Flashlight Review: Nitecore D10

[Paladin]

Recently picked up a new tactical flashlight and wanted to give my thoughts on it.

It's called the NiteCore SmartPD D10 R2 Edition

This is a very compact flashlight. It fits right into the palm of my hand and drops easily into a pocket. It's make for every day carry. Since I like to carry two flashlights at night... compactness matters to me.

But the D10 has tremendous capability in spite of its diminutive size. Using the latest LED technology the Nitecore D10 can produce 145 lumens on a single AA battery. My older/larger Surefire e2e produced only 60 lumens (and required two lithium batteries).

The D10 has a beautiful beam quality and all the tactical features you would expect from a quality tactical light... but adds a digitally controlled brightness system. The digital system allows the flashlight to adjust to any setting between 3 and 145 lumens. It even remembers your last setting and can jump quickly to high/low.

Only negative thing I can think about it is that it took me a few days to figure out all the features. Its basic tactical features are easy and straight forward... but the other capabilities I had to play with for a while before I got comfortable with them.

Flashlight technology has been moving fast, and this powerful little tool has impressed me.

[AEA]

They are nice lights for the money. I have the SmartPD EX10 with these specs:
Max Lumens: 130
Min Lumens: 3
CR123A batteries: 1
Color: Black
Emitter: Cree XR-E Q5 WC LED
Diameter (head): 0.85 in
Length: 3.0 in

[KFP]

These look very interesting to me and at a great price compared to others. Thanks for the heads up!

[Paladin]

I've had a little bit more experience using the D10 and have noticed a few things.

#1... this thing IS really easy to carry around... and using AA rechargeables is nice.

#2. It doesn't have a lock-out feature. If I forget to put the flashlight in "momentary" mode for stowage... a dead battery is the usual result.

#3. It is possible if you continuously tap the light in momentary mode to accidentally switch the light to "low". Not normally a major problem... but if it's being used as a tactical light... something to be aware of.

[Revet]

I have one and agree that it's impressive. I'd use one for a weapon light if they made a corded tail switch and bracket.

But I'd add two negatives which might matter to some individuals:

1. The pocket clip doesn't come with the unit and must be purchased separately. Installing it requires the manual dexterity (and patience) of a watchmaker. I broke the first one (don't ask), ordered a replacement and will pay a local watch shop to put it together.

2. The light is so small that some ham-handed users (like myself) may find it hard to manipulate. It's so short that it's difficult for my catcher's mitt hands and arthritic fingers to grip it securely and push the button without blocking the beam with my other fingers. I usually end up holding it like it was a syringe.

Otherwise it's great, you can impress Maglite owners with its brightness. So far, it seems durable--although if it can be broken, I will find a way.

I have a new Quark QAA2 on order. Like the NiteCore D10s, they run on AAs instead of CR123s and have impressive specs, but are a little bigger.

[wford]

I know this an old post but if your still around. On Off, instant hi, instant low, ramp up ramp down. What else does it do that took you a while to learn ?

Recently picked up a new tactical flashlight and wanted to give my thoughts on it.

It's called the NiteCore SmartPD D10 R2 Edition

This is a very compact flashlight. It fits right into the palm of my hand and drops easily into a pocket. It's make for every day carry. Since I like to carry two flashlights at night... compactness matters to me.

But the D10 has tremendous capability in spite of its diminutive size. Using the latest LED technology the Nitecore D10 can produce 145 lumens on a single AA battery. My older/larger Surefire e2e produced only 60 lumens (and required two lithium batteries).

The D10 has a beautiful beam quality and all the tactical features you would expect from a quality tactical light... but adds a digitally controlled brightness system. The digital system allows the flashlight to adjust to any setting between 3 and 145 lumens. It even remembers your last setting and can jump quickly to high/low.

Only negative thing I can think about it is that it took me a few days to figure out all the features. Its basic tactical features are easy and straight forward... but the other capabilities I had to play with for a while before I got comfortable with them.

Flashlight technology has been moving fast, and this powerful little tool has impressed me.

[C-dub]

That is a nice little flashlight. That place has some nice stuff, but OMG. Microfire Warrior III K3500R 35W / 3500 Lumen HID Rechargable
Talk about some high output stuff. 90, 130, and 200 lumens are bright. I can't even imagine what bodily functions a person would lose after being hit with 3500 lumens.