Warning: pic heavy as usual. 
This is my one-and-only review of the "Multi-Task Hybrid" MH-series lights from Nitecore. I had previously reviewed most of the members of the MT-series lights, over a series of three reviews (i.e., MT1C/MT1A/MT2A, MH2C/MH25, and M40). :sweat:
The Hybrid series is similar to the MT-series, but now includes a Li-ion battery source and built-in charging cable. Here I will just be reviewing the MH1C (1xCR123A/RCR) and MH25 (1x18650/2xCR123A/2xRCR).
Manufacturer Reported Specifications:
Note: as always, these are only what the manufacturer reports. To see my actual testing results, scroll down the review.
Common Specs:
All the MH-series lights come in basic display packaging, similar to MT-series I recently reviewed. Extras are generally comparable, and include a basic wrist lanyard, extra o-rings and boot cover, removable pocket clip, basic belt holster with Velcro closing flap, manual and warranty card. New for the MH-series are an included Li-ion battery (1xRCR on the MH1C and 1x18650 on the MH25) and a standard USB charging cable (with a micro USB connector for the light).
I will give detailed specs on each light a little later in the review, but for now here are some build overview specs for each sample:
MH1C:
MH25:
The bundled batteries are labelled as Nitecore's own brand, with a fairly typical 650mA rating for the RCR, and 2300mAh for the 18650.
Light anodizing is a matte black, although my two samples seem a bit glossier than most of my MT-series lights. No anodizing chips on my samples. Labels are bright white, clearly legible against the dark background. Both models have actual knurling across the tailcap and the micro-USB port cover. The MH1C also has additional knurling on the head. Note that knurling is not particularly aggressive, and doesn't provide that much extra grip. But with the various styling elements, I would say grip is pretty good.
On the MH1C, there is a reverse-polarity setup in the head, so flat-top cells will not work. The MH25, however, has a spring on the contact board in the head, so flat top cells can be used. Both lights have body tubes wide enough to take high-capacity protected 18650 cells. :thumbsup:
Both lights come with the same removable pocket clip, which is of the standard clip-on variety (i.e., similar to the MT-series lights).
Screw threads are standard triangular cut, and seem of good quality. They are also anodized at the tail for lock-out. Tailcaps size and threading are identical across the MT- and MH-series models of comparable size. Tail switch is a forward clicky, with traditional feel.
Lights can tailstand, but may be a bit wobbly (due to the partial raised areas for the lanyard attachment on the tailcap).
MH1C:
MH25:
Reflectors and heads are typically a bit larger than the equivalent MT-series models, likely due to the larger XM-L emitter used here (i.e., a larger reflector is required to produce equivalent throw). Reflectors remain smooth finish, and fairly deep (i.e., optimized for throw).
Note that centering is not necessarily perfect on my MH-series samples, but the slight variances didn't affect the beams noticeably.
The MH25 also has a flat stainless steel bezel ring.
And now what differs the most from the MT-series – the charging dock and cover on the MH-series. :wave: The MH-series lights are all longer than their MT-series equivalents, and have a large ring that covers the micro-USB charging port. To access the port, you need to unscrew this ring until the port is revealed.
I recommend you hold onto the head as you unscrew the ring cover – otherwise, you may wind up unscrewing the body tube from the head or tailcap.
MH1C Strobe:
MH25 Strobe:
There is a red LED indicator near the port, which tells you the charging status when the charger is attached (see User Interface discussion below for more info).
Note that there is an o-ring near the head of this region, for waterproofness. It feels like there is a second o-ring at the lower portion of this region, but I cannot tell visually as the ring does not fully unscrew off the head.
The charging dock uses a standard micro USB connector. Note that standard USB 2.0 specs limit you to 500mA charging current. In my testing of the MH25, it took ~7 hours to fully charge a depleted Nitecore 2300mAh 18650 cell (included). This is consistent with other USB-based 18650 charger lights I've tested. Resting voltage for was a fairly consistent ~4.18V, which is appropriate.
