The Nitecore MH25S was sent to me directly by Nitecore for the review.
I would like to clarify that in addition to the flashlight to review I have not received any compensation and that my review will be objective according to my evaluation criteria.
For technical details and to purchase the torch: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-MH25S-1800-Lumen-Rechargeable-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-mh25s.htm
The Multilingual Manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/mh25s.pdf
Nitecore MH25S is the new tactical flashlight of Nitecore's "Multitask Hybrid" series.
This new S "Superior Performance" version is equipped with a Luminus SST-40-W LED with a maximum light output of 1800 lumens, ideal for emergencies, self-defense, outdoor activities and law enforcement. The MH25S is compact and grips well despite its 156.9mm length. Nitecore MH25S reaches, with its beam, a considerable distance of 504 meters and is rechargeable via the USB-C port.
It is equipped with a high-performance 5000 mAh lithium battery in 21700 format included in the sales package.
Nitecore MH12S has two switches, side and tail, and has two modes of use for daily or tactical use with 5 light levels (over 3 special) ranging from 1 lumen to 1800 lumens.
It has an IPX68 waterproof rating (2 meters submersion) and is 1 meter shock resistant.
FEATURES:
• Utilizes a Luminus SST-40-W LED with a max output of 1,800 lumens
• Max peak beam intensity of 63,500cd and max throw of 504 meters
• An optical system combined with crystal coating and “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT)
• Powered by a 21700 high capacity Li-ion battery while compatible with 18650 and CR123 batteries, to provide a runtime up to 1,500 hours
• Tactical Mode and Daily Mode available
• The tactical tail switch and the metal side switch control 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• STROBE Mode uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
• A power indicator beneath the side switch indicates the remaining battery power
• The power indicator can display the battery voltage (±0.1V)
• Intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
• NITECORE 21700 Li-ion battery included (NL2150 5,000mAh)
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
• Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module
• Electronic reverse polarity protection
• Optical lenses with double-sided scratch resistant coating
• Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
• HA III military grade hard-anodized finish
• Waterproof and dustproof rating in accordance with IP68 (2 meters submersible)
• Impact resistant to 1 meter
Specifications:
Length: 156.9mm (6.18")
Head Diameter: 40mm (1.57")
Tube Diameter: 25.4mm (1")
Tail Diameter: 27.2mm (1.07")
Weight: 130.7g (4.61oz)
Accessories:
NITECORE 21700 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (NL2150 5,000mAh),
USB-C Charging Cable,
Clip,
Lanyard, Spare O-ring,
18650/CR123 Battery Magazine,
Holster
Note: The stated data is measured in accordance with the international flashlight testing standards ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, using 1 x 21700 Li-ion battery (5,000mAh) under laboratory conditions. * The runtime of TURBO is tested without the temperature regulation.
Nitecore MH25S arrived without box and manual as it is not yet for sale. In the original box will be present in addition to the MH25S:
NITECORE 21700 lithium-ion battery (NL2150 5,000 mAh), USB-C charging cable, Clip, Lanyard,
Replacement O-ring, 18650 / CR123 Battery Magazine, Holster, Manual and warranty.
Among the accessories supplied, the CR123/RCR123 battery adapter and the Holster with hook and loop closure are of particular interest.
COMPATIBLE BATTERIES
Note: DO NOT attempt to use the MH25S to charge CR123/RCR123 batteries.
Nitecore MH25S can also be powered with other batteries, both in 21700 and 18650 format, as is possible with the Nitecore MH12S.
The batteries used for the test range from a length of 70mm to a length of 77mm, both protected and unprotected.
At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a double plated spring on the negative and a single one on the positive. The Nitecore MH12S has reverse polarity protection.
Nitecore MH25S has good build quality, good thicknesses and coating. It is made of aluminum alloy with an anodized finish, glossy black, hard military type. It is made up of two parts: head with body and tail. The writing on the flashlight is well made and legible. The shape of the body and tail recalls the line of the previous and latest NItecore releases such as the MH12S.
MH25S is slightly longer than the previous MH25GTS, measuring 156.9mm in length, but it holds very well without having excessive weight (204g with the battery). The new Nitecore has the same power of 1800 lumens but with a throw of the beam that now reaches 504 meters. In the face of a more modern and tactical line, it has perfected some important details such as the type of battery, being now powered by a 5000 mAh Li-ion 21700, and the now faster charging that takes place via the most modern USB-C connector. Nitecore MH25S is IP68 certified (2 meters submersible) and withstands impact up to 1 meter.
