GeraldLCPD
Newly Enlightened
Hi. This is my first review of flashlights, so forgive me if there are many different opinions about this light. (By the way, I live in Indonesia, apologize if there are different specs)
NITECORE has released a new version of the popular portable light P12, featuring new LED light (from XM-L T6 to XM-L2 U2) and has higher maximum output (960 lumens to 1000 lumens)
Personally, this is my first "Tactical" flashlight, so I've never reviewed one of them. I've just interested to tactical flashlights since I know that their specifications are awesome
This is the box of NITECORE 2015 Version I bought from Jakarta. Clearly there's a sign "2015 version" written on the box. The packaging was a bit damaged from shipping but the content is okay
This is the contents of the box. It has the P12, holster, stainless steel clip, tactical ring, spare O-rings, spare tailswitch, warranty card, and instruction manual
The NITECORE P12 2015 Version is a small, yet compact tactical flashlight. It has a black anodized finish (the body), and its labels are clearly marked on the side of the body. The grip is great overall
On manufacturer specifications, P12 provides 4 brightness levels along with 3 special modes. These are Lower (1 Lm/520 hrs), Low (70 Lm/28 hrs), Mid (240 Lm/6 hrs), and High (1000 Lm/ 1 hr 15 mins)
When I got the flashlight, it didn't ship with batteries. So I used the battery from an old laptop battery which contains 18650 cells. Fortunately, the batteries were not too "flat top" (the positive pole height is higher than the plastic cover), since NITECORE flashlights has included reverse polarity protection (patented).
P12 has the ability to tail stand. This is a nice additional feature that I expect from a tactical flashlight.
User Interface
The P12 uses a military style forward click tactical switch, half press to temporary on, and full press for all functions. The MODE switch located on the side of the body controls the light operation (i.e. brightness levels, access to special modes)
P12 power sequences are Lower > Lo > Mid > High, and back to lower with every short press of the MODE button. P12 has memory function, meaning that it will resume on the last brightness level used. Special modes are engaged with the long press (> 1 sec) of the MODE button. Special access sequences are STROBE > S.O.S > LOCATION BEACON. In addition to memory function of the last level used, P12 has a memory function for ONLY Strobe, probably for self-defense purposes.
All NITECORE products, has a voltage indicator. In P12, the indicator is a blue LED located on the MODE button, which displays power levels when the light is on, and a secondary multimeter function (Accuracy is 0,1 V)
According to NITECORE, the Blue LED will flash every 2 seconds if battery power has dropped to 50%, and will flash rapidly when power has dropped further.
You can read battery voltage accurate to 0.1 V by pressing the MODE button while simultaneously pressing the tail cap button. Battery voltage is indicated by flashes (4.2V battery will have 4 short flashes, pause 1 sec, and resumed by 2 flashes [▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▬ ▪ ▪])
Beamshot photos
Pros and Cons
Pros :
- Small tactical light
- Portable
- Has very high brightness despite its size
- IPX-8 waterproof (Great!!!)
- Perfect for EDC flashlight carriers
- Tail stand capability
Cons :
- LED doesn't have location beacon feature (Blue LED)
- Included tactical ring accessory falls easily when hit by something
- It would be nice if there is a standard tripod socket for upcoming P12
My Personal Experience
Overall P12 is a good flashlight, small yet powerful light. For a mobile person like me, I would give a 9/10 score for this light. I just expect NITECORE to add more features (and of course, more lumens.) to the upcoming version of P12 (i.e. Tripod socket). I would love to bring a portable tactical light that can be mounted on a standard tripod
What is interesting on this NITECORE flashlight (among all of my standard, non-tactical flashlight) is that the light WILL NOT turn on until its caps are fully sealed. Even a slight loose on either cap will turn off the light. So I'm sure that IPX-8 waterproof rating worked great. Personally, I've tested it in a swimming pool with depth of 1,2 m
P12 runtime is good overall, although actual battery capacity is not rated (old unused 18650 cell laptop battery, has 6 in stock), P12 can still maintain around 30 minutes running at full output (30m x 6 = around 180m). Users should note that the light temperature will increase quickly if it's kept running at 1000 lumens for a long time
In my opinion, it would be great if NITECORE add more features such as Special modes memory function (All modes, not just strobes).
And most of all, Thanks to NITECORE for developing this Product.
*Update:
After a short PWM "Camera" Test, I've found out that P12 has a little PWM when in 70 lm output (Low)
Other output levels does not have PWM
*Update 2 :
My PWM Test method was wrong. I made a mistake when "Turning the lights towards you" method.
The Result is that PWM is not found on ALL outputs
NITECORE has released a new version of the popular portable light P12, featuring new LED light (from XM-L T6 to XM-L2 U2) and has higher maximum output (960 lumens to 1000 lumens)
Personally, this is my first "Tactical" flashlight, so I've never reviewed one of them. I've just interested to tactical flashlights since I know that their specifications are awesome
This is the box of NITECORE 2015 Version I bought from Jakarta. Clearly there's a sign "2015 version" written on the box. The packaging was a bit damaged from shipping but the content is okay
This is the contents of the box. It has the P12, holster, stainless steel clip, tactical ring, spare O-rings, spare tailswitch, warranty card, and instruction manual
The NITECORE P12 2015 Version is a small, yet compact tactical flashlight. It has a black anodized finish (the body), and its labels are clearly marked on the side of the body. The grip is great overall
On manufacturer specifications, P12 provides 4 brightness levels along with 3 special modes. These are Lower (1 Lm/520 hrs), Low (70 Lm/28 hrs), Mid (240 Lm/6 hrs), and High (1000 Lm/ 1 hr 15 mins)
When I got the flashlight, it didn't ship with batteries. So I used the battery from an old laptop battery which contains 18650 cells. Fortunately, the batteries were not too "flat top" (the positive pole height is higher than the plastic cover), since NITECORE flashlights has included reverse polarity protection (patented).
P12 has the ability to tail stand. This is a nice additional feature that I expect from a tactical flashlight.
User Interface
The P12 uses a military style forward click tactical switch, half press to temporary on, and full press for all functions. The MODE switch located on the side of the body controls the light operation (i.e. brightness levels, access to special modes)
P12 power sequences are Lower > Lo > Mid > High, and back to lower with every short press of the MODE button. P12 has memory function, meaning that it will resume on the last brightness level used. Special modes are engaged with the long press (> 1 sec) of the MODE button. Special access sequences are STROBE > S.O.S > LOCATION BEACON. In addition to memory function of the last level used, P12 has a memory function for ONLY Strobe, probably for self-defense purposes.
All NITECORE products, has a voltage indicator. In P12, the indicator is a blue LED located on the MODE button, which displays power levels when the light is on, and a secondary multimeter function (Accuracy is 0,1 V)
According to NITECORE, the Blue LED will flash every 2 seconds if battery power has dropped to 50%, and will flash rapidly when power has dropped further.
You can read battery voltage accurate to 0.1 V by pressing the MODE button while simultaneously pressing the tail cap button. Battery voltage is indicated by flashes (4.2V battery will have 4 short flashes, pause 1 sec, and resumed by 2 flashes [▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▬ ▪ ▪])
Beamshot photos
Pros and Cons
Pros :
- Small tactical light
- Portable
- Has very high brightness despite its size
- IPX-8 waterproof (Great!!!)
- Perfect for EDC flashlight carriers
- Tail stand capability
Cons :
- LED doesn't have location beacon feature (Blue LED)
- Included tactical ring accessory falls easily when hit by something
- It would be nice if there is a standard tripod socket for upcoming P12
My Personal Experience
Overall P12 is a good flashlight, small yet powerful light. For a mobile person like me, I would give a 9/10 score for this light. I just expect NITECORE to add more features (and of course, more lumens.) to the upcoming version of P12 (i.e. Tripod socket). I would love to bring a portable tactical light that can be mounted on a standard tripod
What is interesting on this NITECORE flashlight (among all of my standard, non-tactical flashlight) is that the light WILL NOT turn on until its caps are fully sealed. Even a slight loose on either cap will turn off the light. So I'm sure that IPX-8 waterproof rating worked great. Personally, I've tested it in a swimming pool with depth of 1,2 m
P12 runtime is good overall, although actual battery capacity is not rated (old unused 18650 cell laptop battery, has 6 in stock), P12 can still maintain around 30 minutes running at full output (30m x 6 = around 180m). Users should note that the light temperature will increase quickly if it's kept running at 1000 lumens for a long time
In my opinion, it would be great if NITECORE add more features such as Special modes memory function (All modes, not just strobes).
And most of all, Thanks to NITECORE for developing this Product.
*Update:
After a short PWM "Camera" Test, I've found out that P12 has a little PWM when in 70 lm output (Low)
Other output levels does not have PWM
*Update 2 :
My PWM Test method was wrong. I made a mistake when "Turning the lights towards you" method.
The Result is that PWM is not found on ALL outputs
Last edited:
