Review Nitecore MH25 V2 - 21700- 1300 lumens - USB-C

Nitecore MH25 V2 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for the review.

For technical details of the flashlight: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/mh25v2

For the purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-MH25-v2-Rechargeable-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-mh25v2.htm







Nitecore MH25 V2 is Nitecore's latest high-performance tactical flashlight from the "Multitask Hybrid" series.

MH25 V2 renews the previous MH25GT bringing significant updates with a maximum brightness hour of 1300 lumens for 3 hours of autonomy. MH25 V2 grips well despite its 157.2mm length and delivers, with its beam, a maximum throw of 475 meters with a maximum intensity peak of 57,000cd. It is sold with a high performance 5000 mAh lithium battery in 21700 format (it is compatible with 1 18650 battery or 2 CR123 / RCR123 batteries) and is rechargeable quickly (3 hours and 45 minutes) via the USB-C port.

Nitecore MH12 V2 has two switches, one in the tail and one on the side in metal, it has two modes of use for daily or tactical use with 4 light levels (over 3 special) ranging from 1 lumen to 1300 lumens.

It has an IP68 waterproof rating (2 meters submersion) and is shock resistant to 2 meters.

MH25 V2 is recommended for search, emergency, self-defense, outdoor activities, patrolling and law enforcement and is compatible with optional tactical accessories, such as gun mounts, remote switch and filters.











MAIN FEATURES

  • Utilizes a high performance LED with a max output of 1,300 lumens
  • Max peak beam intensity of 57,000cd and max throw of 475 meters
  • An optical system combined with crystal coating and “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT)
  • Powered by a 21700 high capacity Li-ion battery while compatible with 18650 and CR123 batteries, to provide a runtime up to 1,500 hours
  • Tactical Mode and Daily Mode available
  • The tactical tail switch and the metal side switch control 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes
  • STROBE Mode uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
  • A power indicator beneath the side switch indicates the remaining battery power
  • The power indicator can display the battery voltage (±0.1V)
  • Intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C charging port
  • NITECORE 21700 Li-ion battery included (NL2150 5,000mAh)
  • Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
  • Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
  • Electronic reverse polarity protection
  • Optical lenses with double-sided scratch resistant coating
  • Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
  • HA III military grade hard-anodized finish
  • Waterproof and dustproof rating in accordance with IP68 (2 meters submersible)
  • Impact resistant to 2 meters
  • Tail stand capability

Specifications

Length: 157.2mm (6.19") Head Diameter: 40mm (1.57”) Tube Diameter: 25.4mm (1”) Tail Diameter: 27.2mm (1.07”) Weight: 137g (4.83oz)

Accessories

NITECORE 21700 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (NL2150 5,000mAh), USB-C Charging Cable, Clip, Lanyard, Spare O-ring, 18650/CR123 Battery Magazine, Holster




Note: The stated data is measured in accordance with the international flashlight testing standards ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, using 1 x 21700 Li-ion battery (5,000mAh) under laboratory conditions. The data may vary in real world use due to different battery usage or environmental conditions.





Nitecore MH25 V2 arrived without box and manual as it has not yet been presented (at the time of shipment). In the original box will be present in addition to the MH25 V2:

NITECORE 21700 Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (NL2150 5,000 mAh), USB-C Charging Cable, Clip, Lanyard, Spare O-ring, 18650/CR123 Battery Magazine, Holster and manual.






The protected battery supplied with the MH25 V2 is a 5000 mAh 21700 lithium battery. The battery can be charged in an external charger, for lithium-ion batteries, such as U11, U12, UMS2 or UMS4.

Here are some features of the Nitecore 21700 NL2150:

- Incorporates a pressure relief valve

- A microporous barrier for heat dissipation

- Integrated PTC for surge protection

- Nickel-plated stainless steel cathode and anode

- Abrasion resistant coating

- Overload, over-discharge protection

SPECIFICATIONS:

Capacity: 5000mAh Voltage: 3.6V

Discharge Current: 8A

Weight: 73g Length: 75.2mm Diameter: 21.6mm


Nitecore MH25 V2 can also be powered with other batteries, protected or unprotected, both in 21700 format and, through the included adapter, in 18650 format or even 2 CR123 / RCR123 batteries.

