kj75
Enlightened
Up to 900 lumens coming out of a light that has the same size as your thumb? From now, this should be possible: Nitecore recently introduced the EA11 and EC11: tiny, powerful lights, running on a lot of power sources. Let's see how this little ones perform!
EA11 and EC11
powered by XM-L2 (U2) led and red light
small: the EA11
and even smaller: the EC11
As usual, the (manufacturer) specs to start with: (the same, except the dimensions)
Features:
• Utilizes CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED
• Maximum output of 900 lumens
• Integrated "Precision Digital Optics Technology" provides extreme reflector performance
• Boasts a peak beam intensity of 9000 cd and a throw distance of up to 190 meters
• Dual-switch design ensures unprecedented ease of use
• Secondary red LED provides constant / flashing illumination
• Indicates battery voltage with a red flashing LED (accurate to 0.1V)
• High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime of 10 hours (20 hours for EC11)
• Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
• Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from an incorrectl y inserted battery
• 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:
EA11:
Length: 3.62" / 92mm
Head diameter: 1" / 25.4mm
Tail diameter: 0.79" / 20mm
Weight: 1.87oz / 53 grams (without battery)
EC11:
Length: 2.95"/ 75mm
Head diameter: 1"/ 25.4mm
Tail diameter: 1"/ 25.4mm
Weight: 1.60oz / 45.3 grams (without battery)
And the output and runtime specs:
EA11:
EC11:
Unboxing:
Compact lights, tiny boxes…The EA11 and EC11 are hidden in colorful boxes with nice prints. Almost all features are mentioned, so no secrets about the contents here J As usual, Nitecore provides a very complete package: Except a battery all you need is there. Again, a complete and neat box here!
only difference in dimensions
inside the boxes: manual, warranty card, holster, lanyard, clip and spare o-ring
Impressions:
First impressions are okay: A good job on anodizing, finishing an machining. The EA11 has a smaller tube, because of the AA size. The difference in length is the dimension of EA11's tailcap. Heads are equal, except the prints. It's possible to exchange the heads. The led in my EC11 was positioned better. As always with Nitecores, there's are lot of grease on the perfect machined threads. The engraving is done sufficiently, not the best I've ever seen. About carrying: The EC11 can easy be hidden in the palm of a (average) hand, but personally, I prefer the EA11 because of its little longer and smaller tube. Both lights come with sturdy clips, that you can add on in two ways; and have perfect anti-roll design and steady tailstanding. Overall: two high quality, " easy-to-handle-with" lights! Please have a look at the pictures below for more impressions..
user friendly, high-output EDC's
heads are equal, tubes are different
powered by the same XM-L2 (U2) led
as long as your finger / thumb
again, a good job on anodizing
and finishing
multifunctional red light: constant on, blink, voltage indicator and location beacon
fit in the holster, even with added clips
difference in length
the EC11 has a thicker tube
difference in engraving too
a lot of power sources possible; both lights can run on IMR-cells too
the Nitecore D4 can charge IMR-cells too, I can recommend you this one!
a close up of the engraving: looks a bit blurry
both lights do have three parts
looking inside the tube and heads..
the EA11 is an ideal EDC: what about clipping it on your cap?
or carry it on your backpack…
while walking…
the EC11 is the best choice in cold conditions, because of the frost-proof CR123A cell
User interface:
The interfaces are equal. Control the lights with the two little side buttons. You can't feel difference in shape, but in total darkness it's no problem to find the lights' head. Press the bottom one for on/off, after that the upper for selecting the desired mode. A short press on the upper button will activate constant red, press one of the button to shut off. Press and hold (only when off) the bottom for instant lower/moonlight and the upper button for instant turbo. Press and hold (when white light is activated) for special modes: Starting with strobe > press and hold again to cycle through the next special modes. There's also instant-strobe: Quick double-press the upper/mode button from off to get this. At red constant mode, press and hold the upper button for red blinking-mode. While shutting of the normal white and holding the button, the light will go into location-beacon-mode. One red flash every 3 seconds will help you to find your light back. When the light is on, and you press both buttons together for over one second, the light will go into lock-out mode. Do the same from off to reactivate. Overall, this is really an innovative interface that needs some exercise, but you'll get used by it in a few days.
