ro.ma.
Enlightened
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- Dec 3, 2012
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I received the Nitecore P20iX directly from Nitecore for the review.
For technical details and to purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-P20iX-4000-Lumen-USB-C-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-p20ix.htm (link is external)
The Multilingual Manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/p20ix.pdf(link is external)
After the success of the P20i tactical flashlight, Nitecore has released two other flashlights of the same P20 i-Generation series: the Nitecore P20iUV and the Nitecore P20iX that we see in this review.
The P20iX uses the same form factor as the P20i but changes some features such as the maximum brightness which now reaches 4000 lumens. The Nitecore P20iX has 2 modes: tactical and daily mode. It uses a 21700 size lithium battery, very efficient patented by NITECORE (NL2150HPi 5,000mAh) and like the previous P20i, the P20iX is a purely tactical flashlight with two switches in the queue; one equipped with "STROBE READY" technology with quick activation of the Strobo. The beam of the P20iX reaches 221 meters for over 12200cd. Nitecore P20iX is equipped with 4 CREE XP-L2 V6 LEDs (6500K), has 6 light levels (Turbo, Very High, High, Medium, Low and Ultra Low) plus the special Strobe level and can also be powered by two CR123 / RCR123 batteries via the adapter included in the package. The P20iX is rechargeable via the integrated USB-C port and is IP68 certified (submersible up to 2 meters) with an impact resistance of 2m.
Features
- Utilizes 4 x CREE XP-L2 V6 LEDs with a max output of 4,000 lumens
- An optical system combined with crystal coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
- Max peak beam intensity of 12,200cd and max throw of 221 meters
- Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output for up to 350 hours
- Dual tail switches enable intuitive operations for tactical applications
- STROBE READY™ Technology to enable a quick access to STROBE Mode
- STROBE Mode uses randomly changing frequencies for stronger dizzying effects
- Tactical Mode and Daily Mode available • Intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
- NITECORE 21700 Li-ion battery included (NL2150HPi 5,000mAh)
- A power indicator beside the charging port indicates the remaining battery power
- The power indicator can display the battery voltage (±0.1V)
- Strike bezel uses high strength silicon nitride ceramics to enable excellent glass breaking performance
- Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module
- Optical lenses with double-sided scratch resistant coating
- Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
- HA III military grade hard-anodized finish
- Waterproof and dustproof rating in accordance with IP68 (2 meters submersible)
- Impact resistant to 2 meters
Specifications
Length: 141.5mm (5.57") Head Diameter: 31.8mm (1.25") Tube Diameter: 25.4mm (1") Tail Diameter: 28.5mm (1.12") Weight: 116g (4.09oz)
Accessories
NITECORE 21700 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (NL2150HPi 5,000mAh), Tactical Holster NTH20, Clip, Lanyard, Spare O-ring, CR123 Battery Magazine, USB-C Charging Cable
Technical Data (21700 Battery):
Note: The data shown is measured in accordance with the ANSI / PLATO FL 1-2019 International Flashlight Test Standard, using 1 x 21700 Li-ion battery (5,000 mAh) under laboratory conditions. * The autonomy of TURBO is tested without temperature regulation.
Technical Data (CR123/RCR123 Battery):
Note: The stated data is measured in accordance with the international flashlight testing standard ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, using 2 x CR123 lithium batteries (1,700mAh) under laboratory conditions.
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Nitecore P20iX comes in a premium package, inside a dark-colored rigid cardboard box with the writings that show the main characteristics that distinguish it. Inside the package, in addition to the Nitecore P20iX with the battery inside, we find the Clip, the NTH20 tactical holster, the USB-C charging cable, the adapter for CR123 / RCR123, the lanyard, a spare O-ring, manual and warranty.
Among the accessories supplied we find, in particular, the now classic NTH20 Tactical Holster designed especially for law enforcement agencies that allows the rapid extraction of the flashlight and the CR123 / RCR123 battery adapter that allows the use of the P20iX even with these batteries, in an emergency, but with lower performance.
Among the optional accessories for the Nitecore P20iX we also find the interesting TSL10i tail cap and the RSW2i remote control.
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Nitecore P20iX has good build quality with good finishes and legible writings. The P20iX is really compact, shorter than the previous P20i, it is only 141.5 mm long with a well-structured design and shape that allow excellent grip in the hand. It is built in aluminum alloy with an anodized finish, well made, in a glossy black color with a weight of 116 grams (without battery). The P20iX consists of two parts: head with body and tail. Note the particular shape of the base of the head (hexagonal) which avoids rolling. The main button of the P20iX is very protruding and it is therefore impossible to put the flashlight upright (candle-shaped).
On the head of the Nitecore P20iX we find a SMO dish with 4 CREE XP-L2 V6 LEDs (6500K), the same ones we find on the i4000R. Glass and parabola have anti-reflective, crystal coating and PDOT (Precision Digital Optics Technology) treatment. Nitecore P20iX is equipped with an aggressive bezel (Strike Bezel) with 3 high hardness silicon nitride ceramic balls that allow quick and easy use for personal defense or for breaking a glass, with a smooth surface to avoid scratches accidents on clothes or backpack.
