Review Nitecore EDC25, 3000 lumens, 300 meters

ro.ma.

Enlightened
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Dec 3, 2012
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Nitecore EDC25 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for the review.
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For technical details and purchase:
https://www.nitecorestore.com/EDC25-300 … -edc25.htm
The multilingual manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads … /edc25.pdf




Nitecore updates the previous EDC27 with a new product improved in some features and performance. EDC25 by Nitecore also adopts a thin "sandwich" structure with smooth sides and a high-resistance rigid body of only 13.7 mm (0.54"). With this design, EDC25 not only does not roll, but it also improves portability when placed in trousers or a jacket.
A few minutes of use were enough to appreciate the improvements in UI management compared to the previous EDC27.
Like Nitecore's latest products, EDC25 also uses NiteLab Uhi LED technology for a higher beam intensity with 2 Uhi 20 LEDs with a maximum emission of 3000 lumens but now with 22500cd which bring the distance reached at about 300 meters.
Nitecore EDC25 is IP54 certified and is equipped with 2 locking modes, to avoid accidental activation, with 4 brightness levels available in addition to the two temporary Turbo and Strobe levels.
In this new version EDC25 adopts, instead of the display, LED indicators to have, in real time and at a glance, the residual charge, the selected level and the block. EDC25 features 2 tail switches for tactical applications with instant access to TURBO or Strobe now activated via a single programmable switch.
The new EDC25 also has an integrated 1700 mAh Li-ion battery, which offers autonomy of up to 55 hours, is rechargeable (via an integrated fast USB-C port), is lightweight (104g) and easily transportable, thanks also to the large steel clip available. Nitecore EDC25 is ideal, thanks to its portability, for daily use both at work and when camping and on short outings.

Immagine


Main features:
• Uses 2 UHi 20 LEDs with a maximum output of 3,000 lumens
• Uses a precision metallic orange peel reflector, which perfectly combines long-range and wide-angle illumination
• Maximum peak beam intensity of 22,500 cd and maximum range of 300 meters
• 4 brightness levels to scroll through
• Customizable one-button access to TURBO or STROBE READY™
• STROBE mode uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
• The power indicators indicate the remaining battery charge
• The level indicators indicate the current brightness level
• Built-in 1,700 mAh lithium-ion battery
• Advanced Power Cut-Off (APC) technology for extremely low standby power consumption
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides stable output for up to 55 hours
• Twin-tailed buttons enable intuitive operation
• Intelligent lithium-ion battery charging circuit with USB-C charging port
• Intelligent brightness level memory function
• 2 lock modes available (partial lock mode and full lock mode)
• Built-in Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
• Constructed of aluminum alloy with HA III military grade hard anodized finish
• Degree of protection against water and dust according to IP54
• Impact resistant up to 1 meter
Specifications:
Length: 136.3 mm (5.37"), Width: 31.4 mm (1.24"), Height: 21.4 mm (0.84")
Weight: 104 g (3.67 oz)
Warranty:
Any DOA / defective product can be replaced through a local distributor/reseller within 15 days of purchase. Afterwards, malfunctioning NITECORE® products can be repaired free of charge within 24 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 24 months, a limited warranty applies, which covers the cost of labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or replacement parts.


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Note: Claimed data is measured in accordance with ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019 international flashlight testing standards using the built-in lithium-ion battery (1,700 mAh) under laboratory conditions.


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Nitecore EDC25 arrives in a dark-colored cardboard box with the classic writings reporting the main features that distinguish it.
Inside the package we find, in addition to the Nitecore EDC25 with the Clip inserted, the USB-C charging cable, the lanyard, manual and warranty.