Modes:
Nitecore has really packed a bunch of modes in this tiny ones! Both lights have five main-modes: Lower > Low > Medium > High > Turbo. The red light has constant on, blinking mode and location mode (one flash every 3 seconds) As usual, Nitecore comes with several special modes too: Strobe > SOS > Location Beacon. Again, Nitecore did a good job on modes here.
Size comparison:
The Nitecores side by side here, and also compared to some other competitors: Two lights in the "16340-class" (Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16); and one "14500-light" (Olight ST25 Baton)
CR123A, AA battery, Nitecore EC11, Nitecore EA11, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
Nitecore EC11, Nitecore EA11, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
reverse..
both Nitecore have XM-L2 (U2) bulbs, Fenix and Klarus have XP-L leds
and a look at the tails
a tiny monster and a tiny flashlight
Tint:
Showing the lights' tint a white wall. Also in this comparison: the Olight ST25. The tint of my EA11 sample is little bluish.
Beamprofile:
Thanks to the orange-peel reflector the lights have a good beamprofile, suited for allday-use. Medium throw, a rather big corona and enough spill to see what's going on at night. Only when looking though a (video)camera, the lights do have PWM at the middle modes, except Lower and Turbo. For map reading in total darkness you can use the red light because of the hotspot.
Beamshots:
At first, the lights together projected on a white wall to show their beamprofiles. For this, I used the IMR cells. Distance to the wall about 0,5 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Red light:
A longer exposure time selected here to show the red lights' beamprofile.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 0.4 sec, 35mm
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes of both lights, with different batteries used. I am surprised by the power of the Nitecore rechargeables, or little disappointed by the power of the IMR's: With both cells fresh charged, I couldn't see difference in output…. Finally, a shootout against some competitors. Because I did a lot of beamshots, only GIF-pictures here. ( I skipped the red light, because it isn't visible at the outdoor shots)
NOTE: the focus of the hotspot may vary because of the different shape of the lights
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
the EA11 running on AA-eneloop versus EA11 on Nitecore 14500 cell
the EC11 running on Duracell CR123A against EC11 running on Nitecore RCR123A at turbo mode
the EA11 with Nitecore 14500 versus EC11 with Nitecore RCR123A
the EA11 with Nitecore 14500 versus Olight ST25 Baton running on 14500+spacer, both at turbo
the EC11 with Nitecore RCR123A against the Fenix PD22UE running on 16340 cell at turbo mode
LOCATION 2:
the EA11's output modes running on AW IMR 14500 cell
EA11 on AA-Eneloop against EA11 running on 14500 versus IMR 14500, all at turbo-mode
the EC11's output modes running on AW IMR 18350 cell
EC11 with RCR123A against EC11 running on AW IMR 18350 cell
EA11 with IMR 14500 against EC11 with IMR 18350
Conclusion:
The Nitecore EA11 an EC11 are both impressive lights. Because of the bunch of output-modes they have, you can handle most situations with this tiny ones: From ultralow red, 1 lumen white low until 900? lumens on IMR cells. Interface is ok, but personally, I prefer the "one-button-for-all" like Nitecore has added to the later released MH20. Nice to know you have instant low / turbo and location beacon too. To be honest, I was not impressed of the performance while running on IMR-cells. So far I've seen, output on RCR123A and 14500 is almost the same. So, I will go for protected when EDC-ing these lights…The EA11 is easier to handle with, because of the length and the smaller tube; the EC11 would be a better choice in cold conditions.
I really would like to see this lights with built-in tail magnet. Personally, when you're looking for a nice, high-output EDC, I would go for the combination EA11 with protected Nitecore 14500 in combination with a pack of readily available alkaline cells.
