Nitecore P27iX
1 x 21700 / 2 x CR123 - 5000 Lm. – 430 meter
I received the Nitecore P27iX directly from Nitecore for review.
For technical details and to purchase: https://nitecorestore.com/collections/n … flashlight
After several years, Nitecore introduced two new products in the P20 i-Generation series at IWA2026: the Nitecore P17iX and the Nitecore P27iX, the subject of this review.
The P27iX uses the same form factor as the previous P20iX but radically changes its features, now updated for more complete and professional usability. The new Nitecore now has a maximum brightness of 5000 lumens (Lumin Shield) and features two modes: Basic and Professional mode with two grip options: Duty, designed for everyday use (operated primarily via the side SET button), and Tactical, designed for tactical applications (operated primarily via the rear Tail and Engage buttons).
The Nitecore P27iX uses a 21700 lithium battery (NL2155HPi 5,500mAh) and is compatible with CR123/RCR123 batteries if needed.
Like the previous P20iX, the P27iX is primarily a tactical flashlight that is now controlled by three switches: two customizable Tail Button and Engage Button, and one side switch (SET Button). The P27iX’s beam reaches 430 meters with over 46,000 cd.
The Nitecore P27iX is equipped with 4 M515S five-core LEDs (6500K), offers 4 special modes: LUMIN SHIELD, STROBE READY™, SEARCH and WARNING FLASH with 4 light levels (Turbo, High, Medium and Low) and customizable beam pattern that allows you to choose between Spotlight, Floodlight or Mixed modes. The Nitecore P27iX is rechargeable via the integrated USB-C port and is certified IP68 (submersible up to 2 meters) with 2m impact resistance.
Key Features:
• Utilizes four five-core M515S LEDs with a maximum output of 5,000 lumens
• Peak beam intensity of 46,320 cd and a maximum range of 430 meters
• Offers four brightness levels: LUMIN SHIELD, STROBE READY™, SEARCH, and WARNING FLASH
• Supports button customization for quick access to special modes and brightness levels
• Two grip options are available: Duty, designed for everyday use, and Tactical, designed for tactical applications.
• Includes a NITECORE NL2155HPi 21700 lithium-ion battery (5,500 mAh) and is compatible with CR123/RCR123 batteries.
• A micro-textured orange peel reflector provides wide-beam, wide-angle illumination.
• High-efficiency constant-current circuitry provides stable output for up to 100 hours.
• Level and battery indicators display the current brightness level and remaining battery charge.
• Designed with two rear buttons and a side SET button.
• Intelligent lithium-ion battery charging circuitry with USB-C charging port, supporting QC/PD fast charging up to 18W.
• Rapid Lock™ switch available (Patent No. CN202322748377.2; US Patent No. US12203638B1; EU Patent No. EP4459174A1) Features Contents
• Features a high-strength stainless steel impact ring with silicon nitride ceramic tips that quickly break glass.
• Integrated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
• Made of aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy with a military-grade HA III hard-anodized finish.
• IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating (submersible up to 2 meters).
• Shockproof up to 2 meters.
Specifications:
Length 143 mm (5.63"), Head diameter 32 mm (1.26"), Tube diameter 26 mm (1.02")
Tail width 33 mm (1.30").
Weight 124g / 4.37oz (accessories not included), 201g / 7.09oz (battery included)
Accessories:
NITECORE NL2155HPi 21700 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery (5,500 mAh), NTH27 Tactical Holster, Clip, Spare O-ring, CR123 Battery Holder, Charging Cable with Lanyard.
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. Thereafter, all defective/malfunctioning NITECORE® products will be repaired free of charge within 60 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 months, the limited warranty applies, which covers the cost of labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or replacement parts.
Note: 1. The data shown was measured using a 21700 i series rechargeable lithium-ion battery (5,500 mAh), in accordance with the international flashlight test standards ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, at an ambient temperature of 26°C (79°F) at the NITECORE laboratory. Actual data may vary due to different battery usage or environmental conditions.
2. When LUMIN SHIELD® / STROBE / SEARCH is activated, the flashlight automatically adjusts brightness to prevent overheating and extend its life.
- The maximum LUMIN SHIELD®, SEARCH, and STROBE outputs are only accessible when using NITECORE 21700 i series batteries with an output current greater than 15A.
- The data was tested without temperature adjustment.
