Nitecore Flashlights: Are they durable?

[PartyPete]

I've owned 3 Tubes. Each one had problems. 2 of the 3 died in less than 30 days and my current one doesn't indicate when it's done charging - the light will stay on forever.

Also had an MT2A that stopped working after 6 months.

I'll admit, Nitecore is an innovative company but I won't buy any more from them. Of all the brands out there I see more complaints about their lights than anyone else.

 

[eugenechia1989]

Likewise for me. Although I mentioned that I always carry at least 2, so the occasional 'failure to start' it isn't a big concern for me, actually, it's still a concern. For me, the question is always, can I trust it with my life? While it isn't quite a big fat NO yet for the EA11, it's not a clear-cut yes as it is with my Condor C05. On that note, I wonder what's the general consensus here about Condor Outdoor Products torchlights like my C05. Hmmm...

 

[CONCEPT1]

In my opinion Nitecore is the best flashlight company at this moment. First i had only Fenix lights, however Fenix is very slow in releasing new lights and in my opinion less innovative then Nitecore is. However maybe if Fenix comes in the future with nice new highend lights il maybe buy one.

Back to Nitecore:
1 year ago i ordered 10 Nitecore tubes and they are still working without any problens.
6 months ago i bought 2 Nitecore TIP lights and they are still aorking
- The built quality of their products is very good and i trust the products.
- Nitecore is very innovative and that gives me also more motivation to buy a product from them, because i know that with the money i invest i can expect new awesome lights in the future because they invest alot in R&D.
- I also have a Nitecore MH27 and this is one of the best lights ive ever owned.
- My D4 Charger is also working and the best charger ive owned!
- Recently i bought the Concept 1 and also no problems with this light.
- I aldo have a few 18650 batterys from Nitecore and they do what they need to do without any problems

Few days ago i ordered a 18650 cover, the new NL1835HP 3500mah battery, and the FL1 charger all from Nitecore ( i expect the same good quality as always!)

What also is important for me is that Nitecore is fair about their products runtine and lumens, i really appreciate that and i will hope that Nitecore will stay innovative and keep their level of quality to the max.

 

[d'mo]

I had a twisty Nitecore I used so much I wore out the threads!

 

[harro]

I have an old D20, which is a 2x AA Cree r2, with infinitely adjustable output from min. to max, and a really funky mechanical tail switch that moves the whole inner body of the light. The switch is totally silent but has no tactile feel whatsoever. It would be probably 9 years old and has been totally reliable. Oh, and a nice olive anodizing finish. Also have a TM16GT that seems to be totally reliable. No problems to ths point.

 

[heoli]

I have a nitecore P10 for more than two years and it works perfectly. Despite having suffered some falls, including about 2 meters...

 

[Budman231]

I like NC lights.. I have an EC4GT and recently dropped it on to a hardwood floor from counter height. landed on tail cap and one if the Tabs broke off. The tab is critical to having the tail cap stay on. Needless to say those tabs are a major design flaw on that light. NC shipped me a new one from China for $10. For everyday use they are fine. Hardcore situations, probably not.

 

[radu191289]

Just an update, 11+ years later, this thing is one of the most reliable objects i have ever seen. It works without any issue. I have used it as my EDC for 10+ years and I got an MH12PRO as a gift from my wife recently (that feels like a spiritual successor) and now the P12 works as backup.

 

[PaladinNO]

Just an update, 11+ years later

:bowdown:

On a more serious note, I am not surprised to see a Nitecore flashlight last that long. I was looking at the P12 for the longest time before I landed on the Fenix PD35 (2014 model) back in the day. Primarily because Fenix generally doesn't go as mad on the thermally completely unsustainable Maximuuuum Über-Lumen as Nitecore.

Output power aside, their build quality feels almost on par with Fenix, and my PD35 has been with me through almost everything, with - just like your P12 - only a couple scratches and worn paint to show for it. But even now, with 80+ lights, that old PD35 is the one light I really trust.

A suggestion, if I may: Once your P12 finally gives up the ghost, and its diode goes to Lumen heaven, keep it on display. As worn as yours is, I bet it has some memories attached to it.

