Nitecore P10 and EC20: Two Kick-Ass Flashlights! - Preparedmind101

[@radu19d]

Happy to see that you finally found a Nitecore that you appreciate in your videos! I have a P12 and I am very attached to it.

[@SBNPrepper]

Great video as always!!! Thank you for all the time you put in to make these videos for us.

[@davidvillarreal2567]

EC20 also has strobe light. It's activated by pressing the power button twice, in any of the five levels, giving you the same powerful strobe light. Another feature I like about the EC20 is that the power button serves as a battery life meter. This is done when securing the end cap completely. New batteries/fully charged will make the power button flash 4 times, follow by a one second pause, then 2 more flashes. For me, that uses the flashlight to light the ground 2-3 feet in front of me, the tactical button at the wnd cap would not work without having to twist my arm and putting me at a disadvantage incase of going hands on with someone. Also, the extra 2 lower modes gives you light to walk all night in the woods if need be. Mine didn't came with a clip & the cheap layer that came with it didn't last. The only flaw I see is that the button is hard to get by feel only. Even when trying to find the button by sight, which is several seconds too late, is hard to find the stupid thing. Besides that flaw, this flashlight is perfect & a must have.

[@JunkyBlake]

Nice I have had my p10 for about a month now and it is with me everyday no excuses

[@DinnerForkTongue]

One year later, I gave my arm to the grapple and got the EC20. Let's see how awesome it is when it arrives!

[@daddyo702]

Great review. I have the Nitecore P12 and the P10 and even though the P10 has a lower output, 800 vs 960 on the P12, late 2014 edition. I seem to like the P10 a lot better because of the instant strobe function. It would've been perfect though if the P10 was given the 1 watt lumen output too. In regards to the Surefire comment, I agree but I do have the 6PX Pro and the Fury and even though they are more expensive and the fact that they are made in the good ol' USA, I seem to prefer their cheaper Chinese counterparts due to first, the price and second, the ability to use the 18650 battery as you have mentioned and third, the quality almost rivals our great domestic brands. I just purchased a few 17670 batts as for rechargeables though but with a measly rating of 1800 mAH so their run time do suffer. Thanks for the review.

[@doobiecanoobie7707]

I agree 100% with the 18650 being the way to go. I like the CR123 option for keeping an extra pair of batteries stowed deep in my pack that I know will be good regardless of how long ago I put them there.

[@edrodriguez7801]

Nice review, was on the hunt for new EDC flashlight. EC20 looks like the one. Thanks

[@jacoboshoff4065]

Hi Chris. I like your flashlight reviews a lot, what are your thoughts on the nitecore MH12? I am surprised you have not done a review on it yet.

[@MrPatagonicus]

I was really thinking about getting a P10, because I really like the combined tail switch design. However, the thing that keeps me away is that it doesn't have a ≤1 lumen mode. If Nitecore added that, I think it would fit my needs perfectly.

[@dougieranger]

Nice review Chris. I use two RCR123a's in my SureFire E2DL and it's awesome. Higher output from two 123's than a single battery. I use a Nitecore intelligent charger, works for me.

[@357Muzzleblast]

I'm more into spill than throw, and I like bright. Now I'm trying to decide between an EC20 and a 2015 P12 with a price difference of $15. The advertised lumens is 960 and 1000, respectively. As far as the tactical applications, I don't like dual aft switches as if you get in trouble it's a hassle to try to hit the smaller button. Both lights have maximum runtimes of 520 hours, but which is brightest at the 520 hour setting? Also, when these measurements are taken, which batteries are they using? For long term survival use, the smaller batteries are better to keep on hand. For regular use the rechargeable is best.

[@DefMunkyYT]

With lights like these, do they remember the brightness level and stay on that level when clicked on and off until changed, or do they have to be cycled to the desired level every time? I'm used to Maglites and cheaper LED lights, not the fancier lights like these. lol I just like the idea of being able to set it to a mid or lower level for normal use and having the brighter settings available. My current is about 300 lumens and is either on, off, or strobe... I could only imagine 800-900+ lol

[@Crismoe73]

ec 20 also has strobe, sos and beacon mode! strobe by double clicking from off. then you click and get to sos or beacon mode. just purchased it. nice light.

[@ratroddiesels1981]

its good to have low light adjustability , using low mode for latenite bathroom trips is a good thing to keep you from being jarred awake, much like the navy uses red lighting on its subs and bridges so when you go out on deck your eyes can adjust.

