Nitecore EDC29 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for review.
For technical details and purchase:
https://nitecorestore.com/products/nite … flashlight
The multilingual Manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads … /edc29.pdf
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL DATA:
Nitecore updates the EDC line with a new product improved in some features and performance.
EDC29 by Nitecore also adopts a “sandwich” structure with smooth sides and a rigid, high-resistance body. Some of the main features of the EDC29 are the presence of two buttons, one of which is “customizable”, the quick lock (Rapid Lock) partial or total, the Anti-slip design for a better grip, the USB-C charging port and the OLED display to have some information in real time such as the remaining charge, the selected level, the lock etc.
Like the latest Nitecore products, the EDC29 also uses NiteLab Uhi LED technology for a higher light density and beam intensity.
Built with a dual LED system (2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs) with 18 cores, EDC29 has a maximum output of 6500 lumens for a maximum distance covered of 400 meters.
Nitecore EDC29 has a built-in 2500 mAh Li-ion battery, which offers up to 61 hours of battery life with a weight of (160g).
The new Nitecore has IP54 certification and is equipped with 4 brightness levels available in addition to the three momentary levels SEARCH, LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE.
Nitecore EDC29 is easily transportable thanks to the large Steel Clip it has and is ideal, thanks to its portability, for everyday use both at work and when camping or hiking.
Key Features:
• Utilizes 2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs with a maximum output of 6,500 lumens
• Maximum beam intensity of 40,230 cd and maximum throw of 400 meters
• 4 brightness levels to choose from; SEARCH, LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE available
• Customizable one-button access to LUMIN SHIELD™ or STROBE READY™
• Real-time multi-functional OLED display for brightness level, lumens, battery voltage and runtime, etc.
• Built-in 2,500mAh lithium-ion battery
• Utilizes precision metal orange peel reflector, providing 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 61 hours
• Dual tail switches enable intuitive operation
• Level preset function available to set the desired level in advance
• Built-in lithium-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
• Intelligent mode memory function
• Lockout switch (Rapid Lock™) available for Semi Lockout mode and Full Lockout 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 1 meter
Specifications:
Length: 133.5 mm (5.26")
Width: 34.6 mm (1.36")
Height: 22.5 mm (0.89")
Weight: 160 g (5.64 oz) (accessories not included)
Warranty Details
Any DOA/defective product can be replaced through a local distributor/dealer within 15 days of purchase. After that, all defective/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 replacement parts. The warranty will be void if the product(s) is/are broken, rebuilt and/or modified by unauthorized parties or the product(s) is/are damaged due to improper use.
Nitecore EDC29 arrives in the classic dark-colored Nitecore cardboard box with the classic writings that report the main features that distinguish it.
Inside the package we find, in addition to the Nitecore EDC29 with the Clip inserted, the USB-C charging cable, the lanyard, manual and warranty.
The Nitecore EDC29 comes with the Clip already installed (but detachable), held by two removable screws. On the clip we find a large hole for the lanyard, compatible with a 550 paracord (4 mm / 0.16"). Above the Clip there is a support designed to easily push down the flashlight preventing accidental activation. The Clip, similar to the other models in this line, is more than half the length of the new EDC and slightly covers the writings that concern the rating data of the integrated battery.
EDC29 uses a USB-C port to charge the battery. The internal lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 2,500mAh, to provide a maximum autonomy of 61 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.
During charging the display shows the battery progress bar and the voltage and it is possible to use EDC29 in the 4 regular levels Ultralow, Low, Mid and High.
The charging time, measured in my tests, is about 1 hour and 50 minutes (1.6A max.) with fast charging (via 5V/2A adapter).
When the battery is fully charged, the EDC29 stops the charging process.
EDC29 through APC (Advanced Power Cut-Off) technology offers very low parasitic drainage that allows up to one year (365 days) of standby.
Nitecore EDC29 has a good build quality, it feels good in the hand even though it is heavier and has a larger profile than the previous EDC27. The new top design is nice with numerous cooling fins with excellent heat dissipation thanks also to the design of the internal dissipation plate that extends almost from the head to the tail.
