Nitecore EDC37 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for review.
For technical details and to purchase: Nitecore EDC37 8000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Flat EDC Flashlight – Nitecore Store
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL DATA:
Nitecore updates the EDC line with a new product, defined as a “flagship” for 2025 by Nitecore, which establishes a new record for this series in terms of performance and autonomy.
EDC37 by Nitecore has a “soap bar” design different from previous models (EDC27, EDC29 etc.) with greater thicknesses that however allow for an excellent grip. The wider shape and greater thickness have allowed to insert inside two 18650 batteries with a weight that remains acceptable with its 199gr (Clip included).
Some of the main features of the new EDC37, designed with high-hardness and detachable silicon nitride ceramic tips (able to quickly break glass), are the presence of two buttons, one of which is “customizable”, the quick lock (Rapid Lock), the Anti-slip design for a better grip, the USB-C charging port and the large 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 EDC37 also uses NiteLab Uhi LED technology for a higher light density and beam intensity with 2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs and a maximum output of 8000 lumens (LUMIN SHIELD) for a maximum distance covered of 420 meters. Nitecore EDC37 is IP54 certified and is equipped with 4 brightness levels available in addition to the three momentary levels SEARCH, LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE.
The new EDC37 has a built-in Li-ion battery of 8,000 mAh, which offers an autonomy of up to 190 hours. Nitecore EDC37 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, for law enforcement and on outings.
Key Features:
• Utilizes 2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs with a maximum output of 8,000 lumens
• Maximum beam intensity of 44,010 cd and maximum throw of 420 meters
• 4 selectable brightness levels; SEARCH, LUMIN SHIELD™ and STROBE available
• Customizable one-button access to SEARCH / LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE READY™
• Real-time multi-functional OLED display for brightness level, lumens, battery level and runtime, etc.
• Built-in 8,000mAh lithium-ion battery
• Utilizes precision metal orange peel reflector, providing both long-range and wide-angle illumination
• Advanced Power Cut-Off (APC) technology for extremely low standby power consumption
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides stable output for up to 190 hours
• Dual rear switches for intuitive operation
• Level preset function available to set the desired level in advance
• Built-in lithium-ion battery fast charging circuit with USB-C port
• Lock switch (Rapid Lock™) available
• Designed with high-hardness silicon nitride ceramic tips, capable of breaking glass quickly
• Built-in ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) module
• High-strength stainless steel body with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating
• IP54 waterproof and dustproof rating
• Shockproof up to 2 meters
Specifications
Length: 108.0 mm (4.25")
Width: 39.3 mm (1.55")
Height: 31.0 mm (1.22")
Weight: 199 g (7.02 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 improper.
Nitecore EDC37 arrived without a box as it is not yet on the market. In the sales package we will find, in addition to the Nitecore EDC37 with the Clip inserted, the USB-C charging cable, the lanyard, key and 8 screws, manual and warranty.
The Nitecore EDC37 comes with the Clip already installed (but detachable), held in place 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 other Nitecore models (eg: EDC27, EDC29), is almost as long as the entire Nitecore EDC37 and allows the new EDC to be easily inserted into a pocket or backpack.
Nitecore EDC37 has a good build quality, compared to the previous EDC33, EDC35 and EDC31 the design changes to a “sandwich” but the grip and layout of the controls remain excellent.
I must admit that I was immediately impressed by this new Nitecore product and I am curious to see how it behaves in use in the evening.
EDC37 has a resistant structure with a stainless steel shell. In the hand you can feel the excellent construction and quality of the materials used.
The carbon fiber composite frame and the aluminum alloy heat sink are firmly connected and locked, significantly improving resistance to pressure, drops and impacts.
On the side of the EDC37 we find a non-slip design in composite material that offers a secure grip, both with bare hands and with gloves.
The height of the body is 108.0mm (4.25") and the weight is 199g.
On the bottom of the EDC37 we find some writings including the integrated battery rating data, maximum charging current and maximum discharging current.
The EDC37 uses an optical system that uses 2 UHi 20 MAX LEDs, with two metal orange peel reflectors, a maximum power of 8000 lumens for a maximum intensity of 44,010cd and a maximum theoretical beam range of 420 meters.
In this version there is no proximity sensor seen for example in the Nitecore EDC29 while the bezel has been designed with detachable high hardness silicon nitride ceramic tips, capable of quickly breaking glass.
The package contains screws (and key) to replace the ceramic tips with them.
On the top of the EDC37 we find the OLED display that shows us some information in real time such as the brightness level, lumens, battery level and remaining operating time. The display, easy to read, is larger than that of the previous Nitecore EDC29, EDC27. After turning off the screen, by half-pressing the tail button (Power Button), it is possible to reactivate it.
On the upper part of the Nitecore EDC37, there are two electronic switches, dual-stage, for the complete management of the UI (user interface) of the EDC37. The two buttons have different heights and sizes and are therefore easily identifiable in the dark (by touch).
