kj75
Enlightened
Nitecore introduced again something special and interesting in the past year: A "lipstick-light", the LA10. Really a nice find, a light with a built-in diffuser-cone that can be extended and retracted. The big brother of the LA10, the LR12, was launched recently. A larger version, that runs on a 18650 instead of an AA-cell. Striking and nice detail on this light is the two-in-one feature: With extended cone it is a lantern, and by retracting the diffuser the LR12 turns into a bright flashlight. I got the opportunity to try out this unique torch and will share my thoughts about it in this review. I'll show you the details, tell how the LR12 and show a couple of beamshots too. Enjoy reading and watching!
a two-in-one light, the Nitecore LR12
doubles a flashlight and a lantern
powered by a XP-L HD V6 led
works as a flashlight with retracted cone
strong magnet in the tail, can be fixed at many ways
Let's start by having a look at the manufacturers' specifications:
And the chart with output and runtime specs:
Unboxing:
The LR12 comes in the same box as most recent Nitecore-lights. A carton with nice prints on it that show the light and a lot of applications that it's designed for. On the back we see a description of the LR12 and a chart of the runtimes and output. The box I got was ready to go: The light came included a high capacity 18650-cell. A strap is included, a holster / pouch is missing. Maybe some user would like to see a carrying / protection option included. To me, this box is ok. See some pictures below that show that box and what comes out!
the box: the applications on the sides
a carton in Nitecore house-style
main features on the front
the contents: only a pouch / holster is missing
Impressions:
First impression: A bit "bulky" for a lipstick-light. The LR12 is noticeably larger than the earlier released LA10-brother. But this isn't entirely unexpected, because the LR12 runs on a larger 18650-cell. The light is some heavier than I expected, but it is excellent built and finished. I notice that is seems that Nitecore has improved that overall quality at their recent released series. I'm very happy with that, also the LR12 feels like a long-lasting flashlight. The light hasn't an "all-day" style: The LR12 is made up of three components: The (long) tube, a rotating part to turn the cone out and in and the switch at the tail. The body's structure is smooth, therefore the light misses some grip in my eyes. There's only fine knurling on the switch, also different shape of the wheel to pull out the cone will help you to hold the LR12 securely. Both anodizing and engraving are done well on this light. The lights can be firmly put down both on head and tail; there's a strong magnet built-in the back, so you can "paste" the LR12 on every metal surface. The light misses a good anti-rolling design, I would like so see this improved on a next model. Looking at the lights' head we see a rather undeep and smooth reflector and a perfectly centered XP-L HD V6 led. All ok, no remarks here. The white diffuser-cone has ¾ of the length of the LR12's tube. The used material looks strong enough. The flat tail has a cut-out in the side with a little hole to add-on the lanyard. The LR12 has to be opened at the back, you must unscrew the tailcap / switch. The magnet in the cap can't be removed, maybe some users would prefer that. Therefore, if you open the light, the battery keeps sticking on the strong spring in the cap. If we look into the body we see that the light needs button-top cells; for the rest there's little to say about it: it looks good. So, at the end of this chapter, I can tell you that the build-quality of the LR12 is very good. Also no comments about the finishing, Nitecore did a good job here. Scroll down to watch a couple of pictures that show more about the light and the details!
the big brother of the Nitecore LA10
the LR12 "multi-light"
a rather long light with extended cone
good job on overall quality
a HD-led that gives a broad beam
a look at the tail with the hole for the lanyard
zoomed in to the threads
the strong spring keep the battery in place
the magnetic tail will easily stick to the battery
a look into the tube, only a button top or two CR123A is allowed
smooth reflector and perfectly centered XP-L HI V6 led
the lanyard is needed to avoid that the LR12 slips out of your hand
a nice find: lantern and flashlight in one!
the LR12 has a very good low with superb runtime
a red cone turns combined with beacon turns it into a good warning-light
the LR12 on a barrier
next to a lipstick: the LR12 is a "bulky" one
next to a railway
good warning light that can be pasted on every metal surface thanks to the magnet
User interface:
The LR12 is slightly shorter than an average single-18650 flashlight, but is thicker. This is because the integrated cone. It can be carried in most pockets without being bothered by this torch. The grip could be better, due to the smooth body the risk of accidentally slipping out of your hand is present. For secure use, I recommend to add the well-working hand strap, that can be adjusted to your wrist.