The EDC29 uses a rigid body, with an aluminum alloy shell with a high strength composite frame, fixed by four sets of connecting bolts, to obtain a light but rigid structure that resists compression, torsion and bending. On the side of the EDC29 we find a carbon fiber reinforced polymer material and a hard (prism) anti-slip texture in four points.
The height of the body is 19.2 mm (0.76") and the weight is 160g (with Clip).
The EDC29 uses an optical system with 2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs (a dual LED system with 18 cores), with two metal orange peel reflectors for a maximum output of 6,500 lumens with a maximum peak beam intensity of 40,230cd and a theoretical maximum range of 400 meters.
With a dark glass, used in the past to view the solar eclipse, I was able to see the LEDs of the 2 UHi 20 MAX without difficulty. As you can see from the photo, the central LED, alone, is used only for the Ultralow, Low and SEARCH levels.
Between the two sets of LEDs there is a proximity sensor; when the flashlight is off, if it is accidentally turned on at HIGH, TURBO or STROBE levels with an obstacle near the head of the flashlight (e.g. in a pocket or backpack), the brightness of the flashlight automatically decreases to 400 lumens to prevent overheating and damage. Once the obstacle is removed, the flashlight returns to the previous brightness level, deactivating the sensor protection function.
Just like the previous EDC27, the new EDC29 also features an OLED display to show output level, status, remaining run time and battery level. The display, roughly the same size as the previous EDC27 and EDC27UHi, is activated when the power switch is pressed.
On the upper part of the Nitecore EDC29, there are two electronic switches for the complete management of the UI (User Interface). The two buttons have different heights and therefore easily identifiable in the dark (by touch).
In this testing period I found a good feeling with the two buttons that have a firm click without hesitation.
As you can see from the symbol above this one, the raised button is the Power Button which has the ON/OFF function and, by pressing halfway, allows you to vary the 4 regular levels (Ultralow, Low, Mid and High) available.
The larger, dual-stage button is programmable.
By default, the programmable button, when pressed, activates SEARCH or LUMIN SHIELD™ mode (if fully pressed) with the flashlight on or off. To change the selection, hold down the programmable button without releasing it and simultaneously fully press the power button until you hear a click to toggle and select between LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE.
On the upper right side we find, in this new version, a small lever to quickly activate the electronic block, both partial and total, to avoid unpleasant ignitions during transport. This solution is practical and effective.
Nitecore EDC29 next to other flashlights.
From left: Fenix PD35 Sp.Ed. – SPERAS E21 – Nitecore EDC29 – Imalent BL50 e Batteria Nitecore 18650.
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The Nitecore EDC29 User Interface (UI) is simple even though it has many functions.
The Nitecore EDC29 has 4 brightness levels available in addition to direct access to SEARCH, LUMIN SHIELD™ or STROBE.
The levels are well spaced although I would have preferred fewer lumens for the lowest level “Ultralow”.
High: 1200 lm, 2h
Mid: 400 lm, 3h
Low: 100 lm, 13h
Ultralow: 15 lm, 61h
SEARCH: 3000 lm
LUMIN SHIELD: 6500 lm
STROBE: 6500 lm
On / Off
On: When the light is off, press the Power Button fully to turn it on.
Off: When the light is on, press the Power Button fully to turn it off.
Brightness Levels
When the light is on, press the Power Button halfway to cycle through “ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH”. The flashlight has a memory function. When reactivated, it will automatically enter the previously stored brightness level.
Preset Level Function
The EDC29 has a preset brightness level function. When the light is off, press the Power Button halfway to activate the screen. Additional half-presses of the Power Button
will sequentially display the brightness level and lumens of ULTRALOW, LOW, MID and HIGH. Once the desired brightness level is displayed, press the Power Button all the way to activate it.
Customizable Function
The customizable function allows users to switch between LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE according to their personal needs.
