Review - NITECORE P30i - 2000 lumens, 1000 meters - 21700

I received the Nitecore P30i directly from Nitecore for the review.

For technical details and for the purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-P30i-2000-Lumen-Rechargeable-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-p30i.htm

The Multilingual Manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/p30i.pdf












The Nitecore P30i (i-GENERATION) updates the previous NEW P30 of the P series (Precise Series) doubling the brightness which is now 2000 lumens and bringing the distance reached by the light beam to 1000 meters. The P30i uses a highly efficient NITECORE patented 21700 lithium battery in 5000 mAh format and can also be powered by two CR123 / RCR123 batteries via the adapter included in the package. Nitecore P30i is a tactical flashlight with two switches, one mechanical in the tail and one electronic on the side, is equipped with the CREE XHP35 HI (CW) LED, has 5 light levels (Turbo, High, Medium, Low and Ultra-low) plus 2 special levels Beacon and SOS (in addition to the special Strobe that can only be activated with the remote control). Nitecore P30i has a USB-C charging port and is IP68 certified (submersible up to 2 meters) with an impact resistance of 1m. The P30i is particularly suitable for the police, armed forces, search and rescue.

Features

  • Utilizes a CREE XHP35 HI LED with a max output of 2,000 lumens
  • An optical system combined with crystal coating and “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT)
  • Max peak beam intensity of 250,000cd and max throw of 1,000 meters
  • Powered by a 21700 i Series Battery while compatible with CR123 batteries, to provide a runtime up to 100 hours
  • The tactical tail switch and the metal side switch control 5 brightness levels and 2 special modes
  • Dual power indicators are available to indicate battery power (Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
  • The power indicators can display the battery voltage (±0.1V)
  • Anti-impact reverse polarity protection mechanism specially designed for shooting sports (Patent No. ZL201220677948.7)
  • Intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
  • Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
  • Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
  • NITECORE 21700 Li-ion battery (NL2150HPi 5,000mAh) and Remote Switch RSW2i (Cable Part) included
  • 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: 177.5mm (6.99")

Head Diameter: 65mm (2.56")

Tube Diameter: 25.4mm (1”)

Tail Diameter: 28.5mm (1.12")

Weight: 255.5g (9.01oz)

Accessories

NITECORE 21700 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

(NL2150HPi 5,000mAh), Remote Switch RSW2i (Cable Part),

USB-C Charging Cable, CR123 Battery Magazine, Clip,

Spare O-ring, Holster

Battery Options

The P30i is only compatible with NITECORE 21700 i Series batteries with an output over 15A and CR123/RCR123 batteries.

Note: DO NOT attempt to use the P30i to charge CR123/RCR123 batteries.The P30i is NOT compatible with conventional 21700/18650 batteries.



Note: The data shown is measured in accordance with the ANSI / PLATO FL1-2019 international torch test standard, using 1 x 21700 Li-ion battery (5,000 mAh) under laboratory conditions.

* The autonomy of TURBO is tested without temperature regulation.




The packaging of the Nitecore P30i is premium; it comes in a rigid cardboard box with a dark-colored magnetic closure with the writings that show the main characteristics that distinguish it. Inside the package, in addition to the Nitecore P30i, we find the Nitecore lithium 21700 battery from 5000 mAh, the Clip, the holster, the USB-C charging cable, the RSW2i remote switch, the adapter for CR123 / RCR123 batteries, a spare O-ring, manual and warranty.













Among the accessories supplied, the Holster with hook-and-loop closure and the RSW2i remote switch are of particular interest.




The RSW2i remote switch can be connected directly and easily to the tail cap via the USB-C socket. With this remote control we can adjust the light output and activate the STROBE READY.

For P30i operation, connect the RSW2i cable part to the USB port and clip to secure the cable to the tail cap.






REMOTE SWITCH

Momentary tactical lighting

When the light is off, press and hold Button B to turn it on momentarily. Release to turn it off.

On off

On: When the light is off, briefly press button A to turn it on.

Off: When the light is on, briefly press button A to turn it off.

Levels of brightness

When the light is on, briefly press button B to cycle through the brightness levels.

Direct access to TURBO

When the light is on, long press button B to go directly to TURBO. Briefly press button B to return to the previous brightness level, or it will automatically return to the previous brightness level if no operation is performed within 30 seconds.

STROBE READY ™

When the light is off, press and hold button A to enter STROBE mode. Release it to deactivate it.

When the light is on, long press button A to enter STROBE mode. Briefly press button B to go back to the previous one or briefly press button A to turn off the light.








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Nitecore P30i is built well with good finishes, thicknesses and legible writings. Nitecore P30i holds well in the hand even if the dimensions are not from EDC given the length of 177.5mm and the head diameter of 65mm. The weight with the supplied battery, measured by me is 332 g. The design of the P30i is very beautiful and aggressive, where the deep cooling fins at the base of the head stand out. It is made of aluminum alloy with a glossy black anodized finish. The P30i consists of two parts: head with body and tail. The main button of the P30i protrudes and it is therefore impossible to put the flashlight upright (candle-shaped).











