Hello to everyone 
Thanking them for the trust, today we will review the Nitecore TINI Cu which was kindly provided by Nitecore itself.
CLICK HERE to go to the official product page on the Nitecore website.
I want to clarify that my reviews are made at an amateur level, so without the aid of science fiction tools or tests in secret cutting edge laboratories. Therefore, among the lines that will follow, there will be my humble observations and even my humble opinions.
Official features:
- mini metallic keychain light
- utilizes a CREE XP-G2 S3 LED to emit maximum 380 lumens
- utilizes bead surface optic lens for uniform and soft light
- built-in 280 mAh Li-Ion battery
- intelligent Li-Ion protective circuit supports micro-USB charging
- demo mode and daily mode selectable
- dual switches for easy operation
- 4 brightness levels selectable, with an instant access to turbo
- intelligent memory function
- high efficient constant current circuit provides constant illumination
- integrated ATR module
- integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power (Utility Model Patent, No. ZL201220057767.4)
- - TINI: Aero grade aluminum alloy
- TINI Cu: Copper body formed by stamping technology
- impact resistant to 1 meter
Where to buy it
Nitecore TIP Cu could be purchased from NitecoreStore.com
The package and the accessories
The Nitecore TINI Cu is sold inside a black box of light cardboard. Centrally we find a photo of the flashlight, with an increased size of 10/20% compared to the original ones, and there are some writing of a color that recalls the copper's one.
Above the photo are indicated the LED mounted in the flashlight and its maximum lumens, below the photo is reported the name of the model and the inscription "mini metallic keychain light", indicating that the flashlight is made of copper, and it is indicated that the TINI Cu is equipped with an integrated battery rechargeable with a micro-USB cable. Finally we find the address of the Nitecore website.
On the back are the characteristics of the product, the boxes with the key information of this model, the company information and the CE and RoHS certifications.
On both sides the name of the brand is repeated along the name of the model but, only on one of the two there is a QR-code that directs us on the official page of the product on the Nitecore website .
Once the package is opened, we will find:
- TINI Cu sealed in a vacuum pack to prevent copper oxidation
- a small hook that will allow us to attach the flashlight to the keys
- the warranty card
- the multilanguage manual
Ps USB -> micro-USB cable isn't included, but is indicated as an accessory
Here, in detail, the manual in the English language only which, alternatively, can be viewed or downloaded from the Nitecore website by clicking HERE .
The flashlight
Once the flashlight is removed from the plastic that protects it from the elements, we just have to remove the small piece of black plastic placed to avoid inadvertent pressures on the switches during transport.
Here is the Nitecore TINI Cu in all its glory. Obviously, dimensionally and structurally, it does not change anything compared to the Nitecore TINI, which I have already had the opportunity to review . It is in fact one of its versions but with the body entirely in copper as for the special edition of Nitecore TIP Cu .
On the front we find the two mechanical switches, slightly recessed relative to the body (from the short stroke and the noise not too intense) and with chrome finish, which allow us to interact with the UI and that have under them a blue colored indicator. We will see how it operate in the appropriate paragraph.
Three small torx screws take care of keeping this half of the body tight
while the other half is supported by three other screws (always torx).
You can see how the name of the brand, the model and the certifications have been put in good contrast with the color of copper.
To divide the two parts of the body there is a chromed part that runs around the flashlight body and that connects to other chromed parts
for example, in the bezel, used to protect the TIR lens that smears the light generated by the XP-G2 LED in a very clean manner. The LED has a CW tint that does not have strong dominance, perhaps it is slightly tending towards neutral.
Looking sideways at the flashlight we can see how the lens is embedded respect to the metal bezel. There is no anti-reflex treatment on the lens.
As mentioned before, the chrome parts are present a bit 'everywhere, not only divides the two bodies that make up the flashlight body and also surrounds the micro-USB port that allows you to recharge the built-in battery.
The connector is protected, according to the IP54 standard, by a silicone cover. A small tab will allow us to remove it
and to have access to the charging port.
Finally, we can see the metal ring on the tail where can be insert a lanyard or the hook comed out of the package that will allow us to attach the TINI Cu to our keys.
The battery and the charging system
The TINI Cu, as well as the TINI, incorporates a 280 mAh Li-Ion battery (not removable and replaceable) that can be recharged via micro-USB with a cable not included . For this purpose any cable and any power supply with 5V output (powerbank included), already in our possession, can be used.
The charging will start automatically at a speed of about 0.30A and the blue indicator placed between the switches will start to flash.
After about 2 hours (if the battery is completely discharged) the charging process will end and, when this happens, the blue indicator will stop flashing. All levels of the TINI Cu can be used even if the recharge is in progress, in this way we can have a virtually infinite battery life.
