BugoutBoys
Enlightened
Nitecore P12GT
Manufacturer specs
LED: Cree XM-L HI V3
Max Lumen: 1000
Uses one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries.
Output/Runtime (1x18650): Hi 1000lumens / 1hr – Med 280lumens / 5hr 15min – Lo 55lumens / 28hr – Lower 1lumen / 520hr
Output/Runtime (2xCR123A): Hi 1000lumens / 45min – Med 280lumens / 3hr 30min – Lo 50lumens / 20hr – Lower 1lumen / 300hr
Beam Intensity: 33,700cd
Beam Distance: 367m
Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible)
Second generation 'Crystal Coating Technology' combined with 'Precision Digital Optics Technology' provide extreme reflector performance
High efficiency circuit board provides up to 520 hours runtime on low
Side switch interface provides one-handed operation and easy access to all functions
Side switch features an indicator light which displays remain ing battery power (patented)
Power indicator secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
Intelligent memory function stores preferred brightness setting
High-efficiency regulation circuit provides unwavering output
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
Constructed from aero grade aluminium alloy with HAIII military grade hard-anodized finish
Stainless steel titanium-plated clip included
Tail stand capability
Dimensions: Length: 140mm (5.51"), Head Diameter: 25.4mm (1"), Tail Diameter: 25.4mm (1")
Weight: 91grams (3.21oz)(without battery)
Accessories: Quality holster, clip, tactical ring, lanyard, spare tail cap, spare O-ring
MSRP: ~$71
In the box
Appearance
The P12 has a black HAIII hard anodized finish over an aircraft grade aluminum body.
the knurling is of moderate aggressiveness and is in two places; the tailcap and center cylinder. partner these with the other design elements and the anti-roll is pretty good. The P12GT can also tail stand to be used as a candle.
Overall grip is very good and comfortable. The light feels solid, yet lightweight to hold.
The markings are bright white and show up clearly on the body.
The finish is not Matte, but it isn't highly reflective either.
User Interface
The P12GT has the same features as the P12. The forward clicky button activates the light. If you half press the button, you get momentary. While the light is on, press the mode button on the side to switch between modes in ascending order from lowest to Hi.
If you press and hold the mode button, you get strobe. Press and hold the mode button again for SOS, and again for a Beacon. If you click the mode button it will return to the last standard mode you had the light on.
All above features other than SOS and Beacon are memorized, meaning if you turn the light off and back on, it will be in the mode you last had on.
If you press and hold the Mode button, along with the tail switch, a blue LED under the mode button will flash with the remaining battery voltage.
Physical Tests
I submersed the P12GT in water completely while pressing the mode button and rear clicky switch. I did not find any water to have entered the light at all.
The P12GT significantly heats up when used on the highest mode. It's nothing unbearable, but definitely toasty!:huh:
Since the P12GT is completely current controlled, there is no PWM on any of the modes.:thumbsup:
Drop test included all surfaces from carpet, to grass, to stone floor. No surfaces showed any damage other than concrete. The only thing that happened on the concrete drop was a few little "chips" or dings in the black. No performance was hindered!
The P12GT includes Nitecore's signature physical reverse polarity protection. If the battery is inserted backwards, cannot make connection. This also means that the light can only be used with button-top cells. Flat tops will not work without modification. (which voids warranty)
When the battery is at 50%, the mode button will flash every 2 seconds. When the battery is "low" it will flash rapidly.:wave:
The P12GT also features a thermal regulation system instead of a timed step-down. The system will detect the light's internal temperature in real time and adjust the output based on this.
Comparison
Below: From top to bottom
P12
P10
P12GT
Beam pattern
The Beam pattern on the P12GT is similar to the P12, other than the hot spot being smaller. The P12's hotspot can completely engulf the P12GT's. The flood/spill is nearly identical, with the P12's being just slightly larger.
The New CREE XP-L HI V3 Emitter on the P12GT is domeless, meaning that there is no dome over the diode, it is just flat.
It is also noticeably smaller than the P12's XP-L2 U2 LED
The P12GT also features a smooth reflector which produces a nice smooth beam pattern with the hotspot nicely transitioning into the spill.
ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/60
ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/250
ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/2000
Personal Opinions
The P12GT has incredible range for it's class and size. The brightness is also very impressive and blinding at close range. The Crenelated bezel also makes this valuable as a self defense tool where a knife or weapon are not allowed. The light can be used as a kubaton or to strike. Added on the tactical tail switch which can be used to activate the light into someone's eyes.
The user interface is great! I love that the 4 main modes are evenly spaced at a factor of just around 4 for each mode. I personally like this because there is a noticeable change in brightness each time, rather than having multiple "hi" modes that are barely changing. I also really like that the strobe "special" modes are "hidden" and require holding of the mode button in order to activate. The memory feature is always great as well so that you always know which mode will be on when the light is activated.
I always use the battery readout feature which is great to have. The Blue LED is bright and easy to see on my light. I also like that the button says "mode" on it so that it is easy to use for people who don't know flashlights very well.
The overall feel of the light is great and comfortable in the hand. I trust this going underwater that I would still have a good grip on the light. Add on the Tactical ring and the belt clip, and the grip is even better; however I do not use these for every day carry of the light, as I find that they can get in the way.
The size of this light is great. Being just 5 1/2 inches long it fits nicely in my hand. When clipped to my belt it provides no issues.
Another great feature of this light is that it has a very low mode of 1 lumen. Many manufacturers overlook this feature that I find very valuable. If you are out walking your dog or walking in the woods or on a trail and don't want to kill your night vision, this is great to have because it is just enough to see your surroundings but it won't hurt your night adjusted eyes. Next is the extreme brightness. This light will reach out several hundred meters. *Pictures coming soon* My backyard is 146 meters from the house to the forest start. This light reaches out there with enough brightness to clearly see what I need to see. A deer's eye reflection would be able to be seen well beyond that as well. The beam pattern is great because it has a good balance of flood and a good hot spot in the center. I could use this light both indoors and long range outdoors and it has a great balance for both. However, the P12 is slightly better for indoors.
PROS
Brightness
Throw
Flood
Battery readout
Grip
Low voltage warning
Good runtime on all modes with incredible runtime on low
Waterproof
shock resistant
CONS
The only real con that stood out to me was a delay in the physical tail switch. This is me being very nitpicky, but when I click the rear tailswitch there is about a .4 - .5 second delay on activation. The P12 has about a .1 second delay and the P10 is instant (Probably due to the PWM circuit constantly running)
I also don't really feel the need for a thermal reader system. I prefer a timed step-down because if I am really in a pinch, although possibly damaging to the light, I can click the light off and back on to get full-brightness. The pros to the thermal step-down is that you can probably keep this light on max without a step-down for longer in cold weather.
Other than that, this is a solid light with a lot of very useful features whether you want to EDC this light or mount it on a weapon.
NOW FOR THE BIG QUESTION:
IS IT WORTH UPGRADING FROM THE P12
I personally feel like the best light in the precise series is the P12 2015 version. The P12 2015 has every feature this light has other than distance and a thermal regulation system. The P12GT also costs $71 whereas the P12 2015 goes for $42 on eBay.
If you are able to get deal where you could get the P12GT for $65 or under (like I did), then I would recommend an upgrade if you want further throw. The P12GT has distinctively better throw than the P12 2015.
The only two things that are a turn off for me about the P12GT are the Thermal regulation system rather than timed step down, and the button-activation delay. I'm not sure what the cause is for the .5 second delay on activation, it could simply be my model, but it is a nitpick that bothers me.
Bottom line, I would absolutely recommend this to a friend and/or complete stranger
**EDIT**
Now that it is dark I went out to do a beamshot. I Color graded the photo to match what my eye sees. The hotspot is almost identical to what my eye sees, however the spill in the photo is darker than what my eye sees. In other words, the spill is a bit brighter and goes a bit further in person.
The first Fence is around 30 meters. The trees in the far back are 140 meters away (measured) and I can see them clearly enough to distinguish anything at that distance. There are some deer (not photographed) that I could see at 110 meters on the medium mode (280 lumens). The 1,000 "Hi" mode lit them up perfectly at that distance.