On the head of the Nitecore P30i, of considerable size, we find a SMO parabola with the CREE XHP35 HI LED in the center with a CCT of about 6500K and a maximum power of 2000 lumens with a maximum distance reached by the beam of 1000 meters. The optical lens has a scratch resistant coating; uses an optical system combined with crystal coating and PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology). Nitecore P30i features a slightly crenulated but not sharp bezel.



Also on the head we find the side button with cooling fins around and below it.

The side button and its seat are slightly raised with respect to the circular head. This simplifies its finding and limits the rolling of the flashlight. The click is loud and firm. I don't know if mine is a pre-series champion or it was my impression, but I noticed the first few times I used the flashlight that every now and then did not change the level, now I have not noticed this anymore.

At the center of the button we find a blue notification LED which also has the function of residual charge indicator.

The blue indicator also has the function of warning, with a quick flash, when the charge is about to run out. When the battery is inserted, the power indicator will flash to show the battery voltage (± 0.1V).

When the light is on, the power indicator will indicate the remaining battery charge.

  1. If it is constantly on, it indicates that the power is greater than 50%.
  2. If it blinks slowly, the power is less than 50%.
  3. Fast flashing indicates power is less than 10%.

Note:

When using two CR123 / RCR123 in series, the indicator will show the average voltage between the two batteries.




The cooling fins are numerous and make the Nitecore P30i aggressive. It is certainly the first thing I noticed once I took the flashlight out of the box.











The central body of the Nitecore P30i, which I could not separate from the head, has a rhomboid-shaped non-slip knurling. On the body we find the space for the insertion of the supplied Clip, of which I think its use is limited given the large head of the P30i.

In the lower part of the central tube we find the threads that arrive well lubricated and being anodized allow, by slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical block of the torch. There is also a sealing O-ring for protection against water and dust. The Nitecore P30i is IP68 certified (2 meters submersible).

At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a particular contact system for both negative and positive. The P30i has shockproof reverse polarity protection mechanism specially designed for sport shooting.






The battery supplied with the Nitecore P30i is a protected 21700 (NL2150HPi) of 5000 mAh patented by Nitecore.

The Nitecore NL2150HPi 21700 battery is specifically designed for the Nitecore i Series. The cell has a capacity of 5000mAh and a maximum continuous discharge of 15A. The i-series battery enables highly efficient output while minimizing power loss due to internal resistance. It features a two-way output with positive and negative polarity on both ends, as well as a high energy density.

Some features:

- Built-in pressure limiting valve

- Microporous barrier for heat dissipation

- Integrated PTC for surge protection

- Cathode and anode in nickel-plated stainless steel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

5000 mAh capacity

Voltage 3.6 V.

15A output

Weight 2.57 ounces (73 g)

Length 2.96 in (75.2 mm)

Diameter 0.85 in (21.6mm)

The Nitecore NL2150HPi 21700 battery can be charged in the following Nitecore battery chargers: UMS2, UMS4, UI1 and UI2.





The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore P10i is the tail cap. On the cap we find a knurling, similar to that of the flashlight body, the tactical button and the USB-C socket.



The USB-C waterproof socket is protected by a rubber flap and has a blue notification LED nearby.

During the charging process, the queue power indicator will flash slowly to inform the user. When the battery is fully charged, the P30i will stop the charging process and the tail power indicator will become constantly lit to inform the user.

When disconnected from the power source during the charging process, the tail power indicator will flash to show the battery voltage (± 0.1V).

The charging time measured by me to recharge the supplied 21700 (5,000 mAh) Li-ion battery is less than 4 hours. (Charge via 5V / 2A adapter). Charging takes place up to 2A.











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Nitecore P30i next to other flashlights.



From left: Battery Nitecore 21700, Nitecore P20i, Olight Warrior X Pro, Nitecore P30i, Acebeam L18 e Speras TH1

User Interface (UI):



Nitecore P30i has two switches; one in the queue "Tactical Tail Switch", for momentary or constant tactical lighting, and one on the side on the head "Mode Button" for level variation and direct access to the turbo.

With the Nitecore P30i we have 5 light levels (Turbo, High, Medium, Low and Ultra-low) and 2 special modes (Beacon and SOS). The Nitecore P30i has memory on 5 light levels.

o Turbo: 2000 lumens / 30 min / 1000 meters

o High: 1000 lumens / 1 hour and 30 min / 722 meters

o Medium: 385 lumens / 4 hours / 447 meters

o Low: 85 lumens / 18 hours / 209 meters

o Ultra-low: 6 lumens / 100 hours / 40 meters

o Beacon: 2000 lumens

o SOS: 2000 lumens

*Note: Turbo runtime was measured without temperature control.


Momentary tactical lighting

Press and hold the tail switch halfway to momentarily turn on the light. Release to turn it off.

On off

On: When the light is off, press the tail switch until you hear a click to turn it on.

Off: When the light is on, press the tail switch until you hear a click to turn it off.

Levels of brightness

When the light is on, short press the Mode button to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW - LOW - MEDIUM - HIGH - TURBO.

