Nitecore MH12 Pro LED Torch: Review

Amazon - amzn.to/3EmACy1 (USA/Can/Europe)
Nitecore power banks - amzn.to/44vGL5K
This new model from Nitecore is their first one to feature their new NiteLab UHi40 LED, which is a round style LED.
It has some useful features such as a 4 stage battery/power LED indicator, and takes normal protected 21700 batteries, with a built in proximity sensor to ramp the power down when in High or Turbo modes. This has a compact body design with a longer range beam.
I take an in detail look at this model, and discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks of the MH12 Pro
Sample supplied via Nitecore for unbiased testing and review
You can support me on Patreon - / mrbazreviews
Or using the affiliate links to Amazon (this helps quite a bit!)
Details from the maker:
The Nitecore MH12 Pro torch has a maximum output of 3300 lumens from the brand new NiteLab UHi 40 LED and is powered by 1 x high capacity 21700 li-ion battery (Nitecore NL2153HP included). The light is rechargeable via a USB-C port on the head.
The UHi LED design utilises a round light emitting surface (LES) to achieve an optimal lighting effect and incredible beam distance of 505 meters. It pairs perfectly with the round reflector, enabling high light conversion efficiency and a bright, clear hotspot.
The torch features two user modes, daily and tactical, with 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes (only strobe is available in tactical mode). The user interface is made up of a tactical tail switch to turn the light on and off, and a side switch to cycle through the levels. Either side of the side switch are LED indicators; 1 side shows the brightness level and the other is a power indicator so you know when it's time to recharge.
The MH12 Pro has a built-in optical sensor which detects obstructions in front of the light and automatically decreases the brightness to prevent overheating. The flashlight is crafted from precision CNC machining and features anti-slip knurling for a secure, comfortable grip.
Brightness Levels:
Turbo: 3300 lumens - 30 mins runtime*
High: 1200 lumens - 4 hrs 30 mins runtime
Mid: 300 lumens - 8 hrs 30 mins runtime
Low: 50 lumens - 50 hrs runtime
Ultralow: 1 lumen - 650 hrs runtime
Plus strobe, beacon and SOS (3300 lumens).
#nitecore #mh12pro #flashlight #torch #nitelab #survivalgear

[@MrBazReviews]

Amazon - amzn.to/3EmACy1 (USA/Can/Europe) Nitecore power banks - amzn.to/44vGL5K You can support me on Patreon - www.patreon.com/mrbazreviews Or using the affiliate links to Amazon (this helps quite a bit!)

[@MrBazReviews]

@@user-ls1og2su6n Well strangely I talk about it getting hot in the video. Thumbs down helps the video buddy so thanks ;-)

[@alexboyes3275]

Best review of this light. You have noooo idea how many reviews I watched and read to find out if the I-series batteries worked in this light. Thank you so much.

[@MrBazReviews]

There seem to be a lot of videos on this! I try to show as much as I can, in as little time, glad you got the information you needed!

[@rayoflight62]

One note about the tint. In the very beginning, a couple years after Philips & Co. pulled out the Luxeon I which took 1 Watt and made 15 lumens, they invented the flip Led (K2) which - by redirecting the back emissions of the chip, doubled the flux (and the efficiency) overnight. At the same time, Seoul Semiconductors pulled out the Seoul P4, a 100 lumen LED at the bleeding edge of the technology. Every flashaholic was busy switching Luxeons with P4s; and a trend emerged: the most efficient LEDs with the highest flux had a peculiar and unloved greenish tint. On CPF people called it "pee green" - I don't want get into the offensive details of the ordeal. All flashaholics despise that greenish colour but trust me, it is an indicator of top efficiency of the LED because, when you manufacture the LED for top lumen emission, that is the tint you get, even 25 years later when the efficiency has improved twenty times...

[@MrBazReviews]

I'm sure some will find that interesting, no question. However there is a tint preference for some people and despite the efficiency of this LED some don't like the tint it produces. It's less visible to the eye then the camera.

[@TopDog8762]

Well yesterday 10 Nov was the Marine Corps Birthday, so I decided to buy myself a birthday present. As another commenter has noted, there is a lot of buzz around this light. After watching this video and the videos of several other reviewers I trust, I pulled the trigger on this little hot monster. thank you for your always up front reviews.

