kj75
Enlightened
Recently, Nitecore presented something new: A die-cast flashlight! Advantage of this should be less weight and more toughness. At first the EC4 with XM-L2 (U2) was launched, later the EC4S (with MT-G2) will follow. Let's see in this review how this interesting flashlight performs!
Nitecore EC4: die-cast, a unique flashlight
driven by a XM-L2 (U2) LED
compact and lightweight
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· The world's first die-cast flashlight
· Solid lightweight aero grade aluminum alloy construction
· Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
· Maximum output of up to 1000 lumens
· Dual switch design offers unprecedented ease of use
· Thumbscrew lock on tailcap doubles as a tripod connector
· 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes available
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime of 260 hours
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· A power indicator built into the on/off switch indicates remaining battery power (patented)
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
· A SMO reflector offers focused beams of 322 meters
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage arise from incorrectly inserted batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 5.90" / 150mm
· Head diameter: 1.57" / 40mm
· Tube: 1.54"x1.10 / 39mm x 28mm
· Weight: 6.03oz / 171gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The carton that the EC4 hides is recognizable as a real Nitecore box: It has the same looks as the P36 box. Mostly in yellow and black color and the important specs in red. Overall it looks neat and this box will be sufficient to protect the light of damage. In the box we find everything needed, except cells. Notable: No spare rings in this package….simply because this is not needed J Please scroll down to see the package and what's inside…
a box in Nitecore house-style
contents the light, manual, warranty card, lanyard and holster
Impressions:
First impression: Real compact! Compared to my TK35 the EC4 is much smaller. The EC4 is easy to handle with, fits comfortably in the hand, also because the big cooling' fins at the head. No problem to carry this compact searchlight every day in your coat pocket. These fins should give the light long runtime at turbo-mode, and I can tell you it's no problem to use this light for longer time highest mode. It's has a smooth, clean reflector and a perfect centered LED. Machining is high quality, but the "stoving varnish exterior treatment" (according to what Nitecore says) and engraving at my sample could be some better. Maybe it's more difficult to treat and engrave a die-cast light. The middle of the tube (with the "EC4" engraving on) seems the weakest point of the tube, because it is the thinnest. But I'm sure this body will be strong enough to last for years. The tailcap has a thumbscrew lock (with no grease at the threads), this works fine. This thumbscrew has also a built-in tripod connector, it seems this is a new trend. But it's a handy feature and you can use your light combined with a ( for example) gorilla pod. Overall, machining and finishing is well-done, so Nitecore again did a good job on it. Please scroll down for more impressions, shown by pictures.
World's first die-cast flashlight…
the aluminum Nitecore EC4
the perfect centered XM-L2 (U2) LED
together with recommended high capacity cells
but also running on CR123A's
at the box: the whole story….
compact pocket searchlight
with unique design
the thumbscrew with built in tripod connector
big cooling fins
the holster is rather big
EC4 with the lanyard added on
a close-up to the fins and the buttons
a close up to the XM-L2 (U2): perfectly centered
flashing power button to inform about battery condition or location
overall good machining and finishing
a closer look at the tailcap with gold plated spring
a look into the tube
combined with a gorilla pod: add-on everywhere
tripod mounting for hands free illuminating
User interface:
It's easy to control this light by using one thumb: two buttons, placed near to the head will assist you through the light's modes. A clearly noticeable edge between the two buttons prevents mistakes. The buttons work fine, but maybe Nitecore could give them a different shape. Personally, I like the interface of the Nitecore MH20 over this one. With two "three-way" buttons it would be easier to cycle up and down through the modes too. Maybe in future? But overall, this interface works fine and after some days you will work with it without any problems. Great job also that Nitecore added (again) three instant modes. The EC4 has a voltage indicator: After inserting the batteries or by a short press at the mode button (when the light is off) the power button will inform you about the battery condition by short blinks. Three blinks when power is above 50%, two blinks when power is below 50% and one blink when you need to charge. Personally I prefer the actual voltage indicator that most of the recent Nitecores have.