On the MH1C, Nitecore reports that it should take about 2 hours to fully charge the supplied RCR cell (which suggests they use a lower current charging rate than the USB max). I can confirm that my sample took just under two hours to complete a charge. However, the resting voltage of the cell was only ~4.11V, which is a little low. Still, I would rather have my cells slightly undercharged than overcharged – it's a lot better for the long-term life of the cell.
User Interface
User interface is identical to the MT-series. Turn the light on by pressing the tailcap clicky (press for momentary on, click for locked on).
With the head tight, you get Turbo output. With the head loosened, you get the programmed user-selected state. You select the output mode for this state by soft-pressing the clicky switch from off (or clicking off-on from on). The sequence on is: Hi > Med > Lo > SOS > Strobe, in a repeating loop.
The light has mode memory, and saves the last setting used in the head-loosened state. Note that Hi on the user-selected head-loose state is lower than Turbo on the head-tight state (i.e., there are four defined output constant modes).
For charging a Li-ion battery inside the light, you plug the included micro-USB cable connector into the port at the base of the head of the light (after unscrewing the cover). The LED charge indicator will flash very rapidly, indicating the light is NOT charging. Like on my recent Rofis TR31C review, to start a charge cycle you must click the tailcap switch on. The light will not actually come on during charging, but the charge indicator will now show solid red (for fully charged) or a slow flashing red (for charging). There is a clear difference in the speed of the slow flash for currently charging, and the rapid flash for not charging.
Video Overview
For more information on the light, including the build and user interface, please see my new video overview:
As always, videos were recorded in 720p, but YouTube typically defaults to 360p. Once the video is running, you can click on the configuration settings icon and select the higher 480p to 720p options. You can also run full-screen.
PWM/Strobe
Nitecore claims that the MH-series lights are current controlled, and I believe that is true. There is no sign of PWM on my samples.
MH1C:
MH25:
The MH1C has a traditional but fast strobe – at a consistent 20 Hz. In contrast, the MH25 has a truly variable frequency strobe, apparently switching anywhere between ~5-13Hz between each pulse.
Note that I had noticed three distinct strobe types in my MT-series reviews, including the truly variable strobe of the MH25. However, some of the MT-series lights showed an oscillating strobe (i.e., switching between two defined frequencies) - either after every second pulse or after 2 secs of continuous strobing at a given frequency. Given two different strobe modes seen on my MH1C and MH25, I wouldn't be surprised to expect variation between the other individual members of the MH-series lights as well.
Testing Method:
All my output numbers are relative for my home-made light box setup, a la Quickbeam's flashlightreviews.com method. You can directly compare all my relative output values from different reviews - i.e. an output value of "10" in one graph is the same as "10" in another. All runtimes are done under a cooling fan, except for any extended run Lo/Min modes (i.e. >12 hours) which are done without cooling.
I have devised a method for converting my lightbox relative output values (ROV) to estimated Lumens. See my How to convert Selfbuilt's Lightbox values to Lumens thread for more info.
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MH1C Review
From left to right: CR123A; Nitecore MH1C, MT1C; Jetbeam PC10; Rofis JR10; Sunwayman C10R, V11R.
All dimensions are given with no batteries installed:
Nitecore MH1C: Weight: 63,4g, Length: 109.6mm, Width (bezel): 25.5mm
Nitecore MT1C: Weight: 42.4g, Length: 88.7mm, Width (bezel): 22.7mm
Nitecore EC1: Weight 43.0g, Length: 68.6mm, Width (bezel): 26.1mm
Rofis JR10: Weight 75.0g, Length (max): 110.6mm (angled): 92.9mm, Width (bezel): 24.8mm
Jetbeam PC10: Weight: 50.5g, Length: 93.6mm, Width (bezel): 22.6mm
Jetbeam BC10: Weight: 46.6g, Length: 90.3mm, Width (bezel): 23.2mm
Lumintop ED10: Weight: 21.5g, Length: 70.4mm, Width (bezel): 20.7mm
Thrunite Neutron 1C: Weight: 45.2g, Length: 91.5mm, Width (bezel) 22.0mm
The MH1C is longer than typical, due to charging port in the head.
