I think I need me a Nitecore. What's their best?

[timpost35]

I think I need me a Nitecore.
I'm looking to upgrade from the 500 lumen range of the two lights I have now (LED LENSER and Duracell). Looking for something closer to 1000 lumens and rechargeable or can use rechargeable batts. I've heard good things about the P12, or maybe the SRT7, or I dunno. Pretty much looking for their best and most capable in or under the $100-125 mark. Anybody out there got any good recommendations?

 

[mcnair55]

Best bet is you do some surfing on there own site or a vendor site who stocks the different types and bingo you are sorted.

 

[ven]

Just to clarify ,your looking into 18650 Li ion cells now or AAA/AA like "most" lensers.

If AA then ea4 and ea8
18650 I like the nitecore p25,p12 is only a short burst on turbo(couple of minutes) where as the p25 is 20mins for example but a little less lumen.
Some new nitecore lights due out too.

Dont rule out other brands like Fenix/ armytek/eagletac etc too just to name a few .......l

 

[timpost35]

I have a bunch of ENeloops AA but am considering 18650 as well. There is a big sale on them today at DVOR.com.

 

[thedoc007]

I'd recommend the SRT7. The interface is just awesome...probably my favorite of all the lights in my collection. It is feature packed, plenty bright, and a good thrower. You could pick up the SRT7 and two 18650s for $111 shipped at Illumination Supply, and have it this week!

 

[timpost35]

That sounds GREAT! Isnt the SRT7 the one with the police colors auxiliary lights? That could be quite amusing to walk up on my buddies when camping... But seriously, it would be a good signal...

 

[thedoc007]

Yep, the SRT7 has red, green, and blue LEDs, in addition to the main white LED. Strobe in white or alternating red/blue. It is a very nice light.

 

[soul347]

I have the SRT7, P12 and P16 and I can easily recommend all 3. The P16 is probably a bit redundant, but i got a good deal on it through an e-bay auction. Otherwise, I'd probably only go for the P12 and SRT7. Here are some points that I like about the SRT7 and P12:

SRT7:
-Great throw and brightness
-Most versatile with most modes. Do wish they had the SOS mode though
-Colored LED's can indeed be used in various scenarios: Red to maintain night vision, Green for reading text/maps/etc., blue brings out dark markings and stains
-Selector ring makes it easy to select a mode quickly even while the light is off. You can then turn the light on immediately to the mode that you desire. This point for me is huge
-Selector ring allows for variable brightness control so you get the exact output that you want

P12:
-Very light and handy. It maintains a slim profile from top to bottom, where as the SRT7 get's quite wide at the head so it isn't as easy to carry in a pocket
-Almost just as bright as the SRT7
-Has a more focused beam than other lights in its class like the fenix pd35 and TN12 2014.
-Can turn on immediately in strobe mode
-Also has beacon and SOS mode, which other lights in this class do not have
-Has battery voltage reader so you know exactly how much batter you have left, and the mode button starts blinking when you're running low.

You can't go wrong with either one. I got both because they work great in different scenarios. The P12 goes with me as my EDC. The SRT7 is more for home use, camping, or times when I have a jacket or bag to put it in.

 

[ACruceSalus]

soul347,

How usable is the SRT7 indoors? I'm concerned if I get one the beam will be too narrow and throwy to be of much use inside.

 

[dc38]

soul347,

How usable is the SRT7 indoors? I'm concerned if I get one the beam will be too narrow and throwy to be of much use inside.

The Smart ring interface helps when you need to dial down the light for indoor use. No PWM/flickering, and there is plenty of spill to navigate through a messy house.

 

[Jash]

I don't recommend Nitecore. They have more failures than any other light. This is not only my own experience, but from the sheer number of posts on CPF about Nitecore issues.

And when you do have an issue, their customer service is rubbish.

Spend your money elsewhere.

 

[The Burgh]

Another vote for the SRT7.

As another above mentioned, the UI is simply the finest I have seen on any light!

 

[thedoc007]

I don't recommend Nitecore. They have more failures than any other light. This is not only my own experience, but from the sheer number of posts on CPF about Nitecore issues.

Unless you have numbers, don't generalize. Relating your own experience is fine, but don't make empirical statements like that without evidence. Nitecore happens to be a popular brand...it is not surprising that there are many threads about them.

Personally I have five different Nitecore lights, more than from any other maker, and all of them have been flawless. I don't pretend that this means their reliability is better than other manufacturers...but you shouldn't make the converse conclusion either.

 

[ACruceSalus]

I really like the idea of the SRT's adjustable ring and to hear from dc38 that the beam is not too narrow or throwy indoors just helps that much more. Also thanks The Burgh and thedoc007 for giving a :thumbsup:. It's good to hear from people who are currently using it.