The LR12 needs one 18650 or two CR123A cells. Rechargeable RCR123's may not be used. On low mode, the LR12 has extremely long runtimes, up to 900 hours when you're using a 3500 mAh-cell. I used the LR12 with a 3200 mAh as a nightlight when I was on holiday for about two weeks, and didn't need to recharge the cell in that time.
Back to the interface: You need to tighten the cap to turn the light on, it has no memory, therefore it will always start at low mode. Advantage to this system is that it's almost impossible that the light will turn accidentally on in your pocket. As said, it starts at low. To go to the next level, release the switch and tighten it again within two seconds. The LR12 will go off after release but will go to next mode if you tighten it again in time. It's not difficult, but can't control the light by one hand, so you need both hands to cycle through the modes. This interface shows that the LR12 is initially intended to use as a lantern. If you paste it to check your engine, on your desk at camping etcetera, it's no problem that it takes some longer before you found your desired level. Nice option on this light is the beacon option: In combination with the diffusor you will turn the LR12 into a marking-light. In my collection I found a red cone also that I could fix to the lights' head by extending the white diffuser a bit. At this way, my LR12 became a warning light that can be used at your vehicle if you're in trouble. Another nice fact is that you can adjust the beam to your needs: Extend the cone for example a bit, half or full to get your desired beam. If you want a full diffused beam, you need to cover the hole on top of the cone. Without doing that, the light will always emit a spot. I'll show you this later in the beamshots-chapter. Nitecore has kept the interface simple on this light, there are no further options. The LR12 has ATR built-in: if the lights get too hot, the output will adapt to ambient environment.
The LR12 has an interface that you don't see back on a lot of lights, but it works well. Works best when you're using the LR12 in lantern modus. Maybe a direct turbo-option (for example three quick turns) would be a good extra feature if the light is used as a flashlight.
Modes:
In this paragraph I can be short: The LR12 has four output levels in order of: LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. The LR12 has a very good low. One special mode: BEACON. This is all. no voltage warning or check on this torch. Lock-out isn't needed because you have to turn off the light by releasing the switch. So, not a bunch of options, but sufficient for a lantern.
Size comparison:
I will show you the light next to another recent released Nitecore-brother, the EC22. Clear to see here that the LR12 is shorter, but thicker than an avery single-18650 flashlight.
18650-cell, Nitecore LR12 and Nitecore EC22
the heads: both lights use a XP-L HD V6
the tails: the tubes have about the same diameter
Tint:
The tint of the LR12 is cool white, same as the EC22 that uses the same led. Shining at a white wall, you can see that the LR12's tint has a little blue, so it's some "colder" as the EC22. Personally, I would prefer a more neutral / warm tint, especially on a lantern. Maybe a neutral-version will be launched later.
Beamprofile:
Like you can see at the photo above, the LR12 has a very big and "square" hotspot and a fairly small corona. But there's still a lot of spill which means the light brings out a wide and intense beam on shorter to medium distance. This explains the addition "HD" to the leds' characters. So, a lot of light at short distance, this is what's needed on light like this. With the cone you can "edit" the beam to your needs if its too blinding. Although it has a square spot, I couldn't find any defects in the beam, neither PWM. Good job!
Beamshots:
Let's have a look at the beamshots now! I mounted the LR12 on a tripod and pointed the beam on a white wall. The four levels here, after that an animation. Starting with the diffusor retracted. Distance to the wall about one meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Same settings, but now with extended diffuser. You can see clearly here that the diffuser isn't closed at the top; the spot is still visible.
With diffuser (maximum extended):
GIF:free image upload
Time to go out. Location one is a rather small road with some vegetation at both sides. The pictures both show the very good low of the light as the impressive wall that comes out in turbo-mode. Again the four levels here now, with the cone retracted, so the LR12 in "flashlight-modus".
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Some pictures now with the LR12 in hand, both with the light in turbo-mode.
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
Second location, the light pasted on a fence with the magnet. The diffusor fully extended now, so a totally different beam. Again the four levels followed by a GIF.
With diffusor:
GIF:
Camera some further away now. On both pictures you can see that the LR12 still has a firm hotspot, even with fully extended cone.
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
Conclusion:
The LR12 is a large, but high quality lipstick-light. It has extremely good runtime on low, a broad beam that can be adjusted to your need with the diffuser. Thanks to the good flash-option and the magnet also a nice option to have in your car. The interface is suited for lantern / work-light; keep in mind that if you use it as a flashlight that you need two hand to control the LR12. I would like to see a neutral-white version.
