kj75
Enlightened
In summer 2015, I had my hands-on to Nitecore's first die-cast flashlight, the EC4. But, at ISPO, Nitecore presented also a second version of this compact light: the EC4S. Thanks to another emitter this one should have more than twice output! Recently, the XHP50-version came in, and first thing I did, was compare it to the XM-L2(U2)-version. In this review I'll show you the differences!
the second version of the EC4-series
that has the same dimensions and looks
but is powered by a XHP50 led
die-cast body
recognizable as the powerful version thanks to the red tail
So let's start, as usual, by looking at with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· Solid lightweight aero grade aluminum alloy construction
· Utilizes a CREE XHP50 LED
· Maximum output up to 2150 lumens
· Dual switch design offers unprecedented ease of use
· Thumbscrew lock on tailcap doubles as a tripod receiver
· 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes available
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime up to 325 hours
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· A power indicator built into the on/off switch indicates remaining battery power
· Direct access to ultralow and turbo outputs
· A micro-textured reflector offers wide angle lighting
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage arise from incorrectly inserted batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
·Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 5.90" / 150mm
· Head diameter: 1.57" / 40mm
· Tube: 1.54"x1.10 / 39mm x 28mm
· Weight: 6.03oz / 171gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
No surprise here: Most Nitecores (except the real big ones) come in a sturdy and colorful carton. At this carton also some extra stickers, because there's an award-winning light inside… Inside we find the most we need, except cells. But often, dealers deliver this lights including CR123A's. So, a neat and complete package here.
the well-known Nitecore box
contents the light, manual, warranty card, spare o-ring and usb cover, lanyard and holster
Impressions:
This time I was not surprised about the dimensions, because I reviewed the EC4 earlier. The EC4S is real compact, easy to handle with and high quality feels. It has its own looks and color: because of the die-cast body, that isn't anodized, it has a slight different color compared to anodized lights. The "turbo-version" of the EC4 has also a light red tailcap / tripod connector. A clean lens, a textured "orange-peel" reflector and a perfectly centered led. The EC4S has a real thin tube, but so far I can see, it is strong enough to last for years. Also inside the tube it looks ok, but I have to get used by the painting of the tubes' inner. Summarizing: this is a high quality, strong flashlight that is easy to carry in your pocket. Please scroll down for some impression-pictures!
EC4S, die-cast, compact, big output
has unique looks
stable head- and tailstanding
compact light, best grip at the lights' sides
the powerful XHP50 led is perfectly centered
EC4-members
almost the same
but the S-version is easy recognizable
smooth versus orange-peel reflector
XM-L2 (U2) versus XHP50 led
big output, long runtimes
the thin, but strong body
the tailcap unscrewed, no spare o-rings needed
a look inside: the aluminum body is jetted, not anodized
the EC4S in the holster, that doesn't close perfectly
with lanyard added on
thanks also to some unique features winner of an ISPO-award
User interface:
The EC4S can be easy controlled by using your thumb, also thanks to its compact size. The two buttons are rather easy to locate and are separated by a rubber edge. If needed, you can choose also the location function at the button: it will short flash every three seconds and help you finding your light in total darkness. Good feature that most Nitecores have.
This "two-button-interface" has become one of my favorites. I like the fact that, if you want, always can start this light at ultralow or turbo. Press and hold the lower button for instant ultralow, the higher for instant-turbo. A normal press at the lower on / off button will activate the last used normal mode, cycle through the five normal modes by using the upper button. Get into the special modes by pressing and holding the upper button (when the light is on), starting with strobe. For the other special modes (beacon and SOS) press and hold again. A normal press at the upper switch will bring the light back in last used normal mode. If you press and hold the lower (on/off) button to shut off, you'll get the location function at the power switch, the blue led will flash once per three seconds. After you are used to it, this interface works fine, and personally I love it. Only thing I miss is momentary on. Maybe this is possible in future while pressing both buttons together??
Modes:
The EC4S has total five normal modes: ULTRALOW > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO, well spaced, except the big jump from ultralow until low. It should be nice to have an extra mode somewhere between 10 and 20 lumens. Last used mode will be memorized. The special modes start at STROBE > BEACON > SOS. No memory for the special modes. To enter LOCKOUT-mode, press and hold both buttons (when the light shut off) for about three seconds. A short flash will tell the EC4S is locked. As earlier mentioned, the light has also STANDBY-LOCATION-mode. I'm happy with these modes, but maybe there are people who'd like to see a firefly and a extra mode that has around 10 lumens output.
ATR:
This means Advanced Temperature Regulation. The EC4S will dynamically decrease power when the temperature will be to high The decrease will not be a full step down, so in real life, it isn't always clear visible. Because the EC4S is a compact light that will get hot after longer time using at turbo, this is a good feature.
Size comparison:
Both EC4's dimensions are equal, but compared to some other Nitecores you can see how compact those die-casts are.
18650-cell, Nitecore EC4, Nitecore EC4S, Nitecore P36 and Nitecore EA81
Nitecore EC4, Nitecore EC4S, Nitecore P36 and Nitecore EA81
reverse..
XM-L2(U2), XHP50, MT-G2 and again XHP50
the tails: Nitecore EC4, Nitecore EC4S, Nitecore P36 and Nitecore EA81
Tint:
The EC4S has a nice, neutral tint that I personally like. Take a look at the picture below to see the difference in MT-G2 (warm), XHP50 (neutral) and XM-L2(U2) (cool).
Beamprofile:
Because of the XHP50, the EC4S has a total different beamprofile when we compare it to the EC4. It has a bigger but less intense hotspot and a wide corona. This makes this light more allround. The nice, mixed beamprofile has not spots or defects. Only thing you can detect, is a little "cross" in the hotspot, this is because of the shape of the emitter. This is not visible at the beamshots. No PWM at any mode, good point.
Beamshots:
Let's have a look while projecting the EC4S on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes followed by a GIF. After that, a shoot-out against the other Nitecores that we've seen earlier in this review: the EC4, the P36 and the EA81. Nice to see here the difference in tint, hotspot and beam angle.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
A comparison to its direct brother, powered by XM-L2(U2); both lights at TURBO
the EC4S compared to the P36, that has MT-G2, both lights at TURBO
compared to the EA81, that has a bigger reflector, both lights at Turbo-mode
Conclusion:
In my opinion, the EC4S is a good flashlight. Compact, strong, well finished and a good interface. It's a really a competitor of the P36, but much more compact as easier to control. Personally, I prefer this light above the EC4 too: It has a nice, wider beam and a good tint. When I have to pick one of the four Nitecores I've compared in this review, I'll pick the EC4S…. In future I would like to see better low mode spacing, or firefly and also the accurate voltage indicator. We're waiting for a rechargeable of this nice EC-series too…Overall, I really can recommend this compact, big output light!
Nitecore EC4S provided for review
the second version of the EC4-series
that has the same dimensions and looks
but is powered by a XHP50 led
die-cast body
recognizable as the powerful version thanks to the red tail
So let's start, as usual, by looking at with the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· Solid lightweight aero grade aluminum alloy construction
· Utilizes a CREE XHP50 LED
· Maximum output up to 2150 lumens
· Dual switch design offers unprecedented ease of use
· Thumbscrew lock on tailcap doubles as a tripod receiver
· 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes available
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum runtime up to 325 hours
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· A power indicator built into the on/off switch indicates remaining battery power
· Direct access to ultralow and turbo outputs
· A micro-textured reflector offers wide angle lighting
· Reverse polarity protection prevents damage arise from incorrectly inserted batteries
· Stainless steel retaining ring protects core components from damage
·Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 5.90" / 150mm
· Head diameter: 1.57" / 40mm
· Tube: 1.54"x1.10 / 39mm x 28mm
· Weight: 6.03oz / 171gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Unboxing:
No surprise here: Most Nitecores (except the real big ones) come in a sturdy and colorful carton. At this carton also some extra stickers, because there's an award-winning light inside… Inside we find the most we need, except cells. But often, dealers deliver this lights including CR123A's. So, a neat and complete package here.
the well-known Nitecore box
contents the light, manual, warranty card, spare o-ring and usb cover, lanyard and holster
Impressions:
This time I was not surprised about the dimensions, because I reviewed the EC4 earlier. The EC4S is real compact, easy to handle with and high quality feels. It has its own looks and color: because of the die-cast body, that isn't anodized, it has a slight different color compared to anodized lights. The "turbo-version" of the EC4 has also a light red tailcap / tripod connector. A clean lens, a textured "orange-peel" reflector and a perfectly centered led. The EC4S has a real thin tube, but so far I can see, it is strong enough to last for years. Also inside the tube it looks ok, but I have to get used by the painting of the tubes' inner. Summarizing: this is a high quality, strong flashlight that is easy to carry in your pocket. Please scroll down for some impression-pictures!
EC4S, die-cast, compact, big output
has unique looks
stable head- and tailstanding
compact light, best grip at the lights' sides
the powerful XHP50 led is perfectly centered
EC4-members
almost the same
but the S-version is easy recognizable
smooth versus orange-peel reflector
XM-L2 (U2) versus XHP50 led
big output, long runtimes
the thin, but strong body
the tailcap unscrewed, no spare o-rings needed
a look inside: the aluminum body is jetted, not anodized
the EC4S in the holster, that doesn't close perfectly
with lanyard added on
thanks also to some unique features winner of an ISPO-award
User interface:
The EC4S can be easy controlled by using your thumb, also thanks to its compact size. The two buttons are rather easy to locate and are separated by a rubber edge. If needed, you can choose also the location function at the button: it will short flash every three seconds and help you finding your light in total darkness. Good feature that most Nitecores have.
This "two-button-interface" has become one of my favorites. I like the fact that, if you want, always can start this light at ultralow or turbo. Press and hold the lower button for instant ultralow, the higher for instant-turbo. A normal press at the lower on / off button will activate the last used normal mode, cycle through the five normal modes by using the upper button. Get into the special modes by pressing and holding the upper button (when the light is on), starting with strobe. For the other special modes (beacon and SOS) press and hold again. A normal press at the upper switch will bring the light back in last used normal mode. If you press and hold the lower (on/off) button to shut off, you'll get the location function at the power switch, the blue led will flash once per three seconds. After you are used to it, this interface works fine, and personally I love it. Only thing I miss is momentary on. Maybe this is possible in future while pressing both buttons together??
Modes:
The EC4S has total five normal modes: ULTRALOW > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO, well spaced, except the big jump from ultralow until low. It should be nice to have an extra mode somewhere between 10 and 20 lumens. Last used mode will be memorized. The special modes start at STROBE > BEACON > SOS. No memory for the special modes. To enter LOCKOUT-mode, press and hold both buttons (when the light shut off) for about three seconds. A short flash will tell the EC4S is locked. As earlier mentioned, the light has also STANDBY-LOCATION-mode. I'm happy with these modes, but maybe there are people who'd like to see a firefly and a extra mode that has around 10 lumens output.
ATR:
This means Advanced Temperature Regulation. The EC4S will dynamically decrease power when the temperature will be to high The decrease will not be a full step down, so in real life, it isn't always clear visible. Because the EC4S is a compact light that will get hot after longer time using at turbo, this is a good feature.
Size comparison:
Both EC4's dimensions are equal, but compared to some other Nitecores you can see how compact those die-casts are.
18650-cell, Nitecore EC4, Nitecore EC4S, Nitecore P36 and Nitecore EA81
Nitecore EC4, Nitecore EC4S, Nitecore P36 and Nitecore EA81
reverse..
XM-L2(U2), XHP50, MT-G2 and again XHP50
the tails: Nitecore EC4, Nitecore EC4S, Nitecore P36 and Nitecore EA81
Tint:
The EC4S has a nice, neutral tint that I personally like. Take a look at the picture below to see the difference in MT-G2 (warm), XHP50 (neutral) and XM-L2(U2) (cool).
Beamprofile:
Because of the XHP50, the EC4S has a total different beamprofile when we compare it to the EC4. It has a bigger but less intense hotspot and a wide corona. This makes this light more allround. The nice, mixed beamprofile has not spots or defects. Only thing you can detect, is a little "cross" in the hotspot, this is because of the shape of the emitter. This is not visible at the beamshots. No PWM at any mode, good point.
Beamshots:
Let's have a look while projecting the EC4S on a white wall. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
animation picture
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes followed by a GIF. After that, a shoot-out against the other Nitecores that we've seen earlier in this review: the EC4, the P36 and the EA81. Nice to see here the difference in tint, hotspot and beam angle.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
animation
A comparison to its direct brother, powered by XM-L2(U2); both lights at TURBO
the EC4S compared to the P36, that has MT-G2, both lights at TURBO
compared to the EA81, that has a bigger reflector, both lights at Turbo-mode
Conclusion:
In my opinion, the EC4S is a good flashlight. Compact, strong, well finished and a good interface. It's a really a competitor of the P36, but much more compact as easier to control. Personally, I prefer this light above the EC4 too: It has a nice, wider beam and a good tint. When I have to pick one of the four Nitecores I've compared in this review, I'll pick the EC4S…. In future I would like to see better low mode spacing, or firefly and also the accurate voltage indicator. We're waiting for a rechargeable of this nice EC-series too…Overall, I really can recommend this compact, big output light!
Nitecore EC4S provided for review
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