Beamshots:
All lights are on Turbo/Max on 1x AW protected RCR in the first set of panels, followed by 1xCR123A in the second. Lights are about ~0.75 meter from a white wall (with the camera ~1.25 meters back from the wall). Automatic white balance on the camera, to minimize tint differences.
Note: although I am showing beamshots for the MT1C on 3.7V RCR Li-ion below, this is officially NOT supported by Nitecore. The MH1C officially takes RCR, of course.
And now on primary 3V 1xCR123A:
Hard to see in the shots above, but there is a detectable centre-beam dark spot on my MH1C. This happens sometimes with smooth reflectors.
Throw/Output Summary Chart:
My summary tables are reported in a manner consistent with the ANSI FL-1 standard for flashlight testing. Please see http://www.flashlightreviews.ca/FL1.htm for a discussion, and a description of all the terms used in these tables.
Nitecore's output specs seem pretty consistent with my estimated lumen values. However, their beam distance measures seem a lot lower than what I directly measured on my sample.
Output/Runtime Comparison:
Note: the dotted line refers to the included Nitecore-branded RCR. The solid line is my standard testing AW RCR.
Runtimes on RCR seem pretty consistent with Nitecore's ANSI FL-1 specs.
Something interesting here – the included Nitecore RCR cell was not able to keep the initial high output on Turbo for as long as my AW RCR cell. This is an extremely high drive level initially, so it's not surprising that some cells wouldn't be able to last as long as others.
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MH25 Review
From left to right: AW protected 18650; Niwalker NWK600N1; Nitecore MH25; Rofis TR31C; Klarus RS11; Nitecore MT25; Lumintop PS20.
All dimensions are given with no batteries installed:
Nitecore MH25: Weight: 145.4g, Length: 160mm, Width (bezel): 40.0m
Nitecore MT2C: Weight: 75.9g, Length: 125.3mm, Width (bezel): 25.5mm
Nitecore MT25: Weight 124.6g, Length: 142.9mm, Width (bezel): 34.2mm
Eagletac D25LC2: Weight: 50.0g, Length: 116.3mm, Width (bezel): 22.5mm
Klarus RS11: Weight 158.0g, Length: 160mm, Width (bezel) 34.9mm
Klarus XT11: Weight 133.0g, Length: 148.8, Width (bezel) 35.0mm
Rofis TR31C: Weight: 180.7g, Length: 153.0mm, Width (bezel): 39.8mm
Sunwayman V20C: Weight: 117.4g, Length 133.0mm, Width (bezel) 32.2mm
Thrunite TN10: Weight: 154.7g, Length: 145.5mm, Width (bezel): 35.1mm
Zebralight SC600: Weight 87.2g, Length: 107.8mm, Width (bezel) 29.7mm
The MH1C is longer than typical, due to charging port in the head.
Beamshots:
All lights are on Max output on 1x AW protected 18650 (2200mAh). Lights are about ~0.75 meter from a white wall (with the camera ~1.25 meters back from the wall). Automatic white balance on the camera, to minimize tint differences.
Throw/Output Summary Chart:
My summary tables are reported in a manner consistent with the ANSI FL-1 standard for flashlight testing. Please see http://www.flashlightreviews.ca/FL1.htm for a discussion, and a description of all the terms used in these tables.
Nitecore's output specs seem reasonable for the MH25, relative to my estimated lumens scale. However, as with the MH1C, their beam distance measures seem to under-estimate the throw of this light.
Output/Runtime Comparison:
Note: the dotted line refers to the included Nitecore-branded 18650. The solid line is my standard testing AW 18650.
Nitecore's ANSI FL-1 runtimes specs seem quite accurate for 1x18650 and 2xCR123A in my testing. Note that I use the lower capacity AW 2200mAh cells in my 18650 testing.
Potential Issues
Because of the relatively deep and smooth reflectors, you may notice some centre beam artifacts on these lights (i.e., relative dark spot/band in the centre of the hotspot). This is variable on my samples, but occurs occasionally with smooth reflectors.
The included Nitecore-brand RCR was not able to keep the initial high output on Turbo for as long as my AW RCR cell. This is an extremely high drive level initially, so it's not surprising that some cells wouldn't be able to last as long as others.
