NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More!

[HKJ]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

AW18650 2600mA*h do not work on my SR3.

I've reported it in this thread, maybe others will comment there as well.

No surprise in that, the plus connection on the SR3 is flat, it has to be elevated to work with flat top batteries.

 

[voodoogreg]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

I want One of these.... VG

 

[Dioni]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Thanks for more this nice review! I'm getting interested in that light.

 

[moraino]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Where to get the 18650 extension? Is it available yet?

 

[Dioni]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Where to get the 18650 extension? Is it available yet?

+1 :thinking:

 

[Link Archer VI]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Sorry folks, the 18650 extension was only a limited run of 100pcs(i think), and they're all gone now. It used to be on 4sevens, but it has disappeared now.

 

[Jackyl]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Wow, this is a surprisingly short thread for such a seemingly popular model.

I decided to swap my SS NEX for an SR3 and had a few questions. The NEX's lowest output was rated at 2 lumens while the SR3 claims 5. Is this really the case? I was hoping for a lower low than even the NEX, but think the pros will outweigh the cons for me overall. No hidden low low?

The NEX (Q5) was also rated at 180 lumens for 75 min. where as the SR3 claims 240 for 50 min. Is this accurate or just a more realistic claim than in the past like how they changed from emitter output to OTF ratings?

Does the ring get gunked up with pocket lint requiring occasional cleaning and re-lube? How about if it gets submerged? I realize that this is no small feat, so I am hoping they sealed it up well and used a waterproof grease.

I'm hoping the strobe issue is just a nit picky issue that would **** off most flashaholics, but not me for some reason.

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Wow, this is a surprisingly short thread for such a seemingly popular model.

Yes, for some reason, discussion of this light never seemed to catch on here. :shrug:

I decided to swap my SS NEX for an SR3 and had a few questions. The NEX's lowest output was rated at 2 lumens while the SR3 claims 5. Is this really the case? I was hoping for a lower low than even the NEX, but think the pros will outweigh the cons for me overall. No hidden low low?

The NEX (Q5) was also rated at 180 lumens for 75 min. where as the SR3 claims 240 for 50 min. Is this accurate or just a more realistic claim than in the past like how they changed from emitter output to OTF ratings?

The Lo mode of my SR3 is definitely lower than my NEX, but it is not as low as my EX10. This is not the first time that manufacturer's specs have not matched my testing ... but things can change over time, so not sure if the relative relationship has stayed the same over time.

As for the Hi modes, the SR3 is brighter than the others. The runtime graphs should tell you the rest of the story.

Does the ring get gunked up with pocket lint requiring occasional cleaning and re-lube? How about if it gets submerged? I realize that this is no small feat, so I am hoping they sealed it up well and used a waterproof grease.

It is definitely a lint attractor, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. Haven't tried submerging it personally.

I'm hoping the strobe issue is just a nit picky issue that would **** off most flashaholics, but not me for some reason.

Yeah, it's not that easy to trigger - you probably wouldn't notice it, as long as you take your time in cycling modes.

 

[LiveForNight]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

I work as a surveillance officer at a casino and use mostly low modes to read printed text and not lose my camera vision, strobe to temporarily incapacitate when I go to the floor to arrest and around 150 lumens to navigate through bird-nests to directly view cage and pit employees during an employee audit (we look at employees more than gamers because they have more opportunity to steal). My lights are at least as valuable to me as OC is to an LEO so quality and dependability is very important. In 16 years I have NEVER reported to shift without a flashlight.

I am very new to posting (first one) and probably never would have but felt compelled to say thank you to selfbuilt for another great review that helped me narrow down a purchase. Your reviews have sealed the deal on a half dozen different lights over the last few years. I prefer to lurk and glean info from more knowledgeable and wiser people and then make my decision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the reviewers at the same time because I will most likely never post again. Thanks to all that contribute here and keep up the great work. What you are doing is very important because for some of us our lights keep us working and safe.

Cheers

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

I work as a surveillance officer at a casino ...
I am very new to posting (first one) and probably never would have but felt compelled to say thank you to selfbuilt for another great review that helped me narrow down a purchase. Your reviews have sealed the deal on a half dozen different lights over the last few years.

Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for the support.

:welcome:

 

[Letomax]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Thanks for the review Selfbuilt! I have been looking at this light and a review such as this is invaluable! lovecpf

 

[jcalvert]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Hello Selfbuilt,

I kind of feel like I'm talking to the Wizard of Oz behind a computer curtain whose identity is never to be revealed. But the mystery is also kind of cool!

Although I'm new to CPF (one week), I have been relying on your reviews for months and like so many, I can't thank you enough for the incredible amount of information that you put together along with the time and dedication to do all that you do for all of us!

Now on to my reasons for writing to you, in narrowing my choice for an EDC light that meets all my criteria and based in great part on the information you provide, the SR3 seems be the closest to meeting my needs.

A few things though that I have not found or simply missed, include what type of reflector the SR3 comes with (smooth, OP, or LOP)? Because if I understand correctly, the ringy beam of an R2 based light can be smoothed out when combined with a textured reflector.