The circuitry used to recharge the battery also provides protection against an excessive charge or discharge and against short circuits.
How does it work
The TINI Cu has four selectable levels, three in an ordinary way and one (the Turbo) to be recalled. There are no special levels.
According to the official data, the levels have the following characteristics:
- Turbo -> 380 lumens for 15 minutes *
- High -> 145 lumens for 1 hour
- Mid -> 38 lumens for 4 hours
- Low -> 1 lumen for 60 hours
NB The stated durations have been recorded in the laboratory by Nitecore with the integrated 280 mAh battery, obviously charged.
* this duration was reached by adding the duration of the Turbo before the intervention of the ATR.
The TINI Cu has two modes, the Demo mode (DeM) and the Daily mode (DaM).
The only difference between these two modes is that in the DeM any level turned on will automatically shut off after 30 seconds from power up. Restoring the flashlight within 3 seconds from the automatic switch-off will automatically enable the DaM until it is switched off manually.
There is also the possibility to switch from the DeM to the DaM (and vice versa) manually. To do this, simply hold down both switches for one second with the flashlight off, the LED will flash once to signal the activation of the DaM.
The inclusion of the DeM will instead be signaled with 2 flashes.
Power On / Off
With a long click on the switch at the bottom, we will light the flashlight. With a simple pressure (always on the bottom switch), however, we will turn it off.
Change levels
With the flashlight on, press the top switch once to cycle the levels (excluding the Turbo) in ascending order. Due the presence of memory, turning off the flashlight (with the switch at the bottom) will store a given level.
Quick access to the turbo
With the flashlight on or off, holding the top switch down for more than a second, we will access the Turbo in momentary-ON. This level will be maintained until we press the switch.
Charge indicator
With the TINI Cu it is possible to know, in approximate way, the remaining charge of the battery . When the light is off, press the top switch once, so the indicator under the switches will start to flash.
3 flashes indicate a charge between 100% and 50%
2 flashes indicate a charge between 50% and 10%
1 flash indicates a residual charge of <10%
PS With the flashlight off and when we have a too low charge, the indicator will flash once every 3 seconds to warn us that we will not have enough current available and that therefore, if we need the flashlight, we will have to put it in charge.
ATR system
This is the Nitecore system to adjust the light output of the highest level of the flashlight depending on the outside temperature. The more the conditions are favorable to the flashlight (low temperatures / fresh wind) and more, the higher levels, will emit light.
Dimensions: weights and dimensions
The TINI Cu measures 4 x 2.38 x 1.15 cm. The head has a diameter of 1.5 cm. It weighs 23 gr.
Next here is the dimensional comparison with a big BIC lighter,
an AA and AAA Ni-Mh,
with a 18650 and a CR123A,
with the Olight ION and the Cooyoo Quantum TiS
and with the Nitecore TIP CU and the blue Nitecore TINI. Notice the difference between the oxidized copper of TIP Cu and the polished one, recently removed from the protective plastic, of TINI Cu. There is no need to specify that the TINI Cu is dimensionally identical to the TINI.
Lumens, runtimes, candles and beamshot
NB The tests below were made with the battery integrated in the flashlight. Everything was done in a 27 ° home environment with and without forced ventilation.
The following values have been taken with the battery charged and are considered to be peak .
The following values have been taken with the battery charged and are considered to be peak .
NB The discharge curves are obviously indicative, the result could vary in positive or negative depending on the batteries used by the end user or the conditions of use that may vary from mine during my tests. In this case, given the impossibility of keeping the Turbo constantly on during the test phase, I was able to record only the High and Mid levels.
Any slight discrepancies related to the tests carried out on the same level can be attributed to a different positioning of the measuring equipment in my tests.
The following values have been taken with the battery charged and are considered to be peak .
This photo was taken at a distance of 20 cm from the wall.
Beam width
Beamshot at the Turbo and High levels. The tree line is 25 meters away. The spill, with the spot facing the infinity on the horizontal plane, starts at about 30 cm from my feet.
I also take this opportunity to attach a short video that makes the idea of the potential of the flashlight better.
www.youtube.com/embed/TrXPPQ7qVuE
Personal considerations
The TINI Cu changes its shell but keeps its characteristics unaltered, remaining a very compact and very luminous keychain flashlight.
In your pocket you do not feel it at all and, thanks to its dual mode, there is no risk of finding the flashlight lighted in your pocket (provided, of course, you have enabled the Demo mode).
The choice of using the copper may or may not like due of its tendency to (rapid) oxidation, a matter of taste. I remind you that this small flashlight is available in aluminum in different colors and, recently, it has also been released on the market its stainless steel version in as many very cool colors. In short, take the one you like best, you will not regret it!
What do you think about it? Would you buy it?