I'm down to either the SRT6, SRT7, or Armytek Viking 2.5 Pro. The Viking seems almost indestructible. I like that it can be programmed upto 15 modes, lumens that you want, etc. It's almost like having the SRT's ring. Illumination Supply has their Armytek on sale right now for 15% off and I understand from other CPFers that they have outstanding service. The choices are just too many. If only I had enough to buy them all. :laughing:

 

[thedoc007]

I'm down to either the SRT6, SRT7, or Armytek Viking 2.5 Pro. The Viking seems almost indestructible. I like that it can be programmed upto 15 modes, lumens that you want, etc. It's almost like having the SRT's ring.

Armytek is definitely a couple steps above in build quality. Not only do they feel tough, but the anodizing process they use is very cool. Feels unlike other any manufacturer, and in a very good way. I'd pick my Elzetta for sheer toughness, but my Armytek Predator is definitely the second toughest. Feels bomb-proof, just oozes quality.

But as for the interface, that is a different story. Assuming you do take the time to program it (not an easy task) it will still not offer the unique versatility of the SRT7. Being able to select any mode in under a second, whether on or off, and the ability to go smoothly from two to several hundred lumens, and back again, with one hand, is not something the Armytek lights can even approach. Even after lube, the Armytek light I own requires two hands to make any adjustment. The tight fit, and double O-rings means it takes substantial effort to do any kind of switching other than on/off.

I really like the idea of the SRT's adjustable ring and to hear from dc38 that the beam is not too narrow or throwy indoors just helps that much more. Also thanks The Burgh and thedoc007 for giving a :thumbsup:. It's good to hear from people who are currently using it.

If you are concerned about spill, though, that is a deal-breaker. The Viking hotspot is ten degrees, rather than five degrees with the Predator. But the spill is exactly the same - 40 degrees for both. In practice, this makes the Armytek lights TERRIBLE as a general purpose light. They are throwers, and must be utilized as such. If you want to use it around the house, it is not a good choice.

 

[thedoc007]

Couple more things to consider. Armytek has no battery indicator. SRT7 does. SRT7 can tailstand, if not all that stable. Armytek cannot. Armytek can take virtually any cells you can dream up...long, short, narrow, wide, protected, unprotected, flat top, button top, you name it. It can handle it. SRT7 requires a prominent button top cell. Armytek can be placed head up or down in the included holster...SRT7 must be bezel up.

As to the spill question, a picture says it better (with apologies for the horrible camera, and the worse photographer). Armytek Predator on left, SRT7 on right. To my eyes the spill seems at least 50% wider with the SRT7.

 

[soul347]

soul347,

How usable is the SRT7 indoors? I'm concerned if I get one the beam will be too narrow and throwy to be of much use inside.

As already stated, there is still plenty spill for lighting up a room and searching for things indoor, but it has a nice tight hot spot so it still has decent throw. I use it indoor all the time and it works great as a general purpose light. The red LED is also very nice, wide and bright for navigating at night time without affecting your night vision. You can also bring the variable white light down to almost nothing, yet still be usable for night time navigation.

I also purchased a nitecore lantern diffuser, which should help to spread the light all around. I'll report how effective it works when it comes in the mail

 

[soul347]

I'm down to either the SRT6, SRT7, or Armytek Viking 2.5 Pro. :laughing:

Between the SRT6 and SRT7, I'd definitely go with the SRT7. I'd imagine the price isn't that far apart, and the SRT7 comes with the colored LED's, has greater brightness, and has further throw. The SRT6 doesn't offer much advantages except it's probably slightly smaller, but not even by much to justify getting it over the SRT7. You can watch a video on youtube from nitecore where they actually take both these models diving, and you can definitely see a difference between the performance of the 2 lights.

I can't say much about the Armytek as I haven't used it yet, but it seems like a solid light to. I'd still prefer the UI of the SRT7 however. My first impression of the armytek UI is that it seems cumbersome and not as user friendly or intuitive as the SRT7.

 

[ACruceSalus]

Armytek is definitely a couple steps above in build quality. Not only do they feel tough, but the anodizing process they use is very cool. Feels unlike other any manufacturer, and in a very good way. I'd pick my Elzetta for sheer toughness, but my Armytek Predator is definitely the second toughest. Feels bomb-proof, just oozes quality.

I saw a video where they beat the Armytek to death and it continued to run. It's resistance to impact was quite impressive. Plus it is rated at IPX-68 against water and dust. I live in the desert and I don't want to worry about it not working if I get caught in a dust storm. But this being my first high quality flashlight I'm going to have to compromise on some points.

