[Review] - Nitecore P12GTS - XHP35 HD, 1800 lumen, Dual Switch - by Lock

lock · 2018-09-17T19:53:37.000Z

Hello everyone...with this review we'll see the Nitecore P12GTS. Evolution of the previous P12GT from which it takes only the shape, this new model mounts the most performing and efficient LED XHP35 HD able to deliver to the Turbo well 1800 lm. The flashlight was supplied by Nitecore specifically for the review.

Packaging and content

The P12GTS was sent to me for the review without a box. Usually the package includes:

The light "P12GTS"
Nylon holster
Spare O-ring
Belt clip
Laynard
Multilingual instruction manual
Warranty Card

Features

Utilizes CREE XHP35 HD LED, with a maximum output of 1,800 lumens
Maximum peak beam intensity of 12,760cd and maximum throw of 226 meters
An optical system combined with crystal coating and “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT)
High efficiency constant circuit provides stable output up to 250 hours
The metal side switch controls 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
A power indicator beneath the side switch indicates the remaining battery power (Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
The power indicator can also display the battery voltage (±0.1V)
Rigid double layer tube design
Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module
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 in accordance with IPX8 (2 meters submersible)
Impact resistant to 1 meter
Tail stand capability

Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 145.71 mm (5.74 ")

Head diameter: 25.4 mm (1 ")

Tail diameter: 26mm (1.02 ")

Weight: 99 g (3.49 oz)

Output Level and Runtime

The Nitecore P12GTS has 5 normal brightness levels + 3 special levels (Strobo, Beacon, SOS) divided as follows:

Turbo: 1800 lm declared (measured 1715 lm) – 30min
High: 900 lm declared (measured 939 lm) – 1h45min
Mid: 240 lm declared (measured 282 lm) – 5h
Low: 70 lm declared (measured 86 lm) – 17h
Ultra-Low: 1 lm declared (measured 1 lm) – 220h

The measured data are to be considered peak (taken within 30 seconds from the ignition and with a fully charged battery) and all have proved to be consistent with what was declared by the manufacturer.

Runtime Turbo Level – Sanyo IMR18650 3500mAh

Body and Materials

The Nitecore P12GTS is a linear tactical flashlight with two different switches: one in the queue that allows the switching on, off and use of Momentary On, the other side for the variation of levels and for access to special functions such as Strobo, Beacon and SOS.

The P12GTS can be powered using different types of 18650 both Flat and Top button cells as long as they are high drain. Nitecore recommends using High Drain cells> 8A. Alternatively, it is also possible to use CR123 primary cells or RCR123 rechargeable cells.

The only part of the torch that can be easily unscrewed is the tailcap. This is not flat but on particularly smooth surfaces it can still be used as a support for the use in tailstanding. Two elongated holes allow the insertion of the laynard.

In the tail we have a two-way tactical button. Pressed halfway, it makes no noise and activates Momentary On for the preset level. Pressed completely emits a ringing "click" and allows you to turn the torch on and off.

The torch tube has a double layer design to ensure greater strength. The inner layer composed of a cylindrical aluminum foil is free to rotate inside the tube but can not be extracted.

The threads are very flowing and arrive well lubricated. As we can see from the photos they are not anodized and physical lock-out is not possible by rotating the tailcap. This should not be a problem since the button in the tail is mechanical and therefore should open completely the contact with the cell and avoid the parasitic drain

At the negative pole we have a double golden spring of good section and particularly rigid. At the positive pole we have a smaller spring and even more rigid than the previous one

The P12GTS is quite long about 14cm. In your hand, it is comfortable and holds well. There is also a metal Cigar grip

Detail of the Cigar grip...

The central body as well as the tailcap has a good knurling that guarantees an impeccable grip even with wet and damp hands.

The side button is well made, embedded in the torch body but slightly protruding. It is surrounded by a transparent plastic ring that glows blue to indicate the state of charge of the cell.

The lettering is well done and the anodization is perfect.

The head is cylindrical and has small dissipation fins and beautiful vertical milling.

The optical part consists of a small smooth reflector (SMO), the well-centered XHP35 LED, and a lens with anti-reflective coating and anti-scratch treatment on both sides.

Nitecore declares water resistance according to IP68 standard (submersible up to 2 meters deep) and 1mt impact resistance

User Interface

The UI is very simple, we have a button in the tail that acts as a switch and that allows, if pressed partially, the Momentary On. A second side button allows the variation of levels and access to special functions. Direct access and direct access to the Ultra Low level are also possible. The P12GTS is also equipped with the classic advanced temperature regulation module that regulates the output and prevents overheating.

Beam, Tint e Beamshots

The P12GTS beam is usable in a variety of circumstances. The spot is wide and bright with a good shot. The color is Cool, I would say about 6000K. On the spot it is uniform with a slight variation on warmer colors on the spill

Beamshot #1

Beamshot #2

Beamshot #3

Beamshot #4

Beamshot #5

Beamshot #6

Beamshot #7

Final Considerations

The P12GTS is a tactical flashlight with interesting features. It is easy to use: just press the button in the tail to turn it on / off and the side button to change the levels. The materials are of quality, the abundant thicknesses.

Particularly the design with a double layer tube that gives the PG12GTS high qualities of strength and solidity.

Among the features of this model are the possibility to use the Momentary On with the partial pressure of the button in the tail, the presence of a metal Cigar Grip and the presence of the powerful XHP35 HD LED able to deliver to the turbo1800 lumens.

The user interface is also good, with 5 well-spaced normal levels, 3 special levels and immediate access to the Turbo and Ultralow levels.

Excellent regulation that provides a constant output. The temperature control module that regulates the output when necessary is also excellent.

Good quality product definitely to recommend!

bmengineer · 2018-09-18T14:01:39.000Z

Is the front bezel glued on yours? My sample seems to unscrew with a bit of pressure.

Edit: Mine has thread lock on it, I was just able to unscrew it for some reason anyways.

EDCba · 2018-09-18T13:22:35.000Z

Very interesting. Do you think it’s worthy of the GT label, since it has even less throw than the original P12, with almost twice the lumens?