Swede74
Enlightened
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- Sep 30, 2011
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Nitecore MT2A - a layman's review.
** Unfortunately the timelapse video mentioned in the thread title is no longer available, due to a closed YouTube account. It wasn't very good anyway :naughty: **
Nitecore MT2A is one of two members of Nitecore's "Multi-Task Series" powered by readily available AA-cells. There is also the MT1A; the number in the model name indicates the number of cells needed. The other members of the Multi-task series are powered by 1-4 CR123 primary or 1-2 rechargeable 18650 Li-Ion cells.
The light source in the MT2A is a Cree XP-G R5 LED, a LED that is somewhat outdated, but what it lacks in newness, it makes up for in being well tested and, to the best of my knowledge, reliable. Moreover, in the MT2A it puts out a respectable 280 lumen (according to Nitecore's specs); even more according to other reviews.
The XP-G is certainly capable of delivering much more than 280 lumen, but the fact that it is not driven particularly hard in a light that can transfer heat more efficiently than the average 1xAA or 1xCR123 light makes me comfortable running the MT2A on the highest setting continuously until the cells are depleted.
The MT2A has two modes, or six, depending on how you look at it. With the head tightened, you get the maximum output. Nitecore calls this "Turbo". With the head slightly loosened, you get the user-defined mode. By pressing the switch repeatedly until the light comes on, but not so hard that you hear a click (this is sometimes referred to as half-press or soft-press), the light cycles through five settings: High-Medium-Low-SOS-Strobe; to memorize a setting fully press the switch. The light will remember the selected setting through battery changes and tail-cap lockouts.
Surprisingly, the low mode which according to Nitecore is 15 lumen, looks more like 5 lumen to me. I compared it side-by-side to my Zebralight SC52, and the MT2A seems only marginally brighter than the SC52 on 2.5 lumen, and noticeably less bright than the SC52 on 8 lumen.
The good:
*Good throw for its class
*Flat surfaces on the body work rather well as an anti-roll feature
*Combines simplicity and customizability - if it's not a word yet, let's make it one, shall we?
*Anodized threads for tail-cap lockout
*The switch is fairly stiff, but not to the point where it is hard to press. Although accidental momentary (soft-press) activation may occur when the light is carried in a pocket or backpack, it seems unlikely (but of course possible) that the light would come on and stay on by accident, when not locked out.
*There are two holes in the tail-cap that serve as attachment points for a lanyard, but unlike many other lights, these holes are large enough to accommodate for instance a makeshift hook made out of a paperclip. See pic below.
The bad:
The light can tailstand, but due to the shape of the tail-cap it does this poorly. It will tip over if nudged gently – in fact, it takes stronger lungs to blow out the candles on a birthday cake than to blow down a tailstanding MT2A
The ugly:
This pocket clip itself is neither uglier nor prettier than any other clip I have seen – I guess "bland" would be a good word to describe it. However, with the exception of 2xAAA penlights, a light taller than the average single AA format with a clip mounted on it, is never going to be a marvel of beauty.
For a few dollars more...
...you can get the EagleTac D25A2, Olight T25 of Fenix LD22 with the newer XP-G2. Note that some of these may be available in XP-G versions as well.
Several online stores sell this light for ~40 USD
Gallery
Anodized threads, connect to tailcap
Not anodized threads, connect to head
From left to right: AA-cell, Nitecore MT2A, LedLenser L7, Generic "cheapo" 2xAA incandescent. Unfortunately, the MT2A is the only well-known
2xAA LED light I have, which is why I had to choose lights from other classes for the comparison picture.
Package dimensions [mm] 180 (215) * 100 * 32.
(215 including the top part that has a hole in it)
Pending MacGyver's seal of approval...
Link to extended gallery:
http://imageshack.us/g/1/10122012/
Specifications according to Nitecore's website:
Features
• LED Premium CREE XP-G R5 LED
• Maximum output of up to 280 lumens
• High efficiency current circuit board
• Maximum runtime of up to 50 hours
• Two rapid switching modes suit various user requirements.
• User-defined mode allows for customized brightness levels and a multitude of functions
• Intelligent memory functions
• Anti-rolling design
• Reverse polarity protection
• Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
• Aluminum reflector ensures a smooth and powerful beam
• Aero grade aluminum alloy
• HA III Military grade hard anodized
• Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
• Purpose-made rhombic knurling for better grip
• IPX-8 standard waterproof (submersible to two meters)
Dimensions
Length: 155mm
Head Diameter: 22.56mm
Tail Diameter: 21.5mm
Weight: 67grams (without battery)
Accessories
Clip, lanyard, spare plastic cap, and spare O-ring
Link to Nitecore's website:
http://www.nitecore.com/productList.aspx?cid=114
** Unfortunately the timelapse video mentioned in the thread title is no longer available, due to a closed YouTube account. It wasn't very good anyway :naughty: **
Nitecore MT2A is one of two members of Nitecore's "Multi-Task Series" powered by readily available AA-cells. There is also the MT1A; the number in the model name indicates the number of cells needed. The other members of the Multi-task series are powered by 1-4 CR123 primary or 1-2 rechargeable 18650 Li-Ion cells.