Nitecore EA11 and EC11 provided for review
EA11 and EC11
powered by XM-L2 (U2) led and red light
small: the EA11
and even smaller: the EC11
As usual, the (manufacturer) specs to start with: (the same, except the dimensions)
Features:
• Utilizes CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED
• Maximum output of 900 lumens
• Integrated "Precision Digital Optics Technology" provides extreme reflector performance
• Boasts a peak beam intensity of 9000 cd and a throw distance of up to 190 meters
• Dual-switch design ensures unprecedented ease of use
• Secondary red LED provides constant / flashing illumination
• Indicates battery voltage with a red flashing LED (accurate to 0.1V)
• High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime of 10 hours (20 hours for EC11)
• Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
• Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from an incorrectl y inserted battery
• 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:
EA11:
Length: 3.62" / 92mm
Head diameter: 1" / 25.4mm
Tail diameter: 0.79" / 20mm
Weight: 1.87oz / 53 grams (without battery)
EC11:
Length: 2.95"/ 75mm
Head diameter: 1"/ 25.4mm
Tail diameter: 1"/ 25.4mm
Weight: 1.60oz / 45.3 grams (without battery)
And the output and runtime specs:
EA11:
EC11:
Unboxing:
Compact lights, tiny boxes…The EA11 and EC11 are hidden in colorful boxes with nice prints. Almost all features are mentioned, so no secrets about the contents here J As usual, Nitecore provides a very complete package: Except a battery all you need is there. Again, a complete and neat box here!
only difference in dimensions
inside the boxes: manual, warranty card, holster, lanyard, clip and spare o-ring
Impressions:
First impressions are okay: A good job on anodizing, finishing an machining. The EA11 has a smaller tube, because of the AA size. The difference in length is the dimension of EA11's tailcap. Heads are equal, except the prints. It's possible to exchange the heads. The led in my EC11 was positioned better. As always with Nitecores, there's are lot of grease on the perfect machined threads. The engraving is done sufficiently, not the best I've ever seen. About carrying: The EC11 can easy be hidden in the palm of a (average) hand, but personally, I prefer the EA11 because of its little longer and smaller tube. Both lights come with sturdy clips, that you can add on in two ways; and have perfect anti-roll design and steady tailstanding. Overall: two high quality, " easy-to-handle-with" lights! Please have a look at the pictures below for more impressions..
user friendly, high-output EDC's
heads are equal, tubes are different
powered by the same XM-L2 (U2) led
as long as your finger / thumb
again, a good job on anodizing
and finishing
multifunctional red light: constant on, blink, voltage indicator and location beacon
fit in the holster, even with added clips
difference in length
the EC11 has a thicker tube
difference in engraving too
a lot of power sources possible; both lights can run on IMR-cells too
the Nitecore D4 can charge IMR-cells too, I can recommend you this one!
a close up of the engraving: looks a bit blurry
both lights do have three parts
looking inside the tube and heads..
the EA11 is an ideal EDC: what about clipping it on your cap?
or carry it on your backpack…
while walking…
the EC11 is the best choice in cold conditions, because of the frost-proof CR123A cell
User interface:
The interfaces are equal. Control the lights with the two little side buttons. You can't feel difference in shape, but in total darkness it's no problem to find the lights' head. Press the bottom one for on/off, after that the upper for selecting the desired mode. A short press on the upper button will activate constant red, press one of the button to shut off. Press and hold (only when off) the bottom for instant lower/moonlight and the upper button for instant turbo. Press and hold (when white light is activated) for special modes: Starting with strobe > press and hold again to cycle through the next special modes. There's also instant-strobe: Quick double-press the upper/mode button from off to get this. At red constant mode, press and hold the upper button for red blinking-mode. While shutting of the normal white and holding the button, the light will go into location-beacon-mode. One red flash every 3 seconds will help you to find your light back. When the light is on, and you press both buttons together for over one second, the light will go into lock-out mode. Do the same from off to reactivate. Overall, this is really an innovative interface that needs some exercise, but you'll get used by it in a few days.
