Nitecore P12 review (2015 edition)

NITECORE P12 (2015 edition)

LED: Cree XM-L2 U2
Max Lumen: 950
Uses one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries.
Output/Runtime (1x18650): Hi 1000 lumens / 1hr 15min – Med 240 lumens / 6hr – Lo 70 lumens / 28hr – Moonlight 1 lumen / 520hr
Output/Runtime (2xCR123A): Hi 1000 lumens / 1hr – Med 240 lumens / 5hr 15min – Lo 70 lumens / 20hr – Lower 1 lumen / 300hr
Beam Intensity: 13,500cd
Beam Distance: 232m
Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible)
Second generation ‘Crystal Coating Technology’ combined with ‘Precision Digital Optics Technology’ provide extreme reflector performance
High efficiency circuit board provides up to 520 hours runtime on low
Side switch interface provides one-handed operation and easy access to all functions
Side switch features an indicator light which displays remain ing battery power (patented)
Power indicator secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
Intelligent memory function stores preferred brightness setting
High-efficiency regulation circuit provides unwavering output
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
Constructed from aero grade aluminium alloy with HAIII military grade hard-anodized finish
Stainless steel titanium-plated clip included
Tail stand capability
Dimensions: Length: 139mm (5.47”), Head Diameter: 25.4mm (1”), Tail Diameter: 25.4mm (1”)
Weight: 88grams (3.10oz)(without battery)
Accessories: Quality holster, clip, tactical ring, lanyard, spare tail cap, spare O-ring
MSRP: ~$60

WHAT YOU GET:
Nylon Holster
Titanium plated belt clip
Tactical ring
spare O-Rings
spare clicky button
Good quality lanyard
Nitecore P12 flashlight

Right away you can feel the build quality is very nice. Made of Aircraft grade aluminum with a military grade anodizing finish. This thing feels sturdy. The threads are well lubricated and have the O-Rings in place. The knurling on the grip is a nice touch for grip, especially if the light is wet. There are radiator fins up front to help increase the surface area so that the light is more efficient when used for long periods of time.

The front also features an anti-reverse polarity protection physically built in. BECAUSE OF THIS you have to use button-top batteries, or connection will not be made. (I have read that you can fix this by removing the plastic piece; however I only have button top batteries so I have not felt the need to do this)
The P12 also has the ability to tail stand

The P12 has 7 modes.
4 standard modes and 3 “secret” modes.
These modes are accessed by clicking the mode button when the light is turned on. The first mode is “moonlight” mode of 1 lumen which will last 520 hours. The 2nd is 70 lumens for 28 hours. Then 240 lumens for 6 hours, and lastly, 1000 lumens for 1 hour 15 minutes.

The Mode button can be held to turn the light into “strobe” mode. hold it again, you get SOS, again and you get Beacon. Each normal mode, and the strobe mode, have memory. So if you turn the light off, when you turn it back on it will be in the last saved mode. This doe NOT include SOS and Beacon!

With the flashlight turned off, if you press the mode button and tail switch simultaneously, the blue LED inside the mode button will flash with your current battery voltage. ALSO, when your battery gets to 50%, the mode button will flash every 2 seconds. When your battery is low, it will flash rapidly

As with most of Nitecore’s lights, the P12 is able to be dropped from 1.5 meters without damage to any components. The waterproof rating is IPX8 which means that it is submergible up to 2 meters. I have seen people go diving with this light and had no issues with water damage, however I believe that it voids the warranty!

USES:
This light is a great EDC light. At just over 5 inches, it can fit into most pockets. The pocket clip is also great and sturdy. I personally use this as my EDC light inside it’s holster. The velcro loop is great and holds firmly to my belt or whatever I have it attached to. This light is also suitable for mounting on a firearm. I have not shot with this one of my guns, but with it’s build quality I believe that it can be! I have mounted it on a rifle easily. You only need a 1” diameter mount so that it fits snugly and won’t move around.

OVERALL:
at only $60 (as low as $40 new on eBay) I think that you can’t go wrong with the P12. The build quality, waterproofing, great throw and high lumens make this a great light for everyday carry. The tactical tail clicky makes it great for tactical use and it’s size makes it easy to carry around a comfortable to hold. The moonlight mode is great for using around the house or for walks when you don’t want to affect your night adaptation. The other modes will help you to see almost anything you need to see up to the 200 meter range. The only downside is that the diode is more towards the “cool” neutral side. Because of this, the light doesn’t do so well in fog or high humidity. Other than that, the throw is great and the spot is clean and free of artifacts and rings! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who needs an EDC, self defense, or weapon mountable light!

Thanks for the review.