The batteries, in 21700 format, that I used to test compatibility range from a length of 70mm to a length of 76mm.



At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a double plated spring on the negative and a single one on the positive. The Nitecore MH12 V2 has electronic protection against polarity inversion.

We also see the threads, which arrive well greased, and the water and dust seal O-ring.

By slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical locking of the flashlight is obtained.








Nitecore MH25 V2, as Nitecore has accustomed us to, has excellent build quality, good thicknesses and coating. It is made of aluminum alloy with an anodized finish, glossy black, hard military type. It is made up of two parts: head with body and tail. Well made and clearly legible the writings on the flashlight.









MH25 V2 is slightly shorter than the previous MH25GT, measuring 157.2 mm in length, it grips very well without having excessive weight (204g with the battery). The new Nitecore increases the brightness which now becomes 1300 lumens with a slightly higher beam throw which now reaches 475 meters. In the face of a more modern, but less personal, line, it has improved some important details such as the type of battery, being now powered by a 5000 mAh Li-ion 21700, and the now faster charging that takes place via the more modern USB-C connector.

Nitecore MH25 V2 is IP68 certified (2 meters submersible and waterproof) and withstands impact up to 2 meters.





On the head of the Nitecore MH25 V2 we find a SMO dish. According to my Nitecore contact, the LED is a customized CREE.

From the measurements made with the OPPLE Light Master, the LED has a neutral white light with a temperature of about 5000K with a CRI of about 66.

The maximum distance reached by the beam is 475 meters with 57.000cd confirmed by my tests.

The Optical Lens has a scratch resistant coating and uses an optical system combined with crystal coating and PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology). The bezel is slightly crenulated.

In evidence the large identifying writings.










On the head of the MH25 V2 we find fairly deep cooling fins and the lateral metal button that allows us to manage the 4 available levels (in addition to the 3 special ones). The button has a hardly audible click and has a notification LED around the button that lights up blue to indicate the battery charge status. When the autonomy is running low, the LED flashes quickly. The button is slightly raised; I found some difficult to find it in the dark, even more so if you use gloves.









On the opposite side of the side button we find the USB-C charging port protected by a thick rubber flap that rises or fits quickly and well, ensuring excellent protection.

The Nitecore MH25 V2 is equipped with an intelligent battery charging system.

  • During the charging process, the indicator light will begin to flash slowly.
  • When the battery is fully charged, the MH25 V2 will stop the process and the indicator light will stay on statically for a few seconds.
  • If the charging process encounters problems (damaged battery, polarity reversal, etc.), the MH25 V2 will stop the charging process and the indicator light will continue to flash rapidly.
  • The average charging time of a battery is approximately 3 hours and 45min (using a 5V / 2A power supply).

In my tests, the full recharge of the supplied battery, a Li-ion 21700 (5,000mAh), took about 4 hours. Charging, according to my instrumentation, is done at around 2A.








The central body of the Nitecore MH25 V2 has a rhomboid-shaped non-slip knurling. The space to insert the supplied clip or the Tactical Ring Pro sold as an accessory is clearly visible.




The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore MH25 V2 is the tail cap. The tail cap also has a knurling that facilitates the unscrewing of the cap and, given its shape, allows the MH25 V2 to be placed upright like a candle and to receive accidental activations. On the cap it is also possible to insert the lanyard supplied in the appropriate spaces.

In the queue we find the tactical mechanical button to turn the flashlight on or off. To operate it you have to do a fair amount of force and the click is noisy. The button also has the Momentary-On function.






Nitecore MH25 V2 near to other flashlights.



From the left: Li-ion Nitecore 21700, Nitecore MH25 V2, Nitecore MH25S, Olight Warrior X Pro, Zebralight SC700d.

Nitecore MH25 V2 can be customized with the tactical accessories available for purchase.




USER INTERFACE (UI)




Nitecore MH25 V2 has two switches, one side (mode button) and one tactical (tail).

