[Review] - Nitecore EC4GTS - XHP35 HD 1800 lm 2x18650 - by Lock

lock · 2018-09-14T13:19:00.000Z

Hello everyone ... today we will see the Nitecore EC4GTS: a performance 2x18650 light able to deliver to the Turbo well 1800 Lumens. The flashlight was supplied to me by Nitecore specifically for the review.

Packaging and content

The EC4GTS arrives in the classic Nitecore cardboard box on which the main features of the product are printed. The package includes:

• EC4GTS

• Nylon Holster

• Laynard

• Instruction Manual

• Warranty Card

Features

• High-performance blazing searchlight

• Utilizes CREE XHP35 HD LED, with a maximum output of 1,800 lumens

• Maximum peak beam intensity of 39,220cd and maximum throw of 396 meters

• Made with unibody die-cast technology

• Thumbscrew lock on tail cap doubles as a tripod connector

• Crystal coating technology combined with “Precision DigitalOptics Technology” for unparalleled reflector performance

• High efficiency constant circuit provides stable output up to 380 hours

• Dual switch design enables quick switch to 5 levels of brightness and 3 special modes

• A power indicator beneath the Power switch indicates remaining battery power (Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)

• Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation module

• Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with scratch resistant coating

• Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy with HA III military grade hard-anodized finish

• Waterproof in accordance with IPX8 (2 meters submersible)

• Impact resistant to 1 meter

• Tail stand capability Specifications

Dimensions and weight

Length: 155mm (6.1”)

Head Diameter: 40mm (1.57”)

Tube: 40mm×29mm (1.57”×1.14”)

Weight: 171g (6.03oz)

Output Level and Runtime

The Nitecore EC4GTS has 5 normal levels + 3 special levels (Strobo, Beacon, SOS)

Turbo: 1800 lm declared [color=#FF4000](measured 1904 lm)[/color] – 1h

High: 800 lm declared [color=#FF4000](measured 852 lm)[/color] – 3h15min

Mid: 240 lm declared [color=#FF4000](measured 276 lm)[/color] – 12h

Low: 50 lm declared [color=#FF4000](measured 49 lm)[/color] – 58h

Ultra-Low: 1 lm declared [color=#FF4000](measured 1 lm)[/color] – 380h Runtime

Turbo Level – 2x18650 2600mAh Keeppower

The body and the materials

The Nitecore EC4GTS is a torch whose design differs from the classic cylindrical shapes we are used to.

The body is made by die-casting and guarantees excellent dissipative properties during use on high levels, lightness, rigidity and strength.

The power supply of this model is entrusted to two 18650 Li-Ion batteries that will necessarily have to be Button Top. The cells with the flat pole could have problems making contact, so the same Nitecore discourages its use.

The EC4GTS unlike the previous version (EC4GT) that fitted an LED XP-L HI V3, this has a high performance XHP35 HD capable of delivering to the Turbo well 1800 lumens with a shot of 396 meters.

The only part of the torch that can be disassembled is the particular screw cap placed in the tail. To do this, simply rotate the appropriate wheel. This has a working by means of knurling and offers an excellent grip, especially useful during the opening and closing operations, and also has the classic screw attachment for the tripod.

The EC4GTS is compact while having inside there are 2x18650. It is convenient to carry in a bag or in a backpack pocket. The materials are of quality, the thicknesses are abundant.

The weight is about 170g without batteries (270 with batteries).

The interface is managed by two buttons placed laterally near the head. These are made of rubber, well made, slightly protruding and press a sord "click" on the pressure

The head has on its sides a series of very deep dissipation fins.

Laterally, on the body, there is a checkered pattern that ensures optimal grip even with wet hands.

The reflector is smooth, deep and about 4cm wide to give the beam shooting characteristics. The LED is well centered.

The lens is of good quality, thick and with the classic anti-reflection treatment

The lettering is well done, perfect anodizing.

Detail of the "Nitecore" engraving on the tabs of the tailcap

Unscrewing the tailcap will have access to the battery compartment. At the negative poles we have a double spring, while at the positive poles we have small golden protruding buttons.

Nitecore declares a water resistance according to the IP68 standard (submersible up to 2 meters deep). A large rubber gasket in the tail guarantees a tight seal.

The ergonomic and aerodynamic body makes the EC4GTS very easy to grip. The buttons are easily detectable even in total darkness or when using gloves.

The tail is flat so the torch can also be used in tailstanding.

With the torch comes also a Nylon Holster, well made and the right size to protect the torch very well. On the back there is a D-ring and belt loops.

User Interface

On/Off

To Switch On: When the light is off, press the Power button to switch it on. To Switch Off: When the light is on, press the Power button to switch it off.

Brightness Levels

When the light is on, press the Mode button repeatedly to cycle through brightness levels of Ultralow, Low, Medium, High and Turbo. The flashlight will return to the previously used brightness level after being turned off and on again.

