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- Dec 3, 2012
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NITECORE P18
IMR18650 / 18650 8A / CR123 / RCR123
The Nitecore P18 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for review.
For technical specifications:https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/p18
The manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads ... 558977.pdf
The Nitecore P18 is a new tactical flashlight from Nitecore's Precise Series line. The Nitecore P18 features as main LED of a CREE XHP35 HD with a maximum output of 1800 lumens and a red auxiliary LED. The two LEDs are operated separately, the P18 having a double switch, one at the rear and one at the side, for independent control.
The main LED has 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS). The P18 is one of the most compact torches made by Nitecore, it wears well and its small size makes portability easier thanks to the excellent Clip it is equipped with. This torch is classified IP56 (protected from dust and water jets) and has an impact resistance of 1 meter. The Nitecore P18 is designed especially for law enforcement, hunting and tactical applications.
Technical data and main features:
• Uses a CREE XHP35 HD LED, with a maximum power of 1,800 lumens
• Equipped with a red auxiliary LED
• An optical system combined with crystalline coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
• Maximum peak beam intensity of 8.360cd and maximum throw of 182 meters
• Made with unibody die-cast technology
• The high efficiency constant circuit provides stable power up to 220 hours
• The silent tail tactical switch controls 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• The metal side switch independently controls the red auxiliary LED
• STROBE Modality of random modification of frequencies due to stronger vertigo effects
• The power indication function indicates the remaining battery charge (patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
• The red auxiliary LED can display the battery voltage (± 0.1 V)
• Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module incorporated (patent n. ZL201510534543.6)
• Electronic protection against polarity reversal
• Optical lenses with anti-scratch coating on both sides
• Made of aeronautical quality aluminum alloy
• Waterproof to IP56
• Shock resistant to 1 meter
• Tail stand capacity (spark plug)
specifications:
Dimensions: 105.5 mm × 34 mm × 29 mm (4.15 "× 1.34" × 1.14 ") (including the clip)
Head diameter: 23mm (0.91 ")
Weight: 103.5 g (3.65 oz) (including the clip)
accessories:
NITECORE IMR18650 Lithium ion battery (3,100 mAh 35A), spare O-ring, lanyard, holster
Note: The stated data is measured in accordance with the international flashlight testing standards ANSI/NEMA FL1, using 1 x IMR 18650 Li-ion battery (3,100mAh) under laboratory conditions. The data may vary in real world use due to different battery usage or environmental conditions.
* The runtime for TURBO mode is tested without the temperature regulation.
* TURBO Availability: The TURBO level is only accessible when using an 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery of an output over 8A or an IMR 18650 high-drain rechargeable Li-ion battery.
It is inaccessible when using CR123/RCR123 batteries.
PACKAGING:
When the Nitecore P18 was sent to me, the sale had not yet started, so I received from Nitecore the torch without box or paper manual but with a spare O-ring, a lanyard and the NITECORE IMR18650 lithium ion battery (3,100 mAh) 35A).
The battery supplied with the Nitecore P18 is a 18650 IMR (unprotected) of 3100 mAh and 35A with the flat positive pole. It has a life cycle of over 500 charges and is 65mm long. The maximum continuous discharge is 20A and it is recommended not to go down as voltage below 2.75V.
We see the NITECORE IMR18650 battery inserted in the P18.
N.B. In the Nitecore P18 the battery length is limited to 67 mm when using a protected 18650 battery, otherwise there will be a gap between the tail cap and the body.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The body of the Nitecore P18 has a matt black anodization. Very particular is the line and the type of design on the body of the torch realized with die-cast technology with a single body (unibody). The Nitecore P18 wears well and does not slip easily.
In the front we find the main LED a CREE XHP 35 HD with cool white tone with a maximum output of 1800 lumens for 8360cd. The reflector is smooth and adopts Nitecore "PDOT" Precision Digital Optics Technology The scratch-resistant mineral glass lens is well protected by the bezel because it is not flush but recessed in its seat.
The auxiliary LED is red and is located near the main one. It is managed by a side switch near the Nitecore writing. This LED is very useful for illuminating up close without disturbing or for reading maps. By pressing the side switch for more than 3 seconds, this LED will indicate the remaining battery charge level (± 0.1V).
The writings on the P18 are clearly legible, white on a black background.
In the back we find the main switch and the battery compartment. The tail switch is silent in activating the various levels and allows momentary tactical lighting.
The battery compartment has a non-anodized thread and is closed by a threaded cap, also not anodized, with a spring-loaded button in the center for contacting the negative pole. Then there is an O-ring on the cap to protect against dust and water jets (IP56).
At the positive pole we find a spring plated as a contact. The Nitecore P18 has electronic protection against polarity reversal.
The Nitecore P18 is sold with the Clip installed on the torch. I have not tried but I think it can be removed by unscrewing it from its seat.
The clip is very sturdy and gives a secure grip, also being large. On it we find holes for the insertion of the lanyard supplied with the torch.
The Nitecore P18 has tail stand capability. Let's see it next to other torches.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
User Interface (UI):
The Nitecore P18 has 5 levels, ULTRALOW - LOW - MID - HIGH - TURBO and 3 special modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS) that can be activated using the main switch in the rear.
It also has a red auxiliary LED that can be operated separately via the side switch.
Levels:
ULTRALOW: 1 Lm – 220h
LOW: 65 Lm – 18h
MID: 260 Lm – 4h
HIGH: 850 Lm – 2h
TURBO: 1800 Lm – 30min.
STROBE / BEACON / SOS: 1800 Lm
RED: 10 Lm - 28h
The execution time for TURBO mode is tested without temperature regulation.
The TURBO level is only accessible when a 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery is used with an output greater than 8 A or a rechargeable high-discharge IMR 18650 lithium-ion battery. It is inaccessible when using CR123 / RCR123 batteries.
Main White Light
Tactical Momentary Illumination
When the light is off, half press and hold the Tail Switch to turn on the light momentarily. Release to turn it off.
On / Off
On: When the light is off, full press the Tail Switch to turn on the light.
Off: When the light is on, full press the Tail Switch to turn off the light.
Note: P18 has mode memory. When reactivated, the flashlight will automatically access the previous memorized brightness level or STROBE mode (SOS and BEACON excluded).
Brightness Levels
When the light is on, half press the Tail Switch to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH – TURBO.
Momentary Access to TURBO
• When the light is on, half press and hold the Tail Switch to access TURBO. Release to return to the previous memorized brightness level.
• When the light is off, full press and hold the Tail Switch to access TURBO after accessing the memorized brightness level. Release to turn off the light.
Direct Access to ULTRALOW
When the light is off, press both the Tail Switch and the Side Switch to access ULTRALOW. (This access does not have the mode memory.)
Auxiliary Red Light
On / Off
On: When the light is off, long press the Side Switch to turn on the auxiliary red light.
Off: When the light is on, short press or long press the Side Switch to turn off the auxiliary red light.
Special Mode (STROBE / BEACON / SOS)
When the light is on, full long press the Tail Switch for over 1 second to access STROBE. Repeat this action to cycle through the following special modes: BEACON – SOS – STROBE. To exit special modes, half press the Tail Switch to return to the previous memorized brightness level; or full press the Tail Switch to turn off the light.
ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
Integrated ATR technology regulates the output of P18 according to the working condition and ambient environment, thus maintaining the optimal performance.
Power Indication
• When in standby status, long pressing the Side Switch for over 3 seconds will turn on the auxiliary red light before it flashes to show the battery voltage (±0.1V). For example, when the battery voltage is at 4.2V, the power indicator will flash 4 times followed by a 1.5-second pause and 2 more flashes. After that, the flashlight will return to standby status. Different voltages represent the corresponding remaining battery power levels:
Changing Batteries
The batteries should be replaced when the flashlight automatically accesses ULTRALOW due to low power.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beam, Runtime and Beamshot:
The light beam of the Nitecore P18 is well made, without strange aberrations and with a discreet hotspot of a white that is not too cold. The spill, quite bright, is a white tending to yellowish. The usable distance of the spill from the feet is about 100 cm. The levels are, in my opinion, well spaced and all exploitable in the various situations of use.
The runtimes were done with the Nitecore P18 in TURBO mode and in HIGH mode using the supplied NITECORE IMR18650 lithium ion battery (3,100 mAh 35A).
I should point out that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
The lux / 1m measurements found by me in Turbo mode are similar to those declared by Nitecore. The first test was done with the level in TURBO with the battery fully charged. The test was carried out in a closed environment without any forced ventilation. At the end of the test, when there was now a faint light, the battery showed around 3V.
The Nitecore P18 has excellent adjustment. We start from 8300cd after 30 seconds to then have a constant trend from minute 8 to minute 115 where the first step down takes place.
The second test was done by putting the Nitecore P18 in HIGH mode.
We see the two curves side by side.
Some shots taken with theNitecore P18:
VIDEO.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Nitecore P18 is a compact and powerful tactical torch thanks to its 1800 lumens. Innovative product in the forms and complete in the levels, also equipped with a red auxiliary LED that can be operated via a separate side switch. Excellent construction made with unibody die-cast technology and user interface manageable through the silent button in the tail that also allows "momentry on" on all levels including the strobe. Good runtime is well regulated thanks also to the Nitecore ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) system. I would like to see the Nitecore P18 in neutral light in the future.
Thank you for reading the review.