The light source in the MT2A is a Cree XP-G R5 LED, a LED that is somewhat outdated, but what it lacks in newness, it makes up for in being well tested and, to the best of my knowledge, reliable. Moreover, in the MT2A it puts out a respectable 280 lumen (according to Nitecore's specs); even more according to other reviews.
The XP-G is certainly capable of delivering much more than 280 lumen, but the fact that it is not driven particularly hard in a light that can transfer heat more efficiently than the average 1xAA or 1xCR123 light makes me comfortable running the MT2A on the highest setting continuously until the cells are depleted.
The MT2A has two modes, or six, depending on how you look at it. With the head tightened, you get the maximum output. Nitecore calls this "Turbo". With the head slightly loosened, you get the user-defined mode. By pressing the switch repeatedly until the light comes on, but not so hard that you hear a click (this is sometimes referred to as half-press or soft-press), the light cycles through five settings: High-Medium-Low-SOS-Strobe; to memorize a setting fully press the switch. The light will remember the selected setting through battery changes and tail-cap lockouts.
Surprisingly, the low mode which according to Nitecore is 15 lumen, looks more like 5 lumen to me. I compared it side-by-side to my Zebralight SC52, and the MT2A seems only marginally brighter than the SC52 on 2.5 lumen, and noticeably less bright than the SC52 on 8 lumen.
The good:
*Good throw for its class
*Flat surfaces on the body work rather well as an anti-roll feature
*Combines simplicity and customizability - if it's not a word yet, let's make it one, shall we?
*Anodized threads for tail-cap lockout
*The switch is fairly stiff, but not to the point where it is hard to press. Although accidental momentary (soft-press) activation may occur when the light is carried in a pocket or backpack, it seems unlikely (but of course possible) that the light would come on and stay on by accident, when not locked out.
*There are two holes in the tail-cap that serve as attachment points for a lanyard, but unlike many other lights, these holes are large enough to accommodate for instance a makeshift hook made out of a paperclip. See pic below.
The bad:
The light can tailstand, but due to the shape of the tail-cap it does this poorly. It will tip over if nudged gently – in fact, it takes stronger lungs to blow out the candles on a birthday cake than to blow down a tailstanding MT2A
The ugly:
This pocket clip itself is neither uglier nor prettier than any other clip I have seen – I guess "bland" would be a good word to describe it. However, with the exception of 2xAAA penlights, a light taller than the average single AA format with a clip mounted on it, is never going to be a marvel of beauty.
For a few dollars more...
...you can get the EagleTac D25A2, Olight T25 of Fenix LD22 with the newer XP-G2. Note that some of these may be available in XP-G versions as well.
Several online stores sell this light for ~40 USD
Gallery
Anodized threads, connect to tailcap
Not anodized threads, connect to head
From left to right: AA-cell, Nitecore MT2A, LedLenser L7, Generic "cheapo" 2xAA incandescent. Unfortunately, the MT2A is the only well-known
2xAA LED light I have, which is why I had to choose lights from other classes for the comparison picture.
Package dimensions [mm] 180 (215) * 100 * 32.
(215 including the top part that has a hole in it)
Pending MacGyver's seal of approval...
Link to extended gallery:
http://imageshack.us/g/1/10122012/
Specifications according to Nitecore's website:
Features
• LED Premium CREE XP-G R5 LED
• Maximum output of up to 280 lumens
• High efficiency current circuit board
• Maximum runtime of up to 50 hours
• Two rapid switching modes suit various user requirements.
• User-defined mode allows for customized brightness levels and a multitude of functions
• Intelligent memory functions
• Anti-rolling design
• Reverse polarity protection
• Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
• Aluminum reflector ensures a smooth and powerful beam
• Aero grade aluminum alloy
• HA III Military grade hard anodized
• Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
• Purpose-made rhombic knurling for better grip
• IPX-8 standard waterproof (submersible to two meters)
Dimensions
Length: 155mm
Head Diameter: 22.56mm
Tail Diameter: 21.5mm
Weight: 67grams (without battery)
Accessories
Clip, lanyard, spare plastic cap, and spare O-ring
Link to Nitecore's website:
http://www.nitecore.com/productList.aspx?cid=114
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