The lights are longer than typical for this class, due to the charging port.
It may take you a little while to get use to where to hold the light screw/unscrew the charging cover without changing output modes (by head twist from the body) or accidentally locking out the light (by a tailcap twist from the body).
You have to remember to click the tail switch on to activate the charger. The charger terminated at a reasonable voltage on my MH25 (~4.18V in my testing), but my MH1C terminated early at ~4.11V. Still, I would rather have my cells slightly undercharged than overcharged – it's a lot better for the long-term life of the cell.
Strobe modes are on the main sequence in the head-loosened state. It also takes several seconds to memorize the level, so you may find yourself inadvertently advancing levels if you turn off and on too quickly.
Preliminary Observations
Following close on the heels of the Nitecore "Multitask" MT-series, these new "Multitask Hybrid" lights take things a bit further – incorporating a Nitecore 3.7V Li-ion battery, and a built-in USB charging solution. :wave:
I only have two samples to review here, but they should give you a good feel for the overall build and use. Interface and overall build is quite similar to the MT-series. All MH-series models now use the XM-L U2 emitter (in contrast, most of the smaller MT-series lights used the XP-G R5). But the MH-series lights still feature smooth reflectors (often with larger heads than their MT-series counterparts), to ensure good throw.
The main physical difference is the larger length, to accommodate the charging circuitry and port. The ring cover for the dock is distinctive for this line, and incorporates well into the overall design.
Otherwise, performance of these lights is what you would expect with the XM-L update to the MT-series (i.e., in terms of relative output levels, level spacing, etc.). The MH-series also all fully support 1x3.7V Li-ion (one cell included with each light), which was not necessarily supported across all MT-series lights.
The interface is the same at the MT-series – while more sophisticated than the earlier Jetbeam Backup series, you now have strobe on the same sequence as the head-loosened constant output modes. :shrug: As with the other Nitecore lights I've tested, the regulation pattern and output/runtime efficiency seems reasonable. Reported manufacturer ANSI FL-1 output and runtime specs seem quite accurate in my testing, although I found higher peak beam intensity results than Nitecore reports for these two models.
The charging solution worked fine in my testing. Like many other charging devices, the MH-series connects to a computer using a standard micro-USB interface. This means you can easily use any of a number of existing cables you likely have lying around. :thumbsup:
The charging current is appropriate for the battery used (i.e., the MH1C charges a RCR at a lower rate than MH25 does a 18650). The one issue here is that my MH1C only charged the RCR up to ~4.11V (the MH25 charged to ~4.18V, which is more typical). Also, the indicator light is not the most intuitive (i.e., rapid blinking for not charging, slow flash for charging, solid red for fully charged and charging terminated).
The MH-series is a nice addition to MT-series line, if you looking for in-battery charging support. But if Li-ion charging isn't an issue for you, you should also check out my various reviews of the MT-series lights.
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MH1C and MH25 provided by Nitecore for review.
This is my one-and-only review of the "Multi-Task Hybrid" MH-series lights from Nitecore. I had previously reviewed most of the members of the MT-series lights, over a series of three reviews (i.e., MT1C/MT1A/MT2A, MH2C/MH25, and M40). :sweat:
The Hybrid series is similar to the MT-series, but now includes a Li-ion battery source and built-in charging cable. Here I will just be reviewing the MH1C (1xCR123A/RCR) and MH25 (1x18650/2xCR123A/2xRCR).
Manufacturer Reported Specifications:
Note: as always, these are only what the manufacturer reports. To see my actual testing results, scroll down the review.
Common Specs:
- LED: CREE XM-L U2
- High efficiency regulation circuit
- Intelligent charging circuit with voltage detection charges safely and rapidly
- Integrated micro USB charging port is water, dust and impact resistant
- Multiple output modes are conveniently accessed via rapid rotary switch
- User-defined mode provides customized brightness levels plus strobe and SOS modes.