IMR18650 / 18650 8A / CR123 / RCR123
The Nitecore P18 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for review.
For technical specifications:https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/p18
The manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads ... 558977.pdf
The Nitecore P18 is a new tactical flashlight from Nitecore's Precise Series line. The Nitecore P18 features as main LED of a CREE XHP35 HD with a maximum output of 1800 lumens and a red auxiliary LED. The two LEDs are operated separately, the P18 having a double switch, one at the rear and one at the side, for independent control.
The main LED has 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS). The P18 is one of the most compact torches made by Nitecore, it wears well and its small size makes portability easier thanks to the excellent Clip it is equipped with. This torch is classified IP56 (protected from dust and water jets) and has an impact resistance of 1 meter. The Nitecore P18 is designed especially for law enforcement, hunting and tactical applications.
Technical data and main features:
• Uses a CREE XHP35 HD LED, with a maximum power of 1,800 lumens
• Equipped with a red auxiliary LED
• An optical system combined with crystalline coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
• Maximum peak beam intensity of 8.360cd and maximum throw of 182 meters
• Made with unibody die-cast technology
• The high efficiency constant circuit provides stable power up to 220 hours
• The silent tail tactical switch controls 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• The metal side switch independently controls the red auxiliary LED
• STROBE Modality of random modification of frequencies due to stronger vertigo effects
• The power indication function indicates the remaining battery charge (patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
• The red auxiliary LED can display the battery voltage (± 0.1 V)
• Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module incorporated (patent n. ZL201510534543.6)
• Electronic protection against polarity reversal
• Optical lenses with anti-scratch coating on both sides
• Made of aeronautical quality aluminum alloy
• Waterproof to IP56
• Shock resistant to 1 meter
• Tail stand capacity (spark plug)
specifications:
Dimensions: 105.5 mm × 34 mm × 29 mm (4.15 "× 1.34" × 1.14 ") (including the clip)
Head diameter: 23mm (0.91 ")
Weight: 103.5 g (3.65 oz) (including the clip)
accessories:
NITECORE IMR18650 Lithium ion battery (3,100 mAh 35A), spare O-ring, lanyard, holster
Note: The stated data is measured in accordance with the international flashlight testing standards ANSI/NEMA FL1, using 1 x IMR 18650 Li-ion battery (3,100mAh) under laboratory conditions. The data may vary in real world use due to different battery usage or environmental conditions.
* The runtime for TURBO mode is tested without the temperature regulation.
* TURBO Availability: The TURBO level is only accessible when using an 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery of an output over 8A or an IMR 18650 high-drain rechargeable Li-ion battery.
It is inaccessible when using CR123/RCR123 batteries.
PACKAGING:
When the Nitecore P18 was sent to me, the sale had not yet started, so I received from Nitecore the torch without box or paper manual but with a spare O-ring, a lanyard and the NITECORE IMR18650 lithium ion battery (3,100 mAh) 35A).
The battery supplied with the Nitecore P18 is a 18650 IMR (unprotected) of 3100 mAh and 35A with the flat positive pole. It has a life cycle of over 500 charges and is 65mm long. The maximum continuous discharge is 20A and it is recommended not to go down as voltage below 2.75V.
We see the NITECORE IMR18650 battery inserted in the P18.
N.B. In the Nitecore P18 the battery length is limited to 67 mm when using a protected 18650 battery, otherwise there will be a gap between the tail cap and the body.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The body of the Nitecore P18 has a matt black anodization. Very particular is the line and the type of design on the body of the torch realized with die-cast technology with a single body (unibody). The Nitecore P18 wears well and does not slip easily.
In the front we find the main LED a CREE XHP 35 HD with cool white tone with a maximum output of 1800 lumens for 8360cd. The reflector is smooth and adopts Nitecore "PDOT" Precision Digital Optics Technology The scratch-resistant mineral glass lens is well protected by the bezel because it is not flush but recessed in its seat.
The auxiliary LED is red and is located near the main one. It is managed by a side switch near the Nitecore writing. This LED is very useful for illuminating up close without disturbing or for reading maps. By pressing the side switch for more than 3 seconds, this LED will indicate the remaining battery charge level (± 0.1V).
The writings on the P18 are clearly legible, white on a black background.
In the back we find the main switch and the battery compartment. The tail switch is silent in activating the various levels and allows momentary tactical lighting.
The battery compartment has a non-anodized thread and is closed by a threaded cap, also not anodized, with a spring-loaded button in the center for contacting the negative pole. Then there is an O-ring on the cap to protect against dust and water jets (IP56).
At the positive pole we find a spring plated as a contact. The Nitecore P18 has electronic protection against polarity reversal.
The Nitecore P18 is sold with the Clip installed on the torch. I have not tried but I think it can be removed by unscrewing it from its seat.
The clip is very sturdy and gives a secure grip, also being large. On it we find holes for the insertion of the lanyard supplied with the torch.
The Nitecore P18 has tail stand capability. Let's see it next to other torches.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
User Interface (UI):
The Nitecore P18 has 5 levels, ULTRALOW - LOW - MID - HIGH - TURBO and 3 special modes (STROBE / BEACON / SOS) that can be activated using the main switch in the rear.
It also has a red auxiliary LED that can be operated separately via the side switch.
Levels:
ULTRALOW: 1 Lm – 220h
LOW: 65 Lm – 18h
MID: 260 Lm – 4h
HIGH: 850 Lm – 2h
TURBO: 1800 Lm – 30min.
STROBE / BEACON / SOS: 1800 Lm
RED: 10 Lm - 28h
The execution time for TURBO mode is tested without temperature regulation.
The TURBO level is only accessible when a 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery is used with an output greater than 8 A or a rechargeable high-discharge IMR 18650 lithium-ion battery. It is inaccessible when using CR123 / RCR123 batteries.
Main White Light
Tactical Momentary Illumination
When the light is off, half press and hold the Tail Switch to turn on the light momentarily. Release to turn it off.
On / Off
On: When the light is off, full press the Tail Switch to turn on the light.
Off: When the light is on, full press the Tail Switch to turn off the light.
Note: P18 has mode memory. When reactivated, the flashlight will automatically access the previous memorized brightness level or STROBE mode (SOS and BEACON excluded).
Brightness Levels
When the light is on, half press the Tail Switch to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH – TURBO.
Momentary Access to TURBO
• When the light is on, half press and hold the Tail Switch to access TURBO. Release to return to the previous memorized brightness level.
• When the light is off, full press and hold the Tail Switch to access TURBO after accessing the memorized brightness level. Release to turn off the light.
Direct Access to ULTRALOW
When the light is off, press both the Tail Switch and the Side Switch to access ULTRALOW. (This access does not have the mode memory.)
Auxiliary Red Light
On / Off
On: When the light is off, long press the Side Switch to turn on the auxiliary red light.
Off: When the light is on, short press or long press the Side Switch to turn off the auxiliary red light.
Special Mode (STROBE / BEACON / SOS)
When the light is on, full long press the Tail Switch for over 1 second to access STROBE. Repeat this action to cycle through the following special modes: BEACON – SOS – STROBE. To exit special modes, half press the Tail Switch to return to the previous memorized brightness level; or full press the Tail Switch to turn off the light.
ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
Integrated ATR technology regulates the output of P18 according to the working condition and ambient environment, thus maintaining the optimal performance.
Power Indication
• When in standby status, long pressing the Side Switch for over 3 seconds will turn on the auxiliary red light before it flashes to show the battery voltage (±0.1V). For example, when the battery voltage is at 4.2V, the power indicator will flash 4 times followed by a 1.5-second pause and 2 more flashes. After that, the flashlight will return to standby status. Different voltages represent the corresponding remaining battery power levels:
Changing Batteries
The batteries should be replaced when the flashlight automatically accesses ULTRALOW due to low power.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beam, Runtime and Beamshot:
The light beam of the Nitecore P18 is well made, without strange aberrations and with a discreet hotspot of a white that is not too cold. The spill, quite bright, is a white tending to yellowish. The usable distance of the spill from the feet is about 100 cm. The levels are, in my opinion, well spaced and all exploitable in the various situations of use.
The runtimes were done with the Nitecore P18 in TURBO mode and in HIGH mode using the supplied NITECORE IMR18650 lithium ion battery (3,100 mAh 35A).
I should point out that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
The lux / 1m measurements found by me in Turbo mode are similar to those declared by Nitecore. The first test was done with the level in TURBO with the battery fully charged. The test was carried out in a closed environment without any forced ventilation. At the end of the test, when there was now a faint light, the battery showed around 3V.
The Nitecore P18 has excellent adjustment. We start from 8300cd after 30 seconds to then have a constant trend from minute 8 to minute 115 where the first step down takes place.
The second test was done by putting the Nitecore P18 in HIGH mode.
We see the two curves side by side.
Some shots taken with theNitecore P18:
VIDEO.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Nitecore P18 is a compact and powerful tactical torch thanks to its 1800 lumens. Innovative product in the forms and complete in the levels, also equipped with a red auxiliary LED that can be operated via a separate side switch. Excellent construction made with unibody die-cast technology and user interface manageable through the silent button in the tail that also allows "momentry on" on all levels including the strobe. Good runtime is well regulated thanks also to the Nitecore ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) system. I would like to see the Nitecore P18 in neutral light in the future.
Thank you for reading the review.
Last edited:
