kj75
Enlightened
In the past months, Nitecore surprised us several times by launching GT-versions of their lights. Characteristic for the GT-series is the impressive throw, thanks to the flat XP-L HI led. The latest member of the GT-series is the MH20GT. The specifications of this torch (especially the maximum distance) are promising! In this review I'll show you this light, also compared to the MH20-brother. So, let's kick off!
the "turbo-version" of the Nitecore MH20
powered by a flat XP-L HI V3 led
compact but big performance
chargeable via micro-usb
As usual, we'll start by looking at the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· A lightweight, portable 1x18650 USB rechargeable flashlight
· Utilizes a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum output up to 1000 lumens
· Driven by one 18650 battery for maximum runtime up to 680 hours
· Integrated "Precision Digital Optics Technology" provides extreme reflector performance
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 33,000 cd and a throw distance of up to 362 meters
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· Innovative single button 2-stage switch accesses multiple functions and modes
· Integrated power indicator notifies battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
· Intelligent charging module with a micro USB port charges Li-ion battery rapidly
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
· Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum alloy
· HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 4.37" / 111mm
· Head diameter: 1.25" / 31.8mm
· Tail diameter: 1" / 25.4mm
· Weight: 3.13oz / 88.8gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Mind that the Nitecore used a 3400mAh cell this time, instead of the 2600mAh battery that's used during the MH20 runtime test.
Unboxing:
No surprise here, almost the same box as the MH20. A colorful and attractive carton, with nice prints and a special mention of the maximum distance. It's a complete box, and ready to use: in contrast to my review-sample, most dealers will send out the package including 18650. So, no wishes left here; this tiny box is complete! Have a look at the pictures below that show the box and the contents.
the attractive box of the MH20GT
with the most important specs written on the side this time
the box is complete: only a battery is missing; but most dealers will ship including a cell
Impressions:
The MH20GT isn't completely new for me because I reviewed the MH20 before. Both light and parts are almost equal, but the main difference is the light's head. To create better throw out of the XP-L HI V3, the MH20GT got a bigger head and deeper reflector. The pictures further on in this review will show you the differences!
The MH20GT is still one of the most compact rechargeable-lights in its class. It has a rather big head, but overall nice proportions, and personally, I like the looks of this torch. Thanks to the little "aggressive" design the MH20GT is comfortable to handle and won't easily slip out of your hand. It is a well-machined and finished light; I couldn't detect any defects at the anodizing. Maybe, for flashaholics, the prints at the light should be aligned to the switch and the usb-port at the lights head…The switch (that is one-for-all) is hidden in a notch, and therefore easy to distinguish relative to the usb-port that's at the other side of the lights' head. It's also better protected against accidentally-on. The MH20GT has stable tailstand and one of the best anti-rolling design I've seen before. The engraving is done sufficiently. The MH20GT has a smooth reflector without defects, and a perfectly centered XP-L HI V3 led. The deep pocket clip is not the strongest I met, but does what it's made for and can be clipped-on at two ways. The rubber cover that protects the usb-port against water and dust needs a firm press to close. Please check carefully when closed to ensure water resistance. Sometimes, when no closed the right way, the cover will "pop out".The threads run smooth and are lubed well (like most Nitecores). Inside the tube, the head and the tailcap. I couldn't find any shortcomings. So, all in all, I can tell you the MH20GT is very good built and finished and hasn't (for me) obvious shortcomings. Please scroll down to have a look at a bunch of impression and comparison pictures!
MH20GT, one of the most compact single-18650 lights
has a bit aggressive design
easy to carry
integrated charging function
excellent anti-roll design
good job on anodizing; and a close up to the usb-port cover
well-centered led, needed for a thrower!
laser engraving well-done, overall machining also
the threads are lubed well
a hard job to add the lanyard, a needle is needed! The clip is added reverse here
a look into the tailcap
smooth reflector without defects
the button is "hidden" in a notch to avoid accidentally-on
the head and tube size are almost the same
the typical, flat XP-L HI led
the rubber cover needs to be closed securely
standby beacon will help you to locate the MH20GT in total darkness
edc-thrower!
both MH20-members together with recommended cells
slightly longer MH20GT
both lights have the same parts
except the bigger head of the MH20GT
a close-up to the heads
little difference inside
a look into the refectors
User interface:
The MH20GT is easy to handle with and feels comfortable in the hand. The switch is easy recognizable because of head's shape and the MH20GT can be fully controlled by one hand. Also the stiff structure and the possibility of location beacon in the button are comfortable features.
Charging of the light works fine and without problems. During charging the blue indicator lights up once per three seconds until the light is fully charged and the indicator permanently on. The indicator flickers if there's something wrong with the charging progress.
About the switch: Nitecore still speaks about a 2-stage switch, but I count three…A slight/half press, a normal press and an deep press. The slight press is needed for instant lower (a long press from off), instant turbo (a long press when on), mode switching (a short press when on) or location beacon (a short press when off). Real inventive! A normal press will switch on the MH20GT in last used mode or off. A deep press, with the button all way down, will bring instant turbo mode (when off) or strobe (when on). This allway-down feature goes little heavy, and will hurt your thumb a little. If in strobe mode, half press to cycle through the total three special modes. If in SOS or beacon mode, half-press and hold to enter direct strobe. This is a kind of instant-mode, but works only when the MH20GT is already in a special mode.
Overall, this is the most complete one-button-interface I've seen, and still one of my favorites.
Modes:
The MH20GT has in total five normal modes, order of: LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. Again, I'm happy with the good low, but the step between LOWER an LOW is too big. An extra mode of about 10 lumens would be a nice addition here. You can only shift up, not down through the modes.
The three special modes are: STROBE > SOS > BEACON. The MH20GT has also a STANDBY-Mode, the button will short flash once per 3 seconds. Ideal mode to locate you light, and simply to turn on or off. You can LOCK-OUT the MH20GT by releasing the tailcap or the lights' head a little.
ATR:
The MH20 has advanced temperature regulation to avoid the light will be overheated. When it gets hot, light will (dynamically) decrease output. Time of this depends on actual conditons like temperature, wind speed and so on. In practice it's no problem to use this light longer time at turbo mode, it will not get, like some tiny lights, very hot in a few minutes.
Size comparison:
Some Nitecore members in this comparison: of course the MH20 and MH20GT; also shown here the EA11 that runs on a 14500-cell and the EC4 that runs on two 18650-cells.
CR123A, 18650, Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
a zoom-in to the heads: 3 x XM-L2 (U2) and one XP-L HI V3
and the tails: Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
Tint:
The tint is coolwhite but slightly neutral compared to the MH20. The spill of the MH20 is little bluish. As shown at the picture below, the EC4 has a greenish tint.
Beamprofile:
The deeper reflector creates a narrower beam compared to the MH20, with a clear hotspot and tiny until medium corona. The fact that the hotspot is a rather big one and there's enough spill, will make this light suited for a lot of tasks. The beam is clean, without defects. No PWM at any mode, good point!
Beamshots:
Let's start with projecting the MH20GT at a white wall. Shown at first: the five normal modes, followed by a GIF. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
Both MH20's together, the MH20 on the left side. Clearly visible here the difference of the beamprofiles, due to the deeper reflector of the MH20GT.
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes. I compared the output modes of the two MH20-members directly to each other, so I'll show you GIF-pictures here.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
The MH20 against the MH20GT and the Nitecore EC4
a "throw-shot" of the MH20 and MH20GT. Distance across the other side of the river about 150 meters
a shoot-out in the forest, both lights at Turbo:
poiting at a tree-line, look at the difference between the profiles
Conclusion:
The GT is a nice addition to the MH20. It is impressive that a light that is so compact can reach this distance. Above that, the MH20-series of Nitecore is (not only for me, I guess) one of the best and most complete single-18650 lights at the market. Very good built and finished, and good and equipped with an innovative interface. A built-in magnet in the tailcap and an extra mode between lower and low would make a light like this almost perfect.
Which one of the two would I pick? To be honest, I like both lights….and except the beamprofile and the MH20GT's head that little longer, they're almost equal. Go for the MH20 if you need a smooth beam at shorter distance, and pick the GT-version if you need a impressive searchlight that fits in your pants pocket.
Nitecore MH20GT provided for review
the "turbo-version" of the Nitecore MH20
powered by a flat XP-L HI V3 led
compact but big performance
chargeable via micro-usb
As usual, we'll start by looking at the manufacturer specs:
Features:
· A lightweight, portable 1x18650 USB rechargeable flashlight
· Utilizes a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED
· High efficiency constant current circuit enables maximum output up to 1000 lumens
· Driven by one 18650 battery for maximum runtime up to 680 hours
· Integrated "Precision Digital Optics Technology" provides extreme reflector performance
· Boasts a peak beam intensity of 33,000 cd and a throw distance of up to 362 meters
· Features advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology
· Innovative single button 2-stage switch accesses multiple functions and modes
· Integrated power indicator notifies battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
· Intelligent charging module with a micro USB port charges Li-ion battery rapidly
· Direct access to ultra-low and turbo output
· Detachable two-way anti-rolling clip
· Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
· Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum alloy
· HAIII military grade hard-anodized
· Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
· Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
· Tail stand capability
Dimensions:
· Length: 4.37" / 111mm
· Head diameter: 1.25" / 31.8mm
· Tail diameter: 1" / 25.4mm
· Weight: 3.13oz / 88.8gram (without battery)
And the output specs:
Mind that the Nitecore used a 3400mAh cell this time, instead of the 2600mAh battery that's used during the MH20 runtime test.
Unboxing:
No surprise here, almost the same box as the MH20. A colorful and attractive carton, with nice prints and a special mention of the maximum distance. It's a complete box, and ready to use: in contrast to my review-sample, most dealers will send out the package including 18650. So, no wishes left here; this tiny box is complete! Have a look at the pictures below that show the box and the contents.
the attractive box of the MH20GT
with the most important specs written on the side this time
the box is complete: only a battery is missing; but most dealers will ship including a cell
Impressions:
The MH20GT isn't completely new for me because I reviewed the MH20 before. Both light and parts are almost equal, but the main difference is the light's head. To create better throw out of the XP-L HI V3, the MH20GT got a bigger head and deeper reflector. The pictures further on in this review will show you the differences!
The MH20GT is still one of the most compact rechargeable-lights in its class. It has a rather big head, but overall nice proportions, and personally, I like the looks of this torch. Thanks to the little "aggressive" design the MH20GT is comfortable to handle and won't easily slip out of your hand. It is a well-machined and finished light; I couldn't detect any defects at the anodizing. Maybe, for flashaholics, the prints at the light should be aligned to the switch and the usb-port at the lights head…The switch (that is one-for-all) is hidden in a notch, and therefore easy to distinguish relative to the usb-port that's at the other side of the lights' head. It's also better protected against accidentally-on. The MH20GT has stable tailstand and one of the best anti-rolling design I've seen before. The engraving is done sufficiently. The MH20GT has a smooth reflector without defects, and a perfectly centered XP-L HI V3 led. The deep pocket clip is not the strongest I met, but does what it's made for and can be clipped-on at two ways. The rubber cover that protects the usb-port against water and dust needs a firm press to close. Please check carefully when closed to ensure water resistance. Sometimes, when no closed the right way, the cover will "pop out".The threads run smooth and are lubed well (like most Nitecores). Inside the tube, the head and the tailcap. I couldn't find any shortcomings. So, all in all, I can tell you the MH20GT is very good built and finished and hasn't (for me) obvious shortcomings. Please scroll down to have a look at a bunch of impression and comparison pictures!
MH20GT, one of the most compact single-18650 lights
has a bit aggressive design
easy to carry
integrated charging function
excellent anti-roll design
good job on anodizing; and a close up to the usb-port cover
well-centered led, needed for a thrower!
laser engraving well-done, overall machining also
the threads are lubed well
a hard job to add the lanyard, a needle is needed! The clip is added reverse here
a look into the tailcap
smooth reflector without defects
the button is "hidden" in a notch to avoid accidentally-on
the head and tube size are almost the same
the typical, flat XP-L HI led
the rubber cover needs to be closed securely
standby beacon will help you to locate the MH20GT in total darkness
edc-thrower!
both MH20-members together with recommended cells
slightly longer MH20GT
both lights have the same parts
except the bigger head of the MH20GT
a close-up to the heads
little difference inside
a look into the refectors
User interface:
The MH20GT is easy to handle with and feels comfortable in the hand. The switch is easy recognizable because of head's shape and the MH20GT can be fully controlled by one hand. Also the stiff structure and the possibility of location beacon in the button are comfortable features.
Charging of the light works fine and without problems. During charging the blue indicator lights up once per three seconds until the light is fully charged and the indicator permanently on. The indicator flickers if there's something wrong with the charging progress.
About the switch: Nitecore still speaks about a 2-stage switch, but I count three…A slight/half press, a normal press and an deep press. The slight press is needed for instant lower (a long press from off), instant turbo (a long press when on), mode switching (a short press when on) or location beacon (a short press when off). Real inventive! A normal press will switch on the MH20GT in last used mode or off. A deep press, with the button all way down, will bring instant turbo mode (when off) or strobe (when on). This allway-down feature goes little heavy, and will hurt your thumb a little. If in strobe mode, half press to cycle through the total three special modes. If in SOS or beacon mode, half-press and hold to enter direct strobe. This is a kind of instant-mode, but works only when the MH20GT is already in a special mode.
Overall, this is the most complete one-button-interface I've seen, and still one of my favorites.
Modes:
The MH20GT has in total five normal modes, order of: LOWER > LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. Again, I'm happy with the good low, but the step between LOWER an LOW is too big. An extra mode of about 10 lumens would be a nice addition here. You can only shift up, not down through the modes.
The three special modes are: STROBE > SOS > BEACON. The MH20GT has also a STANDBY-Mode, the button will short flash once per 3 seconds. Ideal mode to locate you light, and simply to turn on or off. You can LOCK-OUT the MH20GT by releasing the tailcap or the lights' head a little.
ATR:
The MH20 has advanced temperature regulation to avoid the light will be overheated. When it gets hot, light will (dynamically) decrease output. Time of this depends on actual conditons like temperature, wind speed and so on. In practice it's no problem to use this light longer time at turbo mode, it will not get, like some tiny lights, very hot in a few minutes.
Size comparison:
Some Nitecore members in this comparison: of course the MH20 and MH20GT; also shown here the EA11 that runs on a 14500-cell and the EC4 that runs on two 18650-cells.
CR123A, 18650, Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
a zoom-in to the heads: 3 x XM-L2 (U2) and one XP-L HI V3
and the tails: Nitecore EA11, Nitecore MH20, Nitecore MH20GT and Nitecore EC4
Tint:
The tint is coolwhite but slightly neutral compared to the MH20. The spill of the MH20 is little bluish. As shown at the picture below, the EC4 has a greenish tint.
Beamprofile:
The deeper reflector creates a narrower beam compared to the MH20, with a clear hotspot and tiny until medium corona. The fact that the hotspot is a rather big one and there's enough spill, will make this light suited for a lot of tasks. The beam is clean, without defects. No PWM at any mode, good point!
Beamshots:
Let's start with projecting the MH20GT at a white wall. Shown at first: the five normal modes, followed by a GIF. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
Both MH20's together, the MH20 on the left side. Clearly visible here the difference of the beamprofiles, due to the deeper reflector of the MH20GT.
Going outside now…..At first, the five output modes. I compared the output modes of the two MH20-members directly to each other, so I'll show you GIF-pictures here.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
The MH20 against the MH20GT and the Nitecore EC4
a "throw-shot" of the MH20 and MH20GT. Distance across the other side of the river about 150 meters
a shoot-out in the forest, both lights at Turbo:
poiting at a tree-line, look at the difference between the profiles
Conclusion:
The GT is a nice addition to the MH20. It is impressive that a light that is so compact can reach this distance. Above that, the MH20-series of Nitecore is (not only for me, I guess) one of the best and most complete single-18650 lights at the market. Very good built and finished, and good and equipped with an innovative interface. A built-in magnet in the tailcap and an extra mode between lower and low would make a light like this almost perfect.
Which one of the two would I pick? To be honest, I like both lights….and except the beamprofile and the MH20GT's head that little longer, they're almost equal. Go for the MH20 if you need a smooth beam at shorter distance, and pick the GT-version if you need a impressive searchlight that fits in your pants pocket.
Nitecore MH20GT provided for review
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