The Nitecore P27iX arrives in a dark box with writing that reports its main distinguishing features. Inside the package, in addition to the Nitecore P27iX, we find the Clip, the NTH27 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 accessories supplied we find the adjustable NTH27 Tactical Holster designed specifically for law enforcement operators, which allows the quick extraction of the flashlight, having a light source always quickly available. The sales package also includes the CR123 battery adapter which allows the P27iX to be used with these batteries, in an emergency, but with reduced performance.
The package also includes a USB-C to USB-C fabric cable for charging the P27iX. With the new positioning system of the terminals embedded inside a transparent plastic, the cable can act as a lanyard.
The Nitecore P27iX boasts excellent build quality, with excellent finishes and clearly legible lettering. Some components are also noteworthy, being entirely made of stainless steel, such as the flashlight lock button, the three switches, and the charging port cover.
After a few days of using the new P27iX, I must admit that this product features almost all the best features I’ve seen in recent Nitecore products, such as the Rapid Lock button and the LEDs (on the sides of the button on the head) that provide a quick view of the battery level and remaining battery life. The P27iX also features a customizable beam pattern, allowing you to choose between Spotlight, Floodlight, or Mixed modes. Furthermore, with three switches—two at the tail and one on the side of the head—the user interface (UI) is more complete and customizable.
The P27iX sits comfortably in the hand, measuring 143mm in length and weighing just 201 grams (including the battery). It’s constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy with a well-made, matte black anodized finish and consists of two parts: a head with body and a tail. The tail’s unique design prevents it from rolling.
At the head of the Nitecore P27iX is a UHi optical system with four five-core M515S LEDs (6500K) that achieve a peak beam intensity of 46,320cd and a maximum range of 430 meters.
The M515S LED, which uses an X-shaped array architecture, integrates a high-density central core with four high-efficiency cores in a diagonally symmetrical design. This solution allows for flexible beam control by choosing between Floodlight, Mixed, or Spotlight modes.
The Nitecore P27iX features an aggressive stainless steel bezel (Strike Bezel) with 3 high-hardness silicon nitride ceramic balls that allow for quick and easy use for self-defense or glass breaking, with a smooth surface to prevent accidental scratches on your clothes or backpack.
Also on the head are cooling fins and the USB-C charging port protected by a metal door. The Nitecore P27iX is IP68 certified (submersible up to 2 meters). The metal door is primarily intended to prevent large infiltrations of dust, mud, etc.
The P27iX is equipped with an intelligent battery charging system and supports QC/PD fast charging up to 18W.
Simply use the included USB-C cable to connect it to an external power source (e.g., a cell phone or tablet charger, a PC, or any other compatible power supply) to begin charging.
During charging, the green charging indicator lights will flash slowly; when the battery is fully charged, the P27iX will stop charging and the four charging indicator lights will remain solid.
In my tests, the full charging time with the included Li-ion 21700 battery (5,500mAh) is excellent, at about 2 hours (via PD/QC adapter). The lighting function is available during charging, with the exception of LUMIN SHIELD®, SEARCH, and STROBE. The green notification LEDs also act as a battery level indicator. When we turn on the P27iX, the green charge LEDs will indicate the approximate percentage of remaining battery charge as follows:
4 Solid 75% – 100%
3 Solid 50% – 75%
2 Solid 25% – 50%
1 Solid 10% – 25%
1 Flashing <10%
The battery that comes with the Nitecore P27iX is a 21700 protected (NL2155HPi 5,500 mAh), patented by Nitecore, from the “i” series.
The NITECORE 21700 i-series battery with a maximum output current of 20A features positive and negative polarity on both ends. The Nitecore P27iX only accepts Nitecore’s proprietary “i” series batteries with double poles at both the head and tail.
The Nitecore P27iX’s main body features a very aggressive, non-slip knurling pattern, as seen previously, which provides optimal grip for a secure hold even in the rain.
Near the tail is a space for the included clip or the Tactical Ring Pro, sold as an accessory.
At the bottom of the central tube are the anodized threads, which arrive well lubricated.
There’s also an O-ring seal for water and dust protection. At the two poles, for contact with the battery, there’s a special contact system for both the negative and positive terminals.
The Nitecore P27iX features a Rapid Lock™ switch. This is a great implementation that allows the flashlight to be completely locked when activated, for safe transportation.
