Nitecore P17iX
1 x 21700 / 2 x CR123 - 5000 Lm. – 330 metres
I received the Nitecore P17iX directly from Nitecore for review.
For technical details and purchase: Nitecore P17iX Compact 5000 Lumen Tactical Flashlight – Nitecore Store?
After a few years, Nitecore presented two new products from the P20 i-Generation series at IWA2026: the Nitecore P27iX and the Nitecore P17iX, the subject of this review.
The P17iX uses the same form factor as the previous P27iX reviewed a few weeks ago but the dimensions change, being more compact in this version. The new Nitecore has a maximum brightness of 5000 lumens (Lumin Shield) and has 2 modes, Base and Professional mode, with two grip options: Duty, designed for everyday use (operated mainly via the side SET button), and the Tactical grip, designed for tactical applications (controlled mainly via the rear Tail and Engage buttons).
Nitecore P17iX uses a lithium battery in 21700 format with 5500mAh (NL2155HPi 5,500mAh) and is compatible, if necessary, with CR123/RCR123 batteries.
Like the previous “X” series models, the P17iX is primarily a tactical flashlight managed by three switches: two at the tail (Tail Button and Engage Button), which are customisable, and one on the side (SET Button). The beam of the P17iX reaches 330 metres with over 27225cd.
Nitecore P17iX is equipped with 4 M515S 5-core LEDs (6500K), offering a white colouration without tint variations, with 4 special modes: LUMIN SHIELD, STROBE READY™, SEARCH, and WARNING FLASH, and with 4 light levels (Turbo, High, Medium, and Low) and a customisable beam allowing you to choose between Spotlight, Floodlight, or Mixed modes. Nitecore P17iX is rechargeable via the integrated USB-C port and is certified IP68 (submersible up to 2 metres) with a 2m impact resistance.
Main Features:
- Utilises 4 M515S 5-core LEDs with a maximum output of 5,000 lumens.
- Peak beam intensity of 27,225 cd and a maximum throw of 330 metres.
- Offers 4 brightness levels, LUMIN SHIELD®, STROBE READY™, SEARCH, and WARNING FLASH.
- Supports button customisation for quick access to special modes and brightness levels.
- Two grip options are available: the Duty Grip and the Tactical Grip.
- Includes a NITECORE NL2155HPi 21700 (5,500 mAh) lithium-ion battery and is compatible with CR123/RCR123 batteries.
- A micro-textured orange peel reflector provides long-range, wide-angle illumination.
- High-efficiency constant current circuit provides stable output for up to 100 hours.
- Level and battery indicators are available to display the current brightness level and remaining battery charge.
- Designed with dual tail buttons and a side SET button.
- Intelligent charging circuit for lithium-ion batteries with a USB-C charging port, supporting QC/PD fast charging up to 18W.
- Rapid Lock™ switch is available.
- Equipped with a high-strength stainless steel strike bezel.
- Built-in Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module.
- Constructed from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminium alloy with a military-grade HA III hard-anodised finish.
- Waterproof and dustproof to IP68 standard (submersible up to 2 metres).
- Impact resistant up to 2 metres.
Specifications:
Length 140 mm (5.51")
Head diameter 26.8 mm (1.06")
Tube diameter 26 mm (1.02")
Tail diameter 33 mm (1.30")
Weight 101 g (3.56 oz) (accessories not included)
178 g (6.28 oz) (battery included)
Warranty:
All NITECORE® products are guaranteed for quality. Any DOA/defective product can be replaced through a local distributor/retailer within 15 days of purchase. Subsequently, all defective/malfunctioning NITECORE® products can be repaired free of charge within 60 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 months, a limited warranty applies, covering the cost of labour and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or spare parts.
Note: 1 The indicated data were measured using a 21700 i series rechargeable lithium-ion battery (5,500 mAh), in accordance with international flashlight testing standards ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, at an ambient temperature of 26 °C (79 °F) in the NITECORE laboratory. Data may vary in real-world use due to different battery usage or environmental conditions.
2. When LUMIN SHIELD® / STROBE / SEARCH is activated, the flashlight automatically adjusts its brightness to prevent overheating and prolong its lifespan. To restore the previous brightness, simply reactivate LUMIN SHIELD® / STROBE / SEARCH.
- Maximum outputs for LUMIN SHIELD®, SEARCH, and STROBE are only accessible when using NITECORE 21700 i series batteries with an output current exceeding 15 A.
