Skyraider59
Newly Enlightened
"EA4" Nitecore Pioneer (cool white) review
I got mine from International Outdoor store, China and it took just over 2.5 weeks to arrive in the UK,
a little more than usual but this was to be expected at this time of year.
Anyway it was waiting for me under the tree on Christmas day yesterday!
The light is also available in neutral white.
What's in the box.
EA4 light, with a small sachet of silica inside to keep moisture away, a Chinese instruction manual, no English one in my box (but not a problem as you can download a PDF manual direct from Nitecore website), registration card, a small Nitecore leaflet on chargers and batteries and a small plastic bag with an O ring, a black lanyard and a Nitecore holster.
Initial overview
This is a very compact flashlight, with a very good and sturdy hand feel, this is mainly due to its seize and weight when fully loaded with battery (277gr with Black Eneloops Xx). No knuckling on the main body, just grooves with two flat cut outs. The end cap has some knuckling helping in the unscrewing. The switch is positioned on the side of the flashlight and is a two positions camera type soft switch. On the back of the tail cap is a four branch star with a small hole for the lanyard. The light due to it size is very stable in candle mode position.
Initial overview
This is a very compact flashlight, with a very good and sturdy hand feel, this is mainly due to its seize and weight when fully loaded with battery (277gr with Black Eneloops Xx). No knuckling on the main body, just grooves with two flat cut outs. The end cap has some knuckling helping in the unscrewing. The switch is positioned on the side of the flashlight and is a two positions camera type soft switch. On the back of the tail cap is a four branch star with a small hole for the lanyard. The light due to it size is very stable in candle mode position.
Manufacturer data
Dimensions
Length: 117mm
Head diameter: 40 mm
Tube diameter: 41.8mm
Weight: 159g (without battery)
Features
· Novel 'Unique Integrated Technology' offers a more sturdy and
lightweight body.
· Utilizes a CREEXM-LU2 LED
· Maximum output of up to 860 lumens
· Integrated “Precision Digital Optics Technology” provides extreme
reflector performance
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 20,000cd and a throw distance of up to
283 meters
· Innovative single button two-stage switch offers a user-friendly interface
(patented)
· Eight rapidly switchable brightness modes to select from
· High efficiency circuit board provides up to 22 hours runtime
· Integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power
(patented)
· Power indicator’s secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate
to 0.1V)
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage due to incorrectly inserted
batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects the core components from
damage
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
· Sturdy HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Note: only AA primaries and rechargeable are supported, do not use 14500/Li-ion 3.2v batteries
Power Tips
1. When the light is on, the power indicator will blink once every two
seconds when power levels reach 50%.
2. When the light is on, the power indicator will blink consistently when
power levels are low.
3. Each time batteries are inserted or the light is put into lockout mode,
the power indicator light will blink in various patterns to indicate the
battery voltage (accurate to ±0.1V). For example, when the battery
voltage is at a maximum charge of 4.2V, the power indicator will blink
4 times in quick succession, followed by a one second pause and two
more blinks, indicating a total battery voltage of 4.2V.
Please note, I am running Eneloop Black Xx and I have used the flashlight for about 30mn in total, and on lockout mode it does read 5.2v
Photo showing the clear markings for battery insertion
Note: only AA primaries and rechargeable are supported, do not use 14500/Li-ion 3.2v batteries
Power Tips
1. When the light is on, the power indicator will blink once every two
seconds when power levels reach 50%.
2. When the light is on, the power indicator will blink consistently when
power levels are low.
3. Each time batteries are inserted or the light is put into lockout mode,
the power indicator light will blink in various patterns to indicate the
battery voltage (accurate to ±0.1V). For example, when the battery
voltage is at a maximum charge of 4.2V, the power indicator will blink
4 times in quick succession, followed by a one second pause and two
more blinks, indicating a total battery voltage of 4.2V.
Please note, I am running Eneloop Black Xx and I have used the flashlight for about 30mn in total, and on lockout mode it does read 5.2v
Photo showing the clear markings for battery insertion
Settings
The switching on/off and all the modes are accessed by the side switch. The switch itself is a soft type two stage switch as found on most camera.
Functions are:
Daily modes, is accessed from off by a quick half press of the switch. This will take you in the last memorized mode, then quick half press of the switch will cycle you through the 4 modes, Extra low 65L, low 135L, medium 300L and high 550L. To switch the light off into a standby mode, you will need to fully quickly depress the switch, this will also memorise your last used daily mode. While in standby mode a blue light ring will flash around the switch to serve as a locator, this is a great idea but badly implemented, as the light is so dim that you can not see it unless it is facing you.
While in any of the daily modes, you can access the turbo by half pressing the switch for a couple of seconds.