I looked at the Elzetta's and they look nice but they're out of my budget for now.

But as for the interface, that is a different story. Assuming you do take the time to program it (not an easy task) it will still not offer the unique versatility of the SRT7. Being able to select any mode in under a second, whether on or off, and the ability to go smoothly from two to several hundred lumens, and back again, with one hand, is not something the Armytek lights can even approach. Even after lube, the Armytek light I own requires two hands to make any adjustment. The tight fit, and double O-rings means it takes substantial effort to do any kind of switching other than on/off.

Yes, I was very concerned about that. I was thinking that if I got it my wife could help me program it to my liking and then I could leave it that way. But that would take half the fun out of owning it. Due to health issues I'm not going to be able to use a flashlight that "takes substantial effort" to operate.

The idea of the ring motivated me to take a good hard look at dozens of high quality flashlights to replace my inexpensive ($5) Costco Techlite. Everytime the SRT line won because of the mix of quality and especially the simplicity of the control ring. My wife on the other hand is quite happy sticking with the Techlite. I'm still happy with it and feel that it's money well spent but it's time to move up.

If you are concerned about spill, though, that is a deal-breaker. The Viking hotspot is ten degrees, rather than five degrees with the Predator. But the spill is exactly the same - 40 degrees for both. In practice, this makes the Armytek lights TERRIBLE as a general purpose light. They are throwers, and must be utilized as such. If you want to use it around the house, it is not a good choice.

Yes indeed I think you're right about the spill especially looking at the beam shots you provided. I was originally thinking I could add a diffuser and compensate for the throw but now I'm thinking that wouldn't work very well.

Couple more things to consider. Armytek has no battery indicator. SRT7 does. SRT7 can tailstand, if not all that stable. Armytek cannot. Armytek can take virtually any cells you can dream up...long, short, narrow, wide, protected, unprotected, flat top, button top, you name it. It can handle it. SRT7 requires a prominent button top cell. Armytek can be placed head up or down in the included holster...SRT7 must be bezel up.

Battery indicate would be very handy as I'm new to Li-ion rechargeables. I somehow missed it's inability to tailstand. This is a must.

As to the spill question, a picture says it better (with apologies for the horrible camera, and the worse photographer). Armytek Predator on left, SRT7 on right. To my eyes the spill seems at least 50% wider with the SRT7.

Quick and dirty on the shots but they got the job done. TY for taking the time to give me this information. I think this cinches it for the SRT7.

 

[ACruceSalus]

As already stated, there is still plenty spill for lighting up a room and searching for things indoor, but it has a nice tight hot spot so it still has decent throw. I use it indoor all the time and it works great as a general purpose light. The red LED is also very nice, wide and bright for navigating at night time without affecting your night vision. You can also bring the variable white light down to almost nothing, yet still be usable for night time navigation.

I was concerned about the usefulness of the colored lights but even if I don't use them the 7 does have the extra lumens, cd, and throw that would be useful outside. Maybe I'll surprise myself and use them more than I think. :shrug:

I also purchased a nitecore lantern diffuser, which should help to spread the light all around. I'll report how effective it works when it comes in the mail

Please do. I'd be interested in seeing some shots.

Between the SRT6 and SRT7, I'd definitely go with the SRT7. I'd imagine the price isn't that far apart, and the SRT7 comes with the colored LED's, has greater brightness, and has further throw. The SRT6 doesn't offer much advantages except it's probably slightly smaller, but not even by much to justify getting it over the SRT7. You can watch a video on youtube from nitecore where they actually take both these models diving, and you can definitely see a difference between the performance of the 2 lights.

I was leaning toward the 6 because I thought that the headsize might be small enough to allow me to carry it in my pocket but it sounds like that would be a little hard. So I'm thinking I'll go with the 7. As you said the price is almost exactly the same which surprises me. I would've thought that the 7 would be several dollars more but I'm not complaining.

I can't say much about the Armytek as I haven't used it yet, but it seems like a solid light to. I'd still prefer the UI of the SRT7 however. My first impression of the armytek UI is that it seems cumbersome and not as user friendly or intuitive as the SRT7.

But it's built like a tank. I couldn't believe the abuse the light takes and keeps on working. It doesn't cost much more than the 7 on Illumination Supply since they are on sale. In the end the complicated UI, throwiness, and non-tailstanding have dropped it from contention. It's funny that early on I found the SRT line and really liked the ring control but the engineer in me had to keep looking. Each time I thought I found something that would fit my needs but upon further examination it still didn't measure up to the SRT line. The process has been both fun and exhausting though.