- Intelligent memory function stores preferred brightness setting
- Broad Voltage Circuit accepts both rechargeable and non-rechargeable Lithium batteries
- Optimized ultra-precise reflector offers a longer beam distance than competing products
- Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (submersible to two meters)
- Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
- Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
- HA-III military grade hard-anodized
- Reverse polarity protection
- Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
- Anti-rolling design
- Runs on: Nitecore RCR123A Li-ion Cell (Included) OR 1 x CR123A battery
- Output/Runtime: Turbo: 550 Lumens/30 Minutes, High: 220 Lumens/1 Hour, Medium: 75 Lumens/3 Hours, Low: 22 Lumens/10 Hours
- Peak Beam Intensity: 3,500 cd
- Beam Distance: 120m
- Dimensions: Length: 4.29" (109mm), Head Diameter: 1" (25.4mm), Tail Diameter: .8" (21.5mm)
- Weight (w/o Battery): 2.22oz (63 grams)
- Includes: Nitecore RCR123A Li-ion battery (NL166), lanyard, USB cable, clip, holster, spare switch cap, and spare O-ring
- MSRP: ~$70
- Runs on: 1 x 18650 Li-ion Cell (Included) OR 2 x CR123A batteries or 2 x RCR123A batteries
- Output/Runtime (With 1 x 18650): Turbo: 860 Lumens/1.75 Hours, High: 320 Lumens/3.25 Hours, Medium: 130 Lumens/8.5 Hours, Low: 40 Lumens/28 Hours
- Peak Beam Intensity: 14,000 cd
- Beam Distance: 236m
- Dimensions: Length: 6.3" (160mm), Head Diameter: 1.57" (40mm), Tail Diameter: 1" (25.4mm)
- Weight (w/o Battery): 5.11oz (145) grams
- Stainless steel bezel ring
- Includes: Nitecore 18650 Li-ion battery (NL183), lanyard, USB cable, clip, holster, spare switch cap, and spare O-ring
- MSRP: ~$80
All the MH-series lights come in basic display packaging, similar to MT-series I recently reviewed. Extras are generally comparable, and include a basic wrist lanyard, extra o-rings and boot cover, removable pocket clip, basic belt holster with Velcro closing flap, manual and warranty card. New for the MH-series are an included Li-ion battery (1xRCR on the MH1C and 1x18650 on the MH25) and a standard USB charging cable (with a micro USB connector for the light).
I will give detailed specs on each light a little later in the review, but for now here are some build overview specs for each sample:
MH1C:
MH25:
The bundled batteries are labelled as Nitecore's own brand, with a fairly typical 650mA rating for the RCR, and 2300mAh for the 18650.
Light anodizing is a matte black, although my two samples seem a bit glossier than most of my MT-series lights. No anodizing chips on my samples. Labels are bright white, clearly legible against the dark background. Both models have actual knurling across the tailcap and the micro-USB port cover. The MH1C also has additional knurling on the head. Note that knurling is not particularly aggressive, and doesn't provide that much extra grip. But with the various styling elements, I would say grip is pretty good.
On the MH1C, there is a reverse-polarity setup in the head, so flat-top cells will not work. The MH25, however, has a spring on the contact board in the head, so flat top cells can be used. Both lights have body tubes wide enough to take high-capacity protected 18650 cells. :thumbsup:
Both lights come with the same removable pocket clip, which is of the standard clip-on variety (i.e., similar to the MT-series lights).
Screw threads are standard triangular cut, and seem of good quality. They are also anodized at the tail for lock-out. Tailcaps size and threading are identical across the MT- and MH-series models of comparable size. Tail switch is a forward clicky, with traditional feel.
Lights can tailstand, but may be a bit wobbly (due to the partial raised areas for the lanyard attachment on the tailcap).
MH1C:
MH25:
Reflectors and heads are typically a bit larger than the equivalent MT-series models, likely due to the larger XM-L emitter used here (i.e., a larger reflector is required to produce equivalent throw). Reflectors remain smooth finish, and fairly deep (i.e., optimized for throw).
Note that centering is not necessarily perfect on my MH-series samples, but the slight variances didn't affect the beams noticeably.
The MH25 also has a flat stainless steel bezel ring.
