Review Nitecore NEW P12

roma58 · 2019-11-06T12:33:19.000Z

Nitecore NEW P12

I received the Nitecore NEW P12 directly from Nitecore for review.
For technical details: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/newp12
For the purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-NEW-P12-1200-Lumen-Tactical-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-p12n-2140.htm
The Manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/1569486203.pdf

The Nitecore NEW P12, "Precise Series", is the new Nitecore torch of the classic P12 series that uses, for the first time, a removable lithium battery in format 21700. The Nitecore NEW P12 produces up to 1200 lumens with 238 meters of launch and 14200 candles. Nitecore NEW P12 is equipped with a CREE XP-L HD V6 LED, has 4 light levels (UltraLow, Low, Mid and High) plus 3 special levels (Strobe, Beacon and SOS). As mentioned above, it is powered mainly by a 21700 lithium battery or alternatively by a 18650 battery or 2 CR123/RCR123 batteries. It is IPX-8 certified with 1m impact resistance.
The Nitecore NEW P12 is equipped with two switches, one tactical in the tail and one side, which allow, together with the two modes of use (Daily Mode and Tactical Mode) and the simple user interface (UI) a very easy, fast and intuitive use . Nitecore NEW P12 is particularly suitable for police and armed forces, for research, for outdoor activities and for camping.

Main features:

• Uses a combined optical system with crystal coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
• Tactical mode and daily mode available
• The tactical tail switch and the metal side switch control 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• The "Strobe" mode uses frequencies that change randomly for more intense effects
• A power indicator below the side switch indicates the remaining battery charge
• The power indicator can display the battery voltage (± 0.1 V)
• The high efficiency constant circuit provides a stable output
• Integrated temperature regulation module (ATR) incorporated
• Electronic protection against polarity reversal
• Optical lenses with scratch-resistant double-sided coating
• Made of aeronautical grade aluminum alloy
• Military grade HA III hard anodised finish

Specifications:
• LED: CREE XP-L HD V6
• Power supply: 1 x 21700, 1 x 18650, 2 x RCR123A or 2 x CR123A batteries
• Levels / Runtime / Distance:
High: 1200 lumens / 3 hours 45 minutes / 238 meters
Middle: 340 lumens / 8 hours / 122 meters
Low: 60 lumens / 52 hours / 44 meters
Utra-low: 1 lumen / 1200 hours / 5 meters
Strobe: 1200 lumens
Beacon: 1200 lumens
SOS: 1200 lumens
• Intensity of the peak radius: 14200cd
• Maximum launch in meters: 238
• Autonomy up to 1200 hours
• IPX-Rating: IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
• Impact resistance: 1 meter
• Dimensions:
Length: 15.4 cm
Head Diameter: 2.54 cm
Tail Diameter: 2.72 cm
• Weight: 83 g (without batteries)

Included Accessories:
• Clip
• Lanyard
• Replacement O-ring
• Spare tail switch cover
• 18650 / CR123A battery adapter
• NTH10 tactical holster

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THE PACKAGE and ACCESSORIES:

The Nitecore NEW P12 is sold in the now classic Yellow / Black pack of Nitecore. On the four sides of the box are the main features of the NEW P12, while inside, in the package sent to me by Nitecore, we find beyond the Nitecore NEW P12 also the Clip, a Lithium 21700 NL2140 battery, the NTH10 tactical holster, the 18650 / CR123 adapter, the lanyard, the spare cap, a spare O-ring, manual and warranty.

The NTH10 Tactical Holster is one of the novelties of this new version of the P12. NTH10, designed especially for law enforcement, is made of rigid black plastic. Being a compact and flexible instrument, it allows, once worn, the rapid insertion and exit of the torch. It has 4 adjustment points depending on the width of the belt and allows the complete use of the NEW P12 even if inserted in it.

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The 18650 / CR123 Battery Magazine included, allows the NEW P12 to be powered by various battery sizes, flat or button top.

These are some of the batteries I used to power the Nitecore NEW P12.

The battery sent by Nitecore together with the torch is a lithium protected in the 21700 format of 4000 mAh (NL2140). Note the inscription NITECORE below.