With the Nitecore MH25 V2 we have 2 Operating Modes: Daily Mode (factory selected) and Tactical Mode with 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes.



In Daily Mode we have 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes available. The MH25 V2, after switching off, will keep the previously set level (the 4 brightnesses and the STROBE) in memory and will propose it to the user during the start-up phase.

o Ultra low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 11 meters

o Low: 50 lumens / 50 hours / 87 meters

o Mid: 300 lumens / 8 hours and 30 min / 210 meters

o High: 1300 lumens / 3 hours / 475 meters

o Strobe: 1300 lumens

o Beacon: 1300 lumens

o SOS: 1300 lumens

In Tactical Mode we have 4 brightness levels and 1 special mode available. The MH25 V2, after switching off, will keep in memory only the HIGH and STROBO levels previously set and will propose them to the user during the start-up phase.

o High: 1300 lumens / 3 hours / 475 meters

o Mid: 300 lumens / 8 hours and 30 min / 210 meters

o Low: 50 lumens / 50 hours / 87 meters

o Ultra low: 1 lumen / 1500 hours / 11 meters

o Strobe: 1300 lumens

For the instructions for use I report the link of the multilingual manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads ... mh25v2.pdf



BEAM and RUNTIME

The beam of the Nitecore MH25 V2 has a fair uniformity with a pleasant color, not cold but tending to yellow, and a pronounced and bright spot. The temperature of the LED, measured by me, is about 5000K. To the eye I don't see any significant PWM in any of the 4 modes. The start of the spill from the walk is over one meter. In a test of the beam on the wall, I placed the Nitecore MH25S alongside the Nitecore MH25 V2. The color difference of the beam can be seen from the photo.


Two shots with the Nitecore MH25 V2.




The Runtime were done in a closed environment with an ambient temperature of about 20 °C using the Nitecore 21700 5000 mAh battery, found in the sales package, fully charged.

I would like to clarify that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.

MH25 V2 features the ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) module that adjusts its output power by adapting to the surrounding environment, maintaining optimal performance.




Nitecore MH25 V2 with this performing battery has a good runtime. In my tests the values in candles reflect or exceed those reported by the house. As can be seen from the discharge curve, the MH25 V2 is well regulated.
Starting from the test of the highest level, "HIGH from 1300 lumens", after switching on, there is a decrease in brightness up to minute 14. At this point there is a constant output up to minute 148 where the first of the three occurs sudden drops in brightness that will lead us to the minimum brightness of 1 lumen.




The first 20 minutes.

A test was done by placing a small fan next to the MH25 V2. The graph shows the intervention of the Nitecore ATM module for adjusting the light output according to the temperature.



The last test was made by putting the Nitecore MH25 V2 in MID mode of 300 lumens.







VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/embed/lX_Mhb-ALfA




CONCLUSIONS:

The new Tactical MH25 V2 from Nitecore, an update of the previous model of MH25GT, is compact and grips well; it is equipped with a CREE LED with a maximum light output of 1300 lumens and a maximum range of 475 meters, ideal for many common situations or where a more performing light is needed such as emergencies or research. Nitecore MH25 V2 is rechargeable via the USB-C port and is equipped with a high-performance 5000 mAh lithium battery in 21700 format included in the sales package.
I also believe that the 4 levels (over the 3 specials) are well spaced, starting from 1 lumen to reach the maximum 1300.
I really appreciated, of the Nitecore MH25 V2, the color temperature of the "neutral white" beam with an excellent shot, and the possibility of powering the flashlight with batteries of various formats and not owned by them.
The side button, perhaps, can be improved to be more easily found in the dark considering also the cylindrical shape of the head which does not help in this purpose. Finally, the runtime and the regulation of the Nitecore ATR system are excellent.
Thank you for reading the review.

That LED looks weird, do I see the remains of the dome aroind the chip? Factory scalped XHP35.2?

Ouch!

The dedomed LED reminded me of the Olight Javelot with the domeless XP-L. That CRI value didn’t surprise me, it can be normal for a throw flashlight.