 

[bondr006]

I have a classic 2xAA on my nightstand. 17 years old and still kicking azz. Makes for a good self defense weapon also. Been a great light. Thing is built like a tank. Glad I still have it. Has a great UI. Press and hold to ramp down and ramp up. Tap then hold directly to high and directly to low. Love it!

NiteCore D20 Smart PD R2

 

[radu191289]

It's so satisfying to hear these stories! I have never seen that Smart PD D20 R2 model until now, and the PD35 is still in my mind from comparing flashlights back then.

From time to time I check Fenix website hoping to fit one in my small collection when I will have the budget for it. I like the Fenix E28R V2.0's design and copper-color accents for button and bezel.

Yes The P12 will have a second life as a decoration when the moment comes, by the way I recently contacted Nitecore because the EC4S, that I almost never use, does not provide any light in moonlight mode, Nitecore advised that they will repair it for free (after 10 years yes), I just need to pay for transportation. So I guess they make it harder for their products to be turned into decorations.

 

[Ray_of_Light]

I have more than a dozen of the Nitecore flashlights, including the "i" series, which use modified 21700 cells, with "+" and "-" at both sides of the battery.
I never had a failure, either of a Nitecore flashlight or battery.
I had to replace some of the batteries because of cycle fatigue, and it can be disappointing to pay $40 for a proprietary 6,000 mA 21700 size battery; but I got four years of solid use out of it.
Together with my Fenix and Ace beam flashlights, the Nitecore have shown great reliability.
Along the years, I have had many drivers, battery and LEDs failures from the cheaper brands; which I deprecated because I dislike unreliable flashlights.
Anthony

 

[Ishango]

Similar story as the ones above. Currently have 11 Nitecore lights, but I owned, traded and given away more than that. I've only once had a problem with a Nitecore light which got replaced via the shop I bought it from. Still have a P25 Smilodon as one of my car lights. I do feel some of the Nitecore lights were more aimed at a gimicky than a functional purpose (looking at you TUP).

 

[bondr006]

Similar story as the ones above. Currently have 11 Nitecore lights, but I owned, traded and given away more than that. I've only once had a problem with a Nitecore light which got replaced via the shop I bought it from. Still have a P25 Smilodon as one of my car lights. I do feel some of the Nitecore lights were more aimed at a gimicky than a functional purpose (looking at you TUP).

Nice! Sure would like to see some of those Nitecore's you talk about….

 

[bondr006]

I have more than a dozen of the Nitecore flashlights, including the "i" series, which use modified 21700 cells, with "+" and "-" at both sides of the battery.
I never had a failure, either of a Nitecore flashlight or battery.
I had to replace some of the batteries because of cycle fatigue, and it can be disappointing to pay $40 for a proprietary 6,000 mA 21700 size battery; but I got four years of solid use out of it.
Together with my Fenix and Ace beam flashlights, the Nitecore have shown great reliability.
Along the years, I have had many drivers, battery and LEDs failures from the cheaper brands; which I deprecated because I dislike unreliable flashlights.
Anthony

This is all the Nitecore's I have left. I also used to have a lot more but have either sold, traded, or put to rest many more over the years. Nitecore, ZebraLight, and Surefire have been my mainstays over the years. I also have one of Henry's Rotary 250's I love that will probably last forever. A couple of the Surefires are @milkyspit creations.

 

[ghostguy6]

The only complaint I have about Nitecore was the rubber USB cover kept popping open on my MH12. Eventually I just filled the charging port with silicone and charged the cells outside of the light. I needed the light to be water tight at the time. Today it is still one of my most used lights. The anodizing is starting to wear. I think its close to 10 years old and still going strong with the original battery. The included sheath as seen some wear but I rubberized the bottom with some Shoe-Goo and added some snaps but its still usable.

 

[TimeOnTarget]

The switch on my EDC23 went out after about 18 months. I contacted customer service and sent it back to them. They gave me a new light a few weeks later.

I really appreciate great customer service. I own many Nitecore lights.

 

[zs&tas]

Just an update, 11+ years later, this thing is one of the most reliable objects i have ever seen. It works without any issue. I have used it as my EDC for 10+ years and I got an MH12PRO as a gift from my wife recently (that feels like a spiritual successor) and now the P12 works as backup.


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That looks sick , great job