Nitecore P05 "For Self Defense—Strobe Ready—Tactical" XM-L2 U2 CR123a (and Li-ion 16340) flashlight.
(NOTE: I have no subscription and therefore do not think that I can embed images, so I'll link to images in this review. I am happy to edit this post if I
Product Page
The Basics
The P05 is marketed as a tactical, self-defence light. It has a crenellated bezel that is not so intrusive as to make it difficult to handle and/or access the light in a bag or pocket. It features two tail switches; one primary forward clicky with momentary "on" in the center, and a secondary momentary switch between the center switch and the edge of the tailcap that changes modes if the light is already on (from the forward clicky in the center), or gives instant access to a strobe.
For the full list of features see the included specs from the product page below.
The Modes:
A half press on the center tail switch gives momentary on. A nice feature is that this switch has great tactile feel and travel in the momentary part of it's travel. I very rarely click to full "on" by mistake.
A full click on the switch turns the light on in high mode. A full click again turns the light off.
When the light is on, the secondary switch cycles through its three flashlight modes from high > medium > low > high > medium > low, and so on. The modes are 460, 170, and 60 lumens.
When the light is off, pressing the secondary switch will instantly start the light into strobe mode. This is a momentary switch only. The strobe will only stay on as long as the secondary button is pressed.
Battery level LED:
There is also a battery level LED in the primary switch's boot. Show the battery level by fully screwing in the tailcap with a battery installed to get one to three red LED blinks to show battery level.
The Package:
* The flashlight
* Sheath with plastic hang hoop, fixed belt loop, and velcro adjustable belt loop
* Removable and reversible deep-carry pocket clip
* Spare O-rings
* Lanyard
* Box, warranty card, instructions
Observations and Use:
(This flashlight was provided by Nitecore for review, though the opinions here are the author's alone.)
Build quality is excellent:
* The HAIII anodizing is perfect in the sample provided. (This light is also available in a pretty racy pink too!)
* The threads are extremely well machined.(http://imgur.com/JCXJQyj) Unscrewing the tailcap reveals high build quality and attention to detail.
* The size and weight is nice for it's purpose—for tactical/self defense it fits the palm without any uncomfortable areas.(http://imgur.com/btJWh3k)
* The primary forward clicky switch has good momentary on feel.(http://imgur.com/1wwMN3P)
* The secondary switch is easy to find and has a positive feel. The switch itself is a metal "paddle" that's hinged on the tailcap. That paddle depresses the small rubber booted switch without much travel.
* The body has a subtle anti-roll section.
In use:
This light does a fine job at what it's designed to do. It's very simple to use with access to high and strobe directly. The buttons are not likely to get confused with they way they are designed.
The beam pattern is an even spot with an quick (but not sharp) transition to an even spill. To the eyes it's pleasant and perfectly useful for basic tasks without giving tunnel vision.
It has surprising throw for 460 lumens. The color temp is on the cool side, but even those who prefer neutral tints should be fine with this light.
A few words about the size and battery type:
There are much more compact CR123a/16340 lights, and there are some 18650 lights that are about this size. With the intended design and use for this light I think Nitecore struck the right balance with the P05.
To make this light with its tail switches and the guts for good regulation in an 18650 configuration, it would just be too big for its intended carry. The size is really nice for the average hand and at the expense of runtime, Nitecore opted for the primary CR123a configuration (which has its advantages over Li-ion only flashlights.)
The bad:
It doesn't tailstand.
Possibly the CR123a/16340 format for some.
Conclusion:
It's a great light for anyone who wants a simple three mode light with direct access to a strobe and the ability to run primary CR123a batteries. Those who want something more compact or with more modes may want to look at a different flashlight.
Author's Images
________________________________________________________
Company Description and Published Specs:
The Nitecore P05 is the smaller, more compact cousin of the popular Nitecore P10. Using a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED, this light offers up to 460 lumens across three brightness levels. With a Strobe Ready tactical tail cap, you have instant access to strobe mode, allowing you to non-violently disable potential attackers with a blinding flash. Weighing in at under 3 ounces, the compact size allows for constant carry and easy concealment in hand while walking at night and the included accessories, a holster, clip and lanyard, allow for everyday carry. This compact tactical light can be taken anywhere in your backpack or pocket, making it ideal for self-defense.
The Nitecore P05 Pink Edition also supports breast cancer research with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The P05 can operate on a standard CR123A or rechargeable RCR123A (also known as a 16340) battery, with the rechargeable battery enabling the maximum output of 460 lumens.
Specifications:
* LED: CREE XM-L2 U2
* Battery Run-Time (Using CR123A):
* High: 420 lumens - 45 minutes
* Mid: 170 lumens - 2 hr 15 min
* Low: 60 lumens- 4 hr 15 min
* Battery Run-Time (Using RCR123):
* High: 460 lumens - 30 minutes
* Mid: 170 lumens - 1 hr
* Low: 60 lumens- 1 hr 45 min
* Beam Distance: 164 yards / 150 meters
* Beam Intensity: 5650cd
* Battery Type Supported: 1 x CR123A or RCR123A
* Dimensions:
* Body: 3.97 in (101mm)
* Head Size: 1 in (25.4 mm)
* Tail Diameter: 1 in (25.4 mm)
* Weight: 2.13oz (60.5g) (without battery)
* Waterproof: IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
Features:
* Compact and lightweight
* Designed for tactical and self-defense applications
* Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
* Maximum output up to 460 lumens
* Powered by 1 CR123/RCR123 battery
* PDOT (Precision Digital Optic Technology) provides extreme reflector performance
* Tactical tail switch
* STROBE READY (TM) allows instant access to strobe (Patent No. 201320545349.4)
* Built-in power indicator located in tail cap reports battery level (Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
* High efficiency constant current circuit provides consistent output
* Anti-rolling design
* Mineral optic lens with anti-reflective coating
* Aerospace grade aluminium alloy construction
* HAIII hard anodizing
* Waterproof in accordance with IPX8 (2 metres submersible)
* Impact resistant to 1.5 meter
* Contents in Package: Nitecore P05 flashlight, Holster, Lanyard, Clip, Spare O-ring
* Batteries not included.
(NOTE: I have no subscription and therefore do not think that I can embed images, so I'll link to images in this review. I am happy to edit this post if I
Product Page
The Basics
The P05 is marketed as a tactical, self-defence light. It has a crenellated bezel that is not so intrusive as to make it difficult to handle and/or access the light in a bag or pocket. It features two tail switches; one primary forward clicky with momentary "on" in the center, and a secondary momentary switch between the center switch and the edge of the tailcap that changes modes if the light is already on (from the forward clicky in the center), or gives instant access to a strobe.
For the full list of features see the included specs from the product page below.
The Modes:
A half press on the center tail switch gives momentary on. A nice feature is that this switch has great tactile feel and travel in the momentary part of it's travel. I very rarely click to full "on" by mistake.
A full click on the switch turns the light on in high mode. A full click again turns the light off.
When the light is on, the secondary switch cycles through its three flashlight modes from high > medium > low > high > medium > low, and so on. The modes are 460, 170, and 60 lumens.
When the light is off, pressing the secondary switch will instantly start the light into strobe mode. This is a momentary switch only. The strobe will only stay on as long as the secondary button is pressed.
Battery level LED:
There is also a battery level LED in the primary switch's boot. Show the battery level by fully screwing in the tailcap with a battery installed to get one to three red LED blinks to show battery level.
The Package:
* The flashlight
* Sheath with plastic hang hoop, fixed belt loop, and velcro adjustable belt loop
* Removable and reversible deep-carry pocket clip
* Spare O-rings
* Lanyard
* Box, warranty card, instructions
Observations and Use:
(This flashlight was provided by Nitecore for review, though the opinions here are the author's alone.)
Build quality is excellent:
* The HAIII anodizing is perfect in the sample provided. (This light is also available in a pretty racy pink too!)
* The threads are extremely well machined.(http://imgur.com/JCXJQyj) Unscrewing the tailcap reveals high build quality and attention to detail.
* The size and weight is nice for it's purpose—for tactical/self defense it fits the palm without any uncomfortable areas.(http://imgur.com/btJWh3k)
* The primary forward clicky switch has good momentary on feel.(http://imgur.com/1wwMN3P)
* The secondary switch is easy to find and has a positive feel. The switch itself is a metal "paddle" that's hinged on the tailcap. That paddle depresses the small rubber booted switch without much travel.
* The body has a subtle anti-roll section.
In use:
This light does a fine job at what it's designed to do. It's very simple to use with access to high and strobe directly. The buttons are not likely to get confused with they way they are designed.
The beam pattern is an even spot with an quick (but not sharp) transition to an even spill. To the eyes it's pleasant and perfectly useful for basic tasks without giving tunnel vision.
It has surprising throw for 460 lumens. The color temp is on the cool side, but even those who prefer neutral tints should be fine with this light.
A few words about the size and battery type:
There are much more compact CR123a/16340 lights, and there are some 18650 lights that are about this size. With the intended design and use for this light I think Nitecore struck the right balance with the P05.
To make this light with its tail switches and the guts for good regulation in an 18650 configuration, it would just be too big for its intended carry. The size is really nice for the average hand and at the expense of runtime, Nitecore opted for the primary CR123a configuration (which has its advantages over Li-ion only flashlights.)
The bad:
It doesn't tailstand.
Possibly the CR123a/16340 format for some.
Conclusion:
It's a great light for anyone who wants a simple three mode light with direct access to a strobe and the ability to run primary CR123a batteries. Those who want something more compact or with more modes may want to look at a different flashlight.
Author's Images
________________________________________________________
Company Description and Published Specs:
The Nitecore P05 is the smaller, more compact cousin of the popular Nitecore P10. Using a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED, this light offers up to 460 lumens across three brightness levels. With a Strobe Ready tactical tail cap, you have instant access to strobe mode, allowing you to non-violently disable potential attackers with a blinding flash. Weighing in at under 3 ounces, the compact size allows for constant carry and easy concealment in hand while walking at night and the included accessories, a holster, clip and lanyard, allow for everyday carry. This compact tactical light can be taken anywhere in your backpack or pocket, making it ideal for self-defense.
The Nitecore P05 Pink Edition also supports breast cancer research with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The P05 can operate on a standard CR123A or rechargeable RCR123A (also known as a 16340) battery, with the rechargeable battery enabling the maximum output of 460 lumens.
Specifications:
* LED: CREE XM-L2 U2
* Battery Run-Time (Using CR123A):
* High: 420 lumens - 45 minutes
* Mid: 170 lumens - 2 hr 15 min
* Low: 60 lumens- 4 hr 15 min
* Battery Run-Time (Using RCR123):
* High: 460 lumens - 30 minutes
* Mid: 170 lumens - 1 hr
* Low: 60 lumens- 1 hr 45 min
* Beam Distance: 164 yards / 150 meters
* Beam Intensity: 5650cd
* Battery Type Supported: 1 x CR123A or RCR123A
* Dimensions:
* Body: 3.97 in (101mm)
* Head Size: 1 in (25.4 mm)
* Tail Diameter: 1 in (25.4 mm)
* Weight: 2.13oz (60.5g) (without battery)
* Waterproof: IPX-8 (2 meters submersible)
Features:
* Compact and lightweight
* Designed for tactical and self-defense applications
* Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED
* Maximum output up to 460 lumens
* Powered by 1 CR123/RCR123 battery
* PDOT (Precision Digital Optic Technology) provides extreme reflector performance
* Tactical tail switch
* STROBE READY (TM) allows instant access to strobe (Patent No. 201320545349.4)
* Built-in power indicator located in tail cap reports battery level (Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
* High efficiency constant current circuit provides consistent output
* Anti-rolling design
* Mineral optic lens with anti-reflective coating
* Aerospace grade aluminium alloy construction
* HAIII hard anodizing
* Waterproof in accordance with IPX8 (2 metres submersible)
* Impact resistant to 1.5 meter
* Contents in Package: Nitecore P05 flashlight, Holster, Lanyard, Clip, Spare O-ring
* Batteries not included.