Turbo/search mode, can also be accessed from off by a full quick press of the switch, then a half quick press of the switch will cycle you through the turbo and high mode.
To switch the light off into a standby mode, you will need to fully quickly depress the switch, in this case the light does not appear to have a memory function
and the light always appear to switch on Turbo.
and the light always appear to switch on Turbo.
It is also interesting to note that the light has a momentary turbo function. If you fully press the switch and leave your thumb on it, the turbo light will stay on until you release the switch. There is a safety feature build into the turbo mode and the light will switch itself to high mode after 3mn.
The light has a lockout mode, to prevent accidental switching on, and to minimize the battery drain as the blue flashing locating ring will no longer be activated. There is also a very cleaver function in lockout mode to let you know what your battery voltage is. To enter the lock out mode from on: fully depress your switch for 2+ seconds, then release, the blue locator light ring will give you a series of quick flashes a one second pose and more flashes before turning itself off. The first series of flashes is your voltage( ie 5 flashes = 5v followed by another 2 flashes =0.2v giving you a total of 5,2v) Very clever!:twothumbs
Something not mentioned in the Nitecore lockout instruction but happening with mine, is after about 2 second of the full depress, my light flash telling me its time to release the switch and the light is in lockout mode.
To come out of the lockout mode, the Nitecore instruction tell you to fully depress the switch for more than a second (from the manual: press the switch all the way down and hold for more than one second), with mine all I do is depress it fully and keep it depress for about 2 seconds until the light switch itself on, then I release the switch.
Humble apologies
It has been brought to my attention by readers that the light will also re-activate on a 2 second half press!
Unfortunately, this is correct, not good news as this could very easily lead to and accidental switch on while in a pocket or a rucksack, as little pressure is required for half a click!
Humble apologies
It has been brought to my attention by readers that the light will also re-activate on a 2 second half press!
Unfortunately, this is correct, not good news as this could very easily lead to and accidental switch on while in a pocket or a rucksack, as little pressure is required for half a click!
Looks like the Nitecore instruction may not be 100% accurate.
To recap: to put it into lockout, fully depress your switch until the light flash, then release and to switch on fully depress until light switch itself on, can get any easier than this!!!
:shrug:
Also I have heard people expressing concern about the light switching itself on its own while in lockout mode, I think this is highly unlikely, as you do need a full depress of 2 second+
:shrug:
Also I have heard people expressing concern about the light switching itself on its own while in lockout mode, I think this is highly unlikely, as you do need a full depress of 2 second+
Special Modes: STROBE/SOS/EMERGENCY BEACON
These modes are accessed from daily mode by a quick double full press of the switch, then to cycle through the 3 special modes fully depress the switch and keep pressure on until the mode change. To come out, all you need is a quick full press.
At first the interface may look complicated with the full press, half press and the under or over one second clicking, but you soon get it and this is a very easy flashlight to use!
Indoor beam shots
These are celing bounce shots, with the EA4 placed in candle mode on the floor, this shows how well this can lit a room
The wall beam shots bellow are taken in front of a brown wall, the kitchen cabinet is 19inches above the work top where the EA4 has been positioned,
that way you can see quite clearly the light beam.
Outdoor beam shots
Again I have played around with exposure and aperture to try to make the photos as close as possible to what I see.
Test: output versus runtime (28 Dec 12)
This was done in high mode, the battery used were 3 month old Eneloop Black Xx 2500mAh.
Batteries were fully charged prior insertion, and reading on my volt meter, 1.44, 1.44, 1.44 and 1.43V total 5.75v
Once inserted, the EA4 did give me a 5 flashes, a one second pause and another 8 flashes indicating the total voltage to be 5.8v (spot on!)
The battery was inserted into my home made integration sphere and switch on HIGH MODE 550lumens, THE first reading of 45700 Lux was taken 30 seconds after and every 5mn after. By 15mn the light was getting hot, to heat testing equipment but I would guess about 40 degree Celsius, I decided to switch my fan on and position the EA4 in front of it moving it to the sphere every 5mn for taking a lux reading. By 110 mn I noticed that the low voltage blue fast flashing was on . (This may have come earlier and was not noticed?????)
By 113mn I could visibly see the output dropping
113mn 36800 Lux
114mn 28000 Lux
115mn 22000 Lux and decided to turn the EA4 off
10mn Later, I took another reading on high showing me 22000 Lux, the end cap was removed and refitted to get a volt reading, this was 4 flashes and another 6 indicating the voltage to be 4.6v. The batteries were removed and tested with a voltmeter, 1.16, 1.15, 1.14, 1.13,giving me a total of 4.58v The EA4 volt checker is accurate!
So to recap, with Eneloop 2500mAh, I got a constant 45000 Lux for 1H 50mn, not quite the 2 hours but I personally thing this is pretty impressive, This is very well regulated and I think they have also got the heat dispersion well sorted with this one piece large head/ body.