To lock the P27iX, simply slide the Rapid Lock™ switch upwards, whether the light is on or off, to enter lock mode. The lock icon is visible below the Rapid Lock™ switch. In lock mode, all the flashlight activation buttons are disabled.
The only removable part of the Nitecore P27iX is the tail cap. The tail cap features holes for attaching a lanyard.
The tail design is tactical and modern, with two customizable switches: Tail and Engage. Along with these switches, there’s also a side button on the head (SET), which provides direct access to the LOW, MID, HIGH, TURBO, and WARNING FLASH levels.
---------- User Interface and New Switches:
The Nitecore P27iX’s user interface is easy to remember after a short learning curve thanks to its numerous customization options. The P27iX features 8 brightness levels, including WARNING FLASH, LUMIN SHIELD, SEARCH, and STROBE. The remaining levels—Low, Mid, High, and Turbo—are well spaced out, with the lowest setting, “Low,” dimming 15 lumens. Above is an excerpt from the quick start guide provided with the Nitecore user manual.
Thanks to its three switches, the new Nitecore offers two grip types: Duty and Tactical.
The Duty grip (classic) supports Basic mode and Professional mode, allowing access to the TURBO, HIGH, MID, LOW, and WARNING FLASH functions via the “SET” button. Professional mode has memory levels. To access it, simply press and hold the rear button when the light is off, and while holding it down, quickly press the SET button three times. The light will flash once (basic mode) or twice (professional mode) to confirm the mode has been successfully changed.
The Tactical Grip allows you to access the TURBO/HIGH, MID/LOW, and LUMIN SHIELD®/STROBE and SEARCH functions via the TAIL and ENGAGE buttons.
Side SET Button
Press the side SET button to turn the flashlight to LOW mode. After turning the light on, 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 turn on and automatically turn off after 3 seconds of inactivity.
When the light is off, press and hold the SET button until WARNING FLASH activates. Press the SET button briefly to turn the light off.
The new Nitecore “P” series features the ability to customize the beam type, as already seen with the Nitecore EX7. Fully press the side SET button when LOW / MID / HIGH / TURBO is activated to choose between 3 beam types: Floodlight, Mixed Light, and Spotlight.
Tail and Engage Tail Buttons
The tail buttons are dual-stage and customizable. Both the half-press and full-press of the ENGAGE tail button (side) can be configured independently to directly access LUMIN SHIELD®, STROBE, or SEARCH.
Both the half-press and full-press of the TAIL tail button (round) can be configured to directly access LOW or MID, while the full-press and full-press of the TAIL button can be configured to directly access HIGH or TURBO.
ENGAGE Button Configuration
When the light is off, while holding the ENGAGE button down (halfway or fully depressed), long-press the SET button to cycle through the following sequence:
LUMIN SHIELD® (default) – STROBE – SEARCH. Once the desired output is selected, release both buttons. The light will memorize this setting for both half-presses and long-presses of the ENGAGE button.
TAIL Button Configuration
When the light is off, while holding the TAIL button down halfway, long-press the SET button to toggle between LOW and MID (default). Once the desired output is selected, release
both buttons. The light will memorize this setting for both half-presses and half-press-and-holds of the TAIL button. Repeat with the TAIL button fully depressed to choose between TURBO (default) and HIGH.
Momentary Tactical Illumination
When the light is off, half-press and hold the TAIL button to enter MID mode. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, fully press and hold the TAIL button to enter TURBO mode. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, half-press and hold the ENGAGE button to enter LUMIN SHIELD®. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, press and hold the ENGAGE button to enter STROBE mode. Release to turn it off.
Factory Reset
In locked mode, press the ENGAGE button halfway or fully without releasing it. Then, quickly press the SET button three or more times. The flashlight will flash three times to confirm the reset has been successfully completed. Unlock the flashlight to use it.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
Nitecore P27iX has a Lumin Shield mode of 5000 lumens, lasting about 20 seconds, and a Search mode of 2500 lumens, lasting about 25 seconds, providing good illumination at low and medium/high distances. The beam tone is not particularly cold and I don’t see any significant PWM in any of the 4 levels: LOW, MID, HIGH, and TURBO. The P27iX has good peripheral illumination with a floodlight beam (floodlight mode) that can be managed via beam customization, with spill starting from the walk adjacent to the feet.
In the wall test (Spotlight), the Nitecore P27iX has a beam with the classic 4-reflector pattern, without obvious artifacts, with a bright hotspot and a slightly yellowish color crown. However, I appreciated the beam color outdoors.