A good pick for users who need a sturdy work- camp- or carlight and don't care about the size!
The LR12 was provided by Nitecore for review, thanks for the opportunity
a two-in-one light, the Nitecore LR12
doubles a flashlight and a lantern
powered by a XP-L HD V6 led
works as a flashlight with retracted cone
strong magnet in the tail, can be fixed at many ways
Let's start by having a look at the manufacturers' specifications:
And the chart with output and runtime specs:
Unboxing:
The LR12 comes in the same box as most recent Nitecore-lights. A carton with nice prints on it that show the light and a lot of applications that it's designed for. On the back we see a description of the LR12 and a chart of the runtimes and output. The box I got was ready to go: The light came included a high capacity 18650-cell. A strap is included, a holster / pouch is missing. Maybe some user would like to see a carrying / protection option included. To me, this box is ok. See some pictures below that show that box and what comes out!
the box: the applications on the sides
a carton in Nitecore house-style
main features on the front
the contents: only a pouch / holster is missing
Impressions:
First impression: A bit "bulky" for a lipstick-light. The LR12 is noticeably larger than the earlier released LA10-brother. But this isn't entirely unexpected, because the LR12 runs on a larger 18650-cell. The light is some heavier than I expected, but it is excellent built and finished. I notice that is seems that Nitecore has improved that overall quality at their recent released series. I'm very happy with that, also the LR12 feels like a long-lasting flashlight. The light hasn't an "all-day" style: The LR12 is made up of three components: The (long) tube, a rotating part to turn the cone out and in and the switch at the tail. The body's structure is smooth, therefore the light misses some grip in my eyes. There's only fine knurling on the switch, also different shape of the wheel to pull out the cone will help you to hold the LR12 securely. Both anodizing and engraving are done well on this light. The lights can be firmly put down both on head and tail; there's a strong magnet built-in the back, so you can "paste" the LR12 on every metal surface. The light misses a good anti-rolling design, I would like so see this improved on a next model. Looking at the lights' head we see a rather undeep and smooth reflector and a perfectly centered XP-L HD V6 led. All ok, no remarks here. The white diffuser-cone has ¾ of the length of the LR12's tube. The used material looks strong enough. The flat tail has a cut-out in the side with a little hole to add-on the lanyard. The LR12 has to be opened at the back, you must unscrew the tailcap / switch. The magnet in the cap can't be removed, maybe some users would prefer that. Therefore, if you open the light, the battery keeps sticking on the strong spring in the cap. If we look into the body we see that the light needs button-top cells; for the rest there's little to say about it: it looks good. So, at the end of this chapter, I can tell you that the build-quality of the LR12 is very good. Also no comments about the finishing, Nitecore did a good job here. Scroll down to watch a couple of pictures that show more about the light and the details!
the big brother of the Nitecore LA10
the LR12 "multi-light"
a rather long light with extended cone
good job on overall quality
a HD-led that gives a broad beam
a look at the tail with the hole for the lanyard
zoomed in to the threads
the strong spring keep the battery in place
the magnetic tail will easily stick to the battery
a look into the tube, only a button top or two CR123A is allowed
smooth reflector and perfectly centered XP-L HI V6 led
the lanyard is needed to avoid that the LR12 slips out of your hand
a nice find: lantern and flashlight in one!
the LR12 has a very good low with superb runtime
a red cone turns combined with beacon turns it into a good warning-light
the LR12 on a barrier
next to a lipstick: the LR12 is a "bulky" one
next to a railway
good warning light that can be pasted on every metal surface thanks to the magnet
User interface:
The LR12 is slightly shorter than an average single-18650 flashlight, but is thicker. This is because the integrated cone. It can be carried in most pockets without being bothered by this torch. The grip could be better, due to the smooth body the risk of accidentally slipping out of your hand is present. For secure use, I recommend to add the well-working hand strap, that can be adjusted to your wrist.
The LR12 needs one 18650 or two CR123A cells. Rechargeable RCR123's may not be used. On low mode, the LR12 has extremely long runtimes, up to 900 hours when you're using a 3500 mAh-cell. I used the LR12 with a 3200 mAh as a nightlight when I was on holiday for about two weeks, and didn't need to recharge the cell in that time.
Back to the interface: You need to tighten the cap to turn the light on, it has no memory, therefore it will always start at low mode. Advantage to this system is that it's almost impossible that the light will turn accidentally on in your pocket. As said, it starts at low. To go to the next level, release the switch and tighten it again within two seconds. The LR12 will go off after release but will go to next mode if you tighten it again in time. It's not difficult, but can't control the light by one hand, so you need both hands to cycle through the modes. This interface shows that the LR12 is initially intended to use as a lantern. If you paste it to check your engine, on your desk at camping etcetera, it's no problem that it takes some longer before you found your desired level. Nice option on this light is the beacon option: In combination with the diffusor you will turn the LR12 into a marking-light. In my collection I found a red cone also that I could fix to the lights' head by extending the white diffuser a bit. At this way, my LR12 became a warning light that can be used at your vehicle if you're in trouble. Another nice fact is that you can adjust the beam to your needs: Extend the cone for example a bit, half or full to get your desired beam. If you want a full diffused beam, you need to cover the hole on top of the cone. Without doing that, the light will always emit a spot. I'll show you this later in the beamshots-chapter. Nitecore has kept the interface simple on this light, there are no further options. The LR12 has ATR built-in: if the lights get too hot, the output will adapt to ambient environment.
The LR12 has an interface that you don't see back on a lot of lights, but it works well. Works best when you're using the LR12 in lantern modus. Maybe a direct turbo-option (for example three quick turns) would be a good extra feature if the light is used as a flashlight.
Modes:
In this paragraph I can be short: The LR12 has four output levels in order of: LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. The LR12 has a very good low. One special mode: BEACON. This is all. no voltage warning or check on this torch. Lock-out isn't needed because you have to turn off the light by releasing the switch. So, not a bunch of options, but sufficient for a lantern.
Size comparison:
I will show you the light next to another recent released Nitecore-brother, the EC22. Clear to see here that the LR12 is shorter, but thicker than an avery single-18650 flashlight.
18650-cell, Nitecore LR12 and Nitecore EC22
the heads: both lights use a XP-L HD V6
the tails: the tubes have about the same diameter
Tint:
The tint of the LR12 is cool white, same as the EC22 that uses the same led. Shining at a white wall, you can see that the LR12's tint has a little blue, so it's some "colder" as the EC22. Personally, I would prefer a more neutral / warm tint, especially on a lantern. Maybe a neutral-version will be launched later.
Beamprofile:
Like you can see at the photo above, the LR12 has a very big and "square" hotspot and a fairly small corona. But there's still a lot of spill which means the light brings out a wide and intense beam on shorter to medium distance. This explains the addition "HD" to the leds' characters. So, a lot of light at short distance, this is what's needed on light like this. With the cone you can "edit" the beam to your needs if its too blinding. Although it has a square spot, I couldn't find any defects in the beam, neither PWM. Good job!
Beamshots:
Let's have a look at the beamshots now! I mounted the LR12 on a tripod and pointed the beam on a white wall. The four levels here, after that an animation. Starting with the diffusor retracted. Distance to the wall about one meter.
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Same settings, but now with extended diffuser. You can see clearly here that the diffuser isn't closed at the top; the spot is still visible.
With diffuser (maximum extended):
GIF:free image upload
Time to go out. Location one is a rather small road with some vegetation at both sides. The pictures both show the very good low of the light as the impressive wall that comes out in turbo-mode. Again the four levels here now, with the cone retracted, so the LR12 in "flashlight-modus".
Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF:
Some pictures now with the LR12 in hand, both with the light in turbo-mode.
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
Second location, the light pasted on a fence with the magnet. The diffusor fully extended now, so a totally different beam. Again the four levels followed by a GIF.
With diffusor:
GIF:
Camera some further away now. On both pictures you can see that the LR12 still has a firm hotspot, even with fully extended cone.
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
the Nitecore LR12 on maximum output
Conclusion:
The LR12 is a large, but high quality lipstick-light. It has extremely good runtime on low, a broad beam that can be adjusted to your need with the diffuser. Thanks to the good flash-option and the magnet also a nice option to have in your car. The interface is suited for lantern / work-light; keep in mind that if you use it as a flashlight that you need two hand to control the LR12. I would like to see a neutral-white version.
A good pick for users who need a sturdy work- camp- or carlight and don't care about the size!
The LR12 was provided by Nitecore for review, thanks for the opportunity
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