Hi All! Nitecore Store sent me the MT42 to test so I wanted to share my thoughts with you.
***
Nitecore MT42 is the newest generation of the MT40 line which features an upgraded 1,800 lumens with increased heat-sinking, a metal indicated side-switch, and a modified UI. If you are looking for a modern thrower with a traditional longer handle, then say hello to the MT42!
Thanks to NitecoreStore.com for providing the sample!
Link to Nitecore Store product page: http://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-MT42-1800-lm-Long-Throw-Search-Light-p/fl-nite-mt42.htm
OVERVIEW
Overall, this is a much needed improvement to the previous MT40 such that there is no more body twist needed in the UI, which made mode memory challenging, and that the strobe is not in the normal selection cycle. One other nice thing is that the specs are pretty close to the previous MH41 but it's $50 cheaper.
QUICK SPECS
FEATURES
SIZE
INCLUDED
OPTIONS
There is only one option for the MT42.
PRICE
Current price ~$90 USD
LOOK & FEEL
OUTSIDE
The light strongly resembles Nitecore's MH41 with its large heat-sinks, but now it features the new illuminated metal side switch instead of the 2 plus/minus buttons. The switch is pretty but I'm a little mixed because it's hard to find among the hills and valleys in the heat-sinks. The head is smaller than I expected but that's probably because I have the MH40GT which has a bigger head. The finish on the light has an almost matte look which is really refined in my opinion. I also like that there is knurling on the tail cap which helps a lot when removing the batteries.
INSIDE
The light is in three parts so be sure to tighten them all to use the light. While taking apart the light, the ninja star grip, near the tail, threw a surprise, it's metal and has threads to keep it fixed! The head, as well as the tail have spring connections, which is need for for rugged uses like being gun-mounted.
OPTICS
LED SPECS
The light uses one CREE XHP35 HD. It seems a little strange that they would use a wide beam HD version, instead of the de-domed HI version in a throwy type light.
BEAM PROFILE
Nitecore does not advertise the angle of main LED but from what I've collected it seems to be a 60 total degrees of a very dim spill with a very strong 15 total degree spot.
The first rectangular graph is cut across the beam and helps a bit better to see what angle the spill starts at as usually it is quite a bit dimmer then the center. It's quite possible that a very low lumen outer spill might not register using these methods. The percentage is a relative comparison to the brightest light recorded (generally, in the center).
The second, polar graph, is a simulation of the light along the beam.
Currently, these readings are strictly sensor recorded, and are not adjusted based on human perception of light but may be an interesting idea for the future.
TINT
The MT42 is cooler and a little yellow in the center compared to the generally neutral Nichia 219B (in the Nitecore MT06MD penlight).
OUTPUT LEVELS
I'm pretty easy to please on mode spacing but below is a beamshots video and stills that depict the different modes. Happy that there is a 1 lumen mode.
Ultra Low->Low->Mid->High->Turbo
OUTDOOR BEAMSHOTS
All the pictures below are taken with the light in TURBO.
POWER
BATTERY
The light uses two 18650 batteries. The light CANNOT use primary or rechargeable CR123s and cannot use flatop cells.
INDICATORS
The battery level can be read by, starting in OFF, hold down the side switch, click on the tail switch, then let go of the side switch, then the indicator light will blink 3 times for more than 50% battery, 2 times for less than 50%, 1 time for under 10%.
The indicator will also flash repeatedly, when on, when the battery is very low.
PERFORMANCE
NOTES ON METHODS
I measured the light output in relative LUX and I have not spent time yet to calibrated for lumens. The charts I've provided, while are literally quantitative, I suggest using as a qualitative reference for how the output may behave over time; typically lights aren't left on this long and the max output can be reset.
It's worth to note that the runtime table provided by Nitecore states, "The runtime for turbo mode is the testing result before the temperature regulation starts." so this isn't physically reproducible in my tests.
PWM check using a 50 millisecond test period with a sampling rate of 3,000 times per second.
Temperature measurement was performed at room temperature with no fan cooling.
I am still very new at doing these types of measurements so I am no authority on on this subject, but please let me know if things don't look right or you see anything that I could do to improve for next time.
BATTERIES USED FOR TEST
I'm not a battery expert but make sure that you carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing. Below is the specs of the battery I used for the runtime tests:
RUNTIMES
The light runs on TURBO for about 3 min before gradually decreasing over the next 4 min. Soon after, I did a reset (turn off and on the light) and the light momentarily went back to full output but dropped sharply and slowly recovered.
