Review: NITECORE TIP2

roma58 · 2019-07-30T14:18:06.000Z

NITECORE TIP2
Dual-Core Magnetic Keychain Light

Nitecore TIP2 was sent to me by Nitecore for review.
For the main features: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/tip2
For purchases: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-TIP2-Rechargeable-Keychain-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-tip2.htm

The Nitecore TIP2 is the last keychain light released by Nitecore. It joins the previous TIP bringing some important novelties maintaining approximately the same dimensions as the previous "TIP" version.
The Nitecore TIP2 has two powerful magnets in the tail and thanks to the two LEDs CREE XP-G3 S3 reaches a maximum output of 720 lumens.
It has an integrated 500 mAh Li-ion battery and Micro-USB charging.
It has two side switches and 4 levels available with direct access to the Turbo, has two modes available (DEMO and DAILY) and is certified IP67.

MAIN FEATURES:

• Uses 2 CREE XP-G3 S3 LEDs with a maximum power of 720 lumens
• Maximum beam intensity of 2,160 cd and maximum projection distance of 93 meters
• Light and rigid CNC machined body
• It uses a totally reflective optical lens for a uniform and soft light
• Built-in 500 mAh lithium ion battery
• Built-in lithium ion battery charging circuit with a Micro-USB port
• Advanced Power Cut-Off (APC) technology for ultra low parasitic drainage
• High efficiency constant circuit provides stable output up to 55 hours
• 2 user modes available (DEMO mode and DAILY mode
• Double side switch design
• 4 brightness levels available with direct access to TURBO
• Memory function in intelligent mode
• The power indicator indicates the remaining battery power
• Integrated temperature regulation module (ATR) incorporated
• HA III hard anodised finish
• Magnetic tail design
• IP67 protection degree and impact resistant up to 1 meter

Technical specifications:
Dimensions: Length 62.6 mm / 2.46 in
Head Size 26.9 mm / 1.05 in
Weight 38.3 g / 1.35 oz
(clip not included)

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THE MANUAL:

THE PACKAGING:

The Nitecore TIP2 comes in a black cardboard box with above indicated the main characteristics that distinguish it. Inside the package we find:

Nitecore TIP2
Clip
Keychain clasp
Manual and Warranty

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The new NITECORE TIP2:

The Nitecore TIP2 comes with the Clip and Keychain clasp already mounted. The clip is made of plastic and allows a simple attachment to the belt or visor of a cap. It is easy to extract it and its lateral opening allows the use of the two switches of the TIP2 also guaranteeing a minimum protection against involuntary ignition.

Nitecore TIP2 uses two TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optics and two CREE XP-G3 S3 LEDs with a maximum power of 720 lumens. The light is white with flood light.
The TIP2 has small dimensions and a rectangular shape. It holds up well and weighs little. The body of the TIP2 is CNC machined, it is rigid with a hard anodized finish HA III. Good construction and body writing.

Laterally we find the two switches with which we will manage the TIP2, the power button and the mode button. The two switches are easily distinguished because on one (power button) we have the power symbol and on the other (mode button) four horizontal lines. These two almost square switches, although quite small, are easy to find in the dark even with the clip inserted, as long as you don't use gloves. The click is good and silent.
To turn on the small TIP2 we have to long press the "Power" switch (about 2 sec.). This seems to help prevent accidental activation.

Between the two switches there are 3 small holes with 3 blue notification LEDs. When the light is off, by pressing the "Mode" button the LEDs, flashing, indicate the state of charge of the internal battery supplied with the Nitecore TIP2.

1. Flashing three times indicates that the power is over 50%;
2. Flashing twice indicates that the power is less than 50%;
3. Flashing once indicates that the power is less than 10%.

In addition to this function, the LEDs also indicate when the TIP2 is charging and when the internal 500 mAh battery is almost empty.

The tail of the Nitecore TIP2 is connected to the body by 2 powerful neodymium magnets. To separate the two parts it is necessary to do a lot of strength, while to reunite them it is sufficient to bring them closer together. The magnets are powerful enough to keep the TIP2 anchored also laterally on a metal surface.

