Hello everyone… today we will be reviewing the Nitecore MH12 Pro: a powerful linear flashlight with 3300 lumens in the 21700 format. The flashlight was provided to me directly by Nitecore specifically for the review. Here you can find the link to the manufacturer’s website, and here is the link to the product in object
Packaging and contents
The Nitecore MH12 Pro arrives in a black cardboard box with some of its main features written on it. Inside the package we find:
- Nitecore MH12 PRO Flashlight
- Nitecore 21700 Rechargeable Battery (NL2154 5300mAh)
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Clip
- Lanyard
- Spare O-ring
- Holster
Main features
- Utilizes a UHi 40 LED with a max output of 3,300 lumens
- Max peak beam intensity of 63,500cd and max throw of 505 meters
- An optical system combined with crystal coating and “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT)
- Powered by a 21700 high capacity Li-ion battery to provide a runtime up to 650 hours
- Tactical Mode and Daily Mode available
- The tactical tail switch and the mode button control 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
- STROBE Mode uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
- Power indicators beside the mode button indicate the remaining battery power
- Level indicators beside the mode button indicate the current brightness level
- Intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C charging port
- NITECORE 21700 Li-ion battery included (NL2153HP 5,300mAh)
- Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
- Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Optical lenses with double-sided scratch resistant coating
- Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
- HA III military grade hard-anodized finish
- Waterproof and dustproof rating in accordance with IP68 (2 meters submersible)
- Impact resistant to 1 meter
Measured dimensions and weight
- Length: 138.5 mm / 5.45 in
- Head Diameter: 26.8 mm / 1.06 in
- Weight 82 g / 2.89 oz
Output levels and runtime
The Nitecore MH12 Pro has 5 normal levels (including Turbo and UltraLow) and 1 special stroboscopic level:
- Turbo: 3300 lm [color=#FF4000](measured 3560 lm)[/color] – 30min
- High: 1200 lm [color=#FF4000](measured 1270 lm)[/color] – 4h30min
- Mid: 300lm [color=#FF4000](measured 320 lm)[/color] – 8h30min
- Low: 50 lm [color=#FF4000](measured 55 lm)[/color] – 50h
- UltraLow: 1 lm [color=#FF4000](measured 1.5 lm)[/color] – 650h
- Strobe: 3300 lm [color=#FF4000](measured - lm)[/color] – nd
- Beacon: 3300 lm [color=#FF4000](measured - lm)[/color] – nd
- SOS: 3300 lm [color=#FF4000](measured - lm)[/color] – nd
Body and materials
The MH12 Pro is built with high quality materials that guarantee its sturdiness and durability. The body is made of high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum, which gives the flashlight light weight and impact resistance. Additionally, this flashlight is designed to be water resistant with an IP68 rating, meaning it can be submerged up to 2 meters without being damaged. Nitecore’s build quality is evident in every detail, ensuring the MH12 Pro can withstand the most demanding conditions.
The MH12 Pro is equipped with NiteLab’s brand new and powerful UHi 40 LED which offers an impressive maximum output of 3,300 lumens. This latest generation LED developed in collaboration between Nitecore and NiteLab promises high power and great luminous efficiency while maintaining extremely small dimensions.
One of the distinctive aspects of the MH12 Pro is the presence of a side button, called “Mode Button”, located on one side of the flashlight head. This button is made of rubber, is of a suitable size and makes a firm sound when pressed, making it easily recognizable by touch. Through this button, you can select between the 5 different lighting levels available, as well as access the 3 special modes. The particular workmanship of this dot switch offers exceptional grip and allows the user to be able to easily locate it even if you are in total darkness.
One of the most innovative features of the MH12 Pro compared to previous models is the presence of status LEDs positioned on the sides of the side switch: 4 are green and 4 are blue.
The green LEDs, located to the right of the switch, have the task of providing information on the battery charge status. When the flashlight is on, they light up constantly to indicate the remaining battery level:
- 4 green LEDs on means 75%-100% remaining charge
- 3 green LEDs on means 50%-75% of remaining charge
- 2 green LEDs on means 25%-50% remaining charge
- 1 green LED on means 0%-25% remaining charge
The Blue LEDs, positioned to the left of the switch, are dedicated to indicating the currently selected brightness level.
On the opposite side of the switch we find the USB-C charging port. This port is protected by a sturdy rubber cap and features the words “5V/2A” and “IP68”, which indicates a waterproof certification up to 2 meters deep.
During the charging phase, the four green LEDs gradually light up, switching from a flashing mode to a solid light to indicate the battery charge level.
Nitecore includes a 5300mAh 21700 battery, model NL2153, in the package, which guarantees exceptional autonomy. A full charge takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes using a high-quality charger that can provide at least 2 amps of current. Alternatively, thanks to an included plastic adapter, you can also use one 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries.
The only part of the flashlight that can be disassembled is the tailcap for access to the battery compartment. The threads are anodized so physical lockout of the interface is allowed. The contacts are made up of a plated button on the positive pole and a thick golden spring on the negative side. There is also mechanical protection against polarity inversion to guarantee maximum safety in the event that a careless user inserts the cell incorrectly.
The central part of the body is characterized by a very thick knurling which offers excellent grip in any condition.
The tailcap is not flat but you can still use the flashlight in a vertical position. Additionally, there are two large holes that allow you to attach lanyards or small carabiners for added convenience.
At the end there is a mechanical Tactical Switch that allows you to turn the flashlight on and off or use the Momentary On.
The holster supplied is the classic Nitecore Nylon holster
Tint, beam and beamshots
The optical component of the Nitecore MH12 Pro consists of a latest generation NiteLab UHi 40 LED, which offers a beam with an almost neutral color tone (approximately 5500K). The NiteLab UHi 40 is extremely small, with a surface area of just 4.53 mm², but extraordinarily powerful, reaching a light density of 827 lumens per mm². Its circular shape ensures, coupled with the smooth and deep reflector with which the MT12 pro is equipped, perfect lighting and a clean beam without any strange artifacts
Near the LED, there is a small proximity sensor that activates when an obstacle is detected in front of the flashlight. In this case, the flashlight automatically adapts, reducing the brightness to 300 lumens to avoid glare and improve visibility.
The optical part also includes a deep aluminum reflector, mirror polished, and a lens with double anti-reflection treatment.
The light beam emitted by the Nitecore MH12 Pro is remarkably clean, with a perfectly circular and intense spot and a very wide spill that allows you to illuminate the surrounding ground when the torch is held in a horizontal position.
Below are some shots in the dark.
Beamshot #1
Beamshot #2
Beamshot #3
Final Considerations
The Nitecore MH12 Pro is undoubtedly a very high quality flashlight that features many new features compared to previous models:
- The 8 status LEDs positioned near the power button provide the user with clear real-time information on the selected brightness level and battery charge status. This makes using the flashlight extremely intuitive and practical.
- The latest generation Uhi 40 LED with which the Nitecore MH12 Pro is equipped is characterized by a circular shape and incredible luminous efficiency to guarantee brilliant light and a precise and uniform beam.
- The deep knurling offers a pleasant touch sensation and increases grip and improves ergonomics during use.
- The package is particularly generous, a powerful 5300mAh 21700 battery is even included.
- The light beam is clean, with a neutral tint that makes everything it illuminates natural and well defined.
In short, an innovative product with many interesting features. Definitely recommended…!!!
Thanks for reading!! XD!
