Review Nitecore MH40S - 2x21700 - 1500 meters

I received the NITECORE MH40S directly from Nitecore for the review.


For technical details: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/mh40s
For purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-MH40S-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-mh40s.htm








Nitecore renews the MH40 series with a new updated and more performing model, the Nitecore MH40S.

The Nitecore MH40S is a long range hunting torch that reaches the brightness of 1500 lumens in Turbo with a maximum throw covering the distance of 1500 meters for 570.000cd with a maximum runtime of 105 hours. Nitecore MH40S is equipped with a Luminengin G9 LED, has a memory function and has 4 brightness levels (Turbo, High, Medium and Low) as well as 3 special levels (Strobe, Beacon and SOS).

Nitecore MH40S is powered by 2 lithium batteries in 21700 format, included in the sales package (NITECORE NL2150 5,000 mAh) and has two switches, one on the side and one in the tail.
To recharge the batteries, a USB-C port is used together with a power supply (included in the sales package) with 18W QC3.0 technology that allows a complete recharge in just 2h45min.

For the first time Nitecore introduces in the sales package a “2.4G” wireless remote switch that allows complete control of the torch from a distance.
Another new feature of the Nitecore MH40S is the low vibration power indication.

MH40S is certified waterproof and dustproof IP68 (2 meters submersible) with impact resistance up to 1 meter.
The new Nitecore is recommended for hunting, defense, research, hiking and law enforcement.







MAIN FEATURES:

• Utilizes a Luminengin G9 LED with a max output of 1,500 lumens
• Max peak beam intensity of 570,000cd and max throw of 1,500 meters
• An optical system combined with crystal coating and “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT)
• Powered by 2 x 21700 high capacity Li-ion batteries to provide a runtime up to 105 hours
• Equipped with the low power vibration indication
• The tactical tail switch and the mode button control 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• STROBE Mode uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
• A power indicator beneath the mode button indicates the remaining battery power
• Intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C charging port
• NITECORE 21700 Li-ion batteries included (NL2150 5,000mAh)
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
• Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
• 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 1 meter


Dimensions and weight:

Length: 256mm (10.08 ")
Head Diameter: 65mm (2.56 ")
Tube diameter: 25.8mm (1.02 ")
Tail diameter: 27.2mm (1.07 ")
Weight: 245.8g (8.67oz)

Levels available:

Low 18 lumen - 105h
Mid 150 lumens - 25h
High 500 lumens - 7h 15min
Turbo 1500 lumens - 3h 15min
Strobe 1500 lumens
Beacon 1500 lumens
SOS 1500 lumens

Warranty:
All NITECORE® products are guaranteed for quality. The defective product can be replaced via a local distributor / reseller within 15 days of purchase. After that, the non-functioning NITECORE® product can be repaired free of charge within 60 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 months, the limited warranty applies, which covers labor and maintenance costs, but not the cost of accessories or replacement parts.
The warranty is void if the product is damaged due to improper use.





Note: The data shown is measured in accordance with the ANSI / PLATO FL 1-2019 international torch test standard, using 2 21700 Li-ion batteries (5,000 mAh) under laboratory conditions. Data may vary due to different types of batteries or environmental conditions.







Nitecore MH40S arrives, protected by a foam, in a premium package complete with everything you need. I have rarely seen so many accessories included with the flashlight and all of excellent workmanship. The dark-colored rigid cardboard box shows on the 4 sides the main characteristics that distinguish it.





Inside the package we find, in addition to the Nitecore MH40S with the batteries inside (21700 NL2150 5,000mAh), the QC Adapter, the USB-C charging cable, the Wireless Remote Switch Set, the holster, the lanyard, a replacement O-ring, manual and warranty.







The Wireless Remote Switch Set includes the wireless remote switch with 3 accessories which are:
Hook-and-loop Fastener, 2 Hook and Loop Straps and 2 Picatinny Rail Mounts.
The pairing of the Remore Switch is already preset at the factory before packing.




The remote switch is powered by 1 3V CR1632 button battery which allows for approximately 4,000 presses. The standby time is approximately 12 months if the inserted battery is fully charged. When there is nothing blocking the path between the torch and the remote switch, the effective range of the control is 1m.




Power On and Off
The MH40S can only be controlled by the wireless remote control when it is turned on, by pressing the rear button on the tang.
Power on: With the light off, press button A fully to turn it on.
Switch off: With the light on, press button A completely to switch it off.
Note: When the light is off, the indicator light under the Mode button will flash every 5 seconds to inform the user that it is possible to control it via a previously paired wireless remote control. If no interactions occur within 2 hours, the remote control will go into energy saving by disconnecting from the flashlight.

Select the brightness level
With the light on, partially press button A to cyclically select the different powers: LOW - MID - HIGH - TURBO.