Has Nitecore indicated that it will be updating the emitter to the increasingly popular XPG-R5 anytime soon or any other LED?

Lastly, after over a year on the market and the introduction of so many new EDC models, would you rate the SR3 as a long-term reliable flashlight and still worthy of the $120.00 price tag. I know this is a partially subjective question, but your personal opinion will go a long way in whether I purchase the SR3 as my primary EDC or not. I hope that isn't placing unfair pressure on you, but "you da man" in all matters of illumination.

Thanks in advance for your responses to my questions!!!

All the best,
John

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

A few things though that I have not found or simply missed, include what type of reflector the SR3 comes with (smooth, OP, or LOP)? Because if I understand correctly, the ringy beam of an R2 based light can be smoothed out when combined with a textured reflector.

From the review:

I would describe that as light orange peel (LOP). Some could consider it medium (MOP). As my beamshots show, my sample is not as ringy as most XR-E lights, but YMMV. :shrug:

Has Nitecore indicated that it will be updating the emitter to the increasingly popular XPG-R5 anytime soon or any other LED?

No idea, you'd have to ask them directly.

Lastly, after over a year on the market and the introduction of so many new EDC models, would you rate the SR3 as a long-term reliable flashlight and still worthy of the $120.00 price tag. I know this is a partially subjective question, but your personal opinion will go a long way in whether I purchase the SR3 as my primary EDC or not. I hope that isn't placing unfair pressure on you, but "you da man" in all matters of illumination.

Sorry, I try to avoid "recommendations" of flashlights. I prefer to present the data and let folks draw their own conclusions. Long-term reliability is impossible to assess on one sample (especially considering all the other lights I review). You would probably be better off soliciting opinions from users who have held and used the light for an extended period.

I kind of feel like I'm talking to the Wizard of Oz behind a computer curtain whose identity is never to be revealed. But the mystery is also kind of cool!

:laughing:

 

[jcalvert]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Thank you for your time and information. Asking for your recommendation when you review so many different manufacturers products was not fair to ask.

I will contact Nitecore directly to ask about any possible changes in the near term.

Suggesting to solicit opinions and feedback from those who have used the SR3 for a while makes much better sense.

Thanks for your reply!

All the best,
John

 

[LiveForNight]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for the support.

:welcome:

I just saw in your signature that you have a battery fund. PP sent.

 

[Ray_of_Light]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

I have recently bought two SR3 in my quest for ring-controlled lights.
It is, by far, the most solid built light I have. It throws well, for a light of its size, and it feel very substatial in the hand.
Other than the unusual look of the SR3, the fact that the cigar grip is part of the tailcap may be considered questionable. Anyway, I like the 8 levels of brightness, and I am not bothered from the ease the strobe can be unvoluntarily engaged.
My complaint with Nitecore is about the selector ring.
I was expecting the SR3 to use eight Hall magnetic sensors and one magnet, like ALL the rest of the ring controlled lights on the market to date.
I found out... the SR3 uses three Hall sensors and eight (or more) magnets. They compose the numbers from 0 to 7 with bynary code, using eight bynary values (the magnets) upon three bits (represented from the three Hall sensors).
An Hall sensor cost one dollar, one magnet cost one cent. With a little complication in the design, they saved maybe 5 dollars on the production costs. In our market system, 5 dollars of savings at the production level are from 25 to 50 dollars less from the final customer price. Everything is still looking fine, so far.
What happen during the transitioning of the control ring?
The control circuit has undefined transition states. WHile increasing or decreasing the brightness, expecially around the middle level, the brightness of the led changes randomly, because of the binary input control.
Nitecore should have used eight sensors (or at least have inserted a delay in the transition between the levels) in my opinion, so this behavior, due to the intrinsic design, could have been avoided in such an expensive light.
While it is not a blatant defect, it is something that goes against the user fair expectations. I have used expensive Hi-Fi power amplifiers, with volume adjustment made with discrete steps, and the volume, between one level and the next, was increasing or decreasing "as expected" during the transition of the control knob, not going random - and finally setting at the detent - like the SR3 does.

Aside from this unexpected design "feature", which I consider a flaw, I am very satisfied with this light.

Regards

Anthony

 

[DimGR]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

although this light is not EDC friendly , some of you must edc this.. how do you carry it daily? i'm looking for ideas here

thanks

 

[Budda]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

the only way is in a holster, otherwise you'll shred your pocket.

 

[Moonshadow]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

The control circuit has undefined transition states. WHile increasing or decreasing the brightness, expecially around the middle level, the brightness of the led changes randomly, because of the binary input control.
Nitecore should have used eight sensors (or at least have inserted a delay in the transition between the levels) in my opinion, so this behavior, due to the intrinsic design, could have been avoided in such an expensive light.

Sounds like Nitecore should have used a Gray Code:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_code

 

[DimGR]

Re: NiteCore SR3 (1xCR123A/RCR) Review + 18650 Extension: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & More

is this considered to be a flaw in the overall quality of this flashlight or it doesnt really matter?