Modes:
Like a lot of Nitecore lights, the EC4 gives five normal and three special modes. After inserting the cells and pressing the on/off button, the light will start at turbo. When the light is on, cycle through the following modes by using the mode button: LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH> TURBO. The EC4 memorizes last used mode. With the light on, press and hold the mode button to enter the special modes, starting with STROBE > BEACON > SOS. Mind that you need again to press and hold to enter the next special mode. No memory for last used special mode. The EC4 has three instant modes: Press and hold the on/off button for instant LOWER; press and hold the mode for instant TURBO; quick double press the mode button for STROBE. Use a long press while shutting off the light to activate STANDBY MODE: the button will flash once per two seconds. Handy to locate your light at night. Press and hold both buttons to LOCKOUT and unlock the light: the light will flash one time to show it's locked against accidental activation. A lot of modes here, good job again Nitecore!
ATR:
ATR means that the EC4 will dynamically increase power when the temperature will be high. That means also that the increase will not be a full step down, so in real life, it isn't always visible. But it's a good feature to prolong the EC4 working life.
Size comparison:
To show the compact size of the EC4, a comparison to the MH12 brother (powered by one 18650 cell) and the Fenix TK35 (powered by two 18650's)
CR123A, 18650, Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
reverse: Fenix TK35, Nitecore EC4 and Nitecore MH12
the heads: Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
and the tails: Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
Tint:
The EC4 has a good neutral tint, it looks a bit yellowish. I've compared the tint to the Olight ST25 Baton.
Beamprofile:
Because of the deep, smooth reflector the EC4 gives a "throwy" beam. It's has a medium hotspot and corona and rather big spill. Thanks also to the clean reflector and the perfect centered LED this profile is without rings or spots. I could only detect some PWM at LOW-mode. The ExplorerC4 is meant as a searchlight, so less suited for reading and "floodlight jobs". If you're looking for that, go for the the MH or EDC-series.
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, a comparison to the Fenix TK35 (XM-U2 version) and the Nitecore brother MH12.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
Nitecore EC4 versus Fenix TK35
Nitecore EC4 against Nitecore MH12
Conclusion:
The EC4 is nice addition to the big Nitecore family. It's my most compact and easy to carry searchlight until now. No problem to use it longer time at turbo, a durable construction. User interface and modes are ok, but I'm waiting for a light (after the TM06) that will step down too. Tripod mounting is a nice feature, but will be used more (IMO) in combination with floodlights. I'm looking forward to the EC4S that will have double output. But the EC4 I can recommend for police, law enforcement and searching. It will last for years!
Nitecore EC4 provided for review
Nitecore EC4: die-cast, a unique flashlight
driven by a XM-L2 (U2) LED
compact and lightweight
So let's start, as usual, with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· The world's first die-cast flashlight
· Solid lightweight aero grade aluminum alloy construction
· Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
· Maximum output of up to 1000 lumens
· Dual switch design offers unprecedented ease of use
· Thumbscrew lock on tailcap doubles as a tripod connector
· 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes available
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime of 260 hours
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· A power indicator built into the on/off switch indicates remaining battery power (patented)
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
· A SMO reflector offers focused beams of 322 meters
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage arise from incorrectly inserted batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 5.90" / 150mm
· Head diameter: 1.57" / 40mm
· Tube: 1.54"x1.10 / 39mm x 28mm
· Weight: 6.03oz / 171gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
The carton that the EC4 hides is recognizable as a real Nitecore box: It has the same looks as the P36 box. Mostly in yellow and black color and the important specs in red. Overall it looks neat and this box will be sufficient to protect the light of damage. In the box we find everything needed, except cells. Notable: No spare rings in this package….simply because this is not needed J Please scroll down to see the package and what's inside…
a box in Nitecore house-style
contents the light, manual, warranty card, lanyard and holster
Impressions:
First impression: Real compact! Compared to my TK35 the EC4 is much smaller. The EC4 is easy to handle with, fits comfortably in the hand, also because the big cooling' fins at the head. No problem to carry this compact searchlight every day in your coat pocket. These fins should give the light long runtime at turbo-mode, and I can tell you it's no problem to use this light for longer time highest mode. It's has a smooth, clean reflector and a perfect centered LED. Machining is high quality, but the "stoving varnish exterior treatment" (according to what Nitecore says) and engraving at my sample could be some better. Maybe it's more difficult to treat and engrave a die-cast light. The middle of the tube (with the "EC4" engraving on) seems the weakest point of the tube, because it is the thinnest. But I'm sure this body will be strong enough to last for years. The tailcap has a thumbscrew lock (with no grease at the threads), this works fine. This thumbscrew has also a built-in tripod connector, it seems this is a new trend. But it's a handy feature and you can use your light combined with a ( for example) gorilla pod. Overall, machining and finishing is well-done, so Nitecore again did a good job on it. Please scroll down for more impressions, shown by pictures.
