Nitecore EDC23 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for review.
For technical details and purchase:
https://nitecorestore.com/collections/n … flashlight
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL DATA:
In recent days Nitecore has presented a new Slim tactical flashlight that retains a classic ultra-thin design but with smaller dimensions being only 102.8 mm long. The new EDC23 uses an updated optics with an orange peel reflector and 2 Nitelab UHi25 LEDs with a maximum brightness of 2500 lumens and a beam that reaches 280 meters.
The Nitecore EDC23 has an intuitive interface facilitated by the OLED display and has a protection sensor and 2 quick lock modes (Rapid lock) for safer use and portability.
The 2 electronic buttons it has, for power and mode, allow for simple and complete use of the available levels for normal or tactical applications.
The new Nitecore EDC23 is rechargeable (via an integrated USB-C port), compact and always light weighing only 101g. The EDC23 has 5 brightness levels available in addition to Strobe and uses a built-in 1500mAh Li-ion battery that offers up to 39 hours of battery life. The Nitecore EDC3 has a rigid stainless steel body, is IP54 certified with a 2-meter drop resistance and is ideal, thanks to its portability, for everyday use and short outings.
Key Features:
• Utilizes 2 UHi 25 LEDs with a maximum output of 2,500 lumens
• Maximum peak beam intensity of 20,720 cd and a maximum throw of 280 meters
• Real-time multifunctional OLED display for brightness level, lumens, battery voltage and runtime, etc.
• Built-in 1,500mAh lithium-ion battery
• Precision metal orange peel reflectors provide long-range and wide-angle illumination
• Advanced Power Cut-Off (APC) technology for ultra-low standby power consumption
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides stable output for up to 39 hours
• Dual tail switches allow for intuitive operation
• 5 brightness levels and 1 special mode available
• Level preset function available to set the desired level in advance
• STROBE READY™ technology to allow quick access to STROBE mode, which uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
• Built-in intelligent lithium-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
• Intelligent mode memory function
• Lock switch (Rapid Lock™) available for semi-lock mode and full-lock mode
• Built-in Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
• High-strength stainless steel body with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) titanium coating
• IP54 waterproof and dustproof rating
• Shockproof up to 2 meters
Specifications:
Length: 102.8 mm (4.05"), Width: 33.0 mm (1.30"), Height: 22.5 mm (0.89")
Weight: 101 g (3.56 oz)
Warranty:
Any DOA / defective product can be replaced through a local distributor/dealer within 15 days of purchase. After that, malfunctioning NITECORE® products can be repaired free of charge within 24 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 24 months, a limited warranty applies, which covers the cost of labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or spare parts.
Nitecore EDC23 arrives in the classic Nitecore cardboard box. The main specifications of the new model are printed on the box. Inside the package we find the Nitecore EDC23 with the Clip inserted, the USB-C charging cable, the lanyard, manual and warranty.
The Nitecore EDC23 comes with the Clip already installed (but detachable), held in place by two removable screws. The Clip is the same as previous versions; it extends almost the entire length of the EDC23 and allows for a large hole to insert a lanyard or 550 paracord (4 mm / 0.16"). Also above the Clip is a support designed to easily push down the flashlight and prevent accidental activation when putting it in a pocket. The Clip is very versatile, allowing the EDC23 to be easily placed in a pocket or backpack.
Nitecore EDC23 has excellent build quality, with a high-strength stainless steel body to withstand strong pressure and bending and a thin, sandwich-type structure with smooth, rounded sides. Its thin central body and weight of 101g (including Clip) favors a firm grip and easy daily carrying (jeans, jacket, etc.).
Also on the new EDC23 we find a carbon fiber reinforced polymer material on the side and a hard (prismatic) anti-slip texture in four points.
In the EDC23, the heat dissipation plate, which extends almost from head to tail, helps to conduct and disperse heat quickly while the ATR Module (Advanced Temperature Regulation) adjusts the output based on working conditions and surrounding environment to maintain optimal performance.
On the back, covered by the clip, we find the writing with the label data of the internal battery (not replaceable) of 1500mAh.
EDC23 uses an optical system with two orange peel metal reflectors and 2 NiteLab UHi 25 LEDs with a maximum light output of 2500 lumens for a maximum beam depth of approximately 280 meters.
The UHi 25 LED, specially designed for portable lighting, features an ultra-mini 2.26mm2 light-emitting surface, and provides cool white light with a color temperature of approximately 6500K.
The Nitecore EDC23 features a protection sensor that, in the event of an obstruction near the light output, automatically decreases the output to 200 lumens to prevent overheating, or burning, and prolong the life of the flashlight. This sensor intervenes when the flashlight is turned on in HIGH/TURBO or STROBE. Once the obstacle is removed, the flashlight returns to the previous brightness level and deactivates the sensor protection function.
Also on the EDC23 we find a multifunction OLED display, easy to read, which displays for a few seconds some useful information such as, for example, the level in use and the current volts of the internal battery.
The display can be reactivated by lightly pressing the “ON/OFF” button.
As soon as the Nitecore EDC23 is turned on, the current level and lumens, the word “NITECORE” and the level with the estimated autonomy are displayed on the display.
This information is also displayed for the other available levels.
The EDC23 has level pre-selection function. When the light is off, simply press the power button halfway to activate the display. Then, by continuously pressing the power button, the display will sequentially display the brightness level and lumens of ULTRALOW, LOW, MID and HIGH. Once the desired brightness level is selected, fully pressing the power button will activate it.
When TURBO is activated, the display will show a progress bar going backwards (power remaining).
If you continue to hold the Mode button after the progress bar has emptied, the light will automatically switch to HIGH and the display will turn off. Releasing the Mode button will return the light to its previous state and the progress bar will appear and gradually return to maximum.
On the top of the Nitecore EDC23, above the OLED display, there are the two electronic switches with which we will manage our EDC. The two buttons have different heights for easy identification in the dark.
As you can see from the symbol, the raised button is the Power Button which has the ON/OFF function and, by pressing it halfway, allows you to vary the 4 regular levels (Ultralow, Low, Mid and High) available.
The MODE Button button is larger. In whatever level we are, by pressing the MODE Button halfway, we will instantly activate the 2500 lumens TURBO mode, while by pressing the MODE Button completely we will immediately activate the Strobe (2500 lumens).
The EDC23 buttons are reactive with a firm and noisy click. Since the MODE Button travel is short, it may happen that the Strobe mode is activated involuntarily.
To the right of the display at the top we find, as already seen on the EDC29, a small lever to quickly activate the electronic block, both partial and total, to avoid unpleasant ignitions during transport. This solution is very convenient and fast.
The Nitecore EDC23 uses a USB-C port for integrated charging. The internal battery capacity is slightly lower than that seen on the EDC27, being 1,500 mAh with a maximum autonomy of 39 hours. The package includes a USB-C cable for connection to an external power source (e.g. a USB adapter, a computer or other USB charging devices) to start the charging process.
Charging time, measured in my tests, is about 1 hour and 20 minutes (1.5A max.) with fast charging (via 5V/2A adapter).
During the charging process, the screen shows the battery charge status. When the battery is fully charged, the screen displays a full progress bar and the value of 4.20V.
Nitecore EDC23 can be turned on and work while charging (or stay on all the time using a USB device like a power bank) but only with Ultralow, Low, Mid and High levels.
EDC23 through APC (Advanced Power Cut-Off) technology offers very low parasitic drain that allows up to a year (365 days) of standby.
Nitecore EDC23 near other flashlights.
From left: Batteria 18650, Acebeam P16, Nitecore EDC33, Nitecore EDC23 e Olight Baton Turbo.
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The Nitecore EDC23 has 4 brightness levels available in addition to direct access to TURBO and STROBE. The levels are well spaced although I would have added a “Moon” level of 1 lumen or less.
High: 1100 lm, 1h30min
Mid: 200 lm, 3h45min
Low: 65 lm, 11h
Ultralow: 15 lm, 39h
Turbo: 2500 lm
Strobe: 2500 lm
Power On and Off
Power On: When the light is off, press the power button fully to turn it on. Power Off: When the light is on, press the power button fully to turn it off.
Brightness Levels
When the light and screen are on, half-press the power button to cycle through “ULTRALOW - LOW - MID - HIGH”. When reactivated, the flashlight will go directly to the previously stored brightness level. Note: When the screen is off, press the power button half-way to activate the screen before adjusting the brightness levels.
Level Preset Function
The EDC23 has a brightness level preset function. When the flashlight is off and unlocked, half-press the power button to activate the screen. Additional half-presses of the power button will cycle through the brightness level and lumens of ULTRALOW, LOW, MID, and HIGH. Once the desired brightness level is displayed, fully press the power button to activate.
Direct Access to TURBO
When the light is on/off, press and hold the Mode button halfway to directly access TURBO. Release to turn it off.
STROBE READY
When the light is on/off, press and hold the Mode button long to access STROBE. Release to turn it off.
Lockout/Unlock (Semi Lockout Mode) (Full Lockout Mode) SEMI LOCK FULL LOCK
The EDC23 has two lockout modes (Semi Lockout Mode and Full Lockout Mode). Semi Lockout Mode (Lockout 1):
• When the light is on/off, while holding the Mode button halfway or fully pressed, slide the Lock Switch (Rapid Lock™) up. Release the button when the SEMI LOCK icon appears on the screen to confirm that Semi Lockout Mode is activated.