• Power On / Off: When the light is on/off, fully press and hold the Customizable Button to access LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE. Release to return to the previous state.
• Mode Change: When the light is on/off, fully press and hold the Customizable Button, then fully press the Power Button to switch between LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE. The flashlight has a memory function.
When reactivated, it will automatically enter the previously memorized mode.
Direct Access to SEARCH
When the light is on/off, half-press and hold the Customizable Button to directly access SEARCH. Release to turn it off.
Lockout / Unlock (Semi Lockout Mode) (Full Lockout Mode)
The EDC29 has two lockout modes (Semi Lockout Mode and Full Lockout Mode).
Semi Lockout Mode (Lockout 1):
• When the light is on/off, half-press/full-press and hold the Custom Button, then slide the Lock Switch (Rapid Lock™) up. Release the button when the SEMI LOCK icon appears on the screen to confirm Semi Lockout Mode.
• In Semi Lockout Mode, the Power Button cannot activate the flashlight.
• In Semi Lockout Mode, half-press and hold the Custom Button to access SEARCH; full-press and hold the Custom Button to access LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE.
Note: To enter Full Lock Mode, slide the Lock Switch (Rapid Lock™) down to unlock, then turn on the flashlight and slide the Lock Switch (Rapid Lock™) up. Semi Lock Mode will automatically be deactivated and the flashlight will directly enter Full Lock Mode.
Full Lock Mode (Lock 2) (Default Setting):
• 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 Full Lock Mode is activated.
• In Full Lock Mode, both buttons cannot activate the flashlight.
Unlock:
In both lock modes, slide the Lock Switch (Rapid Lock™) down to exit Lock Mode.
Sensor Protection Function
When the flashlight is turned off, if there is an obstruction near the light outlet and the flashlight accidentally turns to HIGH, the flashlight brightness will automatically decrease to 400 lumens to prevent overheating and prolong the life of the flashlight.
Once the obstruction is removed, the flashlight will return to the previous brightness level.
Power Off: The sensor protection is automatically enabled when the flashlight is turned on. Once activated, the sensor can be temporarily disabled by half-pressing the Power Button.
Note:
- The sensor protection detects obstacles only when the flashlight is turned directly to HIGH. If the light is already on, the sensor remains disabled until the light is turned off. Covering the light outlet after the light is turned on will not activate the sensor protection.
- It is important to keep the front lens clean to ensure that the built-in sensor works properly and reaches its optimal performance.
- The sensitivity of the sensor may vary depending on the color and material of the obstacles.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
With the wall test the beam of the Nitecore EDC29 has a not too cold white tint tending towards greenish and no particular artifacts. The particular geometry of the beam is not noticeable when we use the EDC29 outdoors.
The optics does a good job illuminating outdoors with a beam that is mainly flood-like. By activating the 3000 lumens SEARCH level, or the 6500 lumens LUMIN SHIELD level, lasting about 7 seconds, the beam reaches a decent distance and the Wow effect is not lacking. I did not notice PWM in the various brightness levels. The distance of the start of the spill from the feet is minimal.
In my tests the peak candela (cd) values taken with my Luxmeter at 5 meters are slightly lower than those declared by the manufacturer (in brackets).
ULTRALOW 15 lumens = 171cd (230cd)
LOW 100 lumens = 1071cd (1158cd)
MID 400 lumens = 2313cd (2496cd)
HIGH 1200 lumens = 8523cd (8952cd)
SEARCH 3000 lumens = 37530cd (40230cd)
LUMIN SHIELD 6500 lumens = 32130cd (35360)
The CCT (color temperature) and Ra (color rendering) values taken with the OPPLE Light Master Pro at about one meter from the sensor vary, in particular, depending on the selected light level. As shown by the values reported, the color of the beam has a low CRI index and is greenish especially in the lowest brightness levels.