At the center between the two magnets, we find the Micro-USB charging port. Through this port we can recharge the internal TIP2 500 mAh battery, not replaceable. It takes just under 2 hours to fully recharge it. In the sales package of the Nitecore TIP2 we do not have any Micro-USB / USB cable but being common it will not be difficult to obtain it.
As mentioned above, during charging the blue indicator LEDs, between the two switches, flash slowly. Once charging is complete, the blue light will remain on constantly.

The Nitecore TIP2 next to the TIP and later also to the Acebeam UC15.

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USER INTERFACE (UI):

The Nitecore TIP2 has 4 brightness levels available with direct access to TURBO.

LOW - 1 lumen - 55h
MID - 30 lumens - 8h
HIGH - 200 lumens - 1h 15min.
TURBO - 720 lumens - 15 min.
N.B. The TURBO runtime is measured without temperature regulation.

Nitecore TIP2 has 2 user modes, the DEMO mode and the DAILY mode.
In DEMO mode (default setting) the light turns off automatically, within 30 seconds, if no operation is performed.
In DAILY mode the light does not switch off automatically as there is no timer.
Mode change:
When the light is on or off, long press both the power button and the mode button simultaneously to switch from DEMO to DAILY mode.
The light will flash to indicate the current user mode:
1 flash to indicate DEMO mode and 2 flashes to indicate DAILY mode.
Brightness levels:
When the light is on, briefly press the Mode button to scroll through “LOW
- MID - HIGH ”.
(TIP2 has memory mode. When reactivated, the torch will automatically access the previous stored brightness level.)
Direct access to TURBO:
When the light is on or off, press and hold the mode button (Mode button) to access
TURBO. Release to return to the previous state.
ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation):
Integrated ATR technology adjusts the output of Nitecore TIP2 based on working conditions and the surrounding environment to maintain optimal performance.
APC (Advanced Power Cut-Off):
APC (Advanced Power Cut-Off) technology offers very low parasitic drainage, providing a 365-day experience ready for use in the standby state.
The built-in 500 mAh lithium ion battery provides up to 55 hours of autonomy.
BLOCK: Nitecore TIP2 does not have an electronic lock.

BEAM and RUNTIME:

Discrete the light of the TIP2 and good the "floody" beam of the Nitecore TIP2. The color has some yellow/green dominance that however do not disturb our vision. The light beam almost completely covers the walk. I didn't notice PWM at all levels.

Runtime was done by putting the Nitecore TIP2 in HIGH and MID mode with the internal battery fully charged. The test was done indoors.
A test I did is to send the TIP2 several times in TURBO to see how it behaves.

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.

As you can see from the graph, the Turbo lasts a few seconds, but can be recalled even if the duration will be a little shorter each time.

VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sy3vWf7vv1k

CONCLUSIONS:

I liked the TIP2, it holds well in the hand and has a good light output considering that it is a keychain light.
It is beautiful and well built. The buttons, a bit small, have a good click without hesitation being made of hard plastic (at least they seem to me). The two magnets are powerful and the tail release system is innovative.
Good adjustment and TIP2 levels. I don't mind the momentary Turbo, which can be recalled directly, even considering the use for which the Nitecore TIP2 was designed.
The TIP2 beam, alluvial in nature, still manages to light well up to a distance of 40, 50 meters if we use the Turbo mode. The color of the ray is white with at times some yellow/green dominances which however do not disturb our vision. Too bad the lack of an electronic torch lock, even if used with the clip inserted and the two-second delay on power-up partially solve the problem.
Unfortunately the package does not have a USB charging cable, but there is a convenient plastic clip and a small ring with a keychain clasp.

In conclusion the Nitecore TIP2 is a good update of the old TIP and is a valid purchase for those who need a keychain light in their daily equipment.

LightObsession · 2019-07-30T19:00:10.000Z

Thanks for the very thorough review.

roma58 · 2019-07-31T09:53:59.000Z

LightObsession:

Thanks for the very thorough review.

Thanks for reading.