And now what differs the most from the MT-series – the charging dock and cover on the MH-series. :wave: The MH-series lights are all longer than their MT-series equivalents, and have a large ring that covers the micro-USB charging port. To access the port, you need to unscrew this ring until the port is revealed.
I recommend you hold onto the head as you unscrew the ring cover – otherwise, you may wind up unscrewing the body tube from the head or tailcap.
MH1C Strobe:
MH25 Strobe:
There is a red LED indicator near the port, which tells you the charging status when the charger is attached (see User Interface discussion below for more info).
Note that there is an o-ring near the head of this region, for waterproofness. It feels like there is a second o-ring at the lower portion of this region, but I cannot tell visually as the ring does not fully unscrew off the head.
The charging dock uses a standard micro USB connector. Note that standard USB 2.0 specs limit you to 500mA charging current. In my testing of the MH25, it took ~7 hours to fully charge a depleted Nitecore 2300mAh 18650 cell (included). This is consistent with other USB-based 18650 charger lights I've tested. Resting voltage for was a fairly consistent ~4.18V, which is appropriate.
On the MH1C, Nitecore reports that it should take about 2 hours to fully charge the supplied RCR cell (which suggests they use a lower current charging rate than the USB max). I can confirm that my sample took just under two hours to complete a charge. However, the resting voltage of the cell was only ~4.11V, which is a little low. Still, I would rather have my cells slightly undercharged than overcharged – it's a lot better for the long-term life of the cell.
User Interface
User interface is identical to the MT-series. Turn the light on by pressing the tailcap clicky (press for momentary on, click for locked on).
With the head tight, you get Turbo output. With the head loosened, you get the programmed user-selected state. You select the output mode for this state by soft-pressing the clicky switch from off (or clicking off-on from on). The sequence on is: Hi > Med > Lo > SOS > Strobe, in a repeating loop.
The light has mode memory, and saves the last setting used in the head-loosened state. Note that Hi on the user-selected head-loose state is lower than Turbo on the head-tight state (i.e., there are four defined output constant modes).
For charging a Li-ion battery inside the light, you plug the included micro-USB cable connector into the port at the base of the head of the light (after unscrewing the cover). The LED charge indicator will flash very rapidly, indicating the light is NOT charging. Like on my recent Rofis TR31C review, to start a charge cycle you must click the tailcap switch on. The light will not actually come on during charging, but the charge indicator will now show solid red (for fully charged) or a slow flashing red (for charging). There is a clear difference in the speed of the slow flash for currently charging, and the rapid flash for not charging.
Video Overview
For more information on the light, including the build and user interface, please see my new video overview:
As always, videos were recorded in 720p, but YouTube typically defaults to 360p. Once the video is running, you can click on the configuration settings icon and select the higher 480p to 720p options. You can also run full-screen.
PWM/Strobe
Nitecore claims that the MH-series lights are current controlled, and I believe that is true. There is no sign of PWM on my samples.
MH1C:
MH25:
The MH1C has a traditional but fast strobe – at a consistent 20 Hz. In contrast, the MH25 has a truly variable frequency strobe, apparently switching anywhere between ~5-13Hz between each pulse.
Note that I had noticed three distinct strobe types in my MT-series reviews, including the truly variable strobe of the MH25. However, some of the MT-series lights showed an oscillating strobe (i.e., switching between two defined frequencies) - either after every second pulse or after 2 secs of continuous strobing at a given frequency. Given two different strobe modes seen on my MH1C and MH25, I wouldn't be surprised to expect variation between the other individual members of the MH-series lights as well.
Testing Method:
All my output numbers are relative for my home-made light box setup, a la Quickbeam's flashlightreviews.com method. You can directly compare all my relative output values from different reviews - i.e. an output value of "10" in one graph is the same as "10" in another. All runtimes are done under a cooling fan, except for any extended run Lo/Min modes (i.e. >12 hours) which are done without cooling.
I have devised a method for converting my lightbox relative output values (ROV) to estimated Lumens. See my How to convert Selfbuilt's Lightbox values to Lumens thread for more info.
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MH1C Review
From left to right: CR123A; Nitecore MH1C, MT1C; Jetbeam PC10; Rofis JR10; Sunwayman C10R, V11R.