- Data were tested without temperature regulation.[/size]
Nitecore P17iX arrives in a black box with yellow and white lettering, detailing its main distinguishing features. The sales package is complete with numerous accessories. Inside the box, besides the Nitecore P17iX, we find the Clip, the NTH17 tactical holster, the USB-C to USB-C charging cable with lanyard, the adapter for CR123A, a spare O-ring, manual, quick start guide, and warranty.
Among the supplied accessories, we find the adjustable NTH17 Tactical Holster particularly interesting, designed specifically for law enforcement officers. The holster is made of rigid plastic and allows for quick extraction of the torch, as well as the possibility of using it while it is inserted.
In the sales package, we also find the Adapter for CR123 batteries, which allows the P17iX to be used with these batteries in emergency situations, albeit with reduced performance.
As seen with the P27iX, here too there is a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging the P17iX which, thanks to the positioning system of the terminals embedded in rigid plastic, allows the cable to be used as a lanyard.
Nitecore P17iX has excellent build quality with superb finishes and clearly legible markings. Like the previous P27iX, this product also carries forward the best features seen in Nitecore products recently. On the P17iX, we find the total torch lock button (Rapid Lock), the LEDs (to the sides of the button on the head), which provide a quick view of the used level and remaining battery charge, and the customisable light beam that allows you to choose between Spotlight, Floodlight, or Mixed modes. Particularly noteworthy are also some components made entirely of stainless steel, such as the torch lock button, the three switches, and the protective cover for the charging port.
With 3 switches, two at the tail that are customisable and one on the side of the head, the user interface (UI) can be tailored to your specific needs.
Nitecore P17iX is very comfortable to hold, being compact with a length of 140mm and a weight of 178 grams (including the battery). It is constructed from 7075-T6 aluminium alloy with an excellent matte black anodised finish and consists of two parts: the head with the body and the tail.
The central body of the Nitecore P17iX has a very aggressive anti-slip knurling, seen previously, which ensures optimal grip in any situation, such as in the rain or when wearing gloves. The design is very attractive with an excellent anodised finish.
On the head of the Nitecore P17iX, we find a UHi optical system with 4 M515S five-core LEDs, with a cool tint, providing a peak beam intensity of 27,225cd and a maximum range of 330 metres (SEARCH mode).
The M515S LED, which uses an X-shaped array architecture, integrates a central high-luminosity core with four high-efficiency cores in a diagonally symmetrical design. This solution allows for flexible beam control, choosing between Floodlight, Mixed, or Spotlight modes.
One of the characteristics of the M515S LEDs is that they emit neutral white light, without green or yellow dominance, closely approximating natural daylight with extremely low tint deviation (Duv < 0.005) at all levels available on the P17iX. As we will see, this characteristic was later confirmed by my tests with the Opple Light Master.
Nitecore P17iX features a crenellated bezel that allows for quick and easy use for breaking glass.
Also on the head of the P17iX, we find the USB-C charging port protected by a well-made metal cover. Nitecore P17iX is IP68 certified (submersible up to 2 metres).
The P17iX is equipped with an intelligent battery charging system and supports QC/PD fast charging up to 18W.
During the charging process, the green charging indicator lights will flash slowly; when fully charged, the P17iX will cease the charging process and the 4 charging indicator lights will remain steadily illuminated.
The full charging time, with the supplied Li-ion 21700 (5,500mAh) battery, as found in my tests, is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (via PD/QC adapter). The illumination function is available during charging, with the exception of LUMIN SHIELD®, SEARCH, and STROBE. The green notification LEDs also serve as a residual charge indicator. When we turn on the P17iX, the green charging LEDs will indicate the approximate residual battery charge percentage as follows:
4 Solid On 75% – 100%
3 Solid On 50% – 75%
2 Solid On 25% – 50%
1 Solid On 10% – 25%
1 Flashing <10%
The supplied battery, found in the box with the Nitecore P17iX, is a Nitecore-patented 5,500 mAh protected 21700 (NL2155HPi) from the “i” series.
The NITECORE 21700 i series battery with a 20A output current allows for efficient output while minimising power loss due to internal resistance. It features positive and negative polarity output at both ends. The Nitecore P17iX only accepts proprietary Nitecore batteries for the “i” series with this characteristic.
At the bottom of the central tube, we find the threads, which are anodised and arrive well-lubricated.
There is also a sealing O-ring for water and dust protection. At both poles, for contact with the battery, we find a particular contact system at both the negative and positive ends.
The Nitecore P17iX is equipped with a Lock/Unlock switch (Rapid Lock). The P17iX, once locked, allows for safe transport without any possibility of accidental activation.
To lock the P17iX, simply slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock) upwards, with the light off or on; the padlock icon is visible below the lock switch (Rapid Lock). In locked mode, all buttons for activating the torch are disabled.