TEMPERATURE
A max body temp of 116.0°F (red line) and out-the-front temp of 146.6°F (orange line) was recorded for TURBO. I'm a bit surprised how hot the out the front temperature got at first but this happened only briefly. The light does appear temperature regulated as it drops sharply after doing a turbo reset, then actually increases output once the temperature has cooled.
PWM CHECK
There appears to be no significant PWM on any constant mode. For comparison, the second graph shows PWM varying from 0 to 120 lx on the LOW mode on the Nitecore R25 flashlight.
STROBES
Strobe frequency is about 18hz.
FLASHING/BEACON
Frequency is 1 flash every 2 seconds.
USER INTERFACE
Overall, the UI is an improvement but could use more shortcuts to ultra low and a latching turbo. The light uses a 2-button interface, a mechanical clicky (forward tactical) switch in the tail (for turning on and off the light), and a single-stage electronic side switch (for changing modes). The UI does away with the typical MT UI which relies upon twisting the light. Also strobe is no longer in the primary rotation, thank you! Now there is a much better mode memory and a better shortcut for momentary TURBO. You can lockout the light but unscrewing the head or the tail cap at least a quarter turn. I also did notice that if you cycle through the modes too fast the strobe will pop-up a bit on you.
COMPARISONS
The main comparison would be to Nitecore's MH41 but I don't own that one but they look almost identical. What I do have to compare to is the MH40GT which is a bit more of a thrower, so the head is bigger and the beam narrower (MH40GT happens to be on the right in every picture below).
CONCLUSIONS
HIGHLIGHTS
COMMENTS
NOTES
Disclaimers:
***
Nitecore MT42 is the newest generation of the MT40 line which features an upgraded 1,800 lumens with increased heat-sinking, a metal indicated side-switch, and a modified UI. If you are looking for a modern thrower with a traditional longer handle, then say hello to the MT42!
Thanks to NitecoreStore.com for providing the sample!
Link to Nitecore Store product page: http://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-MT42-1800-lm-Long-Throw-Search-Light-p/fl-nite-mt42.htm
OVERVIEW
Overall, this is a much needed improvement to the previous MT40 such that there is no more body twist needed in the UI, which made mode memory challenging, and that the strobe is not in the normal selection cycle. One other nice thing is that the specs are pretty close to the previous MH41 but it's $50 cheaper.
QUICK SPECS
FEATURES
SIZE
- Length 228 mm / 8.97 in
- Head Size 50 mm / 1.96 in
- Weight 231.5 g / 8.16 oz
INCLUDED
- MT42
- Lanyard
- Pocket clip
- Holster
- Spare o-rings
- Warranty card
- Manual
OPTIONS
There is only one option for the MT42.
PRICE
Current price ~$90 USD
LOOK & FEEL
OUTSIDE
The light strongly resembles Nitecore's MH41 with its large heat-sinks, but now it features the new illuminated metal side switch instead of the 2 plus/minus buttons. The switch is pretty but I'm a little mixed because it's hard to find among the hills and valleys in the heat-sinks. The head is smaller than I expected but that's probably because I have the MH40GT which has a bigger head. The finish on the light has an almost matte look which is really refined in my opinion. I also like that there is knurling on the tail cap which helps a lot when removing the batteries.
INSIDE
The light is in three parts so be sure to tighten them all to use the light. While taking apart the light, the ninja star grip, near the tail, threw a surprise, it's metal and has threads to keep it fixed! The head, as well as the tail have spring connections, which is need for for rugged uses like being gun-mounted.
OPTICS
LED SPECS
The light uses one CREE XHP35 HD. It seems a little strange that they would use a wide beam HD version, instead of the de-domed HI version in a throwy type light.
BEAM PROFILE
Nitecore does not advertise the angle of main LED but from what I've collected it seems to be a 60 total degrees of a very dim spill with a very strong 15 total degree spot.
The first rectangular graph is cut across the beam and helps a bit better to see what angle the spill starts at as usually it is quite a bit dimmer then the center. It's quite possible that a very low lumen outer spill might not register using these methods. The percentage is a relative comparison to the brightest light recorded (generally, in the center).
The second, polar graph, is a simulation of the light along the beam.
Currently, these readings are strictly sensor recorded, and are not adjusted based on human perception of light but may be an interesting idea for the future.