Modes:
Nitecore has really packed a bunch of modes in this tiny ones! Both lights have five main-modes: Lower > Low > Medium > High > Turbo. The red light has constant on, blinking mode and location mode (one flash every 3 seconds) As usual, Nitecore comes with several special modes too: Strobe > SOS > Location Beacon. Again, Nitecore did a good job on modes here.
Size comparison:
The Nitecores side by side here, and also compared to some other competitors: Two lights in the "16340-class" (Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16); and one "14500-light" (Olight ST25 Baton)
CR123A, AA battery, Nitecore EC11, Nitecore EA11, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
Nitecore EC11, Nitecore EA11, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
reverse..
both Nitecore have XM-L2 (U2) bulbs, Fenix and Klarus have XP-L leds
and a look at the tails
a tiny monster and a tiny flashlight
Tint:
Showing the lights' tint a white wall. Also in this comparison: the Olight ST25. The tint of my EA11 sample is little bluish.
Beamprofile:
Thanks to the orange-peel reflector the lights have a good beamprofile, suited for allday-use. Medium throw, a rather big corona and enough spill to see what's going on at night. Only when looking though a (video)camera, the lights do have PWM at the middle modes, except Lower and Turbo. For map reading in total darkness you can use the red light because of the hotspot.
Beamshots:
At first, the lights together projected on a white wall to show their beamprofiles. For this, I used the IMR cells. Distance to the wall about 0,5 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Red light:
A longer exposure time selected here to show the red lights' beamprofile.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 0.4 sec, 35mm
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes of both lights, with different batteries used. I am surprised by the power of the Nitecore rechargeables, or little disappointed by the power of the IMR's: With both cells fresh charged, I couldn't see difference in output…. Finally, a shootout against some competitors. Because I did a lot of beamshots, only GIF-pictures here. ( I skipped the red light, because it isn't visible at the outdoor shots)
NOTE: the focus of the hotspot may vary because of the different shape of the lights
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
the EA11 running on AA-eneloop versus EA11 on Nitecore 14500 cell
the EC11 running on Duracell CR123A against EC11 running on Nitecore RCR123A at turbo mode
the EA11 with Nitecore 14500 versus EC11 with Nitecore RCR123A
the EA11 with Nitecore 14500 versus Olight ST25 Baton running on 14500+spacer, both at turbo
the EC11 with Nitecore RCR123A against the Fenix PD22UE running on 16340 cell at turbo mode
LOCATION 2:
the EA11's output modes running on AW IMR 14500 cell
EA11 on AA-Eneloop against EA11 running on 14500 versus IMR 14500, all at turbo-mode
the EC11's output modes running on AW IMR 18350 cell
EC11 with RCR123A against EC11 running on AW IMR 18350 cell
EA11 with IMR 14500 against EC11 with IMR 18350
Conclusion:
The Nitecore EA11 an EC11 are both impressive lights. Because of the bunch of output-modes they have, you can handle most situations with this tiny ones: From ultralow red, 1 lumen white low until 900? lumens on IMR cells. Interface is ok, but personally, I prefer the "one-button-for-all" like Nitecore has added to the later released MH20. Nice to know you have instant low / turbo and location beacon too. To be honest, I was not impressed of the performance while running on IMR-cells. So far I've seen, output on RCR123A and 14500 is almost the same. So, I will go for protected when EDC-ing these lights…The EA11 is easier to handle with, because of the length and the smaller tube; the EC11 would be a better choice in cold conditions.
I really would like to see this lights with built-in tail magnet. Personally, when you're looking for a nice, high-output EDC, I would go for the combination EA11 with protected Nitecore 14500 in combination with a pack of readily available alkaline cells.
Nitecore EA11 and EC11 provided for review
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