For/Against
For:
Really like the compact shape and the output from easily obtainable AA batteries,
tail stand,
reverse polarity protection,
clearly marked battery insertion logo,
visible voltage reader on lockout function
and good runtimes
Against:
no antiroll feature on an outdoor light, as this is a heavy light, this will roll very easely,
the blue flashing locator is much too dim and virtually useless unless facing you,
the extra low (65L) is much to high and should be around 5-10 lumen
and I would have preferred to have a Turbo thermal cut-out instead of a timer one, this would have allowed you to run turbo for longer period in cold condition,
(but saying this, the turbo does put a large drain on the AA batteries, so maybe the 3mn timer is a better/safer option?)
No safe "lockout mode" (added 27 Dec 12)
Now would I buy it again? Of course, I would, this is a fantastic flashlight, close to perfection! 550 lumen on high for 2h out of AA with a turbo mode of 860L
this does it for me!:twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs
I would just like to add, that once more, a manufacturer is missing out on very easily implemented basic features, like anti roll system, a low which is a real low, a workable flashing locator,
I can not understand why basic problems like those mentioned above are not highlighted and rectified before production!:sigh:
All you need is to take it home and field test it for a day to see what works and does not!
This is not directed only to Nitecore but to many top flashlight manufacturers!
(I would be interested to hear manufactures feedback on how a flashlight come to production!)
At first the interface may look complicated with the full press, half press and the under or over one second clicking, but you soon get it and this is a very easy flashlight to use!
Indoor beam shots
These are celing bounce shots, with the EA4 placed in candle mode on the floor, this shows how well this can lit a room
The wall beam shots bellow are taken in front of a brown wall, the kitchen cabinet is 19inches above the work top where the EA4 has been positioned,
that way you can see quite clearly the light beam.
Outdoor beam shots
Again I have played around with exposure and aperture to try to make the photos as close as possible to what I see.
Test: output versus runtime (28 Dec 12)
This was done in high mode, the battery used were 3 month old Eneloop Black Xx 2500mAh.
Batteries were fully charged prior insertion, and reading on my volt meter, 1.44, 1.44, 1.44 and 1.43V total 5.75v
Once inserted, the EA4 did give me a 5 flashes, a one second pause and another 8 flashes indicating the total voltage to be 5.8v (spot on!)
The battery was inserted into my home made integration sphere and switch on HIGH MODE 550lumens, THE first reading of 45700 Lux was taken 30 seconds after and every 5mn after. By 15mn the light was getting hot, to heat testing equipment but I would guess about 40 degree Celsius, I decided to switch my fan on and position the EA4 in front of it moving it to the sphere every 5mn for taking a lux reading. By 110 mn I noticed that the low voltage blue fast flashing was on . (This may have come earlier and was not noticed?????)
By 113mn I could visibly see the output dropping
113mn 36800 Lux
114mn 28000 Lux
115mn 22000 Lux and decided to turn the EA4 off
10mn Later, I took another reading on high showing me 22000 Lux, the end cap was removed and refitted to get a volt reading, this was 4 flashes and another 6 indicating the voltage to be 4.6v. The batteries were removed and tested with a voltmeter, 1.16, 1.15, 1.14, 1.13,giving me a total of 4.58v The EA4 volt checker is accurate!
So to recap, with Eneloop 2500mAh, I got a constant 45000 Lux for 1H 50mn, not quite the 2 hours but I personally thing this is pretty impressive, This is very well regulated and I think they have also got the heat dispersion well sorted with this one piece large head/ body.
For/Against
For:
tail stand,
reverse polarity protection,
clearly marked battery insertion logo,
visible voltage reader on lockout function
and good runtimes
Against:
the blue flashing locator is much too dim and virtually useless unless facing you,
the extra low (65L) is much to high and should be around 5-10 lumen
and I would have preferred to have a Turbo thermal cut-out instead of a timer one, this would have allowed you to run turbo for longer period in cold condition,
(but saying this, the turbo does put a large drain on the AA batteries, so maybe the 3mn timer is a better/safer option?)
No safe "lockout mode" (added 27 Dec 12)
Now would I buy it again? Of course, I would, this is a fantastic flashlight, close to perfection! 550 lumen on high for 2h out of AA with a turbo mode of 860L
this does it for me!:twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs
I would just like to add, that once more, a manufacturer is missing out on very easily implemented basic features, like anti roll system, a low which is a real low, a workable flashing locator,
All you need is to take it home and field test it for a day to see what works and does not!
This is not directed only to Nitecore but to many top flashlight manufacturers!
(I would be interested to hear manufactures feedback on how a flashlight come to production!)
- :thinking:
J-L D/Skyraider59
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