Introduction
The world of LED flashlights is very wide. The most powerful ones usually make use of 18650 batteries that have a series of disadvantages that increase if we bet on units of dubious quality, in return, they provide good autonomy and a high voltage to meet the needs of the most powerful LEDs on the market.
If we don't want to depend on 18650 batteries, the supply of powerful flashlights is greatly reduced. There are very portable options but precisely for this reason, its lighting leaves something to be desired for certain outdoor activities and its autonomy is also very limited.
Fortunately, there is a flashlight that will meet the needs of those who are looking for a small flashlight, with good autonomy, that uses AA batteries and that also offers really good lighting, reaching 860 lumens. I speak of the Nitecore EA4, a premium flashlight that exudes quality in every inch of its aluminum body.
Technical characteristics of the Nitecore EA4
The Nitecore EA4 flashlight stands out for offering a XM-L U2 LED that provides a peak intensity above 860 lumens.
We have talked about it being a compact size flashlight and it is that its weight is only 159 grams if we ignore the weight of the four AA batteries it uses. For its manufacture, Nitecore has used an aluminum block that undergoes complex industrial processes to create a lightweight and very resistant unibody body.
Below you have a video in which you can see this process I just talked about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xwhTnF86fk
At the end of it we have a Nitecore EA4 whose dimensions are 117 millimeters long and a diameter of only 40 millimeters. It fits perfectly in the hand and the grooves that act as a heatsink also help to hold it more safely for long periods of time.
If our outings are going to be waterlogged, we don't have to worry about this flashlight. It has IPX-8 certified that allows it to submerge up to 2 meters deep.
Battery installation and autonomy of the Nitecore EA4
As we have already mentioned, the Nitecore EA4 uses a total of four AA batteries. It may seem like an excessive figure, but it is the price that must be paid if we want to enjoy good autonomy and a very high light intensity that is usually only available to 18650 batteries.
To insert the batteries into the body of the flashlight we have to unscrew the end cap and insert them respecting the polarity indicated by the manufacturer. To close the cap again, you have to match the two pins on the body of the flashlight and screw it back on.
With Sanyo Eneloop XX batteries, the following usage times are obtained:
- Turbo mode (860 lumens) combined with high mode (550 lumens): 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- High mode (550 lumens): 2 hours
- Medium mode (300 lumens): 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Low mode (135 lumens): 11 hours
- Ultra low mode (65 lumens): 22 hours
It should be noted that turbo mode cannot be used for more than three minutes at a time. After that time, the flashlight will go down to high mode to prevent the LED from being damaged by forcing it excessively and to protect the electronics from overheating.
The power button on the Nitecore EA4
The power button of this flashlight hides many secrets. Nitecore has equipped it with a double pulse intensity system to access the different operating modes (similar to that of cameras that if we press lightly, it focuses, and if we press a little more, it takes the picture).
Below I detail the full operation of the Nitecore EA4:
- Half press: toggle between ultra-low, low, medium and high modes.
- Full press: we access the turbo mode and if we do half a press, we alternate between turbo and high mode.
- If the flashlight is on, we turn it off by pressing the full button.
- To access the strobe mode, we turn on the flashlight and make two full pulses.
- To access the SOS mode, we introduce the flashlight in strobe mode and make a full pulse for more than a second.
- If we want lock button To prevent the flashlight from being accidentally turned on, we have to press the button all the way for more than a second when it is turned on.
It should be noted that the Nitecore EA4 has memory so if we turn it off while in high mode, the next time we turn it on it will be in that mode.
Another interesting aspect that surrounds the power button is a status LED that provides different information:
- Every time we insert batteries or put the Nitecore EA4 in lock mode, the LED will will display the voltage provided by the batteries with an accuracy of + - 0,1 volts. By means of a blinking system, the LED will first show the units figure and then the decimals. For example, if it blinks four times, stops and blinks 2 times again, we will have a voltage of 4,2 volts.
- When the flashlight is on, the LED will blink once every two seconds when the batteries are at 50% of its capacity.
- When the battery level is low, the LED will flash many times in succession, furthermore, the turbo and high modes will be inaccessible.
Night lighting with the Nitecore EA4
As a good flashlight that it is, the Nitecore EA4 performs perfectly in dark environments. The different lighting modes They allow us to use it in different situations, from the classic lighting for camping (candle mode) to the most powerful for outings to the mountains.
Although the turbo mode is a bit anecdotal as it can only be used in three minute intervals, high mode (550 lumens) provides a really good field of view for any task. It is impressive what this small flashlight illuminates.
This is due to the XM-L U2 LED and the deep diffuser that allows the Nitecore EA4 throws the light up to 283 meters away with good flood levels. The illumination pattern is made up of a very intense central ring and a larger ring but with less intensity to cover a greater field of vision.
It is difficult to show in a photograph what the flashlight is capable of illuminating due to its intensity, therefore, it is best to see it live since will impress us.
There are two versions of the Nitecore EA4. The lighting level is the same but the tonality changes, being able to choose between a colder tone or another with a little more warmth.
Other aspects of the Nitecore EA4
Finally, it should be noted that Nitecore provides a case to carry the flashlight Safely. It also offers a rope that we can place on the stopper and thus prevent it from falling to the ground if it slips from our hands.
Finally, the manufacturer recommends clean and grease the cap threadIn addition, it offers a second O-ring to ensure the tightness of the lantern when submerged in water.
The price of the Nitecore EA4 is around 38 euros If we import it from China, in Europe, the price increases a lot and can cost more than double.
More information - Sanyo Eneloop Lantern and Lamp Combo
Link - Nitecore EA4
On which website you have seen the Nitecore at € 38, you can tell us. Thank you very much in advance
Fasttech usually has it at those prices. On eBay there are also often auctions that end at that price. I bought it on eBay and I can't be happier, it gives an incredible light.
Greetings and sorry for the delay in answering.