[@MrBazReviews]

Not a problem I have more items to look at soon just working through photo stuff too. I do like this I didn't test the other Nitecore but maybe I could seems to be a little different. Nice range size is good too, few things I would change but overall I think you will like it. Let me know what you think of it!

[@ChalliceofLight]

Great job

[@MrBazReviews]

I try my best thanks for the comment

[@CUeltzen]

Thank you for the review. I have one coming directly from Nitecore. I'm a flashoholic, mainly because I've been a caver for 40 years and have always been on the cutting edge of lighting. I even have a couple carbide lights. (I've been in Carlsbad Caverns where tourists never go, and a lot of other major caves) My EDC for a quite a while now is a Fenix PD36TAC. I do like it, but it has a few annoyances as well. Pros is the locking tail switch, that physically locks. It needs to, there's no U guard, the button sticks out. Roll the knob one way, it's tactical mode with instant 2k lumens or strobe. The other way is daily with 50, 150, 350, 1k, and 3k. Centered, it's locked. Everything's in the tail switch. Which brings a con. It generally works well, but it can be fiddly to change brightness levels with short presses. Sometimes it just gets turned off, or I want 30 lumens and it jumps to 150. I also miss the 1 lm moonlight mode, as 30 can blast at night when camped out and heading for the outhouse. Another con is no idea the battery state, and it has to be removed and charged directly with a type C on its side. Checking battery level is getting a DMM from the toolbox. One thing I do know is once you've had a 3k lm EDC light, there's no going down to anything less! I don't like side button lights because you roll the thing around (and around, and around) hunting for the button. There's no guessing with a tail switch. I love the idea of the MH12Pro's charging port, the level lights for battery and power. I have a couple of OLED lights and I hunt for new EDC's once in a while. The OLED's are great for more info than you probably need on their tiny screens, but this one is simple and informative enough. I'm also intrigued by the 500 yard throw. The PD36TAC lights up a good acre, but only about 250 yards. If I need long reach, I pull out my trusty Lumintop Ant Man LEP that will reach out a good quarter mile. (That one has 97k cd) My other LEP is a good 1.1m cd, and it's good for 2,500 yards. The MH12Pro looks like it's an almost-LEP for reach. A light with 3k+ lm and TWO buttons for control! I can't wait to get my hands on it and compare it to my Fenix. Then, I'll have to decide which one lives in my belt holster.

[@MrBazReviews]

This is interesting overall, the reflector is shallow but it has a good throw. You get a wider spread some might like that v the usual tactical style ones. There is always something to not like with these items, I used to chase the concept of finding one that is perfect. but none has been! So I gave up. This is good, but it's not going to be for everyone - it's a bigger range EDC type model and everyone has a preference to the UI and controls. I quite like the UI on this mostly. Then again something like the Jetbeam switch with dual paddle controls is also quite nice, for this reason I use the TH10R too It's a nice simple control. Acebeam have been disappointing on some models with their UI, I sort of lost interest with their weird double press to turn on with some models. Fenix can be quite good too, again as you say though nothing is perfect. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[@kylam9874]

Thanks. Awesome.👍💯👍

[@MrBazReviews]

Thank you too!

[@NGMonocrom]

I'd hesitate to use the included clip. That wrap around portion is too thin. Could easily break. Have had that happen with similar clips, though admittedly not on the ones supplied by Nitecore. Good to see the Pro version's clip is different from the regular MH12's clip (which is far too flimsy, and quite frankly the light is completely different from this one).

[@MrBazReviews]

Good point, some people don't like or use clips, but I prefer to have a decent one. This clip seems pretty decent

[@davesomido1955]

Thank you for the review! Quick question, will the clip of the Olight Warrior 3s fit in the Nitecore MH12 pro? I'm looking to purchasing this light and have an extra clip from the W3S and would feel better if the clips are compatible....

[@MrBazReviews]

I don't have a Warrior 3s to check so no way of knowing I'm afraid. Olight don't supply review items unfortunately.

[@davesomido1955]

@@MrBazReviews thanks!

[@NITECOREWORLDWIDE]

Nice review

[@MrBazReviews]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@trevorc6793]

Hi, always interested in your videos. Thisi MH12 is on my buy list. You mentioned about some magnetic spacers foro non protected batteries. I did a search and didnt fine anything. Are they given a specific name please? Thank you.

