kj75
Enlightened
After the Tiny Monster series and the compact EA11 and EC11 Nitecore launches again a real compact one: the new MH20 should be one of the most compact 18650-lights available. Because it is usb-rechargeable you should never run out of power. Also interesting at this light: the new, improved interface. Let's have a closer look and compare this light to some competitors!
MH20, one of the most compact lights in its class
powered by XM-L2(U2) LED
a 18650 powered light with a dimension of about 10 centimeters
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· The smallest, lightest 1x18650 USB rechargeable flashlight
· Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
· Max output of up to 1000 lumens
· Integrated "Precision Digital Optics Technology" provides extreme reflector performance
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 12,500 cd and a throw distance of up to 220 meters
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· Innovative single button 2-stage switch accesses multiple functions and modes
· Integrated power indicator notifies battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
· Intelligent charging module with a micro USB port charges Li-ion battery rapidly
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime of 235 hours
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
· Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
· HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 4.13" / 105mm
· Head diameter: 1.25" / 31.8mm
· Tail diameter: 1" / 25.4mm
· Weight: 3.08oz / 87.3gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
A small box for a 18500-light! Again, a colorful, neat box around the MH20. Most of the specs and contents are mentioned on it. Inside, we find almost everything that's needed, except a battery. Personally, I can't believe that a usb-rechargeable is delivered without a cell. (So far I know now, most dealers deliver this light including a cell.) For the rest, a very complete package. Please scroll down for more details and contents!
as usual, the colorful, neat box in Nitecore house-style
contents the light, manual, warranty card, spare o-ring and usb cover, lanyard, holster and clip
Impressions:
First impression: a rather big head and tiny tube! Really compact for a 18650-light! But it is well balanced and easy to handle with. It has a smooth, very clean reflector and lens and also a perfect centered led. Good grip, a sturdy. deep clip and well-greased threads. The well-fitting usb cover protects the micro-usb port against dust and water. Anodizing could be little better: I found some spots at my sample. The lanyard's hole is to small: a had to fix the strap by using a needle…
Charging of the light is easy: Simply plug the micro-usb cable into a usb port, that's all. All chargers that support micro-usb can be used. The power indicator in the switch will tell you about the progress: Blinking once per 3 seconds while charging, constant on when full, or rapidly blinking when there's something wrong. At first, I had to get used by the shape of this light, because the head seems (to) big. But after using it some weeks, I really like it! Advantage of the bigger head is that the MH20 will not get that hot after a few minutes. Good job here Nitecore! Please scroll down for more impressions, told by pictures…
this Multitask member
has good looks and proportions
about finger-length…
compact "pocket-rocket"
almost everywhere to charge
voltage and power indicator; also a location beacon
smooth, clean reflector, LED perfect centered
a lot of output by a little light
the most important accessories
deep cooling-fins, light can run longer time at turbo-mode
stable tailstand
good machining
and well-greased
a look inside
the cover can be turned 360 degrees
and seals perfectly (not as shown at this picture)
a hard job to insert the lanyard: I almost needed a needle
in the holster
waterproof to IPX-8, so a rain shower is no problem
the long clip prevents against loss
together with 1000-lumen-output MultiTask brothers.
a "three-way" and and "two-way" shutter button
User interface:
Real innovative: Nitecore shows what's possible with only one button! The switch operates like a camera shutter. Earlier, Nitecore used this idea on the TM06. But on the MH20, they have improved this interface. Nitecore is talking about a 2 way shutter, but it has three: Slight/Half press (no click), Normal click and Deep(er) press. I can tell you this works fine! Use a normal click for on/off. Choose your desired level by half pressing, starting with lower up to turbo mode. Second (silent) option for on is by half-pressing the button: this is meant for instant Lower, but when activated, you can simple cycle through the other modes too. Really like this silent mode! Only for off you need one "click". A deep press from off will give instant turbo, deep press when on will bring into the special modes, starting with strobe. Cycle through the special modes by half pressing the button. Deep press again to leave special mode. Instant turbo works also with the light on, half press and hold the button to activate. Not surprising that this light hasn't momentary-on. By deep pressing the button the switch under the cover feels like "piercing" you finger or thumb, because it is sharp.
Modes:
Like most Nitecores, this light has 5 normal and 3 special modes: Lower > Low > Medium > High > Turbo. The special modes are: Strobe > Location Beacon > SOS. You have direct access to Low and Turbo from off. Also instant Turbo when the light is on. Mode spacing is well done, not that big lumen jumps between the modes.
ATR:
The MH20 has advanced temperature regulation to avoid the light will be overheated. When it gets hot, light will (dynamically) increase output. Time of increasing depends on the actual conditons. It's no problem to use this light longer time at turbo mode, it will not get, like some tiny lights, very hot in a few minutes.
Size comparison:
To show the dimensions, I've compared the MH20 with his MH12 brother and also with the Klarus RS11 and the Sunwayman C25C Ti.
CR123A, 18650, Nitecore MH20, Sunwayman C25C Ti, Nitecore MH12 and Klarus RS11
Nitecore MH20, Sunwayman C25C Ti, Nitecore MH12 and Klarus RS11
reverse…
a zoom-in to the heads
and the tails
Tint:
The MH20 has a bit warmer tint than most XM-L2(U2) lights, with a slight yellow-/greenish tint. I've compared the tint to the Olight ST25 Baton.
Beamprofile:
For its size the light has a rather big reflector. It's a smooth one, so a "throwy" light here. Suited for a lot of outdoor situations, for indoor (for example bed reading) I can recommend an (optional) diffusor. Maybe Nitecore can add a real firefly mode (0,5 lumens or less) in future. For the rest, a nice profile without spots or rings. No PWM at any mode, good point!
Beamshots:
The light projected on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 0,75 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 Klarus RS11, the Nitecore MH12 and the Sunwayman C25C Ti, also powered by a single 18650 cell.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
LOCATION 2:
MH20 against Klarus RS11
a shootout against Nitecore MH12 brother
the MH20 compared to the Sunwayman C25C Ti
Conclusion:
For me, the MH20 is one of my favorite single 18650-lights. The good built quality, easy interface and possibility to charge everywhere are good points here. I like the silent operation too. It has a bit throwy, but nice beam, this makes the MH20 a good search- and outdoor light, but for camping I can recommend a diffusor. The MH20 has a warmer tint than the MH12, what a lot of people will prefer. To make this an ideal light for me, I'd like to see it with a tailswitch, that gives momentary too. And I would like that the sidebutton could be used for stepping up and down through the modes, like the TM06. One thing I'm sure of: This one I'll carry a lot of times!
Nitecore MH20 provided for review
MH20, one of the most compact lights in its class
powered by XM-L2(U2) LED
a 18650 powered light with a dimension of about 10 centimeters
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· The smallest, lightest 1x18650 USB rechargeable flashlight
· Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
· Max output of up to 1000 lumens
· Integrated "Precision Digital Optics Technology" provides extreme reflector performance
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 12,500 cd and a throw distance of up to 220 meters
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· Innovative single button 2-stage switch accesses multiple functions and modes
· Integrated power indicator notifies battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
· Intelligent charging module with a micro USB port charges Li-ion battery rapidly
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime of 235 hours
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
· Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
· HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 4.13" / 105mm
· Head diameter: 1.25" / 31.8mm
· Tail diameter: 1" / 25.4mm
· Weight: 3.08oz / 87.3gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
A small box for a 18500-light! Again, a colorful, neat box around the MH20. Most of the specs and contents are mentioned on it. Inside, we find almost everything that's needed, except a battery. Personally, I can't believe that a usb-rechargeable is delivered without a cell. (So far I know now, most dealers deliver this light including a cell.) For the rest, a very complete package. Please scroll down for more details and contents!
as usual, the colorful, neat box in Nitecore house-style
contents the light, manual, warranty card, spare o-ring and usb cover, lanyard, holster and clip
Impressions:
First impression: a rather big head and tiny tube! Really compact for a 18650-light! But it is well balanced and easy to handle with. It has a smooth, very clean reflector and lens and also a perfect centered led. Good grip, a sturdy. deep clip and well-greased threads. The well-fitting usb cover protects the micro-usb port against dust and water. Anodizing could be little better: I found some spots at my sample. The lanyard's hole is to small: a had to fix the strap by using a needle…
Charging of the light is easy: Simply plug the micro-usb cable into a usb port, that's all. All chargers that support micro-usb can be used. The power indicator in the switch will tell you about the progress: Blinking once per 3 seconds while charging, constant on when full, or rapidly blinking when there's something wrong. At first, I had to get used by the shape of this light, because the head seems (to) big. But after using it some weeks, I really like it! Advantage of the bigger head is that the MH20 will not get that hot after a few minutes. Good job here Nitecore! Please scroll down for more impressions, told by pictures…
this Multitask member
has good looks and proportions
about finger-length…
compact "pocket-rocket"
almost everywhere to charge
voltage and power indicator; also a location beacon
smooth, clean reflector, LED perfect centered
a lot of output by a little light
the most important accessories
deep cooling-fins, light can run longer time at turbo-mode
stable tailstand
good machining
and well-greased
a look inside
the cover can be turned 360 degrees
and seals perfectly (not as shown at this picture)
a hard job to insert the lanyard: I almost needed a needle
in the holster
waterproof to IPX-8, so a rain shower is no problem
the long clip prevents against loss
together with 1000-lumen-output MultiTask brothers.
a "three-way" and and "two-way" shutter button
User interface:
Real innovative: Nitecore shows what's possible with only one button! The switch operates like a camera shutter. Earlier, Nitecore used this idea on the TM06. But on the MH20, they have improved this interface. Nitecore is talking about a 2 way shutter, but it has three: Slight/Half press (no click), Normal click and Deep(er) press. I can tell you this works fine! Use a normal click for on/off. Choose your desired level by half pressing, starting with lower up to turbo mode. Second (silent) option for on is by half-pressing the button: this is meant for instant Lower, but when activated, you can simple cycle through the other modes too. Really like this silent mode! Only for off you need one "click". A deep press from off will give instant turbo, deep press when on will bring into the special modes, starting with strobe. Cycle through the special modes by half pressing the button. Deep press again to leave special mode. Instant turbo works also with the light on, half press and hold the button to activate. Not surprising that this light hasn't momentary-on. By deep pressing the button the switch under the cover feels like "piercing" you finger or thumb, because it is sharp.
Modes:
Like most Nitecores, this light has 5 normal and 3 special modes: Lower > Low > Medium > High > Turbo. The special modes are: Strobe > Location Beacon > SOS. You have direct access to Low and Turbo from off. Also instant Turbo when the light is on. Mode spacing is well done, not that big lumen jumps between the modes.
ATR:
The MH20 has advanced temperature regulation to avoid the light will be overheated. When it gets hot, light will (dynamically) increase output. Time of increasing depends on the actual conditons. It's no problem to use this light longer time at turbo mode, it will not get, like some tiny lights, very hot in a few minutes.
Size comparison:
To show the dimensions, I've compared the MH20 with his MH12 brother and also with the Klarus RS11 and the Sunwayman C25C Ti.
CR123A, 18650, Nitecore MH20, Sunwayman C25C Ti, Nitecore MH12 and Klarus RS11
Nitecore MH20, Sunwayman C25C Ti, Nitecore MH12 and Klarus RS11
reverse…
a zoom-in to the heads
and the tails
Tint:
The MH20 has a bit warmer tint than most XM-L2(U2) lights, with a slight yellow-/greenish tint. I've compared the tint to the Olight ST25 Baton.
Beamprofile:
For its size the light has a rather big reflector. It's a smooth one, so a "throwy" light here. Suited for a lot of outdoor situations, for indoor (for example bed reading) I can recommend an (optional) diffusor. Maybe Nitecore can add a real firefly mode (0,5 lumens or less) in future. For the rest, a nice profile without spots or rings. No PWM at any mode, good point!
Beamshots:
The light projected on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 0,75 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 Klarus RS11, the Nitecore MH12 and the Sunwayman C25C Ti, also powered by a single 18650 cell.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
LOCATION 2:
MH20 against Klarus RS11
a shootout against Nitecore MH12 brother
the MH20 compared to the Sunwayman C25C Ti
Conclusion:
For me, the MH20 is one of my favorite single 18650-lights. The good built quality, easy interface and possibility to charge everywhere are good points here. I like the silent operation too. It has a bit throwy, but nice beam, this makes the MH20 a good search- and outdoor light, but for camping I can recommend a diffusor. The MH20 has a warmer tint than the MH12, what a lot of people will prefer. To make this an ideal light for me, I'd like to see it with a tailswitch, that gives momentary too. And I would like that the sidebutton could be used for stepping up and down through the modes, like the TM06. One thing I'm sure of: This one I'll carry a lot of times!
Nitecore MH20 provided for review
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