World's first die-cast flashlight…
the aluminum Nitecore EC4
the perfect centered XM-L2 (U2) LED
together with recommended high capacity cells
but also running on CR123A's
at the box: the whole story….
compact pocket searchlight
with unique design
the thumbscrew with built in tripod connector
big cooling fins
the holster is rather big
EC4 with the lanyard added on
a close-up to the fins and the buttons
a close up to the XM-L2 (U2): perfectly centered
flashing power button to inform about battery condition or location
overall good machining and finishing
a closer look at the tailcap with gold plated spring
a look into the tube
combined with a gorilla pod: add-on everywhere
tripod mounting for hands free illuminating
User interface:
It's easy to control this light by using one thumb: two buttons, placed near to the head will assist you through the light's modes. A clearly noticeable edge between the two buttons prevents mistakes. The buttons work fine, but maybe Nitecore could give them a different shape. Personally, I like the interface of the Nitecore MH20 over this one. With two "three-way" buttons it would be easier to cycle up and down through the modes too. Maybe in future? But overall, this interface works fine and after some days you will work with it without any problems. Great job also that Nitecore added (again) three instant modes. The EC4 has a voltage indicator: After inserting the batteries or by a short press at the mode button (when the light is off) the power button will inform you about the battery condition by short blinks. Three blinks when power is above 50%, two blinks when power is below 50% and one blink when you need to charge. Personally I prefer the actual voltage indicator that most of the recent Nitecores have.
Modes:
Like a lot of Nitecore lights, the EC4 gives five normal and three special modes. After inserting the cells and pressing the on/off button, the light will start at turbo. When the light is on, cycle through the following modes by using the mode button: LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH> TURBO. The EC4 memorizes last used mode. With the light on, press and hold the mode button to enter the special modes, starting with STROBE > BEACON > SOS. Mind that you need again to press and hold to enter the next special mode. No memory for last used special mode. The EC4 has three instant modes: Press and hold the on/off button for instant LOWER; press and hold the mode for instant TURBO; quick double press the mode button for STROBE. Use a long press while shutting off the light to activate STANDBY MODE: the button will flash once per two seconds. Handy to locate your light at night. Press and hold both buttons to LOCKOUT and unlock the light: the light will flash one time to show it's locked against accidental activation. A lot of modes here, good job again Nitecore!
ATR:
ATR means that the EC4 will dynamically increase power when the temperature will be high. That means also that the increase will not be a full step down, so in real life, it isn't always visible. But it's a good feature to prolong the EC4 working life.
Size comparison:
To show the compact size of the EC4, a comparison to the MH12 brother (powered by one 18650 cell) and the Fenix TK35 (powered by two 18650's)
CR123A, 18650, Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
reverse: Fenix TK35, Nitecore EC4 and Nitecore MH12
the heads: Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
and the tails: Nitecore MH12, Nitecore EC4 and Fenix TK35
Tint:
The EC4 has a good neutral tint, it looks a bit yellowish. I've compared the tint to the Olight ST25 Baton.
Beamprofile:
Because of the deep, smooth reflector the EC4 gives a "throwy" beam. It's has a medium hotspot and corona and rather big spill. Thanks also to the clean reflector and the perfect centered LED this profile is without rings or spots. I could only detect some PWM at LOW-mode. The ExplorerC4 is meant as a searchlight, so less suited for reading and "floodlight jobs". If you're looking for that, go for the the MH or EDC-series.
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, a comparison to the Fenix TK35 (XM-U2 version) and the Nitecore brother MH12.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
Nitecore EC4 versus Fenix TK35
Nitecore EC4 against Nitecore MH12
Conclusion:
The EC4 is nice addition to the big Nitecore family. It's my most compact and easy to carry searchlight until now. No problem to use it longer time at turbo, a durable construction. User interface and modes are ok, but I'm waiting for a light (after the TM06) that will step down too. Tripod mounting is a nice feature, but will be used more (IMO) in combination with floodlights. I'm looking forward to the EC4S that will have double output. But the EC4 I can recommend for police, law enforcement and searching. It will last for years!
Nitecore EC4 provided for review
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