All dimensions are given with no batteries installed:
Nitecore MH1C: Weight: 63,4g, Length: 109.6mm, Width (bezel): 25.5mm
Nitecore MT1C: Weight: 42.4g, Length: 88.7mm, Width (bezel): 22.7mm
Nitecore EC1: Weight 43.0g, Length: 68.6mm, Width (bezel): 26.1mm
Rofis JR10: Weight 75.0g, Length (max): 110.6mm (angled): 92.9mm, Width (bezel): 24.8mm
Jetbeam PC10: Weight: 50.5g, Length: 93.6mm, Width (bezel): 22.6mm
Jetbeam BC10: Weight: 46.6g, Length: 90.3mm, Width (bezel): 23.2mm
Lumintop ED10: Weight: 21.5g, Length: 70.4mm, Width (bezel): 20.7mm
Thrunite Neutron 1C: Weight: 45.2g, Length: 91.5mm, Width (bezel) 22.0mm
The MH1C is longer than typical, due to charging port in the head.
Beamshots:
All lights are on Turbo/Max on 1x AW protected RCR in the first set of panels, followed by 1xCR123A in the second. Lights are about ~0.75 meter from a white wall (with the camera ~1.25 meters back from the wall). Automatic white balance on the camera, to minimize tint differences.
Note: although I am showing beamshots for the MT1C on 3.7V RCR Li-ion below, this is officially NOT supported by Nitecore. The MH1C officially takes RCR, of course.
And now on primary 3V 1xCR123A:
Hard to see in the shots above, but there is a detectable centre-beam dark spot on my MH1C. This happens sometimes with smooth reflectors.
Throw/Output Summary Chart:
My summary tables are reported in a manner consistent with the ANSI FL-1 standard for flashlight testing. Please see http://www.flashlightreviews.ca/FL1.htm for a discussion, and a description of all the terms used in these tables.
Nitecore's output specs seem pretty consistent with my estimated lumen values. However, their beam distance measures seem a lot lower than what I directly measured on my sample.
Output/Runtime Comparison:
Note: the dotted line refers to the included Nitecore-branded RCR. The solid line is my standard testing AW RCR.
Runtimes on RCR seem pretty consistent with Nitecore's ANSI FL-1 specs.
Something interesting here – the included Nitecore RCR cell was not able to keep the initial high output on Turbo for as long as my AW RCR cell. This is an extremely high drive level initially, so it's not surprising that some cells wouldn't be able to last as long as others.
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MH25 Review
From left to right: AW protected 18650; Niwalker NWK600N1; Nitecore MH25; Rofis TR31C; Klarus RS11; Nitecore MT25; Lumintop PS20.
All dimensions are given with no batteries installed:
Nitecore MH25: Weight: 145.4g, Length: 160mm, Width (bezel): 40.0m
Nitecore MT2C: Weight: 75.9g, Length: 125.3mm, Width (bezel): 25.5mm
Nitecore MT25: Weight 124.6g, Length: 142.9mm, Width (bezel): 34.2mm
Eagletac D25LC2: Weight: 50.0g, Length: 116.3mm, Width (bezel): 22.5mm
Klarus RS11: Weight 158.0g, Length: 160mm, Width (bezel) 34.9mm
Klarus XT11: Weight 133.0g, Length: 148.8, Width (bezel) 35.0mm
Rofis TR31C: Weight: 180.7g, Length: 153.0mm, Width (bezel): 39.8mm
Sunwayman V20C: Weight: 117.4g, Length 133.0mm, Width (bezel) 32.2mm
Thrunite TN10: Weight: 154.7g, Length: 145.5mm, Width (bezel): 35.1mm
Zebralight SC600: Weight 87.2g, Length: 107.8mm, Width (bezel) 29.7mm
The MH1C is longer than typical, due to charging port in the head.
Beamshots:
All lights are on Max output on 1x AW protected 18650 (2200mAh). Lights are about ~0.75 meter from a white wall (with the camera ~1.25 meters back from the wall). Automatic white balance on the camera, to minimize tint differences.
Throw/Output Summary Chart:
My summary tables are reported in a manner consistent with the ANSI FL-1 standard for flashlight testing. Please see http://www.flashlightreviews.ca/FL1.htm for a discussion, and a description of all the terms used in these tables.
Nitecore's output specs seem reasonable for the MH25, relative to my estimated lumens scale. However, as with the MH1C, their beam distance measures seem to under-estimate the throw of this light.
Output/Runtime Comparison:
Note: the dotted line refers to the included Nitecore-branded 18650. The solid line is my standard testing AW 18650.
Nitecore's ANSI FL-1 runtimes specs seem quite accurate for 1x18650 and 2xCR123A in my testing. Note that I use the lower capacity AW 2200mAh cells in my 18650 testing.
Potential Issues
Because of the relatively deep and smooth reflectors, you may notice some centre beam artifacts on these lights (i.e., relative dark spot/band in the centre of the hotspot). This is variable on my samples, but occurs occasionally with smooth reflectors.
The included Nitecore-brand RCR was not able to keep the initial high output on Turbo for as long as my AW RCR cell. This is an extremely high drive level initially, so it's not surprising that some cells wouldn't be able to last as long as others.
The lights are longer than typical for this class, due to the charging port.
It may take you a little while to get use to where to hold the light screw/unscrew the charging cover without changing output modes (by head twist from the body) or accidentally locking out the light (by a tailcap twist from the body).
You have to remember to click the tail switch on to activate the charger. The charger terminated at a reasonable voltage on my MH25 (~4.18V in my testing), but my MH1C terminated early at ~4.11V. Still, I would rather have my cells slightly undercharged than overcharged – it's a lot better for the long-term life of the cell.
Strobe modes are on the main sequence in the head-loosened state. It also takes several seconds to memorize the level, so you may find yourself inadvertently advancing levels if you turn off and on too quickly.
Preliminary Observations
Following close on the heels of the Nitecore "Multitask" MT-series, these new "Multitask Hybrid" lights take things a bit further – incorporating a Nitecore 3.7V Li-ion battery, and a built-in USB charging solution. :wave:
I only have two samples to review here, but they should give you a good feel for the overall build and use. Interface and overall build is quite similar to the MT-series. All MH-series models now use the XM-L U2 emitter (in contrast, most of the smaller MT-series lights used the XP-G R5). But the MH-series lights still feature smooth reflectors (often with larger heads than their MT-series counterparts), to ensure good throw.
The main physical difference is the larger length, to accommodate the charging circuitry and port. The ring cover for the dock is distinctive for this line, and incorporates well into the overall design.
Otherwise, performance of these lights is what you would expect with the XM-L update to the MT-series (i.e., in terms of relative output levels, level spacing, etc.). The MH-series also all fully support 1x3.7V Li-ion (one cell included with each light), which was not necessarily supported across all MT-series lights.
The interface is the same at the MT-series – while more sophisticated than the earlier Jetbeam Backup series, you now have strobe on the same sequence as the head-loosened constant output modes. :shrug: As with the other Nitecore lights I've tested, the regulation pattern and output/runtime efficiency seems reasonable. Reported manufacturer ANSI FL-1 output and runtime specs seem quite accurate in my testing, although I found higher peak beam intensity results than Nitecore reports for these two models.
The charging solution worked fine in my testing. Like many other charging devices, the MH-series connects to a computer using a standard micro-USB interface. This means you can easily use any of a number of existing cables you likely have lying around. :thumbsup:
The charging current is appropriate for the battery used (i.e., the MH1C charges a RCR at a lower rate than MH25 does a 18650). The one issue here is that my MH1C only charged the RCR up to ~4.11V (the MH25 charged to ~4.18V, which is more typical). Also, the indicator light is not the most intuitive (i.e., rapid blinking for not charging, slow flash for charging, solid red for fully charged and charging terminated).
The MH-series is a nice addition to MT-series line, if you looking for in-battery charging support. But if Li-ion charging isn't an issue for you, you should also check out my various reviews of the MT-series lights.
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MH1C and MH25 provided by Nitecore for review.
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