kj75
Enlightened
Recently, Nitecore released its first light with XHP50 led, the EA81. Advantage of this search- and outdoor light is, that its powered by 8 AA-batteries, which are readily available. Instead of the earlier released P36 with MT-G2, this led combines 2000+ lumens-output with decent throw. In this review we'll have a closer look at the EA81 and will also do some shootouts against the P36 and some competitors.
EA81, powered by a bunch of readily available AA-batteries
driven by a XHP50 led
big output, low-cost power sources
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· Utilizes a CREE XHP50 LED
· Maximum output up to 2150 lumens
· High efficiency circuit board provides up to 810 hours runtime
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 53,300cd and a throw distance up to 462 meters
· Five brightness levels and three special modes to select from
· A micro-textured reflector offers wide angle lighting
· Featuring Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) technology to dynamically adjust output performance according to its internal temperature
· Direct access to ultralow and turbo modes
· Innovative dual switch offers user-friendly interface
· Integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power (patented)
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from incorrectly insertedbatteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum alloy
· Robust HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two-meter submersible)
· 1.5 meters impact resistance
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 7,6" / 193mm
· Head diameter: 2,36" / 60mm
· Tube diameter: 1,65" / 41,8mm
· Weight: 9.95oz / 282gram (without batteries)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The EA81's box doesn't stand out between other Nitecore boxes. It has the same looks: Colorful, and a lot of specifications and advertising printed on it. The box is sturdy enough to store the light when not used. In the box we find almost everything we need, except batteries. Not a big problem; dealers should include a blister with alkalines to make the light ready to use. Overall, nothing wrong with this box. Have a look at the pictures to see what's inside.
easy recognizable as a Nitecore-box
in yellow, black, red and white
inside the EA81, manual, warranty card, spare o-rin,, lanyard, and holster
Impressions:
First impression: Not that big one that I expected! A light powered by 8! cells can't be tiny. Luckily it has a rather small tube and enough grip, so it's quite easy to handle with. The light is an upgrade of the earlier released E8 Caveman, with little differences. As always with my Nitecores, this light is well machined, and the treads are lubed well. The anodizing is sufficient, but I've seen better jobs done by Nitecore. It has an orange-peel reflector, in which I found a flaw. Not a big problem, but Nitecore should take care of this. The led is perfectly centered. The notches in the lights' head should give the EA81 anti-rolling, but in practice the light rolls of the table. You've to control the light by the two side-buttons, which are separated by a marked edge. Tailstanding is no problem, also with added lanyard. The inner side of the tube looks ok with gold plated springs and clear icons how to insert the batteries. In the tailcap I found some solder remnants at the springs, this could be improved. Overall, the finishing and machining is good, and the light is easy to handle with. Carrying in the coat pocket (in upcoming winter-season) shouldn't be a problem. Please have a look at the pictures, that show more details and impressions.
good looking flashlight
but can't be hidden in your hand
but is easy to control by using one hand
first Nitecore with XHP50 led
notches in the head don't prevent rolling of the table…
steady tailstanding no problem
the orange-peel reflector
big throw combined with a lot of output
the lanyard added on
strongly recommended: rechargeable batteries to avoid leakage
the holster won't protect the whole light
but is handy while carrying
the two power buttons, separated by a thin edge
laser-engraving well done
overall anodizing is ok, except some little flaws
solder rests in the tailcap
the threads are greased and machined well
a close up of the EA81's head
deep cooling fins
a close up to the perfect centered XHP50 led
a rather thin tube
clear icons how to insert the eight AA-cells
gold plated springs and contacts inside
User interface:
The EA81 used the often used "two-button" interface. Personally I like this interface, but I'm still hoping at more Nitecores with the MH20 (a three-way-button-for-all) interface. You can locate the buttons without problems, but the TM16's (bigger) buttons are easier to be found. A voltage indicator is built in: Three, two or one blue flash informs about actual battery condition. This is show after installing the batteries and can also be shown with a short press at the upper button when the light is off.
A short press activates constant on, starting at turbo at first time. A short click at the upper button cycles through the EA81's modes. From off, press and hold the lower button for instant LOWER-mode or press and hold the upper button for instant TURBO. Personally, I really like this, because you can always start the light at LOWER or TURBO, no matter which last used mode is stored. Double press the upper button for instant-STROBE. In instant-STROBE you can't cycle to another mode. In normal / constant-on mode, press and hold the upper button for the special mode, starting with STROBE. Press and hold for the next mode, BEACON and after that SOS. No memory for the special modes here. Press and hold the power button to activate STANDBY-BEACON while shutting the light off. The EA81 will flash once per 3 seconds, so you easy locate the light. The EA81 has a lockout mode: Press and hold both buttons about 3 seconds to enter, a short flash will indicate the lockout-function. Same way to deactivate. All modes work fine and without problems, but I wish this light will ever come with the MH20 switch.
Modes:
Like most actual Nitecore lights, the EA81 has also five normal and three special modes. You can only cycle up through the modes, starting with LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. You have direct access to LOWER and TURBO. Special modes will start at STROBE > BEACON > SOS. You have direct access to instant STROBE. Enough, and well-spaced modes, but I'm waiting for a light that could cycle up and down through its output-modes.
ATR:
The EA81 has advanced temperature regulation to avoid the light will be overheated. When it gets hot, light will (dynamically) decrease output. Time of decreasing depends on the actual conditions. Because this is dynamically, in real life this is hard to see when the EA81 decreases output.
Size comparison:
Some lights shown here side by side. Because I don't own lights with the same output and driven by the same cells and led, I took some well-known lights for the comparison.
AA-battery, Nitecore EC4, Nitecore P36, Fenix LD60 and Nitecore EA81
Nitecore EC4, Nitecore P36, Fenix LD60 and Nitecore EA81
reverse…
a zoom-in to the heads
and the tails
Tint:
The XHP50 of the EA81 has more neutral tint than XM-L2, but not that much. I've compared the tint to Nitecore P36 with MT-G2 and warmer tint and the Fenix LD60 with XM-L2(U2) with cool tint.
Beamprofile:
The EA81 has an orange peel reflector, but it has still a throwy beam. It has a rather big hotspot, this makes the light ideal for lighting up a big area at middle distance. Clear visible in this throwy beam: A donut hole. No PWM at any mode, good point!
Beamshots:
To start with, the EA81 projected on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes. After that, an animated picture. Finally a shootout against the Nitecore P36 and the Fenix LD60. The LD60 has more output, but should reach, according to the specs, approximately the same distance.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
Nitecore EA81 against Nitecore P36
a shootout against the Fenix LD60
Conclusion:
The Nitecore EA81 can be the right choice for those who are looking for a big output light combined with huge throw, powered by "cheap" cells. About the cells, I can strongly recommend rechargeable AA's, for example eneloops. This will avoid leakage. In my region, 8 eneloops are the same price a one Nitecore 18650 cell. I like the fact that also this Nitecore has good mode spacing, with a real low. The donut-hole that can be been indoors, is barely visible outdoors. Some finishing details of the EA81 could be some better, and I'd like to see all Nitecores with accurate voltage indicator. It's not an EDC-light, but it won't be a big problem to carry this light in your coat pocket during wintertime, because it's rather compact and not that heavy for a 8-cell-light. Overall, I'm happy with my new AA-output king!
Nitecore EA81 provided for review
EA81, powered by a bunch of readily available AA-batteries
driven by a XHP50 led
big output, low-cost power sources
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· Utilizes a CREE XHP50 LED
· Maximum output up to 2150 lumens
· High efficiency circuit board provides up to 810 hours runtime
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 53,300cd and a throw distance up to 462 meters
· Five brightness levels and three special modes to select from
· A micro-textured reflector offers wide angle lighting
· Featuring Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) technology to dynamically adjust output performance according to its internal temperature
· Direct access to ultralow and turbo modes
· Innovative dual switch offers user-friendly interface
· Integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power (patented)
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from incorrectly insertedbatteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum alloy
· Robust HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two-meter submersible)
· 1.5 meters impact resistance
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 7,6" / 193mm
· Head diameter: 2,36" / 60mm
· Tube diameter: 1,65" / 41,8mm
· Weight: 9.95oz / 282gram (without batteries)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The EA81's box doesn't stand out between other Nitecore boxes. It has the same looks: Colorful, and a lot of specifications and advertising printed on it. The box is sturdy enough to store the light when not used. In the box we find almost everything we need, except batteries. Not a big problem; dealers should include a blister with alkalines to make the light ready to use. Overall, nothing wrong with this box. Have a look at the pictures to see what's inside.
easy recognizable as a Nitecore-box
in yellow, black, red and white
inside the EA81, manual, warranty card, spare o-rin,, lanyard, and holster
Impressions:
First impression: Not that big one that I expected! A light powered by 8! cells can't be tiny. Luckily it has a rather small tube and enough grip, so it's quite easy to handle with. The light is an upgrade of the earlier released E8 Caveman, with little differences. As always with my Nitecores, this light is well machined, and the treads are lubed well. The anodizing is sufficient, but I've seen better jobs done by Nitecore. It has an orange-peel reflector, in which I found a flaw. Not a big problem, but Nitecore should take care of this. The led is perfectly centered. The notches in the lights' head should give the EA81 anti-rolling, but in practice the light rolls of the table. You've to control the light by the two side-buttons, which are separated by a marked edge. Tailstanding is no problem, also with added lanyard. The inner side of the tube looks ok with gold plated springs and clear icons how to insert the batteries. In the tailcap I found some solder remnants at the springs, this could be improved. Overall, the finishing and machining is good, and the light is easy to handle with. Carrying in the coat pocket (in upcoming winter-season) shouldn't be a problem. Please have a look at the pictures, that show more details and impressions.
good looking flashlight
but can't be hidden in your hand
but is easy to control by using one hand
first Nitecore with XHP50 led
notches in the head don't prevent rolling of the table…
steady tailstanding no problem
the orange-peel reflector
big throw combined with a lot of output
the lanyard added on
strongly recommended: rechargeable batteries to avoid leakage
the holster won't protect the whole light
but is handy while carrying
the two power buttons, separated by a thin edge
laser-engraving well done
overall anodizing is ok, except some little flaws
solder rests in the tailcap
the threads are greased and machined well
a close up of the EA81's head
deep cooling fins
a close up to the perfect centered XHP50 led
a rather thin tube
clear icons how to insert the eight AA-cells
gold plated springs and contacts inside
User interface:
The EA81 used the often used "two-button" interface. Personally I like this interface, but I'm still hoping at more Nitecores with the MH20 (a three-way-button-for-all) interface. You can locate the buttons without problems, but the TM16's (bigger) buttons are easier to be found. A voltage indicator is built in: Three, two or one blue flash informs about actual battery condition. This is show after installing the batteries and can also be shown with a short press at the upper button when the light is off.
A short press activates constant on, starting at turbo at first time. A short click at the upper button cycles through the EA81's modes. From off, press and hold the lower button for instant LOWER-mode or press and hold the upper button for instant TURBO. Personally, I really like this, because you can always start the light at LOWER or TURBO, no matter which last used mode is stored. Double press the upper button for instant-STROBE. In instant-STROBE you can't cycle to another mode. In normal / constant-on mode, press and hold the upper button for the special mode, starting with STROBE. Press and hold for the next mode, BEACON and after that SOS. No memory for the special modes here. Press and hold the power button to activate STANDBY-BEACON while shutting the light off. The EA81 will flash once per 3 seconds, so you easy locate the light. The EA81 has a lockout mode: Press and hold both buttons about 3 seconds to enter, a short flash will indicate the lockout-function. Same way to deactivate. All modes work fine and without problems, but I wish this light will ever come with the MH20 switch.
Modes:
Like most actual Nitecore lights, the EA81 has also five normal and three special modes. You can only cycle up through the modes, starting with LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. You have direct access to LOWER and TURBO. Special modes will start at STROBE > BEACON > SOS. You have direct access to instant STROBE. Enough, and well-spaced modes, but I'm waiting for a light that could cycle up and down through its output-modes.
ATR:
The EA81 has advanced temperature regulation to avoid the light will be overheated. When it gets hot, light will (dynamically) decrease output. Time of decreasing depends on the actual conditions. Because this is dynamically, in real life this is hard to see when the EA81 decreases output.
Size comparison:
Some lights shown here side by side. Because I don't own lights with the same output and driven by the same cells and led, I took some well-known lights for the comparison.
AA-battery, Nitecore EC4, Nitecore P36, Fenix LD60 and Nitecore EA81
Nitecore EC4, Nitecore P36, Fenix LD60 and Nitecore EA81
reverse…
a zoom-in to the heads
and the tails
Tint:
The XHP50 of the EA81 has more neutral tint than XM-L2, but not that much. I've compared the tint to Nitecore P36 with MT-G2 and warmer tint and the Fenix LD60 with XM-L2(U2) with cool tint.
Beamprofile:
The EA81 has an orange peel reflector, but it has still a throwy beam. It has a rather big hotspot, this makes the light ideal for lighting up a big area at middle distance. Clear visible in this throwy beam: A donut hole. No PWM at any mode, good point!
Beamshots:
To start with, the EA81 projected on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 1 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes. After that, an animated picture. Finally a shootout against the Nitecore P36 and the Fenix LD60. The LD60 has more output, but should reach, according to the specs, approximately the same distance.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
Nitecore EA81 against Nitecore P36
a shootout against the Fenix LD60
Conclusion:
The Nitecore EA81 can be the right choice for those who are looking for a big output light combined with huge throw, powered by "cheap" cells. About the cells, I can strongly recommend rechargeable AA's, for example eneloops. This will avoid leakage. In my region, 8 eneloops are the same price a one Nitecore 18650 cell. I like the fact that also this Nitecore has good mode spacing, with a real low. The donut-hole that can be been indoors, is barely visible outdoors. Some finishing details of the EA81 could be some better, and I'd like to see all Nitecores with accurate voltage indicator. It's not an EDC-light, but it won't be a big problem to carry this light in your coat pocket during wintertime, because it's rather compact and not that heavy for a 8-cell-light. Overall, I'm happy with my new AA-output king!
Nitecore EA81 provided for review
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