AardvarkSagus
Flashlight Enthusiast
NiteCore EX11.2 - Submitted for consideration for the review forum
Reaching back to its roots, NiteCore brings back the SmartPD line attempting to correct some of the problems that presented themselves with the EX11. Are these fixes finally the worthy successor to the original EX10 that fans have been longing for or have they once again fallen short of the initial mark?
NiteCore EX11.2
Meat and Potatoes
The V.2 version of the EX11 has a user interface that bears the most resemblance to the venerable EX10 that arguably set the stage for modern portable lighting. One of the first "infinitely" variable lights to bear a genuinely affordable price tag. The EX10 was one of my first "good" flashlights. One of my earliest steps up from world of D cell Everready and Maglite incandescents. As such it definitely occupies a special place on my shelf, and often in my pocket. The EX11.2 however is shaping up as a worthy successor to the original. Bearing mostly the same UI as the EX10, NiteCore did happen to slip in a few extras, namely access to SOS and strobe modes from when the light is off. The light does however include the old shortcuts to max and min outputs when the light is on.
The business end of the EX11.2 houses the same R5 bin XP-G and lightly stippled reflector as the EX11 and thereby shares an identical beam profile and incredible 200 lumen top end as that already excellent light. Definitely balanced more for a floody beam than long distance throw, the EX11.2 has an excellent smoothly transitioned beam that is ideal for EDC. The crisp white beam is relatively free from artifacts and does not provide any distractions during use.
Cree XP-G
One of the biggest complaints about the EX11 was its standby current drain. With the light technically "off" the very nature of the Smart PD switches (or electronic switches in general) causes a slight trickle of current to still be used to keep the circuitry alive and ready for a button press. The EX11 seemed to have an overly high standby current drain resulting is peoples cells being depleted in as little as a weeks time. The EX11.2 however has directly addressed this problem claiming 3 years of inactivity before cell depletion.
Fit and finish for the EX11.2 is about on par with the majority of other NiteCore products. The anodizing is uniform and relatively thick in appearance, though after a week or so of harsh pocket carrying, it has started to develop some worn spots on the tips of a few of the knurlings. Strangely enough, my light actually came with a piston slotted to allow mounting of a tritium vial or glow powder locator. I don't know if every light shipped has this option included now, or if it just select varieties, but I may have to look into doing this at some point in the future. NiteCore has also included threaded holes in the tail of the light for installation of an optional pocket clip similar to what is found on other NiteCore products. I haven't tried this clip out myself, but if the quality is on par with the clip for the IFE2, then I have few concerns.
NiteCore EX11.2
Constructive Criticism
During the course of my time thus far with this light, I have a number of times experienced something rather unusual in its operation. Occasionally when I attempt to switch the light off, it will instead immediately change its output to the minimum level and remain on. I don't know if this is just a case of user error, and the I need to re-practice using my PD lights, or if there is something more sinister at work here. In the long run it wasn't a big issue since the light is so easy to correct the output level, but it definitely registers as a frustration.
EX11.2 Evolution
Conclusions
The NiteCore EX11.2 is in my opinion, quite a worthy heir to the SmartPD namesake. Its bright beam, smooth output, fast ramping, and return to nearly everyone's favorite UI makes for a winning combination that will be living in my pocket quite often. Sometimes a return to your roots is exactly what it takes to revitalize a brand name.
EX11.2 Evolution
Provided for review by the kind folks at NiteCore.
Reaching back to its roots, NiteCore brings back the SmartPD line attempting to correct some of the problems that presented themselves with the EX11. Are these fixes finally the worthy successor to the original EX10 that fans have been longing for or have they once again fallen short of the initial mark?
NiteCore EX11.2
Meat and Potatoes
The V.2 version of the EX11 has a user interface that bears the most resemblance to the venerable EX10 that arguably set the stage for modern portable lighting. One of the first "infinitely" variable lights to bear a genuinely affordable price tag. The EX10 was one of my first "good" flashlights. One of my earliest steps up from world of D cell Everready and Maglite incandescents. As such it definitely occupies a special place on my shelf, and often in my pocket. The EX11.2 however is shaping up as a worthy successor to the original. Bearing mostly the same UI as the EX10, NiteCore did happen to slip in a few extras, namely access to SOS and strobe modes from when the light is off. The light does however include the old shortcuts to max and min outputs when the light is on.
The business end of the EX11.2 houses the same R5 bin XP-G and lightly stippled reflector as the EX11 and thereby shares an identical beam profile and incredible 200 lumen top end as that already excellent light. Definitely balanced more for a floody beam than long distance throw, the EX11.2 has an excellent smoothly transitioned beam that is ideal for EDC. The crisp white beam is relatively free from artifacts and does not provide any distractions during use.
Cree XP-G
One of the biggest complaints about the EX11 was its standby current drain. With the light technically "off" the very nature of the Smart PD switches (or electronic switches in general) causes a slight trickle of current to still be used to keep the circuitry alive and ready for a button press. The EX11 seemed to have an overly high standby current drain resulting is peoples cells being depleted in as little as a weeks time. The EX11.2 however has directly addressed this problem claiming 3 years of inactivity before cell depletion.
Fit and finish for the EX11.2 is about on par with the majority of other NiteCore products. The anodizing is uniform and relatively thick in appearance, though after a week or so of harsh pocket carrying, it has started to develop some worn spots on the tips of a few of the knurlings. Strangely enough, my light actually came with a piston slotted to allow mounting of a tritium vial or glow powder locator. I don't know if every light shipped has this option included now, or if it just select varieties, but I may have to look into doing this at some point in the future. NiteCore has also included threaded holes in the tail of the light for installation of an optional pocket clip similar to what is found on other NiteCore products. I haven't tried this clip out myself, but if the quality is on par with the clip for the IFE2, then I have few concerns.
NiteCore EX11.2
Constructive Criticism
During the course of my time thus far with this light, I have a number of times experienced something rather unusual in its operation. Occasionally when I attempt to switch the light off, it will instead immediately change its output to the minimum level and remain on. I don't know if this is just a case of user error, and the I need to re-practice using my PD lights, or if there is something more sinister at work here. In the long run it wasn't a big issue since the light is so easy to correct the output level, but it definitely registers as a frustration.
EX11.2 Evolution
Conclusions
The NiteCore EX11.2 is in my opinion, quite a worthy heir to the SmartPD namesake. Its bright beam, smooth output, fast ramping, and return to nearly everyone's favorite UI makes for a winning combination that will be living in my pocket quite often. Sometimes a return to your roots is exactly what it takes to revitalize a brand name.
EX11.2 Evolution
Provided for review by the kind folks at NiteCore.