I found a good feeling with the two buttons that must be pressed decisively without hesitation.
As you can see from the symbol above this, 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 button is programmable.
The Power Button switch has a 4-sided protection that does not prevent the EDC37 from being activated if placed on a surface. Using the Power Button you can pre-set the desired level before turning on the torch.
By default, the programmable button, when pressed, with the flashlight on or off, activates the SEARCH or LUMIN SHIELD™ mode (if pressed fully). It is possible to change these choices by programming the button as described in the manual.
On the upper side, near the Oled display, we find a small lever to quickly activate the electronic lock (Rapid Lock™) to avoid unpleasant ignitions during transport. This practical and effective solution allows instant locking with a single touch. On the EDC37 the lock is total and therefore once inserted it inhibits any ignition operation.
The Nitecore EDC37 uses a USB-C port for integrated charging. The internal lithium-ion battery, not replaceable by the user, has a capacity of 8000mAh, 33% more than that of the EDC35, to provide a maximum autonomy of 190 hours. A USB-C cable is included 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 it is possible to use the EDC37 in the 4 levels Ultralow, Low, Mid and High.
The 18W fast charge allows a full charge of the internal battery in a fairly short time. In my tests, to charge the EDC37 to 100%, with the flashlight completely discharged, it took me about 3 hours (PD/QC).
During the charging process, the display shows the battery progress bar and the charge percentage.
When the battery is fully charged, the EDC37 stops the charging process.
The EDC37 through APC (Advanced Power Cut-Off) technology offers very low parasitic drainage that allows up to a year (365 days) of standby.
We see the Nitecore EDC37 next to other flashlights.
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The Nitecore EDC37’s User Interface (UI) is simple, the new EDC 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 “Ultralow” level.
High: 1500 lm, 7h 30min
Mid: 400 lm, 8h 30min
Low: 100 lm, 30h
Ultralow: 15 lm, 190h
SEARCH: 3000 lm
LUMIN SHIELD: 8000 lm
STROBE: 8000 lm
Momentary Tactical Illumination
• When the light is off, press and hold the Tail Button halfway to access ULTRALOW. Release to turn off.
• When the light is off, press and hold the Custom Button halfway to access SEARCH / LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE. Release to turn off.
• When the light is off, long press the Custom Button to access SEARCH / LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE. Release to turn off.
On / Off
On: When the light is off, press the Power Button fully down to turn it on.
Off: When the light is on, press the Power Button fully down 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 EDC37 has a preset brightness level function. When the light is off, half-press the Power Button to activate the display. 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, fully press the Power Button to activate it.
Customizable Function
The EDC37 has a customizable button that allows you to independently configure the half-press and full-press of the customizable button to directly access SEARCH,
LUMIN SHIELD™ or STROBE.
Power On / Off: When the light is on or off, hold down the half-press or full-press of the customizable button to activate the previously configured custom setting. Release to return to previous state.
• Half Press and Hold Setup: When the light is on or off, while holding the Custom Button halfway down, fully press the Tail Button to cycle through the following sequence: SEARCH (default) / LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE. Once the desired output is selected, release the Custom Button. The light will remember this setting for a half press and hold.
• Full Press Setup: When the light is on or off, while holding the Custom Button halfway down, fully press the Tail Button to cycle through the following sequence: SEARCH (default) / LUMIN SHIELD™ / STROBE. Once the desired output is selected, release the Custom Button. The light will remember this setting for a full press.
Factory Reset: In Lockout Mode, hold the Custom Button halfway down or full down without releasing it. Then, quickly half-press the Tail Button at least three times. The flashlight will flash three times and the display will show “FACTORY RESET SUCCESSFUL” to confirm that the reset was successful.
Lock/Unlock
Lock:
When the light is on/off, slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock™) up to enter the lockout mode. The padlock icon is visible under the lock switch (Rapid Lock™). Both buttons are unavailable to activate the flashlight in Lockout mode.
Unlock:
When in lockout mode, slide the lock switch (Rapid Lock™) down to exit the lockout mode.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
I would like to point out that the values expressed in the graphs (in cd) must be taken as a reference because they were made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory, furthermore the version I tested in this review may not be the final one on sale in June 2025.
With the wall test the beam of the Nitecore EDC37 has a not too cold white tint tending to greenish in the lower levels and no particular artifacts. The particular geometry of the beam is not noticeable when we use the EDC37 outdoors.
The optics do a good job illuminating outdoors with the flood beam. By activating the 3000 lumens SEARCH level, or the 8000 lumens LUMIN SHIELD level, the amount of light produced is truly remarkable even if limited to about ten seconds. I did not notice PWM in the various brightness levels. The distance of the start of the spill from the feet is minimal.
With the OPPLE Light Master Pro, an inexpensive and fairly precise device even if not calibrated, I made some measurements taking the value of the CCT color temperature and the Ra color rendering for the four main levels. The Flicker is in the green band not at risk. 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.