Also on the head we find cooling fins and the charging port in USB-C format protected by a very thick rubber flap.
The Nitecore P20iX is equipped with an intelligent battery charging system. Just use the supplied USB cable, connecting it to an external power source (e.g. a battery charger for mobile phones or tablets, a PC or any other compatible power system) to begin the charging process.
During the charging process, the blue charge indicator will flash slowly; when the battery is fully charged, the P20iX will cease the charging process and the charge indicator light will stay on steadily.
The charging time for a 21700 (5,000mAh) Li-ion battery found in my tests is around 4 hours (using a 5V / 2A power supply). When the Nitecore P20iX is charging it cannot be used.
The blue notification LED also acts as a remaining charge indicator. When you insert a battery into the flashlight, the blue light indicator will flash to indicate the battery charge status. The blue indicator also has the function of warning, with a quick flash, when the charge is about to run out.
The central body of the Nitecore P20iX has a rhomboid-shaped non-slip knurling with clearly visible spaces in the center to insert the supplied Clip or the Tactical Ring Pro sold as an accessory.
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In the lower part of the central tube we find the threads that arrive well lubricated and being anodized allow, by slightly unscrewing the tail, the mechanical locking of the torch. There is also a sealing O-ring for protection against water and dust. The Nitecore P20iX is IP68 certified (2 meters submersible).
At the two poles, for contact with the battery, we find a particular contact system for both negative and positive. The P20iX has shockproof reverse polarity protection mechanism.
The battery supplied with the Nitecore P20iX is a protected 21700 (NL2150HPi 5,000 mAh), patented by Nitecore. It allows a highly efficient output by minimizing the loss of power due to the internal resistance. It has a two-way output with positive and negative polarity on both ends and a high energy density. Nitecore P20iX accepts only Nitecore proprietary batteries for the "i" series with double pole both in the head and in the tail.
PCB protection prevents 2.5V undervoltage and 4.25V overvoltage while continuous discharge capacity is 15A. The length of the battery, measured by me, is 76mm.
The Nitecore NL2150HPi 5,000 mAh battery is compatible with conventional chargers. Chargers including NITECORE UMS2, UMS4, Ull, U12 and others are available to charge the 21700 i series batteries.
The only unscrewable part of the Nitecore P20iX is the tail cap. There are no holes on the tail cap for inserting the lanyard that will be inserted into the Clip.
Tactical and modern tail design with two switches. We find the mechanical tactical button to turn the flashlight on or off (on-off) equipped with the "momentary on" function (which can be operated with the flashlight off). To operate the switch you have to make a fair amount of force and the click is noisy.
Next to this we find the flat-shaped electronic selector (mode) with second generation Nitecore "Strobe Ready" technology. With this 16Hz to 20Hz frequency range strobe, the frequencies change randomly causing stronger dizzying effects due to the unsuitability of naked eyes.
With this we will select the Strobe with the flashlight off, vary the available levels and instantly access the Turbo from 4000 lumens level with the flashlight on.
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Nitecore P20iX alongside the P20i.
USER INTERFACE (UI):
Nitecore P20iX has two switches in the queue and provides 2 user modes for different uses and situations.
Daily mode (default): In this user mode, there are 6 brightness levels [TURBO, HIGHER, HIGH (850 Lumens), MID, LOW and ULTRALOW] and STROBO mode. The P20iX will store and re-enter 5 brightness levels (excluding TURBO) or STROBO mode when it is reactivated, unless it has been switched to another user mode.
Tactical mode: In this user mode, only 4 levels of brightness are available [TURBO, HIGH (850 Lumens), MID and LOW] and STROBO mode. The P20iX will memorize and re-enter the TURBO level or STROBO mode only when it is reactivated, unless it has been switched to another user mode.
Note: When using CR123 / RCR123 batteries, there are 4 brightness levels [HIGH (1,060 Lumens), MID, LOW and ULTRALOW] and STROBO mode available in daily mode. There are 3 brightness levels [HIGH (1,060 Lumens), MID and LOW] and STROBE mode available in tactical mode.
Operating Instructions
Tactical Momentary Illumination
Half press and hold the Power Button to turn on the light momentarily. Release to turn it off.
On / Off
On: When the light is off, press the Power Button until a click sound is heard to turn it on.
Off: When the light is on, press the Power Button until a click sound is heard to turn it off.
User Mode Selection
The P20iX provides 2 user modes for different users and situations.
- Daily Mode (Default Setting): In this user mode, there are 6 brightness levels [TURBO, HIGHER, HIGH (850 Lumens), MID, LOW and ULTRALOW] and STROBE Mode available. The P20iX will memorize and re-access 5 of the brightness levels (TURBO excluded) or STROBE Mode when reactivated, unless it has been switched to the other user mode.
- Tactical Mode: In this user mode, there are only 4 brightness levels [TURBO, HIGH (850 Lumens), MID and LOW] and STROBE Mode available. The P20iX will only memorize and re-access the TURBO Level or STROBE Mode when reactivated, unless it has been switched to the other user mode.