A good charger for long 21700 batteries is the Nitecore UI1 or even better the Nitecore UMS2 or UMS4.

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The stainless steel Clip, included in the package, is perhaps slightly short considering the length of the NUOVA P12 but still allows easy insertion in the jeans. It can be inserted on the torch in different positions even with Nitecore NEW P12 inserted in the NTH10 tactical case; it also allows the insertion of a lanyard in its two slits.

The Torch:

The Nitecore NEW P12 has good build quality, there are no strange edges or construction residues. Nitecore has managed to maintain, despite the transition to the 21700 format, the width in size of the torch body similar to the previous models, but increasing the length that now passes to 154mm. However, the grip and handling remain excellent. It is made of aluminum alloy with an anodized finish, glossy black, military grade hard; very good the coating, it is difficult to scratch the cover if treated normally. He holds himself well in his hand and his weight is not excessive. It consists of two parts, head with body and tail.

The Nitecore NEW P12 has IPX8 impermeability (submersible from 2 meters) and can withstand impact up to 1 meter.

On the Head of the Nitecore NEW P12 we find a SMO reflector with the CREE XP-L HD V6 LED in the center. Glass and parabola with anti-reflective, crystal coating and PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology) treatments. The bezel is not smooth but slightly crenulated (Strike Bezel).

Also on the head we find circular cooling fins and the side metal button (Side Switch) that allows us to manage the levels available with the NEW P12. The button, slightly recessed in its seat, has a silent click and is surrounded by a ring that lights up blue to indicate the state of charge of the battery and with a quick flash when it needs to be replaced because it is discharged. Under the button a polygonal base prevents rolling.

The central body of the Nitecore NEW P12 has a non-slip diamond-shaped knurling. On the torch body are the spaces to insert the supplied clip or the Tactical Ring Pro sold as an accessory.

The writings on the Nitecore NEW P12 are clearly legible and show the essential data such as brand, model, n. series, danger and certifications.

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The thread on which the tail cap is to be screwed is square and comes well lubricated. Being anodized they allow, by slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical torch lock. There is also a sealing O-ring for water and dust protection.

At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a double spring plated to the negative and a single spring to the positive. The Nitecore NEW P12 has electronic protection against reverse polarity.

The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore NEW P12 is the tail cap. On the tail cap the diamond knurling is similar to that seen on the torch body. There are also two holes for inserting the lanyard supplied with the torch.

Very nice design although it does not allow you to put the NEW P12 on its feet (candle). Down we find the tactical mechanical button to turn on or turn off the torch. The button also has the function of Momentary On. To operate it you need to make a discrete force and the click is noisy.

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The Nitecore NEW P12 next to the Nitecore P12 and the Nitecore MH12GTS.

USER INTERFACE (UI):

The Nitecore NEW P12 has two switches, one side and one tactical (in the queue).
With the Nitecore NEW P12 we have 2 Operating Modes: Daily Mode and Tactical Mode.

In Daily Mode we have 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes available.
High: 1200 lumens / 3 hours 45 minutes / 238 meters
Middle: 340 lumens / 8 hours / 122 meters
Low: 60 lumens / 52 hours / 44 meters
Ultra-low: 1 lumen / 1200 hours / 5 meters
Strobe: 1200 lumens
Beacon: 1200 lumens
SOS: 1200 lumens

In Tactical Mode we have 4 brightness levels and 1 special mode.
High: 1200 lumens / 3 hours 45 minutes / 238 meters
Middle: 340 lumens / 8 hours / 122 meters
Low: 60 lumens / 52 hours / 44 meters
Ultra-low: 1 lumen / 1200 hours / 5 meters
Strobe: 1200 lumens

Tactical Momentary Illumination

Half press and hold the Tail Switch to turn on the light momentarily. Release to turn it off.

On / Off

On: When the light is off, press the Tail Switch until a click sound is heard to turn it on.

Off: When the light is on, press the Tail Switch until a click sound is heard to turn it off.

User Mode Selection

The NEW P12 provides 2 user modes for different users and situations.