On the head of the Nitecore MH25S we find an SMO parabola with the Luminus SST-40-W LED in the center, well centered.
In the Nitecore MH25S the LED has cold white light with a temperature of about 6500K. The maximum distance reached by the beam is 504 meters with 63.500cd.
The Optical Lens has a scratch resistant coating on both sides; uses an optical system combined with crystal coating and PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology). The bezel is slightly crenulated.
On the head we also find cooling fins and the side metal button (Mode Button) that allows us to manage the 5 available levels (in addition to the 3 special ones) with the Nitecore MH25S. The button has a hardly audible click and has a notification LED in the center that lights up blue to indicate the battery charge status. When the autonomy is running low, the LED flashes quickly. The head with wings has an irregular shape that partially restrains the rolling. The button is slightly raised even if it is slightly sunken in its seat. It is not difficult to find it in the dark unless you use gloves. Help can always come from the Clip inserted for example on the opposite side of the switch.
On the opposite side of the side button we find the USB-C charging port protected by a thick rubber flap that rises or fits quickly and well, ensuring excellent protection.
The MH25S is equipped with an intelligent battery charging system. With the battery inserted, screw the torch shank completely and insert the USB charging cable (supplied) to any external power source (a USB adapter, a smartphone or tablet transformer or a PC), then insert the USB-C cable into the dedicated port on the back of the flashlight to begin the charging process. During the charging process, the indicator light will begin to flash slowly. When the battery is fully charged, the MH12S will stop the process and the indicator light will stay on statically for a few seconds.
If the charging process encounters problems (damaged battery, polarity reversal, etc.), the MH25S will stop the charging process and the indicator light will continue to flash rapidly.
The central body of the Nitecore MH25S has a rhomboid-shaped non-slip knurling. The space to insert the supplied clip or the Tactical Ring Pro sold as an accessory is clearly visible.
In the back of the body we find the threads that arrive well lubricated. Being anodized they allow, by slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical locking of the flashlight. There is also a sealing O-ring for protection against water and dust.
The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore MH25S is the tail cap. The tail cap also has a knurling that facilitates the unscrewing of the cap. There is also the hole for inserting the lanyard supplied with the torch.
The design is always very nice even if it does not allows to place the light in tailstanding.
In the queue we find the mechanical switch to turn the flashlight On or Off. To operate it you have to do a fair amount of force and the click is noisy. The button also has the Momentary-On function.
Nitecore MH25S next to other torches.
From the left: Li-ion Nitecore 21700, Brinyte PT18Pro, Nitecore MH25S, Acebeam L18, Nitecore TM9K, Fenix TK11 TAC
USER INTERFACE(UI)
Nitecore MH25S has two switches, one side (mode button) and one tactical (tail).
With the Nitecore MH25S we have 2 Operating Modes: Daily Mode (factory selected) and Tactical Mode and 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes.
In Daily Mode we have 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes available. The MH25S, after switching off, will keep in memory the previously set level (the 5 brightnesses and the STROBE) and will propose it to the user during the start-up phase.
o Ultra-low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 11 meters
o Low: 50 lumens / 48 hours / 77 meters
o Medium: 300 lumens / 8 hours and 30 min / 195 meters
o High: 1050 lumens / 3 hours / 363 meters
o Turbo: 1800 lumens / * 45min / 504 meters
o Strobe: 1800 lumens
o Beacon: 1800 lumens
o SOS: 1800 lumens
* The duration of TURBO is tested without temperature regulation.
In Tactical Mode we have 5 brightness levels and 1 special mode available. The MH25S, after switching off, will keep in memory only the TURBO and STROBO levels previously set and will propose them to the user during the start-up phase.
o Turbo: 1800 lumens / * 45min / 504 meters
o High: 1050 lumens / 3 hours / 363 meters
o Medium: 300 lumens / 8 hours and 30 min / 195 meters
o Low: 50 lumens / 48 hours / 77 meters
o Ultra-low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 11 meters
o Strobe: 1800 lumens
* The duration of TURBO is tested without temperature regulation.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Tactical Momentary Illumination
Half press and hold the Tail Switch to turn on the light momentarily. Release to turn it off.