ULTRALOW level 15 lumens, CCT= 5295 Ra = 63.2 Duv: 0.0150
LOW level 100 lumens, CCT= 5389 Ra = 63.6 Duv: 0.0142
MID level 400 lumens, CCT= 5512 Ra = 65.1 Duv: 0.0126
HIGH level 1500 lumens, CCT= 5621 – Ra = 65.7 Duv: 0.0111
In my tests the peak values in candela (cd) taken with my Luxmeter at 5 meters are in accordance with those declared by Nitecore with the ANSI/PLATO FL 1 2019 Standard (in brackets).
ULTRALOW 15 lumens = 243cd (230cd)
LOW 100 lumens = 2052cd (1637cd)
MID 400 lumens = 3420cd (3310cd)
HIGH 1500 lumens = 15138cd (13740cd)
SEARCH 3000 lumens = 51300cd (44010cd)
LUMIN SHIELD 8000 lumens = 43020cd (37550)
The images below were taken with a thermal camera after 1 minute, after 4 minutes and after 7 minutes from the HIGH level of 1500 lumens activation.
Good heat distribution. No heat problem in the hand using the high level of 1500 lumens.
Runtimes were done indoors at about 20°C using the fully charged 8000mAh internal battery.
Tests were done by putting EDC37 in HIGH mode (1500lm) and in MID mode (400lm).
In HIGH mode, after switching on, there is an increase in brightness for about 30 seconds before a sudden drop that brings the brightness just above the average level of 400 lumens. Subsequently, before 20 minutes, another drop brings the brightness to 400 lumens. This level is kept constant for over 430 minutes from start-up before the battery is about to run out.
Starting in MID, with the brightness of 400 lumens, the curve is constant up to over 460 minutes from start-up and then begins a drop due to the battery running out.
…the first 30 minutes.
Let’s see the comparison with the Nitecore EDC29 reviewed by me a few months ago. As you can see from the graph, what changes exponentially is the battery life which in the Nitecore EDC37 is 8000mAh against the mere 2500mAh of the Nitecore EDC29.
Special modes “SEARCH” with the brightness of 3000 lumens and “LUMIN SHIELD™” of 8000 lumens can be activated a few times consecutively. The duration for each of the two modes is different as it affects the activation and recovery time of the temperature reached. For the SEARCH level I measured an activation time of about 13 seconds while for the LUMIN SHIELD™ level of 8000 lumens the available time is about 9 seconds.
When SEARCH / LUMIN SHIELD™ is activated, the screen will show a decreasing progress bar. Releasing the button will return the flashlight 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. Using the 8000 lumens LUMIN SHIELD™ output the progress bar will take a few minutes to return to the starting value. With the flashlight flat, with the battery flashing on the display, I managed to activate these two levels.
My impression is that the longer duration, even if we are talking about seconds, of the two higher levels, compared for example to the Nitecore EDC29, is paid for with much longer waiting times due to the greater heat produced.
Below we see a graph with continuous activation of the “SEARCH” level of 3000 lumens and LUMIN SHIELD™ of 8000 lumens for the first 3 activations with a fully charged battery.
As can be seen from the graph, in the approximately nine minutes of testing, the complete recovery times of the SEARCH and LUMIN SHIELD™ levels are quite high even if the duration always remains approximately 13 seconds and approximately 9 seconds (SEARCH/LUMIN SHIELD™).
VIDEO Review
CONCLUSIONS:
After the previous EDC31, EDC33 and EDC35 Nitecore presents an even more sophisticated tactical EDC that reaches a new record in terms of performance with its 8000 lumens of the momentary level LUMIN SHIELD and above all increases the capacity of the internal battery that now reaches 8000mAh.
Nitecore EDC37 is a well-built EDC, with quality materials, compact and technologically advanced thanks to some functions such as the pre-selection of the desired level, the fast electronic block and the dual-stage switches including a programmable one.
The beam has a discrete color and is of an alluvial nature even if the central LEDs also carry a bright hotspot that reaches discrete distances.
Like the other models of the same series, also in the Nitecore EDC37 the brightest levels, “SEARCH” and “LUMIN SHIELD” last a few seconds and are to be used for short bursts in case of need because they quickly bring up the temperature of the torch body. As you can see from the runtime tests, even the “High” level of 1500 lumens soon begins to drop, after about a minute, to settle on the medium level of 400 lumens for over 7 hours thanks to the 8000mAh battery. I would have hoped for something more but probably with such compact dimensions without active cooling it was not possible.
In conclusion, the Nitecore EDC37 is certainly one of the best performing EDCs in the Nitecore catalog and not only. Given its characteristics, I think it is a product particularly suitable for law enforcement and security guards or for those who need a powerful but compact EDC torch, well built and technically complete.
Thanks for reading the review.
------ My Toutube Channel ------------------------------------------------