Daily Mode (Default Setting): In this user mode, there are 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes (STROBE, BEACON and SOS) available. The NEW P12 will memorize and re-access any of the 4 brightness levels or STROBE Mode (BEACON and SOS excluded) when reactivated, unless it has been switched to the other user mode.
Tactical Mode: In this user mode, there are only 4 brightness levels and STROBE

Mode available.

The NEW P12 will only memorize and re-access HIGH Level or STROBE Mode when reactivated, unless it has been switched to the other user mode.

To select a desired user mode:

When the light is off, click the Tail Switch while holding the Mode Button.
Keep holding the Mode Button for approx. 5 seconds until the blue power indicator beneath the Mode Button flashes quickly.
The indicator will indicate a user mode selected by flashing once for Daily Mode and flashing twice for Tactical Mode.
The flashlight will be automatically turned on after this process.

Brightness Levels

Daily Mode: When the light is on, short press the Mode Button to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH.
Tactical Mode: When the light is on, short press the Mode Button to cycle through the following brightness levels: HIGH – MID – LOW – ULTRALOW.

Special Modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS)

When the light is on, long press the Mode Button to access the STROBE Mode.
When the STROBE Mode is on in Daily Mode, long press the Mode Button each time to cycle through the following special modes: BEACON – SOS – STROBE.
When one of the special modes is on, short press the Mode Button to exit special modes and access the previous memorized brightness level; or click the Tail Switch to exit special modes and turn off the light.

Power Indication

When the light is off, click the Tail Switch while holding the Mode Button and then quickly release both buttons to access Power Indication. The blue power indicator beneath the Mode Button will flash to show the battery voltage (±0.1V). The flashlight will be automatically turned on after this process.

For example, when the battery voltage is at 4.2V, the power indicator will flash 4 times followed by a 1.5-second pause and 2 more flashes. Different voltages represent the corresponding remaining battery power levels:

Note: When using two CR123/RCR123 in series, the indicator will show the average voltage between the two batteries.

ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)

The integrated ATR technology regulates the output of the NEW P12 according to the working condition and ambient environment to maintain the optimal performance.

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BEAM AND RUNTIME:

The color and the beam of the Nitecore NEW P12 are pleasant, without artifacts. With the lighting test near the wall you can see a white spot while the crown that surrounds it is greenish until it reaches the edges of the spill with a color that turns slightly to violet. Moving away from the wall, these color changes are not noticeable and the beam is a beautiful white with a fair shot. I don't see any significant PWM in any of the 4 modes. The start of the spill from the walk is over one meter.

The Runtime were made in a closed environment with an ambient temperature of about 18 °C using the Nitecore 21700 4000 mAh battery and a Nitecore 18650 3400 mAh.

I should point out that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.

Nitecore NEW P12 with 21700 battery (4000 mAh) at HIGH level without ventilation.

Nitecore NEW P12 with 21700 battery (4000 mAh) at MID level without ventilation.

Nitecore NEW P12 with Nitecore 21700 battery (4000 mAh) at HIGH level with and without forced ventilation.

Nitecore NEW P12 with Nitecore 21700 battery (4000 mAh) at the HIGH level with and without forced ventilation in the first 10 minutes.

Nitecore NEW P12 at the HIGH level with Nitecore 21700 battery (4000 mAh) and Nitecore 18650 battery (3400 mAh).

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vvCH7pRME_U

CONCLUSIONS:

The Nitecore NEW P12 is an excellent product. Beautiful the new line more aggressive even if the dimensions in length have increased. The Nitecore NEW P12 is the first Nitecore to use a 21700 format lithium extractable battery as power supply, increasing performance while maintaining a format, similar to the previous versions, in width. The Nitecore NEW P12 also stands out for being able to be powered, even through its adapter, with CR123 / RCR123, 18650 and 21700 batteries, both flat and button top. Surely we expect a rechargeable version via USB socket in the future. Good Runtime and the beam of the NEW P12 well exploitable and with a fair shot; the user interface is simple and immediate.

Complete the sales package with the new NTH10 tactical case and the 18650 battery magazine.

Dioda · 2019-11-06T13:09:47.000Z

Thanks for the nice review!

tempo · 2019-11-06T15:27:00.000Z

this is the best 21700 light of its kind