On / Off
On: When the light is off, press the Tail Switch until a click sound is heard to turn it on.
Off: When the light is on, press the Tail Switch until a click sound is heard to turn it off.
User Mode Selection
The MH25S provides 2 user modes for different users and situations.
• Daily Mode (Default Setting): In this user mode, there are 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes (STROBE, BEACON and SOS) available. The MH25S will memorize and re-access any of the 5 brightness levels or STROBE Mode (BEACON and SOS excluded) when reactivated, unless it has been switched to the other user mode.
• Tactical Mode: In this user mode, there are only 5 brightness levels and STROBE Mode available. The MH25S will only memorize and re-access the TURBO Level or STROBE Mode when reactivated, unless it has been switched to the other user mode.
To select a desired user mode:
1. When the light is off, click the Tail Switch while holding the Mode Button.
2. Keep holding the Mode Button for approx. 3 seconds, and the main LED of the flashlight will indicate a user mode selected by flashing once for Daily Mode and flashing twice for Tactical Mode.
3.Release the Mode Button, and the flashlight will be automatically turned on after this process.
Brightness Levels
• Daily Mode: When the light is on, short press the Mode Button to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH – TURBO.
• Tactical Mode: When the light is on, short press the Mode Button to cycle through the following brightness levels: TURBO – HIGH – MID – LOW – ULTRALOW.
Special Modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS)
• Daily Mode: When the light is on, keep holding the Mode Button to cycle through the following special modes: STROBE – BEACON – SOS. Release to select the desired special mode.
• Tactical Mode: When the light is on, long press the Mode Button to access the STROBE Mode.
• When one of the special modes is on, short/long press the Mode Button to exit special modes and return to the previous brightness level; or click the Tail Switch to turn off the light.
Power Indication
• When the light is off, click the Tail Switch while holding the Mode Button and then quickly release both buttons to access Power Indication. The power indicator beneath the Mode Button will flash to show the battery voltage (±0.1V). The flashlight will be automatically turned on after this process.
Note: When using two CR123/RCR123 in series, the indicator will show the average voltage between the two batteries.
• When the light is on and the power level is close to 50%, the power indicator will flash every 2 seconds to inform the user. When the light is on and the power is close to depleted, the power indicator will flash quickly and continuously to inform the user.
ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
The integrated ATR technology regulates the output of the MH25S according to the working condition and ambient environment to maintain the optimal performance.
BEAM and RUNTIME
The beam of the Nitecore MH25S has a decent uniformity with a pleasant, not too cold tint. The LED temperature is about 6500K. With the lighting test near the wall you can see a well pronounced spot while the crown that surrounds it is slightly irregular and tending to greenish up to the edges of the spill with a tint that turns slightly to violet. Moving away from the wall these color changes are not noticed and the beam is a beautiful white with a good shot. To the eye I don't see any PWM in any of the 5 modes. The start of the spill from the walk is over one meter.
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The Runtime were done in a closed environment with an ambient temperature of about 20 ° C using the Nitecore 21700 5000 mAh battery, found in the sales package, fully charged.
I would like to clarify that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
The Nitecore MH25S with this powerful battery has a good runtime. In my tests the values in Turbo and High candles are slightly lower than those declared by the house. As can be seen from the discharge curve, the MH25S is well regulated. MH25S features the ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) module that adjusts its output power by adapting to the surrounding environment, maintaining optimal performance.
The same runtime for the first 30 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/fnqRZ7AQAeo
CONCLUSIONS:
Nitecore also hit the mark with the MH25S. The torch is well done and follows the excellent characteristics of the smaller MH12S. The new MH25S is compact and grips well; is equipped with a Luminus SST-40-W LED with a maximum light output of 1800 lumens and a maximum range of 504 meters, ideal for many common situations or where a more performing light is needed such as emergencies or research . Nitecore MH25S is rechargeable via the USB-C port and is equipped with a high-performance 5000 mAh lithium battery in 21700 format included in the sales package.
I also believe that the 5 levels (over the 3 specials) are well spaced, starting from 1 lumen to reach the maximum 1800.
Thank you for reading the review.