Direct access to TURBO mode
With the light on, press and hold button B to enter TURBO mode. Release to restore the previous brightness level.

Access to Special Modes
When the flashlight is on, press and hold button A partially to enter STROBE mode. Then press button A halfway to scroll through the following special modes: STROBE - BEACON - SOS.





Another accessory of particular importance is the QC Adapter which allows fast recharging of the MH40S being compatible with the Qualcomm 3.0 standard.





Main Features of QC3.0 Quick Charger:

Dimensions: 63x40x22mm
Product weight: 46.2g
Input voltage: AC 100-240V 50-60Hz
Output voltage: 5.0V - 3.0A, 9.0V - 2.0A, 12.0V - 1.5A
Output power: 18W
Operating temperature: 0-50 degrees
Output protection: short circuit protection, over voltage protection, overload protection, overheat protection.
Product Certification: 3C CE, FCC PSE ROHS








Nitecore MH40S in construction reflects the standards to which Nitecore has accustomed us, with good build quality, good finishes and legible writings. MH40S is 25.6 cm long with a weight (measured by me) of 388g including the two 21700 batteries that power it.
The design and shape of the flashlight are well studied allowing a good hand hold despite the length.




Nitecore MH40S is built in aluminum alloy with an anodized finish, well made, in a glossy black color. It is made up of two parts: head with body and tail. The shape of the tail cap allows the protection of the button; the MH40s can be placed vertically as a candle (tailstanding).







On the head of the Nitecore MH40S we find a SMO dish with the Luminengin G9 LED in the center, which allows, compared to the previous Nitecore MH40GTR, a greater distance reached by the beam that reaches up to 1500 meters.



This LED (it should be the Yinding 5050) has a small round light emitting surface (LES), with a narrower, more uniform and defined beam focus with a higher throw.

Note: I found a very interesting article on BudgetLightForum about these new LEDs: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/68542






Glass and parabola have anti-reflective treatment with PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology). Nitecore MH40S is equipped with a slightly crenulated bezel with well-made writing on the head.






Under the head we find the side button and the charging port in USB-C format together with cooling fins.

The side button, large and slightly embossed, is made of rubber and has a blue notification LED to indicate the charging status and the remaining charge (tail and side buttons pressed simultaneously). The click is hardly perceptible but firm; given the size I had no problem finding it in the dark.

Remaining charge indication:

Flashing 3 times: the power 50%
Flashing 2 times: power <50%
Flashing 1 time: power <25%







Nitecore MH40S has a low power vibration indication. When the remaining power is less than 10%, the MH4OS will notify the user by vibrating every 10 seconds. I find this a very useful and interesting solution that I hope will also be implemented in the future by Nitecore.





The USB-C charging port is well protected against water and dust by a fairly thick rubber door.






To recharge the Nitecore MH40s, an 18W power supply with QC3.0 technology is supplied in the package.
Using this power supply it is possible to recharge the two Nitecore 21700 batteries in about 3 hours.
To start the charging process, press the power button on the tang.

During the charging process, the blue charge indicator will flash slowly; when the battery is fully charged, the MH40S will cease the charging process and the charge indicator will stay on steadily.

When the Nitecore MH40S is charging, it cannot be used.





The central body of the Nitecore MH40S has a non-slip knurling formed by many shaped rings that give the flashlight a good grip even in case of rain. I noticed that the batteries inside have some slack and move slightly when we operate the flashlight.





In the lower part of the central tube we find the threads that arrive well lubricated and being anodized allow, by slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical block of the torch. There is also a sealing O-ring for protection against water and dust. Nitecore MH40S is IP68 certified (2 meters submersible).





At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a double spring of moderate thickness in the negative and a spring-loaded system with a button plated on the positive. This system acts as a shock absorber in case the MH40S is mounted on a rifle.





The 2 batteries supplied with the MH40S are two protected Nitecore 21700 (NL2150) from 5000mAh.
Nitecore MH40S can also use non-proprietary batteries for the operation of the flashlight but only in 21700 format.





In the tail of the MH40S we find the tail cap with a rhomboidal knurling, with the the rear switch to turn the flashlight On or Off equipped with the "momentary on" function (which can be operated with the flashlight off).


To operate the switch you have to make a fair amount of force and the click is noisy.





In one of the two slots of the cap it is possible to insert the lanyard supplied with the Nitecore MH40S.










Nitecore MH40S together with other flashlights.



From left: Nitecore 21700 (NL2150) battery - Acebeam T27 - Nitecore MH40S and Speras T3R.



User Interface (UI):

Nitecore MH40S has memory, has 2 switches (rear and side) and provides 4 levels of brightness and 3 special levels.

Turbo 1500 lumens - 3h 15min
High 500 lumen - 7h 15min
Mid 150 lumens - 25h
Low 18 lumen - 105h
Strobe 1500 lumens
Beacon 1500 lumens
SOS 1500 lumens






Momentary Tactical Lighting
When the flashlight is off, press and hold the switch on the shank halfway to momentarily turn on the light. Release to turn it off.