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Nitecore EDC25 is sold with the Clip already installed (but detachable), held by two removable screws. On the clip we find a large hole for the lanyard, compatible with a 550 paracord (4 mm / 0.16"). Above the Clip there is a holder designed to easily push down the flashlight preventing accidental activation. The Clip, similar to that of the previous EDC27, it is over half the length of the new EDC and allows the EDC25 to be easily inserted into a pocket or backpack.
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Nitecore EDC25 has good build quality, with a slim profile and smooth, rounded sides. It holds well in the hand without hesitation or slipping.
EDC25 uses a high-strength rigid body, featuring an aluminum alloy body with a high-strength composite frame, secured by six sets of connecting bolts, to achieve a lightweight yet rigid structure that resists compression, torsion and flexion. On the sides of the EDC25 we find a carbon fiber reinforced polymer material and a hard (prismatic) non-slip texture in four places.
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In the lower part of the EDC25 we find numerous writings including the plate data of the integrated battery and, much appreciated, the operations to lock or unlock the flashlight.
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Nitecore EDC25 has excellent heat dissipation thanks to the design of the internal dissipation plate that extends almost from head to tail preventing overheating by helping to conduct and disperse heat quickly.

The height dimensions of the body of only 13.7 mm (0.54") and the weight of 104g favor a firm grip and easy daily transport (jeans, jacket, etc.).
EDC25 uses an optical system that uses 2 UHi 20 LEDs, with two metal orange peel reflectors, a maximum output of 3,000 lumens with a maximum peak beam intensity of 22,500 cd and theoretical maximum range of 300 meters. The beam is therefore more concentrated than the previous EDC27 with a brighter hotspot.
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Between the two LEDs there is a proximity sensor; with the flashlight off, if accidentally turned on at HIGH, TURBO or STROBE levels with an obstacle close to the flashlight head (e.g. in a pocket or backpack), the brightness of the flashlight automatically decreases to 500 lumens to avoid overheating and damage. The operation seems improved compared to the previous EDC33, however it remains specified by Nitecore that the sensitivity of the sensor can vary depending on the color and material obstructing the torch. Once the obstacle is removed, the flashlight returns to the previous brightness level by deactivating the sensor protection function.

The new EDC25 has a series of LED indicators located in the upper part, easily legible, which display for a few seconds the remaining charge (4 green) available and the light level (4 blue) used. There is also an LED lock status indicator. The indicators can be recalled at any time by half-pressing the power button.
Status of indicators Charge level:
4 on 75% - 100%
3 on 50% - 75%
2 on 25% - 50%
1 on 0% - 25% (please charge the product as soon as possible)

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In the upper part of the Nitecore EDC25, there are the two electronic switches for complete management of the Nitecore EDC25. The two buttons have different heights and are therefore easily identifiable in the dark (by touch).
Compared to the previous EDC27, these two new tactical switches have improved with more efficient user interface management.

As can be seen from the symbol above this, the raised button is the Power Button which has the ON/OFF function and, by pressing halfway, allows you to vary the 4 regular levels (Ultralow, Low, Mid and High) available.
The larger button is now single-stage and programmable.

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By default, once the button is pressed, with the torch on or off, it activates the 3000 lumens Turbo mode. To change the selection, hold down the customizable button without releasing it and at the same time fully press the power button until you hear a click to toggle and select between TURBO and STROBE.

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With the "Power Button" we can insert the electronic block, both partial and total, to avoid unpleasant switching on during transport.
A red LED next to the padlock symbol lights up when the switches are pressed when the lock is inserted.
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Nitecore EDC25 uses a USB-C format port for integrated charging. The internal lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 1,700 mAh, like the previous EDC27, to provide a maximum autonomy of 55 hours. The package includes a USB-C cable for connecting to an external power source (e.g. a USB adapter, a computer or other USB charging devices) to start the charging process.
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The charging time, measured in my tests, is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (1.6A max.) with fast charging (via 5V/2A adapter).
During the charging process, the green power indicators gradually transition from a flashing light to a solid light to display the battery level.
When the battery is fully charged, the EDC25 stops the charging process and the green power indicators light up constantly.
Nitecore EDC25 can be turned on and work while charging (TURBO and STROBE excluded) or always remain turned on using a USB device such as a power bank.
EDC25 through APC (Advanced Power Cut-Off) technology offers very low parasitic drainage which allows up to one year (365 days) of standby.