[@MrBazReviews]

I typed in "magnetic spacers for batteries" and got a lot of results back. Give it a go

[@Dutch_bastard_23]

"Don't have a shortcut to turbo" Well... that IS a problem. Damn. I hoped it had that nice full long press turbo mode or otherwise a double tab like usual. This kills it

[@MrBazReviews]

Depends how you view it, as an EDC model it might not be a problem. Users who like the tactical style UI might not like it. The tint bothered me more than anything, but it's down to each person to decide what they like

[@allig4t0r]

Does it step down a lot on high 1200lm mode? I'm wondering if it goes to 300lm level after 30min or so. Always wished nitecore wrote exact numbers just like olight does...

[@MrBazReviews]

It holds at around 600 lumens pretty consistently, in high a somewhat slower drop down (few minutes), obviously Turbo heats up a lot faster hence you get your 30 seconds

[@danielled5207]

If you had to choose a tactical flashlight, which one would you recommend?

[@MrBazReviews]

I liked the SRT7i, but you have to put up with the custom battery

[@paulh1860]

I bought this torch and it was dead on arrival, tried every button combo, tried charging, tried battery all ways then after 1 month it suddenly started working 🤷 im happy now. Its a great bit of kit.

[@MrBazReviews]

Keep an eye on it make sure it keeps working!

[@TheOffCycle]

Can the power level be changed with the tail cap as well? If not it’s not functional as a tactical light.

[@MrBazReviews]

UI is shown in detail and fully - 04:11 It's not marketed at as a tactical model, there are elements of a tactical style but that's it. I have a TH10R here from Jetbeam, you use the paddle switches for strobe and adjusting the levels not the main tail/base switch. But to me it's a compact tactical style model

[@ThatCrazyRCGuy67]

Great review....sad about the tint..

[@MrBazReviews]

Tint is noticeable, might not bother some though. It's more obvious on camera. But I prefer less shift

[@ThatCrazyRCGuy67]

@@MrBazReviews Yeah..well have to see..but now not to excited for this..or the new led...

[@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73]

@@ThatCrazyRCGuy67 If tint bothers you, go on nichia equipped lights. Most of those fancy CRI will not be as bright as these high lumen flashlights.

[@ThatCrazyRCGuy67]

@@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73 Cool white doesmt bother me...just dont like green

[@danielramsey1959]

I ordered one last week, its coming from China.

[@MrBazReviews]

Let me know what you think when you get it

[@CedGuru]

Alors ?

[@MrBazReviews]

@@CedGuru Maybe it didn't turn up yet!

[@CedGuru]

@@MrBazReviews it's true, let's be patient

[@Kartoffel_Kartoshka]

Hi, does the head end have a plunger just like the tail cap or is it just a solid post?

[@MrBazReviews]

The head can't be removed

[@Kartoffel_Kartoshka]

@@MrBazReviews Nah, I meant like, does it have a front spring?

[@MrBazReviews]

@@Kartoffel_Kartoshka I cover this in detail in the video 2:38

[@Kartoffel_Kartoshka]

@@MrBazReviews Thanks, wasn't sure at first because I've had some cheap lights which looked similar but were actually springed.

[@supbrohan]

When the light is in tactical mode, can you still go straight to moonlight from off?

[@MrBazReviews]

Yes you hold the side switch and press the base/tail switch. Makes no difference if it's in daily or tactical mode

[@supbrohan]

And if you are in tactical mode and start the light in moonlight, what's the next output level you get when you press the side switch?

[@MrBazReviews]

@@supbrohan As the video shows the UI in detail and user guide. Tactical cycles "down" levels, so it's the highest level. If you don't want that go into Daily mode which cycles up

[@PurpleDrazi]

No battery mag? Will it accept an 18650 or 2x CR123A?

[@MrBazReviews]

they make no mention of either battery in the manual or on their product page.

[@happyamerican3235]

On their product page they list them. Maybe it has been updated. Showing 18650 “current above 15a discharge” and 123 and rcr123. I too am curious about the rcr123 fitment.

[@flashlightnoob]

Almost perfect, but the led is too greenish !

[@MrBazReviews]

I like the design I wish the tint was more neutral

[@MrBazReviews]

I like the design I wish the tint was more neutral

[@mainhead888]

Спасибо за обзор 👍🏼 А какие у них есть налобные фонари с такими новыми светодиодами? Мне лично не очень нравятся фонари, которые занимают одну руку. Фонарь должен давать свободу рукам.

[@MrBazReviews]

I have not seen any headlamps with these new LEDs yet, but it is likely we might next year as they seem to be ramping up production on most models.

[@mainhead888]

@@MrBazReviewsПонятно. Просто я хотел сейчас купить налобный фонарь от fenix, но теперь думаю есть смысл немного подождать и увидеть новые продукты от nitecore.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@mainhead888 Fenix are pretty good but maybe wait for a bit see what turns up

[@Let_there_be_flashlight]

There is something wrong with this particular unit. The MH12 Pro beam we saw does not have a green tint like in the video.

[@MrBazReviews]

I review what I am given. Regarding tints, they do vary even on identical models and at difference power levels. Also what you say in person or in another video? I have a fixed white balance on the beam shots, this shows pretty accurately the beam, some don't do that and you get a distorted impression of the beam colour

[@Let_there_be_flashlight]

@@MrBazReviews Your review is accurate. I can see the green tint in your beam shot. I have the final product in my hand but It's not that noticeable.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@Let_there_be_flashlight The colour temperature and tint are less obvious in person, just the way a camera works. The eyes adapt to it, and over time you don't see much difference. Still I see variations on identical models due to the LED production process, it's more than most think

[@CrabbyPattydelight]

I was gonna get the EDC 33 but you cant remove the battery, total deal breaker unfortunately

[@MrBazReviews]

I wasn't offered it for review, but I would have no interest in that model due to the non removable battery. It's a complete waste in 12-18 months of regular use it probably won't hold turbo for long. I really don't like built in cells at all bad idea

[@CrabbyPattydelight]

​@@MrBazReviewsexactly, well said and couldn't agree more, especially in these times the more interchangeable/reusable the better less waste, you like the armytek, wish it didn't have magnetic charger

[@jerryinohio1978]

This thing must be on fire, because every KZbinr is making a video about it. $99 isn't too bad of a price,but I really don't like the blue light,I'd rather have pure white.

[@MrBazReviews]

I didn't look around much, but yes plenty of samples get sent out. I just do my own thing and talk about what I like and don't like. The last part is important, don't like because that's why some makers won't send review items (Olight are a good example). I'm not crazy about the tint, to be blunt I prefer the Luminus LEDs in that regard, however the camera shows it up more than your eyes.

[@CrabbyPattydelight]

Like you said it needs a 600 to 700 lumen level, bummer

[@MrBazReviews]

There is always something! I gave up looking for perfection a while ago!

[@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73]

Hello, I'm pretty sure that the upcoming TM30K or TM40k will equip the most powerful UHi led, the UHi100. That one would be a throw beast in the center surrounded by peripheral floodlights!!!

[@MrBazReviews]

They might do it depends on the model perhaps they can work some magic in there. The TM models are fun but I'm not a fan of the build in battery concept.

[@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73]

@@MrBazReviews Well, we do agree that the sealed battery is a downside. However, the main problem of the Tiny Monster series is HEAT. 7 seconds of turbo until they made the TM100K??? What a big problem for Nitecore is that.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73 Big heat and small body, no way to get around that. You can add a fan, even then you have limited run times with huge outputs. I'm not that interested in lumens, other things matter more, design, UI, beam.

[@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73]

@@MrBazReviews I agree, even bigger lights with fans still doesn't last long on turbo and high lumen levels. We like to see a flashlight that can maintain a realistic 3000 or 4000 lumens output for hours without stepdown. Has a removable battery. Has a decent beam distance and compact.

[@charles-edouard666]

Le mode turbo 3300 lumens tient il vraiment 30 minutes comme indiquer sur la notice ?

[@MrBazReviews]

As you can see 7:46 The power level drops in Turbo as do all of them

[@charles-edouard666]

@@MrBazReviews thank you 👍

[@dotany62]

Oui il manque un 600 ou 800 lumens. Bonne revue merci 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrBazReviews]

Yes it would be nice to have that output, thanks for stopping by

[@dotany62]

Auriez-vous la gentillesse de me dire de quelle région du monde vient votre accent particulier. Bien plus agréable à entendre que l'accent américain façon chewing-gum dans la bouche 😂. Merci. Je suis français.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@dotany62 I am from London originally, so no I don't sound American!

[@dotany62]

@@MrBazReviews merci de votre réponse,😉👍🏻