Manufacturer specs
LED: Cree XM-L HI V3
Max Lumen: 1000
Uses one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries.
Output/Runtime (1x18650): Hi 1000lumens / 1hr – Med 280lumens / 5hr 15min – Lo 55lumens / 28hr – Lower 1lumen / 520hr
Output/Runtime (2xCR123A): Hi 1000lumens / 45min – Med 280lumens / 3hr 30min – Lo 50lumens / 20hr – Lower 1lumen / 300hr
Beam Intensity: 33,700cd
Beam Distance: 367m
Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible)
Second generation 'Crystal Coating Technology' combined with 'Precision Digital Optics Technology' provide extreme reflector performance
High efficiency circuit board provides up to 520 hours runtime on low
Side switch interface provides one-handed operation and easy access to all functions
Side switch features an indicator light which displays remain ing battery power (patented)
Power indicator secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
Intelligent memory function stores preferred brightness setting
High-efficiency regulation circuit provides unwavering output
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
Constructed from aero grade aluminium alloy with HAIII military grade hard-anodized finish
Stainless steel titanium-plated clip included
Tail stand capability
Dimensions: Length: 140mm (5.51"), Head Diameter: 25.4mm (1"), Tail Diameter: 25.4mm (1")
Weight: 91grams (3.21oz)(without battery)
Accessories: Quality holster, clip, tactical ring, lanyard, spare tail cap, spare O-ring
MSRP: ~$71
In the box
Appearance
The P12 has a black HAIII hard anodized finish over an aircraft grade aluminum body.
the knurling is of moderate aggressiveness and is in two places; the tailcap and center cylinder. partner these with the other design elements and the anti-roll is pretty good. The P12GT can also tail stand to be used as a candle.
Overall grip is very good and comfortable. The light feels solid, yet lightweight to hold.
The markings are bright white and show up clearly on the body.
The finish is not Matte, but it isn't highly reflective either.
User Interface
The P12GT has the same features as the P12. The forward clicky button activates the light. If you half press the button, you get momentary. While the light is on, press the mode button on the side to switch between modes in ascending order from lowest to Hi.
If you press and hold the mode button, you get strobe. Press and hold the mode button again for SOS, and again for a Beacon. If you click the mode button it will return to the last standard mode you had the light on.
All above features other than SOS and Beacon are memorized, meaning if you turn the light off and back on, it will be in the mode you last had on.
If you press and hold the Mode button, along with the tail switch, a blue LED under the mode button will flash with the remaining battery voltage.
Physical Tests
I submersed the P12GT in water completely while pressing the mode button and rear clicky switch. I did not find any water to have entered the light at all.
The P12GT significantly heats up when used on the highest mode. It's nothing unbearable, but definitely toasty!:huh:
Since the P12GT is completely current controlled, there is no PWM on any of the modes.:thumbsup:
Drop test included all surfaces from carpet, to grass, to stone floor. No surfaces showed any damage other than concrete. The only thing that happened on the concrete drop was a few little "chips" or dings in the black. No performance was hindered!
The P12GT includes Nitecore's signature physical reverse polarity protection. If the battery is inserted backwards, cannot make connection. This also means that the light can only be used with button-top cells. Flat tops will not work without modification. (which voids warranty)
When the battery is at 50%, the mode button will flash every 2 seconds. When the battery is "low" it will flash rapidly.:wave:
The P12GT also features a thermal regulation system instead of a timed step-down. The system will detect the light's internal temperature in real time and adjust the output based on this.
Comparison
Below: From top to bottom
P12
P10
P12GT
Beam pattern
The Beam pattern on the P12GT is similar to the P12, other than the hot spot being smaller. The P12's hotspot can completely engulf the P12GT's. The flood/spill is nearly identical, with the P12's being just slightly larger.
The New CREE XP-L HI V3 Emitter on the P12GT is domeless, meaning that there is no dome over the diode, it is just flat.
It is also noticeably smaller than the P12's XP-L2 U2 LED
The P12GT also features a smooth reflector which produces a nice smooth beam pattern with the hotspot nicely transitioning into the spill.
ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/60
ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/250
ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/2000
Personal Opinions
The P12GT has incredible range for it's class and size. The brightness is also very impressive and blinding at close range. The Crenelated bezel also makes this valuable as a self defense tool where a knife or weapon are not allowed. The light can be used as a kubaton or to strike. Added on the tactical tail switch which can be used to activate the light into someone's eyes.
The user interface is great! I love that the 4 main modes are evenly spaced at a factor of just around 4 for each mode. I personally like this because there is a noticeable change in brightness each time, rather than having multiple "hi" modes that are barely changing. I also really like that the strobe "special" modes are "hidden" and require holding of the mode button in order to activate. The memory feature is always great as well so that you always know which mode will be on when the light is activated.
I always use the battery readout feature which is great to have. The Blue LED is bright and easy to see on my light. I also like that the button says "mode" on it so that it is easy to use for people who don't know flashlights very well.
The overall feel of the light is great and comfortable in the hand. I trust this going underwater that I would still have a good grip on the light. Add on the Tactical ring and the belt clip, and the grip is even better; however I do not use these for every day carry of the light, as I find that they can get in the way.
The size of this light is great. Being just 5 1/2 inches long it fits nicely in my hand. When clipped to my belt it provides no issues.
Another great feature of this light is that it has a very low mode of 1 lumen. Many manufacturers overlook this feature that I find very valuable. If you are out walking your dog or walking in the woods or on a trail and don't want to kill your night vision, this is great to have because it is just enough to see your surroundings but it won't hurt your night adjusted eyes. Next is the extreme brightness. This light will reach out several hundred meters. *Pictures coming soon* My backyard is 146 meters from the house to the forest start. This light reaches out there with enough brightness to clearly see what I need to see. A deer's eye reflection would be able to be seen well beyond that as well. The beam pattern is great because it has a good balance of flood and a good hot spot in the center. I could use this light both indoors and long range outdoors and it has a great balance for both. However, the P12 is slightly better for indoors.
PROS
Brightness
Throw
Flood
Battery readout
Grip
Low voltage warning
Good runtime on all modes with incredible runtime on low
Waterproof
shock resistant
CONS
The only real con that stood out to me was a delay in the physical tail switch. This is me being very nitpicky, but when I click the rear tailswitch there is about a .4 - .5 second delay on activation. The P12 has about a .1 second delay and the P10 is instant (Probably due to the PWM circuit constantly running)
I also don't really feel the need for a thermal reader system. I prefer a timed step-down because if I am really in a pinch, although possibly damaging to the light, I can click the light off and back on to get full-brightness. The pros to the thermal step-down is that you can probably keep this light on max without a step-down for longer in cold weather.
Other than that, this is a solid light with a lot of very useful features whether you want to EDC this light or mount it on a weapon.
NOW FOR THE BIG QUESTION:
IS IT WORTH UPGRADING FROM THE P12
I personally feel like the best light in the precise series is the P12 2015 version. The P12 2015 has every feature this light has other than distance and a thermal regulation system. The P12GT also costs $71 whereas the P12 2015 goes for $42 on eBay.
If you are able to get deal where you could get the P12GT for $65 or under (like I did), then I would recommend an upgrade if you want further throw. The P12GT has distinctively better throw than the P12 2015.
The only two things that are a turn off for me about the P12GT are the Thermal regulation system rather than timed step down, and the button-activation delay. I'm not sure what the cause is for the .5 second delay on activation, it could simply be my model, but it is a nitpick that bothers me.
Bottom line, I would absolutely recommend this to a friend and/or complete stranger
**EDIT**
Now that it is dark I went out to do a beamshot. I Color graded the photo to match what my eye sees. The hotspot is almost identical to what my eye sees, however the spill in the photo is darker than what my eye sees. In other words, the spill is a bit brighter and goes a bit further in person.
The first Fence is around 30 meters. The trees in the far back are 140 meters away (measured) and I can see them clearly enough to distinguish anything at that distance. There are some deer (not photographed) that I could see at 110 meters on the medium mode (280 lumens). The 1,000 "Hi" mode lit them up perfectly at that distance.
Last edited:
