to light up the road ahead.
I have to admit that this is my favorite "tactical" flashlight. I don't like this term, because it is usually added as an incentive to buy and has nothing to do with the actual tactics of the product. Here, however, it is different - it shines with cold, focused light, has great brightness and good throw. It is also light, waterproof and has a nice design. Exposed rear switch is a big plus for those who will use it in gloves. I had a really big pleasure to test it.
You know, for the price over 90 $ it must be good. I mean...it doesn't have to. I already tested one "tactical" one for a similar price, the name ends with etbeam, so you can guess ;) After throwing it into the river, it stopped shining until it dried up (and not just once) - this is not what I expect from a flashlight with the name "tactical".
Of the few "tactical" flashlights I tested, this one is the best. High brightness, good throw and total water resistance are just some of its advantages. If you need a tactical flashlight, you will not be disappointed with it.
The dog definitely confirmed that he likes it and has already adopted it.
Pros:
+ IP68
+ Low weight
+ High brightness, actual 1800lm
Cons:
- Losses brightness quickly on turbo
- There's a lack of steel bezel on the head
About host - threads, knurling o-rings and so on
Rating: 9,5/10
About light - UI, tint and so on
Rating:9/10
1 - very bad flashlight hurts to look at, terrible quality, not worth any (even very low) price
5 - average flashlight, at a reasonable price - for the average person "great". Or better flashlight, but overpriced
10 - flashlight meets all my expectations in a given category (e.g EDC, headlamp, thrower), it's durable and neatly made, perfect light tint, worth its (even slightly inflated) price - just pure perfect, so I doubt any light can get a 10 from me