[@usoppbarbosa981]

I use the moonlight mode all the time at work. when looking close up at a circuit or a small mechanical part, you dont want to be blinded even by 70 or 80 Lumens lights. this is perfect for most applications. And the battery life in that mode is just ridiculous ^^

[@wessreiley8275]

Both great flashlights. I have the EC20 and also the MH12. My favorite is the EC20 easy to access the switch faster for me.

[@Szixi13]

Where can I get an additional clip for EC20 as you did? Thanks.

[@hopp1994]

Which flashlight do you recommend the nitecore ec20 or p12 or p12 2015 edition? Which one is brighter? Which is better at battery life? Is the fenix pd35 a better/brighter flashlight than the p12? And which brand is more reliable the nitecore or the fenix? Nice video! Greetings from Hungary

[@Lellobeetle]

Chris, Just a friendly FYI - the EC20 does have strobe, SOS and beacon modes. Your information doesn't reflect that.

[@scarface3131983]

Just bought the p12 a couple weeks ago and since I am a severely f's up flashaholic, my wife got me a sears gift card and I decided to used it for the p10 instead of putting it towards something I need. But I digress , this tail cap is badass and I'm impressed. But 800 lumens is not accurate but this beast throws well and hella bright. Size is awesome , might be my new edc.

[@scarface3131983]

F'd up

[@str8ripn881]

Tim would you say its Brighter than 800 Lumens on the p10 or less. Im stuck between getting the p12 or p10. I really like the instant strobe function but want killer bright light. How do the beams compare?

[@scarface3131983]

STR8 RIPN I'd say it's close to 800. Both lights get hot as hell also. P10 is shorter which I like sl I'd say go with the p10 and check out another brand for a much brighter light around the same size as p12

[@str8ripn881]

+Tim T thanks for reply so quick. I think I am going p10 just cause of the strobe. But would you say the p12 is just slightly brighter than p10 or can you significantly see that it's way brighter? Also is your p12 the 2014 or 2015 model? Thanks a lot

[@dnasplice]

What a good 18650 battery and charging system? Im really liking the low mode on the EC20

[@DinnerForkTongue]

So far the best combo I know of is the Thrunite MCC*2 charger and two 3400mAh batteries. Fork over fifty dollars and the bundle is yours. Check their site if it interests you.

[@dnasplice]

Thanks Gunner193

[@liammontgomery1825]

How reliable would you say the switch on the EC20 is? I hear in reviews that it keeps turning on in people's pockets because it's so sensitive. This is my only contention in buying this light. I'm also looking at the P12 2015 version which is very similar to the EC20, just with the more traditional interface but $20 more.

[@preparedmind101]

Liam Montgomery Hasn't done that to me. Then again, it's been a while since I used that one.

[@jakerjac]

I prefer the flashlight which combines both of these: the P12.

[@goratek23]

Hey man, really like your reviews. I have a request please. Could you please make a comparison video between the p10 nitecore and the olight m1x striker? Cheers (;

[@tejas17986]

i havn't seen such high power flashlights personally i only have eveready digiled 3 watt 140 lumen flashlight. i like controls on p10. but wanna know 800 lumens is good to blind people in emergency use or what flashlight you suggest with most amount of power and instant strobe..i also look for fenix uc30 but in videos i seen some lag as you click the switch it glows first and then starts strobe but p10 directly starts strobe..how bright is this p10 for strobe only function because for regular use in city 290 lumen is enough as 140 lumen is even enough for regular use to walk around the night....camera won't do the justice as my 140 lumen seems similar to eye in person equal to 400-500 lumens flashlight output in reviews on youtube

[@pigpaul]

looking for aways a new compact EDC high lumen rechargeable, what do u recommend? thank u kindly!

[@fishman80]

i hate how all these new lights have a ton if settings. harder to find just high and low anymore. cool light though

[@foxtrot45]

I couldn't agree more. I just want a low, medium, and high, with a hidden SOS mode. I think JETBeam is still doing the two mode lights with just a high and low. Check them out.

[@IncredibleChief]

Good review brother. I think I love the P-10. Lol. Seriously tho, when I get the funds I'm gonna have to get me one. Take Care and Be Aware.

[@jhippl]

ever think of getting a crookes radiometer to measure the light?

[@acovan]

How useful is this 1 lumen setting - compared to say, 8-15 common to keychain lights? Is 1 lumen enough to read a book by or find gear? Get through a house without bumping into furniture but not waking your kids : )

[@kaceykean7452]

I'm planning on getting an EC20 but, from what I've seen, they don't come with a pocket clip, does anyone know where I could get one?

[@usoppbarbosa981]

i got one like 2 months ago already... It comes with a lanyard, a sheath, and... a removable pocket clip. So the ones you saw probably didnt have it fitted.