Direct Access to Ultralow/Turbo

Direct Access to Ultralow: When the light is off, press and hold the Power button to switch directly to Ultralow. Direct Access to Turbo: When the light is off, press and hold the Mode button to switch directly to Turbo. Instant Access to Turbo

• When the light is on, press and hold the Mode button to switch to Turbo. Releasing the button will go back to the previous level.

• When the light is off, press and hold the Mode button for more than 2 seconds to switch to Turbo. Releasing the button will switch off the flashlight.

Special Modes (Strobe / Location Beacon / SOS)

When the light is off, quickly tap the Mode button twice to switch to Strobe mode. Then press the Mode button to cycle through other special modes (Strobe / Location Beacon / SOS). Press the Power button to exit special mode.

Lockout / Unlock

Lockout mode is designed to prevent light from accidental activation. In Lockout mode, the flashlight consumes a negligible amount of power, and the buttons are locked and do not respond to clicks. Set the light to Lockout mode when it is kept in a backpack or anywhere there is a likelihood of accidental activation. The standby time in this status is up to 12 months.

Lockout: Press and hold both Power and Mode buttons simultaneously until the LED flash once to indicate that the flashlight has entered Lockout mode.

Unlock: In Lockout mode, press and hold both Power and Mode buttons until the light turns on to unlock the flashlight. The light will go back to its previous level.

Location Indicator

To switch on the location indicator, press and hold down the Power button to turn off the flashlight when the light is on. A blue indicator underneath the switches will flash once every 2 seconds to indicate the location of the flashlight. The standby time in this status is up to 6 months. Turning on the light again will automatically switch off the location indicator.

Power Tips

When the batteries are replaced, or the Mode button is pressed when the light is off, the blue indicator will flash to indicate the remaining power of the batteries:

Flashing three times indicates that the power is above 50%;
Flashing twice indicates that the power is below 50%;
Flashing once indicates that the power is near depletion and the batteries need recharging as soon as possible.

ATR

With incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation module, the EC4GTS regulates its outputs and adapts to the ambient environment, maintaining optimal performance.

Beam, Tint and Beamshots

The EC4GTS beam is throw, with a bright spill that is perfectly usable nearby. Nitecore declares 39220cd. The tint is Cool, pleasant. The color of the spot is slightly warmer.

Beamshot #1

Beamshot #2

Beamshot #3

Beamshot #4

Beamshot #5

Beamshot #6

Beamshot #7

Final Considerations

The EC4GTS proved to be a valid torch from all points of view. Aesthetically it is very interesting, ergonomic lines, perfect anodizing, working on the body with squares to ensure exceptional grip in all conditions of use.

In the hand gives a feeling of strength and solidity. Thicknesses are plentiful and details are taken care of.

Thanks to the power supply with double 18650 runtimes are very respectable. The adjustment is excellent and the temperature control system works well.

Tint cold but not too much, it was Neutral or Warm surely I would have appreciated more. We hope Nitecore decides as soon as possible to propose different types of tint for its models.

In short, a great product !!

xevious · 2019-01-09T19:31:10.000Z

Very nice review and excellent detailed photographs. I like the form factor of this light.

“Reverse polarity protection”… is listed as an attribute, but I’m guessing on the EC4GTS it’s a physical block versus firmware? I see several screws securing the terminal boards, which I’m guessing are that protection mechanism. So basically you cannot run unprotected or flat top cells in this light…

Jerommel · 2019-01-09T19:51:57.000Z

I really like these models.
It’s a classic design by now.
They’re still pretty expensive though…
That’s what has kept me from buying one.

Thanks for the review.

bmengineer · 2019-01-09T20:49:34.000Z

xevious:

Very nice review and excellent detailed photographs. I like the form factor of this light.

“Reverse polarity protection”… is listed as an attribute, but I’m guessing on the EC4GTS it’s a physical block versus firmware? I see several screws securing the terminal boards, which I’m guessing are that protection mechanism. So basically you cannot run unprotected or flat top cells in this light…

That’s correct.

xevious · 2019-01-21T00:57:48.000Z

Jerommel:

I really like these models. It’s a classic design by now. They’re still pretty expensive though… That’s what has kept me from buying one. Thanks for the review.

You can still find the predecessor, the EC4GT, on discount at some retail sites (like Illumn). I had picked up the EC4GT because it was such a good price for stated specs. Like the EC4GTS, it only takes protected cells. But the build quality is just as excellent and performance is still decent..

Spec	EC4GT	EC4GTS
Max	1000 (2h)	1800 (1h)
High	420 (4h45m)	800 (3h15m)
Med	200 (10h)	240 (12h)
Low	50 (25h)	50 (58h)
Ultra	1 (380h)	1 (380h)

The low figure is a little strange, considering how close is the medium duration. But clearly the CREE XHP35 HD is more efficient and brighter than the older CREE XP-L HI V3.