New Nitecore EA41

Cree says xml2 is 20% more efficient than XML . I think some manufacturer s think that means 20% brighter... Which is not the case.
 
Unfortunately....




Almost identical max output...

If I understand correctly, the EA4 had an XM-L U2, and the EA41 has an XM-L2 T6. From what I know of Cree's binning system, the U2 is supposed to be about 20% brighter than the T6, so maybe this isn't too much of an emitter upgrade after all. I'm going to double-check my measurements, but doubt the EA41 is going to come close to 960 lumens.

So what you're saying is the EA4 is actually brighter/better than the EA41?
 
So what you're saying is the EA4 is actually brighter/better than the EA41?

Well, you can decide for yourself which of those runtime plots you like better. On Turbo, the EA41 has a very slightly higher brightness at the start, but then spends more time at a lower brightness level so that the run lasts longer. In real world use, if you're on Turbo for 15 minutes or so at a time you'll see the EA41 spending more time at higher brightnesses. Overall, I like the UI of the EA41 much more, with it's dual switch and a real low-output mode.
 
Well, maybe I've been out of the loop for a while, but my new EA41-W kicks butt! Now I am the proud owner of a veritible antique relic designated "SureFire M3 Millenium Combat". Of course I have several new lamp assemblies for that beast that will likely never see a need for use....
Now can somebody point me towards a light that mimics the brightness (be it 960 or some fantasy number) and the throw (spectacular!) of the EA41, but runs on 2 lithium CR123s?
Yes, I did indeed get this light for it's AA capability. Costco AA bulk packs made that decision for me. But I still have the good stuff. Recommend me another light. I'm burned out on 300, 400, $500 pocket knives that lose their charm before I even get used to carrying them.....
 
Well, you can decide for yourself which of those runtime plots you like better. On Turbo, the EA41 has a very slightly higher brightness at the start, but then spends more time at a lower brightness level so that the run lasts longer. In real world use, if you're on Turbo for 15 minutes or so at a time you'll see the EA41 spending more time at higher brightnesses. Overall, I like the UI of the EA41 much more, with it's dual switch and a real low-output mode.

If this light isn't hitting its 960 lumen mark its going right back..combine that with its quality issues I'm very disappointed in buying this. And my delivery time is 10-25 business days.
 
I am so bored of these misleading lumen claims, available not even for 5 minutes! And the problem is the ANSI/NEMA-standard, providing manufacturers justification to deceive the buyers! 🙁
 
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If this light isn't hitting its 960 lumen mark its going right back..combine that with its quality issues I'm very disappointed in buying this. And my delivery time is 10-25 business days.

Respecting your opinion, what would you consider a fair scale for reference? I have a few "Bubba Tests" as part of my inept evaluation.
*Bedroom Wall Test: If the sucker surpassess all my other high-performance lights, it wins.
*Backyard Tree Test. If the previously-mentioned sucker lights up a treetop from (rifleman's guessitimate without SS) maybe 200~210 meters, it's an amazing thing to hold in my hand. If it get's on a commercial flight, we're rockin.
*The little blue indicator under the switch membrane is uber-cool. Changing batts in pitch blackness is easy to do by feel, even in a 4X, when you know the drill. Plus, the soft blue indicator lets you know when a batt swap is immenent.
*My experience with many modern lights tells me 2M water seal-out is a conservative estimate for this offering.

Overall rating is, this is a light EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE. A year of available battery power will be available provided you use the lockout procedure. Otherwise, bet on two seasons. Unless you like to play with it.
which of course is my recommended break-in plan. Guys, get this light, get a buddy to bring HIS (Or HERS!) and set the EA41 on the third level. Bet some beer that yours can go higher than he other one... You win.
 
Respecting your opinion, what would you consider a fair scale for reference? I have a few "Bubba Tests" as part of my inept evaluation.
*Bedroom Wall Test: If the sucker surpassess all my other high-performance lights, it wins.
*Backyard Tree Test. If the previously-mentioned sucker lights up a treetop from (rifleman's guessitimate without SS) maybe 200~210 meters, it's an amazing thing to hold in my hand. If it get's on a commercial flight, we're rockin.
*The little blue indicator under the switch membrane is uber-cool. Changing batts in pitch blackness is easy to do by feel, even in a 4X, when you know the drill. Plus, the soft blue indicator lets you know when a batt swap is immenent.
*My experience with many modern lights tells me 2M water seal-out is a conservative estimate for this offering.