(This access has the memory function. Once reactivated, the flashlight will automatically access the previously stored brightness level.)

Direct access to TURBO

When the light is off, press and hold the Mode button to momentarily enter TURBO. Release to turn it off.

When the light is on, long press the Mode button to enter TURBO directly. Short press the Mode button to return to the previous brightness level, or it will automatically return to the previous brightness level if no operation is performed within 30 seconds.

Special Modes (BEACON / SOS)

When the light is off, press the Mode button three times to enter BEACON mode.

When the BEACON mode is active, long press the Mode button each time to switch between SOS and BEACON.

When one of the special modes is active, short press the Mode button to turn off the light.



Beam and Runtime:

In the P30i the beam has a fair uniformity even if with the test of the wall a central donut is clearly visible as well as some rings around the hotspot, but once outside these particularities I have not noticed them anymore. The very bright side lighting and the central one with the well-defined spot are appreciable. The tint is not particularly cold and I don't see any significant PWM to the eye. The start of the spill from the walk is about one meter.

I made measurements with the luxmeter internally over a distance of 10 meters. The peak values reflect, or exceed, those declared by the manufacturer:

Turbo 2000 lm: 260000cd for 1020 meters
High 1000 lm: 140000cd for 748 meters
Medium 385 lm: 50700cd for 450 meters
Low 85 lm: 10900cd for 209 meters
Ultra low 6 lm: 700cd for 53 meters









The Runtimes were done indoors with an ambient temperature of about 20 ° C using the battery supplied with the flashlight, a fully charged 5000 mAh Nitecore 21700.

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.

Like almost all recent Nitecore models, the P30i also features the ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) system which adjusts the output of the P30i based on the working conditions and the surrounding environment to maintain optimal performance.


It is interesting to note the different trend of the Turbo curve from the High one. As you can see in the last graph, in Turbo after the first descent after minute 4, the trend maintains a lower output than that of the High level after 30 minutes. Both curves then follow the same pattern after 86 minutes where they go towards exhaustion.
The curve in the middle level (385 lumens) is instead stable until the first steepdown after more than 250 minutes.


P30i in Turbo mode at 2000 lumens.



P30i in Turbo mode at 2000 lumens (10 minutes).



P30 in High mode at 1000 lumens.



The curves in Turbo, High and Mid mode together.





https://www.youtube.com/embed/MK5YP4Y8vA0




Conclusioni:

Nitecore P30i is an excellent flashlight to be mounted on a weapon or to be used, for example, as a search or rescue. The CREE XHP35 HI it has guarantees an excellent shot and good lateral illumination. The P30i is well built and comes in a complete "premium" package, featuring a 5000 mAh battery, holster and quick-attach RSW2i remote switch with which you also have quick access to the special Strobe level (STROBE READY).
The dimensions are impressive and the design is aggressive and very beautiful. The levels are well spaced, with excellent direct access to the turbo, and good runtime with the 5000 mAh Nitecore NL2150HPi battery. Do not miss the fast charging (2A) via the USB-C port.
The color of the beam is not particularly cold and in any case on torches with these characteristics I prefer a not hot color.
Thank you for reading the review.

My Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5j6yZ6oVR867k2KINs2qg?view_as=subscriber

Nice review.

A bit unclear how IP68 is reached with a USB-port with flap.
The charging port held me back buying the previous version of this light.

The present version needs a proprietary battery, so now I’m defenitely NOT going to buy it.

Hi Henk4U2, the charging port should be watertight (I haven’t tried it) like that of the latest smartphones.
On the battery, unfortunately, it is a choice of the house.

good review, grazie. what is red-black light on the right after L18?

just god mine one today. looks damn good

ehh, CW again...hoped for NW this time.

The flashlight to the right of the L18 is the Speras TH1 hunting zoom flashlight with a good shot. On the net you can find my review.

Looks tremendously head-heavy.

I can’t separate head from body, but the weight is fairly balanced.

Yeh, just goggled ’em, the newP30 has a 50mm head just like the classic P30, but this one has a 65mm head.

I saw the pic and said whaaaaaaat?, that ain’t no 21700, the tube looks way too skinny. Nope, just that the head got supersized. :laughing:

My TM03 comes with one of those proprietary cells, but I’m almost “positive” (haha) it can take a regular one in a pinch, but you might lose turbo or something.

I’m wondering if this donk can’t take a regular 21700, or if it’s just not recommended.

If the ’123 adapter is funky, eg, has split contacts on one/both ends just like the proprietary cell, then it probably can’t take a regular cell, but if it’s just a size adapter, then chances are good a regular high-drain 21700 would work.

I didn’t see any prices yet… kinda scared to look.

I’m getting tired of 18 varieties of the “P30”. Call ’em a damned P35 or P50 or whatever, eh?

The P30i only works with double pole batteries both in the head and in the tail, the normal 21700 batteries cannot turn on the flashlight. The adapter, for CR123 batteries only, is special with contacts like those of the Nitecore proprietary battery.

Ah, okay, like I figured.

Dealbreaker for me, too. Cell crokes, light’s useless. Light could theoretically last for decades. The cells, not so much.