The light intensity, in candela (cd), was measured at a distance of 5 meters from the luxmeter at power-on (peak). As can be seen in the table below, the values are excellent even when compared to those declared by Nitecore.
The table values are in brackets (ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019):
Floodlight TURBO 1500 lumens (8100cd): 9093cd
Floodlight HIGH 400 lumens (1806cd): 1876cd
Floodlight MID 80 lumens (272cd): 294cd
Floodlight LOW 15 lumens (49cd): 43cd
Mixer Light TURBO 1500 lumens (15750cd): 18843cd
Mixer Light HIGH 400 lumens (3249cd): 4658cd
Mixer Light MID 80 lumens (600cd): 795cd
Mixer light LOW 15 LUMENS (100cd): 95cd
Spotlight TURBO 1500 lumens (22800cd): 29648cd
Spotlight HIGH 400 lumens (6642cd): 7606cd
Spotlight MID 80 lumens (1024cd): 1695cd
Spotlight LOW 15 LUMENS (240cd): 294cd
LUMIN SHIELD 5000 lumens (22500cd): 40050cd
SEARCH 2500 lumens (46320cd): 59400cd
The CRI index, measured with the OPPLE Light Master, is normal at around 70 Ra with a white beam color, around 5700K, without any particular casts. Flicker is in the green range, not at risk. The values were taken with the 1500 lumens turbo level in floodlight mode. The Duv value of 0.0039 is decent.
In the thermal imaging test, the images below were taken 2, 4, and 10 minutes after activating the 1500-lumen TURBO level in Spotlight mode.
As you can see from the runtime graph, the brightness in Turbo mode drops in the first few minutes until stabilizing after about 10 minutes. This trend is reflected in the temperature, which nevertheless remains within acceptable limits with no problems holding the flashlight in your hand.
The runtime tests were performed indoors (approximately 20°C) with the supplied 5500mAh battery fully charged. I used the LX1330B Luxmeter for the test.
I would like to point out that the values shown in the graphs should be taken primarily as reference values because they were obtained using different equipment and environmental conditions than those used in the laboratory. Measurements made with the Luxmeter report values in Candela (cd), not brightness (lumen).
The tests were performed with the Nitecore P27iX in the TURBO brightness setting of 1500 lumens and the HIGH brightness setting of 400 lumens.
The TURBO discharge test was performed with the P27iX in Floodlight and Spotlight modes. As you can see from the graph below, the differences in candela (cd) are significant, even though the curves are similar in terms of trend and duration. In both modes, the brightness “drops” to the minimum value (low) after about 140 minutes due to battery exhaustion.
The high brightness (HIGH) of 400 lumens was set to the best-performing system (in terms of throw) in Spotlight mode. The brightness is consistent from the moment it’s turned on, with a slight decrease in brightness over the first 20 minutes.
After more than 140 minutes from the time it’s turned on, the first step-down occurs due to the battery approaching its end.
Another test was performed by repeatedly activating the momentary level LUMIN SHIELD of 5000 lumens for three minutes. It is clear that after a few continuous activations, the duration, about 20 seconds, and the light output tend to decrease, mainly due to the excessive heat generated (intervention of the ATR system).
VIDEO Unboxing and Use
CONCLUSIONS
Nitecore pleasantly surprised me with the new P27iX. The new Nitecore flashlight is very beautiful and built with excellent materials, but what I appreciated most was the customization options, both for the beam (Spotlight, Floodlight, or Mixed) and the user interface (UI).
The Nitecore P27iX features 8 light modes and 3 switches, two of which are customizable at the tail. Also noteworthy is the QC/PD fast charging (up to 18W), which allows for a full charge of the included battery in less than 2 hours, and the ability to completely shut off the battery via the tail button.
The package, complete with accessories, includes a hard holster and a high-performance (20A) 5500mAh battery.
The Nitecore P27iX, thanks to four M515S (five-core) LEDs, now reaches 5,000 lumens in its highest-performance Lumin Shield mode, with good runtime across the four normal light levels (turbo, high, mid, and low).
In conclusion, the NITECORE P20 series with i-Generation technology expands with the new tactical P27iX, which is now undoubtedly a benchmark for professional users, such as law enforcement, for its quality and performance, with extensive customization options to meet specific needs.
Thank you for reading the review.
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