At the end there will be a summary for those who like only particulars. In each topic I will bold the key sentences, so it will be easier to notice what's the most important. Enjoy!
For VERY large photos: click -> on the photo page right click -> "Open image in new tab"
I got a test flashlight from Nitecore, you can buy it here: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/mh11
Table of Contents:
- General parameters
- Package content
- Appearance, parameters
- UI, runtime and charging
- PWM
- Waterproofness
- Light pattern, tint
- Beamshots
- Usage and my experiences
- Summary
LED: Cree XP-L2 V6
Brightness: 1000 lumens (even 1111lm according to my measurements)
Throw: 190 meters (9150 cd)
Modes: 4 modes, mode memory
Runtime: up to 250 hours
Rechargeable battery: 18650, included 2600mAh
Thermal protection: Yes (ATR)
Polarity Reverse Protection: Yes, mechanical (more info in flashlight description below)
Lens: with AR coating
Color: Black, abrasion resistant HA III coating
Waterproof: IP68 (immersion up to 2m)
Drop resistance: 1 meter
Ability to stand on the switch: Yes (unfortunately the flashlight is unstable and wobbling)
Dimensions: 145mm x 80mm x 50mm
Weight: Flashlight with cell 106 grams, without the cell 60 grams (very light)
The package includes:
- Flashlight
- Nitecore NL1826 battery with a capacity of 2600mAh
- USB charging cable type C
- Cover
- Lanyard
- Spare O-ring
- Clip
I've received only these things:
MH11 is a small and most of all very lightweight flashlight, so after taking it out of the package I had an impression that there is no cell inside (and in fact there was).
fits easily in the palm of your hand
Beginning with the diode side, there is:
- AR coated lens
- SMO reflector and Cree XP-L V6 cool tint diode
- Charge level indicator (slow flashing means charge level < 50%, fast flashing means < 10%)
- USB Type-C charging port, protected by a rubber plug that does not protrude when attached
- Metal body for a sure grip of the flashlight
- Trapezoidal cut threads, generously greased - very smooth glide
- The cap has a double spring, and there is a metal pill on the switch side, all to get the least voltage drops.
As for that reverse polarity protection: on the driver side, which is where the "+" of the cell,there is the plate that prevents the flat part of the battery from contacting the "-", it's only possible to use a cell with a convex "+". But I had a cell from the packs, with plates on both sides, and accidentally (seriously accidentally) have put it the other way around, then click - no light. "Strange", I thought. I unscrewed it, some smoke came out, then I realized the cell was the other way around. But the flashlight didn't broke, it lights up. Fortunately I didn't keep it on like that for long, otherwise it would be dead. The conclusion: mechanical protections are not idiot-proof.
- Tail cap with reverse type switch, letter N like... Nitecore and a place for a lanyard. Unfortunately, the holes are not designed for attaching the lanyard and putting the flashlight on the switch (tailstand), because it will interfere . Secondly, the flashlight without the lanyard does not fit well on the tailstand because the switch protrudes slightly above the aforementioned holes, which makes the flashlight stand, but not vertically, and it wobbles.
Nitecore also made a lot of add-ons for the flashlight, so you can have a red light, or a mini lantern, or something red like a baton that you wave around and pretend to be roadside services.
UI
Simple 4 modes (my measurements): 3lm - 54lm - 258lm - 1111lm
Or modes according to specifications: 3lm - 50lm - 230lm - 1000lm
No flashing modes, so only 4 modes, with memory of last used.
Runtime
Graph of brightness changes during 10 minutes on the highest mode, i.e. declared 1000 lm
Charging
Built-in charger, USB type C port, cable included. Charging up to 4.14V on the cell.
In fact, I did not observe any
IP68 and waterproof for immersion up to 2 meters. I tested it on an admittedly shallow but long immersion of about 4 hours.
Results? It didn't leak, no moisture in the USB port, behind the glass or in the tail cap.
XP-L2 V6 with a cool white tint, max brightness declared 1000lm, measured 1111lm. Focused light, with a clear spot. There is also a clear tint shift, from green near the center to purple at the edges.
ISO200, t2s, f/3.5 sunlight white balance
Picture how the forest looks:
Pictures of MH11:
Some may feel one more mode is missing, but these 4 modes are well divided: 3lm for tasks around you, 50lm for walking, or some prefer another mode- 250lm. The last one, Turbo, is already over 1000lm, that is for use when needed.
Comparison with Nitecore MH12S, the previous flashlight, of tactical nature (this one is EDC) - MH12S has 5 modes, darker lowest mode and brighter highest mode - it is just different. Tested from the lowest possible mode, one at a time, all the way to the highest.
The flashlight is very light and small, which makes it suitable as an EDC flashlight - the case, lanyard and clip are just like EDC.
There are also some extras, such as head caps changing the color of the light to red, and diffusers for using the flashlight as a lantern. I personally see this flashlight as an option for people who need a really simple and practical flashlight. 4 modes, no extra strobes or SOS, and built-in USB Type-C charging, plus those 1000 lumens make it a solid yet simple flashlight.
At first I was going to write that a very big downside is having to use protected cells with a convex "+", but now I've slept through the problem, and here's what I think: The popular FW3A also has limitations, such as having to use unprotected cells, preferably with a flat "+". It wasn't that bad overall. It's a pity, of course, that we don't get the freedom here, but that's how it goes sometimes. Secured cells cost about 15 PLN, which is ummm about 4$.
The MH11 is a very lightweight, small and handy flashlight. There is an XP-L2 V6 LED, the light is focused by an SMO reflector hidden behind an anti-reflective coated lens, and everything is protected by a gently serrated tactical ring. The power supply is an 18650 battery, but do not worry - one with a capacity of 2600mAh is already included. Nothing but use it!- after taking it out of the box, put on the clip, attach the lanyard, put the whole thing into the holster and go down the brown road into the darkness!
Pros:
+ Lightweight, only 60g without battery
+ Bright, 1000lm
+ IP68, submersible up to 2m (lasted 4 hours underwater)
+ Built-in USB Type C charging
Cons:
- No compatibility with cells without protection and with cells with flat "+"
- 4 modes are ok, but I wouldn't mind some kind of strobe, e.g. after 3 clicks
- Cool white tint + tint shift, i.e. non-uniform light color
About host - threads, knurling o-rings and so on
Rating: 9,5/10
About light - UI, tint and so on
Rating:7/10
1 - very bad flashlight hurts to look at, terrible quality, unable to normal use :(
5 - average flashlight, at a reasonable price - for the average person "great". I expect all flashlights from brands like Convoy, Astrolux, Armytek, Sofirn, Nitecore, Lumintop to get a rating > 5, while good and recommendable flashlights to get rating in the range of 7.5 - 10.
10 - flashlight meets all my expectations in a given category (e.g EDC, headlamp, thrower), it's durable and neatly made, perfect light tint, worth its (even slightly inflated) price - just pure perfect.