So recently theres been a lot fo talk about nitecores quality control (not necessarily on this forum). Ive only owned 2 nitecores up until recently (IFE1 and NDI) but Ive been more than happy with them. I purchased 2 D11v2s recently (a week or 2 apart from 2 different retailers).
When I received the first the first after playing with it and carrying it for a few days I was ecstatic. The output, the size of the light, the supposed runtime, and the ui had me hooked. I simply dismissed others complaints about nitecore.
That was until now. Every time I purchase a new light I read about them more and more. I had remembered reading someone saying they had two different version 2s of their EX11. I didnt see anyone reporting anything about D11s so I just ignored it.
Well just today i received my second D11 and yep, seems there's 2 different versions. You can tell the second apart due to the writing on the head. Besides the big V2 on one flat side, it mentions V2 on the other side as well (where it says Smart PD D11 R5). The other version reads Smart PD D11 V2 R5). I looked over both lights thoroughly. My "old" version tail stands perfectly. This "new" version tail stands, but its positioned on the piston. What I mean is the piston sticks out past the body, but since the piston is flat its able to tailstand.
Next I took 2 fully charged eneloops that read just about the same charge (+-0.01 difference) and placed the lights on high and let them run. A little over an hour and a half later the "new" version had dropped down in output. Some 20 minutes later the "old" version had dropped also but the "new" must have dropped yet again because it was even dimmer.
I took the batteries out and measured the voltage. I should have wrote it down but I believe the "new" was at .8 and dropping while the "old" was steady around .9. I didnt get to check current draw so I dont know whats going on here. I didnt run the lights till they were dead so I dont know if its some type of different regulation or if one just simply draws a lot more than the other.
All in all I still like these lights but Im a little upset with nitecore. I hate having to buy a light and pray I get the correct one. It already bothers me enough that we have to play the tint lottery with many manufacturers but now I have to worry about a version lottery also? This is what also keeps me from purchasing the V10r (multiple versions).
I was going to write a review but Ill hold off until I can get this settled.
Okwchin. I know you have multiple D11s. Any input? Anyone else have any ideas? I put in two charged eneloops, wrote down the voltage and put them away. Ill check in a couple days to see if one has more parasitic drain than the other.
BTW, the tint on both of these are exactly the same, creamy white :).