TINT
The MT42 is cooler and a little yellow in the center compared to the generally neutral Nichia 219B (in the Nitecore MT06MD penlight).
OUTPUT LEVELS
I'm pretty easy to please on mode spacing but below is a beamshots video and stills that depict the different modes. Happy that there is a 1 lumen mode.
Ultra Low->Low->Mid->High->Turbo
OUTDOOR BEAMSHOTS
All the pictures below are taken with the light in TURBO.
POWER
BATTERY
The light uses two 18650 batteries. The light CANNOT use primary or rechargeable CR123s and cannot use flatop cells.
INDICATORS
The battery level can be read by, starting in OFF, hold down the side switch, click on the tail switch, then let go of the side switch, then the indicator light will blink 3 times for more than 50% battery, 2 times for less than 50%, 1 time for under 10%.
The indicator will also flash repeatedly, when on, when the battery is very low.
PERFORMANCE
NOTES ON METHODS
I measured the light output in relative LUX and I have not spent time yet to calibrated for lumens. The charts I've provided, while are literally quantitative, I suggest using as a qualitative reference for how the output may behave over time; typically lights aren't left on this long and the max output can be reset.
It's worth to note that the runtime table provided by Nitecore states, "The runtime for turbo mode is the testing result before the temperature regulation starts." so this isn't physically reproducible in my tests.
PWM check using a 50 millisecond test period with a sampling rate of 3,000 times per second.
Temperature measurement was performed at room temperature with no fan cooling.
I am still very new at doing these types of measurements so I am no authority on on this subject, but please let me know if things don't look right or you see anything that I could do to improve for next time.
BATTERIES USED FOR TEST
I'm not a battery expert but make sure that you carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing. Below is the specs of the battery I used for the runtime tests:
- Brand: Samsung
- Model: Q30
- Positive Contact: button-top (special order from Bangood.com)
- LVP: non-protected
- Voltage: 3.7
- Capacity: 3000 mAh
- Current: 20A (MAX Continuous)
- Cell Length: 64.85mm
RUNTIMES
The light runs on TURBO for about 3 min before gradually decreasing over the next 4 min. Soon after, I did a reset (turn off and on the light) and the light momentarily went back to full output but dropped sharply and slowly recovered.
TEMPERATURE
A max body temp of 116.0°F (red line) and out-the-front temp of 146.6°F (orange line) was recorded for TURBO. I'm a bit surprised how hot the out the front temperature got at first but this happened only briefly. The light does appear temperature regulated as it drops sharply after doing a turbo reset, then actually increases output once the temperature has cooled.
PWM CHECK
There appears to be no significant PWM on any constant mode. For comparison, the second graph shows PWM varying from 0 to 120 lx on the LOW mode on the Nitecore R25 flashlight.
STROBES
Strobe frequency is about 18hz.
FLASHING/BEACON
Frequency is 1 flash every 2 seconds.
USER INTERFACE
Overall, the UI is an improvement but could use more shortcuts to ultra low and a latching turbo. The light uses a 2-button interface, a mechanical clicky (forward tactical) switch in the tail (for turning on and off the light), and a single-stage electronic side switch (for changing modes). The UI does away with the typical MT UI which relies upon twisting the light. Also strobe is no longer in the primary rotation, thank you! Now there is a much better mode memory and a better shortcut for momentary TURBO. You can lockout the light but unscrewing the head or the tail cap at least a quarter turn. I also did notice that if you cycle through the modes too fast the strobe will pop-up a bit on you.
COMPARISONS
The main comparison would be to Nitecore's MH41 but I don't own that one but they look almost identical. What I do have to compare to is the MH40GT which is a bit more of a thrower, so the head is bigger and the beam narrower (MH40GT happens to be on the right in every picture below).
CONCLUSIONS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Stable output
- Good heat management
- Pretty new indicated metal side switch
- Ninja star, for tactical grip, is actually metal and has threads for affixing it to the light.
- Boost mode is a nice momentary turbo feature
- Refined almost matte finish
COMMENTS
- I'm not a fan of the beam profile, there are halo effects which can be easily seen
- Wish the side switch could do more, especially from off
- Battery check is a little confusing to initiate
- Light does not work well with the holster if the ninja star grip is installed
- Goes into strobe if you cycle the through the modes too fast
NOTES
Disclaimers:
- CivilGear Reviews received this product for testing and providing an honest review.
- CivilGear Reviews was not paid for writing this review.
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