Power On and Off
Power on: When the light is off, press the switch on the tang until you hear a click to turn it on.
Turn off: When the light is on, press the switch on the tang until you hear a click to turn it off.
(The MH40S has a memory function. When reactivated, the flashlight automatically enters the previous stored brightness level or STROBE mode).

Levels of Brightness
When the light is on, briefly press the Mode button to cycle through the following brightness levels: LOW - MEDIUM - HIGH - TURBO.

Special Modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS)
When the flashlight is on, press and hold the Mode button to cycle through the following special modes: STROBE - BEACON - SOS. Release to select the desired special mode. Briefly press the Mode button to return to the previous state or press the switch on the tang to turn off the light.

ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
Integrated ATR technology adjusts the light output of the MH40S to maintain optimum performance based on the working conditions and surrounding environment.







BEAM and RUNTIME:

With this LED, Nitecore MH40S reaches 1500 lumens in Turbo mode, covering a considerable distance of 1500 meters with the beam; a step ahead of the past. The beam has a bright and concentrated hotspot with peripheral lighting that is still present and usable.





Nitecore MH40S together with the Acebeam T27 (left).






The tone of the beam is predominantly green and, around the hot spot, concentric circles can be seen with shades from green to yellow. Fortunately, given the type of use, and being the Nitecore MH40S a thrower torch, it is not a problem.




I measured the CCT and CRI with the OPPLE Lightmaster Pro at a distance of about 5 meters from the sensor. The average value reported in the CCT is about 5500 while the average CRI (RA) value is about 56/57.
No significant PWM in any of the 4 available levels.
The start of the spill from the walk is over 1 meter from the feet.





The Runtime were done in a closed environment with an ambient temperature of about 26 ° C using the supplied batteries, two Nitecore 21700 protected by 5000 mAh, fully charged.
Nitecore's built-in ATR technology adjusts the output of the MH40S according to working conditions and environment, to maintain optimum performance.

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

Nitecore MH40S is well regulated.

Due to a technical problem I could only do a test with the Nitecore MH40S in TURBO at 1500 lumens.
The value declared by the house of 3h15min has been reached and exceeded.
After switching on, there is a constant decline until around minute 35. At this point, the brightness remains stable, about halfway through the initial output, until minute 231 where there is a sudden drop due to depletion of the batteries.
After exactly 5 hours the MH40S shut down.






The first 40 minutes:





VIDEO Unboxing, use and beam.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6AKWLigmICQ


CONCLUSIONS:

Nitecore MH40S successfully updates the previous MH40GTR by presenting a more performing product inside a mega-complete package with innovative accessories such as wireless remote control.
The package also includes an excellent 18W power supply in QC3.0 standard for recharging the two batteries included in the package.
MH40S is a long range rechargeable flashlight recommended especially for hunting and research.
It has 4 light levels plus special Strobo, Beacon and SOS modes.
MH40S has 2 switches and memory of the last level used.
The distance reached by the beam of the MH40S with this size of the head is really remarkable. Good runtime and its adjustment as well as the spacing of the light levels.
Definitely a performing and complete product, I hope it can be updated with a less green LED color. Recommended.

Thank you for reading the review.

------ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL ------------------------------------------------

Wow! Thanksa!!!

Can I see illuminated object at 1500 meters? Thank you :slight_smile:
Mike

Thank you for the thorough review.

This is just an estimate while looking at your graph. It looks like after 5 minutes it’s only 60% of 1500 lumens. Which would be 900.

Can you turn the light on and off to reset the step down?

I am definitely picky, selective and direct.

My favorite led by far is the SBT 90.2. I have several lights where the Lumen output is anywhere between 4800 and 6,000.

For instance my K1 which is slightly modified is 5800 lumens at turn on and 550Kcd. The same throw as this light but almost four times as much lumens.

I guess I’m spoiled! Because lights that are a 1000, 1500, or 2000 lumens don’t do it for me anymore after the SBT 90.2 came out it changed everything in terms of High Lumen outfit and very good throw.

I have a convoy L21A with a black flat LED in it. It’s 1200 lumens and about 300 Kcd. I hardly use it anymore. This light has a few hundred more lumens and more throw. Not a bad light at all it’s just not my preference.

Thanks for your work and time. :beer:

As soon as I find a target at this distance, I definitely try to do so also because I also have to test the Nitecore P35i which slightly exceeds 1500 meters.
Roberto

Thank you for reading the review. Of course, the SBT 90.2 is the top at the moment in terms of performance. The LED of the MH40S reaches a considerable distance with the beam considering the size of the head. Then consider that more lumens also make more heat to be disposed of. As soon as I can I do a turbo reactivation test to see how it behaves.