Overall rating is, this is a light EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE. A year of available battery power will be available provided you use the lockout procedure. Otherwise, bet on two seasons. Unless you like to play with it.
which of course is my recommended break-in plan. Guys, get this light, get a buddy to bring HIS (Or HERS!) and set the EA41 on the third level. Bet some beer that yours can go higher than he other one... You win.


the issue here is nitecore not being honest w/ their marketing stuff. if it doesn't bother you then good for you. a lot of people don't care about the truth anymore these days...

muYle6q.jpg


here they claim -dv/dt charging for nimh but HKJ says it's not true

http://lygte-info.dk/review/Review Charger Nitecore Intellicharger i4 UK.html

just another one of the many counts of marketing BS nitecore has been spewing out these days
 
Respecting your opinion, what would you consider a fair scale for reference? I have a few "Bubba Tests" as part of my inept evaluation.
*Bedroom Wall Test: If the sucker surpassess all my other high-performance lights, it wins.
*Backyard Tree Test. If the previously-mentioned sucker lights up a treetop from (rifleman's guessitimate without SS) maybe 200~210 meters, it's an amazing thing to hold in my hand. If it get's on a commercial flight, we're rockin.
*The little blue indicator under the switch membrane is uber-cool. Changing batts in pitch blackness is easy to do by feel, even in a 4X, when you know the drill. Plus, the soft blue indicator lets you know when a batt swap is immenent.
*My experience with many modern lights tells me 2M water seal-out is a conservative estimate for this offering.

Overall rating is, this is a light EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE. A year of available battery power will be available provided you use the lockout procedure. Otherwise, bet on two seasons. Unless you like to play with it.
which of course is my recommended break-in plan. Guys, get this light, get a buddy to bring HIS (Or HERS!) and set the EA41 on the third level. Bet some beer that yours can go higher than he other one... You win.

What I was hoping for was a full blown review of the light to see how it compares to the EA4 & the D40A before I bought it but I was impatient. The D40A is substantially brighter than the EA4 obviously. So if this new EA41 doesn't compete with the D40A, Id have rather bought the D40A for around the same price. Not just brightness but its build quality is being slammed and that worries me. I guess ill have to wait and see how hot this thing gets and if theres any melting. I have no doubt that this light will serve purpose as a household light I was just simply looking to have the best 4AA money can buy.
 
I just got a new EA41, and the one confusing part is the blue light. I keep having to go thru more button presses to turn the blue location beacon on, so I guess it's OFF by default???
 
I just got a new EA41, and the one confusing part is the blue light. I keep having to go thru more button presses to turn the blue location beacon on, so I guess it's OFF by default???

do you have an ea4 you can compare it to? or a d40a?
 
Yes, I own an EA4 as well. The blue beacon stays on on that one UNLESS you lock it out. With the EA41, it seems like it HAS to be turned on.
 
Another variation from the EA4 UI (from the Nitecore EA41 manual):

With the light on, press and hold the on/off switch for more than one
second to turn off the light and activate location beacon function. The
blue power indicator will flash once every three seconds to indicate the
location of the EA41. In this mode, the EA41 can keep running on 4 × AA
batteries for 120 days.


With the light turned on, press and hold dual switches for more than one
second until the flashlight is switched off and enters into lockout mode. In
this mode, the EA41 can continue working on one set of batteries for over
12 months.
Lockout mode prevents accidental activation of the flashlight. To exit
lockout mode, simply press and hold dual switches for more than one
second again.

Now I'm going to have to memorize three slightly different UIs - the TM11, the EA4, and the EA41. The only problem is, every once in a while I find myself trying to turn on the SOS and/or Beacon mode on the TM11, which has neither. Oh well, helps keep the brain active at least, which is good cause Alzheimers runs in my family. 😀
 
My EA41 arrived today. Swift delivery. Light arrived in perfect condition. 10 business days from order to front door is very quick compared to other experiences I have had with Chinese suppliers. Free shipping was included in purchase price via POSTNL.

Thank you for the exceptional delivery service GearBest.

Now for the EA41 mini review.

I have owned all previous versions of the Niteore EA4 which have had their share of problems. I have to say that Nitecore has made a very profound effort to correct deficienticies from the past. Excellent machining and fit. I am very fond of the instant access to turbo and moon modes. Nitecore has made the XM-L2 emitter standard in their new EA41. My light has a very pleasant creamy white neutral tint which is artifact free from center hot spot to perimeter flood. Great throw for such a small light running on 4 AA batteries. 960 lumens ... WOW, very bright. New switch design and UI are well thought out and user friendly. Having the ability to use rechargeable AA batteries are a major plus in my book. I love Panasonic eneloop AA rechargeables and so does this new EA41. Other than the addition of the XM-L2 emitter, switch and UI upgrades, not much else has changed in this new edition.

In closing I must say that this is a very well designed little light that has a place in everyone's collection. I am very pleased with mine.

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Took mine out into the dark last night. I was surprised at how much was lit up by the 1 lumen super-low! As I said in another post, I like the new spread on the light levels. It is a lot more even instead of being mostly at the high end. I tried ceiling bouncing the 1 lumen, and was surprised at how well it light up my living room - enough to be able to navigate around and see what was where. I am getting used to having turbo mode be accessible from the main mode cycle rather than having to go to off and full press. It makes sense, it's just different. I've tried EDCing it the last week. Once I have my jeans on it really isn't noticeable at my side, but when getting dressed, it really pulls down the belt. I don't think I will make a steady practice of it.

All-in-all, it is a great light, and carries on the EA4 tradition. I too have one of each, but I think this one is the best so far. If I change my mind I will let everyone know.
 
Trying really hard to resist buying this one as I already own the EA4...but I don't think I can hold out much longer. I will see how the reviews go over the next few weeks and most likely get one, and keep the older EA4 in the car.
 
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