The only part of the Nitecore P17iX that can be unscrewed is the tail cap, which has holes for attaching a lanyard.
The tail design is tactical and modern, with two switches (Tail and Engage) with customisable functions. Along with these switches, there is the side button on the head (SET) which allows direct access to the LOW, MID, HIGH, TURBO, and WARNING FLASH levels.
User Interface:
The user interface of the Nitecore P17iX has numerous customisation options; it takes a bit of practice and memory to fully learn all possible operations.
The P17iX has 8 brightness levels, including WARNING FLASH, LUMIN SHIELD, SEARCH, and STROBE levels. The Low, Mid, High, and Turbo levels are well-spaced, although the lowest level, ‘Low’, is a bit high (15 lumens). Above, we see an excerpt from the quick start guide provided with the user manual from Nitecore.
The Nitecore P17iX has the ability to customise the beam type, as seen with the Nitecore P27iX, by fully pressing the SET side button when LOW / MID / HIGH / TURBO is activated, to choose between 3 beam types: Floodlight, Mixed Light, and Spotlight.
Thanks to its 3 switches, the Nitecore P17iX offers two types of grips: Duty and Tactical.
The Duty grip (classic) supports Base mode and Professional mode, allowing access to TURBO, HIGH, MID, LOW, and WARNING FLASH functions via the ‘SET’ button. The Professional mode has level memory and to access it, with the light off, simply hold down the rear button and, while holding it down, quickly press the SET button three times. The light will flash once (base mode) or twice (professional mode) to confirm the mode has been successfully changed.
The Tactical grip allows access to TURBO / HIGH, MID / LOW, and LUMIN SHIELD® / STROBE and SEARCH functions via the ‘TAIL’ and ‘ENGAGE’ buttons.
- The tail buttons, which are dual-stage, are customisable. Both partial and full/prolonged presses of the ENGAGE (side) tail button can be configured independently to directly access LUMIN SHIELD®, STROBE, or SEARCH.
Both partial and prolonged presses of the TAIL (round) tail button can be configured to directly access LOW or MID, while a full/prolonged press of the TAIL button can be configured to directly access HIGH or TURBO.
ENGAGE Button Configuration
When the light is off, while holding down the ENGAGE button (partially or fully), long-press the SET button to cycle through the following sequence:
LUMIN SHIELD® (default setting) – STROBE – SEARCH. Once the desired output is selected, release both buttons. The light will memorise this setting for partial and prolonged presses of the ENGAGE button.
TAIL Button Configuration
When the light is off, while half-pressing the TAIL button, long press the SET button to cycle between LOW and MID (default). Once the desired output is selected, release both buttons. The light will memorise this setting for both half-press and half-press-and-hold of the TAIL button. Repeat the operation with the fully pressed (TAIL) button to cycle between TURBO (default) and HIGH.
SET Side Button
Press the SET button to access the torch to LOW mode. After turning on the light, briefly press the SET button within 3 seconds to cycle through the following sequence: LOW – MID – HIGH – TURBO – Off.
Note: When the light is on, the corresponding blue level and green charge indicators will light up and then turn off automatically after 3 seconds of inactivity.
Momentary Tactical Illumination
When the light is off, half-press and hold the TAIL button to access MID mode. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, fully press and hold the TAIL button to access TURBO mode. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, half-press and hold the ENGAGE button to access LUMIN SHIELD®. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, press and hold the ENGAGE button to access STROBE mode. Release to turn it off.
WARNING FLASH
When the light is off, press and hold the SET button until WARNING FLASH is activated. Briefly press the SET button to turn off the light.
Factory Reset
In lockout mode, half-press or fully press the ENGAGE button without releasing it. Then, rapidly press the SET button three or more times. The torch will flash three times to confirm that the reset has been completed successfully. Unlock the torch to use it.
Nitecore P17iX together with other flashlights and the Nitecore P27iX
From left: Nitecore P27iX, Nitecore P17iX, Brinyte PT16, Fenix LD45R and Olight Baton Turbo.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
The Nitecore P17iX reaches 5000 lumens in Lumin Shield mode with a flood-like beam that can illuminate at medium/long distances. The beam tone is not particularly cold, and I don’t see any significant PWM in any of the four main modes available. The Nitecore P17iX has good peripheral illumination and the ability to customize the beam type (Flood, Mixed, and Spot), with spill starting from the walking position adjacent to the feet. The customizable beam is very well done, and I’m curious to see this technology applied to flashlights with larger head diameters in the future.
