Nitefox ES10-Knurl (ES10K) AA Stainless Steel EDC Flashlight



**Nitefox ES10K Specifications**
  • 1xAA Stainless Steel Body
  • XP-G2 Neutral Emitter
  • Constant current, 0.9-3V operating voltage, reverse polarity protection
  • Output Order/modes – High > Low> Strobe (Starts on Low, no Mode Memory)
  • 180 Lm/1.2Hrs, 20 Lm/20 Hrs, 180 Lm/strobe
  • 94mm length, 19mm diameter. 60 grams w/clip, w/o battery.

Nitefox ES10K package –

Bezel End

Orange Peel Reflector

Stainless Steel Switch Button (mechanical reverse clicky)

The included diffuser is a secure fit, which works well for wanding or tail-standing for candle mode.

Nice deep square cut thread with good fitting O-rings. Battery loads from this end.

Here are some size comparisons with other 1xAA lights –
(Left to Right) 4Sevens Atom-AAF, DQG Slim-AA, Nitefox ES10K, Utorch UT01

Bezel end of the above lights

ES10K tint is a neutral white with traditional hot-spot with spill beam pattern.
Nichia 4000K on Left, ES10K XP-G2 Neutral (est.5000K) on Right

Using either NiMH or Alkaline batteries produced relatively comparable light levels. I didn’t have the measurement equipment necessary to plot light levels for a full battery capacity run-down but after running the ES10K on High for 10 min., the light was able to maintain a constant light level and did not appear to step-down during that time; at the end of the 10-min continuous High, it was warm but still comfortable to hold.

NiMH measured at 1.38V (open), 2.25A (on High)

Alkaline measured at 1.53V (open), 2.06A (on High)

The Low/Medium mode apparently utilizes PWM, but it was not particularly noticeable in real use.



Although 14500 rechargeable lithium batteries are not specified, the ES10K apparently can handle the additional voltage. On high, the light began to get warm to the touch after about 30 seconds. After 2 mins on High it was uncomfortable to hold, and I discontinued the test. During those 2-mins. the light appeared to maintain High with no step down (or smoke, phew.) Unlike some lights when subjected to the excessive voltage of a Lithium rechargeable that result in running direct-drive, the ES10K maintained the 3-modes even with the higher voltage.

Based on this limited testing I would personally be comfortable running the ES10K with a 14500 lithium rechargeable but I would NOT run on High for more than short bursts (<60-sec.), and I would also not be surprised if/when the driver life-span is adversely affected. The ES10K on Medium mode using 14500 batteries appears comparable to the High mode using NiMH or Alkaline batteries and might be the wiser running mode when using 14500 cells.

14500 IMR measured at 4.01V (open), 1.95A (on High), (0.66A on Med)



Here also is a look at the insides of the ES10K for those that might be inclined to do some modding :wink: . The driver board measures 15mm and is glued/press fit into the bezel. The head asembly is/was also glued. –




Final Impressions -
Aesthetically the smooth/brushed body of the ES10 version is smart looking, but from a practical perspective the added grippy-ness of the ES10K’s knurling, particularly given the slim straight tube body construction, make it my preferred choice of the two styles.

Although stainless steel construction adds additional weight compared to aluminum, the slim body design reduces that difference while reaping the benefits of a stronger body for rough handling.

The included steel clip is strong but when combined with the knurling of the body was almost too aggressive a hold. With the ES10K I might have preferred a dual direction clip with smooth sliding surfaces.

For users who prefer to always start on High this light will work well. For lights without Last-Mode-Memory my preference is for being able to start on Low mode. The Medium level is also well spaced from High but on a 3-mode only light, I would have preferred the third mode be a true Low rather than strobe.

Earlier I mentioned the outward similarity between the Thrunite T10S and the ES10/ES10K models, in my opinion there are details about the Thrunite that set it apart from the Nitefox. Still the ES10K is a good looking, straightforward, solid light that should hold up well to heavy use.

Thanks for your review pc_light :wink:
I will receive one from Nitefox as well, and I’ve been curious about this light!
From what you’ve mentioned, 14500’s are not “recommended”, right?
It reminds me a bit of the Amutorch S3, where the AA/Ni-MH are recommended to avoid “damaging” the driver!

It is nice that the beam is not “CW” and tending to greenish shift!!
Thanks again :wink:

That’s right, 14500’s are not listed by Nitefox as being supported but I think they were being conservative due to lack of proper heat dissapation with the ES10K rather than capability. On a 14500 all 3-modes continued to function, which would indicate to me that the driver is capable, but practically speaking after only a couple of minutes of continuous running on High the light was uncomfortable to hold. And as you indicate, the excessive heat will probably damage the driver over time.

But in all fairness the ES10K is quite adequate running AA cells, levels are actually quite comparable to the Utorch UT01 on the same AA.

Agreed, the beam is a nice neutral, any greenish shift is subtle around the hotspot aura and seems to vary depending on distance from white-wall only, not really noticeable in actual usage.

Thanks for the answers pc_light! :wink:
I’m more curious to receive mine :smiley:

BTW, I took this from Dirty_Pierre’s review on the Nitefox ES10

Ah, that confirms it then! Although based on how warm it got after 2-mins I doubt I’d want to try 5 (yeow).

Interesting, the ES10 bezel/head is tapered differently from the ES10K, I think if one were to combine the head of the ES10K and put on the body of the ES10 you would have a 100% looking Thrunite T10S.

What are you plans for your? :wink:

Hum, yup, that may be too hot after some minutes! I guess SS lights will always have than problem :stuck_out_tongue:

And yes, the lights resembles the T10S, but it is a bit different though ! Specially the UI.
Well, for mine I would probably do a driver and LED swap (if I don’t find the original one that good. But it will all depend on the possibility to take it out and reinstall. I also had some hopes for the DQG Slim and due to the light’s architecture the hopes are now almost vanished!

I’ll let it arrive first :wink: