Moderators: Although this is more of a comparison than a true review, feel free to move this to the flashlight reviews forum if you think it's more appropriate there.
So I just got a Nitecore SRT7GT to replace my busted SRT7. If you're not familiar with the SRT7, I encourage you to read my review of the older model. Here's a quick comparison between the two:
All told, the SRT7GT is a natural evolution of the SRT7, expanding upon the versatility of the old model and making it even more useful than before as a multipurpose tactical light. At an MSRP of US$110, it's a hard sell for those who already have the SRT7 and don't have a pressing need for the UV feature or upgraded emitter, but users in the market for a single-18650 light that can handle virtually any illumination task will find the SRT7GT to be one of the very best choices out there.
Draco
So I just got a Nitecore SRT7GT to replace my busted SRT7. If you're not familiar with the SRT7, I encourage you to read my review of the older model. Here's a quick comparison between the two:
- Externally, the two are nearly identical. The lights come with the same set of accessories and will accept the same attachments. You would be hard-pressed to tell the difference unless you looked through the lens or examined the markings on the light.
- The hotspot is a bit smaller but the spill is still very well lit, a consequence of the use of the new Cree XLamp XP-L HI emitter. As a result, throw has significantly improved from the SRT7 – some 50% higher according to the specs, though I would not be able to verify the numbers. Overall output has also increased slightly. Beam quality is still excellent despite the extra cutouts for the color LEDs.
- The SRT7GT runs slightly cooler at full brightness than the SRT7. I don't have much to say about runtime, but I suppose it's also improved slightly due to this efficiency improvement.
- To accommodate the new UV mode, the spacing between modes on the Smart Selector Ring has shrunken. Furthermore, the adjustment range for continuously-variable brightness now extends all the way to the mechanical detents. In other words, on the SRT7GT, you need to turn the ring almost all the way to the point where it clicks into place to put it in standby or run it at full brightness, while on the old SRT7, the light would reach full brightness or go into standby before the ring clicks into place.
- The color and UV modes are each serviced by single LEDs. On the old model, the color modes used three RGB LEDs, and all three of them were used at the same time. Their output have dropped slightly and the beam quality isn't great, but it doesn't really matter as much as the quality of the main beam.
- The UV mode is positioned between the red and standby modes on the control ring. At 500 mW, the UV emitter isn't particularly bright, but it is still strong enough for currency authentication and other observation tasks that require UV light.
- The indicator LED on the side of the head is now blue instead of red.
- Warranty coverage has been extended to five years, up from two years. In the United States, official distributor Nitecore Store (with which I'm not affiliated) is responsible for warranty service.
All told, the SRT7GT is a natural evolution of the SRT7, expanding upon the versatility of the old model and making it even more useful than before as a multipurpose tactical light. At an MSRP of US$110, it's a hard sell for those who already have the SRT7 and don't have a pressing need for the UV feature or upgraded emitter, but users in the market for a single-18650 light that can handle virtually any illumination task will find the SRT7GT to be one of the very best choices out there.
Draco
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