To select a desired user mode:
- Ensure the tail cap is fully tightened.
- Keep holding the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) on the tail cap and the flashlight will access the TURBO Level or STROBE Mode while simultaneously loosening the tail cap.
- Once the tail cap has been loosened, the primary white LEDs will indicate a user mode selected by flashing once for Daily Mode and flashing twice for Tactical Mode.
- Release the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) and tighten the tail cap.
Brightness Levels
- Daily Mode: When the light is on, short press the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW – LOW – MID – HIGH – HIGHER.
- Tactical Mode: When the light is on, short press the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to cycle through the following brightness levels: TURBO – HIGH – MID – LOW.
Momentary Access to TURBO
Daily Mode: When the light is on, press and hold the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to access the TURBO Level (4,000 Lumens). Release to return to the previous status.
Note: When using CR123/RCR123 batteries, it will access the HIGH Level (1,060 Lumens) instead.
STROBE READY™
- When the light is off in either user mode, press and hold the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to access the STROBE Mode. Release to turn it off.
- When the light is on in either user mode, triple press the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to access the STROBE Mode. Short press the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to return to the previous status, or click the Power Button to turn off the light. (This access will memorize the STROBE Mode.)
- Tactical Mode: When the light is on, long press the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to access the STROBE Mode. Short press the Mode Button (STROBE READY™) to return to the previous status, or click the Power Button to turnoff the light. (This access will not memorize the STROBE Mode.)
- When the battery is inserted, or the flashlight is disconnected from the power source during the charging process, the power indicator will flash to show the battery voltage (±0.1V). When the light is on, the power indicator will indicate the remaining battery power.
- Being steadily turned on indicates that the power is above 50%.
- Flashing slowly indicates that the power is below 50%.
- Flashing quickly indicates that the power is below 10%.
2: The batteries should be replaced or recharged when the output appears to be dim or the flashlight becomes unresponsive due to low power.
ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
The integrated ATR technology regulates the output of the P20iX according to the working condition and ambient environment to maintain the optimal performance.
BEAM and RUNTIME:
The Nitecore P20iX reaches 4000 lumens in Turbo mode with an alluvial nature beam that allows good lighting at low and medium distances. The tone of the beam is not particularly cold, for me it is pleasant also considering the indicated tactical use. To the eye I don't see significant PWM in any of the 6 levels available. The P20iX has good peripheral lighting, the start of the spill from the walk is adjacent to the feet.
Test of the beam on the wall of the Nitecore P20iX, P20i and P20iUV.
The image was taken with the three NItecores on the MID level. As you can see, the alluvial nature of the P20iX beam on the left of the photo is clearly visible.
A comparison with the P20i (right of the photos).
The runtimes were done in a closed environment with an ambient temperature of about 22 °C using the supplied battery, a 21700 protected by 5000 mAh, fully charged.
I would like to clarify that the values expressed by the graphs must be evaluated above all as a reference because they are made with means and conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
In the Nitecore P20iX the TURBO (4000 lumens) is momentary by holding down the "Strobe Ready" Mode button with the flashlight on, then releasing it to return to the previously set level. As can be seen from the graph of the test carried out with the battery charged, by pressing and holding the Mode button we activate the TURBO for about thirty seconds before the sudden descent to about 1500 lumens. Subsequent re-activations of the turbo have a lower power and duration according to the battery voltage. Finally, the perceived heat goes up exponentially reaching high temperatures soon.
In the highest level that can be continuously selected (HIGHER 1700 Lm.), the discharge curve has a constant descent from the beginning until it settles for over 140 minutes at a value of about 2600 cd.
Then there are some stepdowns that quickly lead to battery exhaustion.
Conversely, constant trend with the 850 Lm HIGH level. Here too, after about 148 minutes, there are sudden drops that lead to the exhaustion of the battery in use.
The same goes for the 300 Lm MID level, where there is a constant curve for over 460 minutes.
In conclusion, the values declared by Nitecore have been reached and exceeded in some cases.
Nitecore P20iX in HIGHER (1700 Lm.)
Nitecore P20iX in HIGH (850 Lm.)
…. the two curves side by side
Nitecore P20iX in MID (300 Lm.)
CONCLUSIONS:
I liked Nitecore P20iX a lot, can help the P20i if you need more light power while retaining the many qualities that have made this flashlight very competitive in its kind.
Nitecore P20iX has 2 modes of use and 6 levels beyond the strobe. These are well spaced starting from the 2 lumens of the Ultra-low level to the 4000 lumens of the Turbo operated with the flashlight on. Good power supply with a 5000 mAh battery and good runtime where with the average level of 300 lumens we go close to 8 hours of use. The Nitecore P20iX also has two switches in the queue, one equipped with "STROBE READY" technology with quick activation of the Strobo and is equipped with the recent integrated USB-C 2A charging port.
In conclusion, the NITECORE P20 series with i-Generation technology expands with this new P20iX which certainly offers excellent quality and performance.
Thank you for reading the review.
My Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5j6yZ6oVR867k2KINs2qg?view_as=subscriber(link is external)
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