[@usoppbarbosa981]

usopp barbosa Sorry, i just took my flashlight out and i messed up ^^ its not an EC20 but a P12! they look so similar (same features, same specs) that i mixed it up. From the website, the EC20 doesnt have the pocket clip. But the P12 has. I suggest you check these two on nitecore website. Price though is a bit higher on the P12.

[@bdogsp0012]

You tell me this Mr.Chris, P10 or T30s v2?

[@preparedmind101]

Oooh...tough one. I really like the brightness level-spacing on that light over the P10 and it's brighter. More of a "true" tactical light. But the P10 is more of a pocketable, EDCable size. I think I like the strobe better on the T30S V2...not as fast and a bit more disorientating. I think the deciding factor would be size in pocket. The Nitecore also has a nicer HAIII finish on it. Both have strengths and weaknesses at about the same price point.

[@bdogsp0012]

Thanks for your input mate.

[@Wingman115]

Solid lights.

[@SpaceFrawg]

I have both the rechargeable 18650's and the rechargeable *CR123A's, I prefer two rechargeable CR123A's over one 18650 because put end to end two 123's put out 7.4 volts compared to the 3.7v of a single 18650, which means a brighter light. *rechargeable CR123A's: technically they are not called CR123A's, they are 16340's, but in my experience the 16340 Li-ion Rechargeable Battery fits all the lights that I have that take 123's and work just as well.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Just be careful about the discharge, as even two RCRs don't hold a candle to an 18650.

[@SpaceFrawg]

JackNL499 Do you say this because you have tried both or because you read that somewhere ?

[@SpaceFrawg]

JackNL499 ... where you read it :)

[@SpaceFrawg]

JackNL499 I know, I read it too... and didn't think it was right after I tried both.

[@SpaceFrawg]

JackNL499 Meh Ehm okay :)

[@TheWalkingZain]

Idk if youve done a review on a mechanically powered flashlight, but wouldnt that be very optimal for survival

[@steveclark..]

I'd say that the P10 needs a lower low mode,....how's a cop going to write a ticket out at night time. LOL

[@Nottryn]

nice looking light

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Their home site is selling them for twice the price? What?! Dang Amazon for not being able to set roots here! Whoever can get these, go for them, they're EXTREMELY competitive with the price so low. I'll just keep trucking with Thrunite and their _spectacular_ shipping policy for now. EDIT: Put a bowl on my head and call me a dunce. The currency on their site is in _Singapore_ dollars. The prices are the same. Anyway, Chris, I recall you being very "meh" about the P12 when you did the TN12 2014 video a few months back, particularly in regards to the excessively fast strobe that would be more like a constant light in the baddie's face, the long push of the switch, and the extreme differences between output modes ("running and jumping off a cliff", remember?). All of that was so much so that you didn't review it, you just dumped it in a pile. (I know it isn't a BAD light and you never implied it to be, just that there were much better alternatives for smaller prices, especially since it was the most expensive of the three on the video.) Would you say Nitecore has FINALLY gotten their act together and stepped up to face the competition eye to eye?

[@preparedmind101]

My biggest gripe about the P12 was the spacing of the brightness levels. It was solidly built, but I thought the other two were better in the level spacing. I really like both of these. I wish the EC20 had the P10 tailcap. That would be almost perfect. That seems to be the trend with flashlights..."almost perfect" is about as good as you can expect.

[@rupertbear2728]

PREPAREDMIND101 Thanks for you review. I have several tactical lights but I find the EC20 side switch is more convenient when walking the dog during the dark rainy nights we are getting now. Plus the instant firefly is da bomb.

[@MemphisMojo15s]

PREPAREDMIND101 I totally agree about the spacing between levels. I own the latest of the PD35-my favorite..the TN12, and the P12. The TN12 and PD35 have five levels, which makes sense. I like those two lights a lot. Wanna really see a jump in lumens between levels?? Try the Coast HP550 out. I have Tso of those and both of are rated at 40 lumens on low, and 1000 on high. The only other function on mine is SOS. The newest ones don't have the SOS and they're sold at Walmart. You always have thorough reviews and helps me decide on which light to buy. The side activation switch is the only reason I haven't bought the EC20. (I'm a big Fenix fan anyway) so that's another reason. I love my little E35, but it stays in my arm rest because of that side button activation. Thanks for the uploads. If you wanna gander at the LD60, I have a video of that one.

[@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V]

EC20 FTW!!

[@dylanlinsey2084]

Dont use strobe setting on the camera what if someone watching this had epilepsy

[@striderdnb]

someone that suffers epilepsy would understand the risks going on youtube...

[@orbits2]

or viewing a computer screen period