Level ULTRALOW 15 lumens, CCT= 5411 Ra = 63.7 Duv: 0.0167
Level LOW 100 lumens, CCT= 5470 Ra = 63.9 Duv: 0.0156
Level MID 400 lumens, CCT= 5550 Ra = 64.7 Duv: 0.0143
Level HIGH 1200 l umens, CCT= 5723 – Ra = 65.8 Duv: 0.0122
Level SEARCH 3000 lumens, CCT= 6381 – Ra = 71.0 Duv: 0.0060
Level LUMIN SHIELD 6500 lumens, CCT= 6454 – Ra = 71.4 Duv: 0.0059
The images below were taken with a thermal camera after 4 minutes and 8 minutes from the activation of the HIGH level of 1200 lumens.
Good heat distribution combined with the integrated ATR system that regulates the output of the EDC29 based on the working conditions and surrounding environment.
The Runtimes were done in a closed environment with a temperature of about 18°C using the fully charged 2500mAh 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.
The tests were done by putting EDC29 in HIGH mode (1200lm) and in MID mode (400lm).
In HIGH mode, after switching on, there is a slight increase in brightness up to about three and a half minutes after which a sudden drop brings the brightness to about 600 lumens. Subsequently, there is a slow and constant decrease up to almost 2 hours after switching on before the sudden drop in brightness to the medium level of 400 lumens and subsequently to the low level of 100 lumens and to the ultra-low level of 15 lumens. EDC29 turned off after about 3 hours from the start of the test.
Starting in MID, with a brightness of 400 lumens, the curve is constant for over 3 hours after starting and then begins a sudden decline due to the battery approaching exhaustion with the EDC29 turning off immediately after 4 hours from switching on.
In my tests, the EDC29’s runtimes were similar to those claimed by Nitecore. I particularly appreciated the over 3 hours of the medium 400 lumens level.
The graph below shows the runtimes with the HIGH and MID levels, taken from my previous reviews, of the EDC29 along with the EDC27UHi, EDC27 and EDC25.
The special modes “SEARCH” with a brightness of 3000 lumens and “LUMIN SHIELD™” with a brightness of 6500 lumens can be activated several times consecutively. The duration, for each of the two modes, is about 7 seconds but if you activate them in a short time the activation time will be shorter. When SEARCH / LUMIN SHIELD™ is activated, the screen will show a decreasing progress bar. Releasing the Button the flashlight will return to the previous state and the progress bar will reappear and gradually fill up. The recovery time of the progress bar depends on the temperature of the flashlight.
Let’s see below a graph with continued activation of the “SEARCH” and “LUMIN SHIELD” levels for about 3 minutes and 30 seconds starting with EDC29 turned on at the lowest Ultralow level.
As you can see from the graph, the LUMIN SHIELD level of 6500 lumens takes a lot of energy from the internal battery that EDC29 has and the activation and work times are affected more than the SEARCH level.
Consequently, consumption is also higher; after the test, the EDC29 display showed 2.19V after the continuous activation of the SEARCH and 2.17V after the continuous activation of the LUMIN SHIELD.
VIDEO Unboxing and Use
CONCLUSIONS:
The new EDC29 is definitely the most powerful Ultra Slim tactical EDC from Nitecore with a record of 6500 lumens of the LUMIN SHIELD level (even if only for 7 seconds it is really impressive) thanks to the 2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs it has. Despite the size and weight (160gr), slightly larger than the EDC27, it remains a good portability with a well-made and functional upper design.
I particularly appreciated in the EDC29 the possibility of preselecting the desired level and above all the quick lock/unlock selector which together with the protection sensor brings more safety in use and during transport.
The available levels are well spaced (I would have added a 1 lumen candela level though) with the special SEARCH, LUMIN SHIELD and STROBE and the autonomy has been improved with the internal battery now 2500mAh which allows a brightness of the medium level, of 400 lumens, for more than 3 hours.
In conclusion, the Nitecore EDC29 is a complete product well built, solid and powerful in its brightest levels, which brings as a novelty to this series of Slim products the record of maximum brightness accompanied by better autonomy for everyday use or for outings.
Thank you for reading the review.
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