Nitecore EDC25 close to Nitecore EDC33 and Nitecore T4K.
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USER INTERFACE (UI):

Nitecore EDC25 has 4 brightness levels available as well as direct access to TURBO or STROBE.
High: 1000 lm, 1h30min
Mid: 200 lm, 4h15min
Low: 65 lm, 14h
Ultralow: 15 lm, 55h
Turbo: 3000 lm
Strobo: 3000 lm


Customizable function
When the flashlight is on or off, press and hold the customizable button to enter TURBO mode or
STROBE. The level indicators will go out one by one, indicating the time remaining for TURBO mode or STROBE. To release
to return to the previous state. To change the selection, hold down the customizable button without releasing it and at the same time fully press the power button until you hear a click to alternate and select between TURBO and STROBE. After selecting your preference, the flashlight will allow quick access to TURBO/STROBE mode.



BEAM and RUNTIME:
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The Nitecore EDC25's beam is clean with no strange rings or aberrations. The beam with this new optical system covers a good depth with a well-present hotspot and a beam color that remains greenish particularly in the lower levels. However, it is still appreciable.

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The CCT (color temperature) and Ra (color rendering) values taken with the OPPLE Light Master Pro, about one meter away from the sensor, vary depending on the selected light level . As seen from the values reported, the color of the beam has a low CRI index and appears greenish particularly in the lowest brightnesses. I can't see PWM by eye.
ULTRALOW level 15 lumens, CCT= 5490 Ra= 62.1 – Duv: 0.0169
LOW level 65 lumens, CCT= 5496 Ra= 62.1– Duv: 0.0164
MID level 200 lumens, CCT= 5563 Ra= 62.5– Duv: 0.0154
HIGH level 1000 lumens, CCT= 5800 - Ra= 65.1 – Duv: 0.0118
TURBO level 3000 lumens, CCT= 6173 - Ra= 68.8 – Duv: 0.067

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The table below shows the CD values taken by me with the Luxmeter, at 3 and 5 meters, 30 seconds after switching on. The values are close to those declared by the parent company. The Turbo is calculated at startup (peak) with the maximum duration being 10 seconds.

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The Runtimes were done in a closed environment with a temperature of approximately 20°C using the fully charged internal 1700mAh battery.
I would like to point out that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they were made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory. Furthermore, the values taken by me with the LX1330B Luxmeter refer to the CD (candela) of the beam and not to the lumens found.
Note: Nitecore EDC25, with the ATR module, adjusts its output power by adapting to the surrounding environment, maintaining optimal performance.

The tests were carried out in HIGH (1000lm) mode and in MID (200lm) mode.
In HIGH mode, at 1000 lumens, there is a constant descent for about 30 minutes and then slower until the battery approaches exhaustion after about 65 minutes from start-up. EDC25 turned off 75 minutes after turning it on. With this brightness the total runtime duration is slightly lower than that indicated by Nitecore.
Starting in MID, with the brightness of 200 lumens, the curve is constant up to over 3h40min. EDC25 turned off after over 4 hours as also indicated in the table by Nitecore.
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Let's see the curves of the CD values in the HIGH and MID modes together with those of the EDC27 tested by me some time ago. The graph shows the greater light intensity of the EDC25 compared to the EDC27 thanks to the more performing optical system (parabolas and LEDs).
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TURBO mode with 3000 lumens light output is limited to a maximum of 10 seconds to avoid overheating or flashlight problems. The graph below shows a test of continuous and close ignitions in turbo mode including a photo taken with a thermal imager of the torch body at the end of the test. It is clear that after a few switches on the duration of the 3000 lumens Turbo level is reduced (ATR) due to the temperature reached.
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VIDEO Review
Nitecore EDC25 Unboxing and Use



CONCLUSIONS:
It took just a few minutes to understand that Nitecore EDC25 brought significant improvements compared to the previous EDC27. The revised user interface and the new, more performing optical system are the main innovations of this new version. I also appreciated the proximity sensor which works well and the fast charging despite the still 1700mAh internal battery.
Nitecore has also thought of adding writing on the back of how to insert or remove the torch lock and excellent LED indicators that replace the small OLED display which is not very visible in the dark.
Finally, considering the lower price compared to the previous EDC27, the new EDC25 is certainly recommended for those looking for a highly portable multi-purpose EDC torch for daily use or for short trips out of town.
Thanks for reading the review.

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