• In semi-lock mode, the power button is not available to activate the light. Press and hold the mode button halfway to access TURBO; press and hold the mode button fully to access STROBE. Note: To enter full lock mode, slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock™) down to unlock, then turn on the light and slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock™) up. The semi-lock mode will automatically deactivate and the light will go directly into full lock mode. Full Lock Mode (Lock 2) (Default):
• When the light is on/off, slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock™) up and the FULL LOCK icon will appear on the screen to confirm that full lock mode is activated.
• In full lock mode, both buttons are not available to activate the light.
Unlock: In either lock mode, slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock™) down to exit lock mode.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
With the wall test the beam of the Nitecore EDC23 has a not too cold white tint tending towards greenish and no particular artifacts.
The optics do a good job illuminating outdoors with the beam of mainly flood nature for small and medium distances. The TURBO is powerful, even if only 2500 lumens, with a duration of about 7 seconds. EDC23 can be held in the hand without burning even using the highest levels.
I did not notice any PWM at any brightness level. The distance from the start of the spill to the feet is less than a meter long.
Peak candela (cd) values taken with the Luxmeter at 5 meters are slightly lower than those declared by the manufacturer except for the HIGH and TURBO levels.
Ultralow = 126cd for 22 meters
Low = 423cd for 41 meters
Mid = 1593cd for 80 meters
HIGH = 8793cd for 188 meters
TURBO = 19890cd for 282 meters
The CCT (color temperature) and Ra (color rendering) values taken with the OPPLE Light Master Pro vary according to the selected light level. Unfortunately, the color rendering of the 2 UHi 25 LEDs is not excellent, having a greenish dominant especially in the low levels.
Level ULTRALOW 15 lumens, CCT= 5610 Ra= 63.4
Level LOW 65 lumens, CCT= 5631 Ra= 63.5
Level MID 200 lumens, CCT= 5682 Ra= 63.9
Level HIGH 1100 lumens, CCT= 5819 - Ra= 64.9
Level TURBO 2500 lumens, CCT= 5911 - Ra= 66.6
The Duv calculated with the brightest level (Turbo) is 0.0091.
The Runtimes were done in a closed environment with a temperature of about 18°C using the fully charged 1500mAh internal battery.
I would like to point out that the values expressed in the graphs should be taken, above all, as a reference because they were made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
Nitecore EDC23, with the ATR module, adjusts its output power by adapting to the surrounding environment to maintain optimal performance.
The tests were done in HIGH mode (1100lm) and in MID mode (200lm).
In HIGH mode, at 1100 lumens, after starting there is a slow and constant increase in brightness up to about 4 and a half minutes from switching on before a sudden drop that brings the brightness to about 500 lumens. After a non-constant trend and after about 88 minutes from starting there are drops in brightness due to the imminent exhaustion of the internal battery. The brightness drops to the medium level of 200 lumens and after about a minute there is another stepdown that brings the brightness to the low level of 65 lumens followed. After another 3 minutes it drops to the ultra-low level of 15 lumens. EDC23 turned off after about 140 minutes from turning on.
Starting in MID at 200 lumens the curve is constant up to over 4 hours. Subsequently, as the battery approached exhaustion, EDC23 lowered the brightness to the low level and then ultra-low to turn off after about 5 hours from starting.
In the graph you can see a good regulation with an effective ATR system for regulating the light output as a function of temperature.
When the voltage of the EDC23 is low, below 3V, the EDC23 display shows the empty charge level bar and flashes to warn that the EDC23 is close to running out of battery.
The Turbo mode (2500 lumens) can be operated continuously several times, up to the 3V threshold, but the activation time, about 7 seconds, will be influenced by the temperature reached by the EDC23. In the graph below it was operated for about 3 minutes with the Nitecore EDC23 display showing 4.13V at the end of the test.
VIDEO Unboxing and Use
CONCLUSIONS:
Nitecore EDC23 is the smallest of the group of slim, ultra-thin EDC flashlights from Nitecore which are in order of release EDC27, EDC25, EDC27 UHi and EDC29. EDC23 is only 102.8mm long but adopts all the best features of this Nitecore series such as the excellent build quality with a high-strength stainless steel body, the quick lock, the level pre-selection, two separate buttons for managing the UI, the protection sensor, the OLED display etc.
The less positive aspects are certainly the battery (also given the flat shape) not replaceable and the IP54 waterproofing degree (resistant to splashes and dust) which however remain in my opinion a secondary problem that does not limit its use and purchase.
Nitecore EDC23 accompanies me on my daily outings; I really appreciate its small, compact size. I really think it is a great purchase if found at a reasonable price.
Thanks for reading the review.
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