In the wall test, the Nitecore P17iX has a beam with the classic 4-parabola pattern, without obvious artifacts and a corona without any particular color shifts. Outdoors, the beam is clean with good side illumination and a bright hotspot when the P17iX is set to Spotlight mode.
The luminous intensity, in candela (cd), was measured at 5 meters from the luxmeter at power-on (peak). As you can see from the table below, the values are close to those declared by Nitecore.
The table values are in brackets (ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019):
Floodlight TURBO 1500 lumens (7976cd): 8285cd
Floodlight HIGH 400 lumens (1614cd): 1588cd
Floodlight MID 80 lumens (271cd): 268cd
Floodlight LOW 15 lumens (43cd): 50cd
Mixer Light TURBO 1500 lumens (14805cd): 15068cd
Mixer Light HIGH 400 lumens (2830cd): 3627cd
Mixer Light MID 80 lumens (506cd): 603cd
Mixer light LOW 15 LUMENS (72cd): 72cd
Spotlight TURBO 1500 lumens (22023cd): 22871cd
Spotlight HIGH 400 lumens (6241cd): 6246cd
Spotlight MID 80 lumens (841cd): 1345cd
Spotlight LOW 15 LUMENS (196cd): 269cd
LUMIN SHIELD 5000 lumens (about 10 seconds for 21895cd): 22920cd
SEARCH 2500 lumens (about 15 seconds for 27225cd): 36518cd
The CRI index, taken with the Light Master The OPPLE’s Ra is within the norm, with a beam color that isn’t too cold and no particular casts. Flicker is in the green range, and is not at risk. The values were taken with the 1500 lumen turbo setting in spotlight mode. The Duv value, in Turbo, of 0.0030 is excellent.
In the thermal camera test, the images below were taken 2, 3, and 7 minutes after activating the 1500 lumen TURBO setting. As you can see from the runtime graph, the brightness in Turbo mode drops after the first minute until stabilizing after about 10 minutes. This trend is reflected in the temperature, which nevertheless remains within acceptable values.
The runtime tests were performed indoors (about 26°C) with the supplied 5500mAh battery fully charged. For the test, I used the LX1330B Luxmeter.
I would like to point out that the values expressed in the graphs should be taken, above all, as reference values because they were obtained using different equipment and environmental conditions than those used in the laboratory. The measurements made with the Luxmeter report values in Candela (cd) and not the brightness expressed (lumens).
The discharge test in TURBO at 1500 lumens was performed by placing the P17iX in Floodlight and Spotlight modes. As can be seen from the graph below, the differences in terms of candela (cd) are notable, even though the curves are similar in terms of trend and duration. In both modes, the brightness drops sharply after one minute and then “collapses” to the minimum value (Low) after more than 180 minutes from startup due to battery depletion.
The high brightness (HIGH) of 400 lumens was set in Mixed Light mode. The trend is constant from the moment the light is turned on, with a slight decrease in brightness in the first 20 minutes.
After more than 290 minutes from startup, the first step-down occurs due to the battery approaching exhaustion.
The first 10 minutes
HIGH mode:
Another test was performed by repeatedly activating the momentary level LUMIN SHIELD of 5000 lumens for about three minutes. It’s clear that after a few continuous activations, the duration, about 10 seconds, tends to decrease, mainly due to the excessive heat generated (activation of the ATR system).
VIDEO Unboxing and Use
CONCLUSIONS:
Nitecore P17iX is the latest addition to Nitecore’s “P” series. The new tactical Nitecore is a professional flashlight recommended especially for law enforcement officers. The Nitecore P17iX is highly customizable and comes with an adjustable NTH17 hard plastic tactical holster that allows for quick flashlight extraction and the ability to use it even when inserted.
The P17iX features 8 light modes and 3 switches, including two customizable tail switches. The construction is solid, with some parts made entirely of stainless steel.
The Nitecore P17iX comes with a high-performance 5500mAh battery (20A) and QC/PD fast charging (up to 18W).
The optical system features four M515S LEDs (five cores), with a maximum brightness of 5000 lumens, no color cast or color deviation, an excellent DUV (Delta UV) of less than 0.005, and good battery life across the four normal light levels (turbo, high, mid, and low).
In conclusion, the new Nitecore P17iX with i-Generation technology, along with the P27iX, becomes a benchmark for professional users, such as law enforcement, for quality and performance, with extensive customization options to meet specific needs. The P17iX’s performance is slightly inferior to the Nitecore P27iX, but the P17iX’s more compact dimensions (26.8mm instead of 32mm) make it a highly recommended purchase for those seeking maximum practicality in terms of size while still maintaining a high-performance and solid product.
Thanks for reading the review.
Roberto