Question 1

Can the batteries be left in the light for weeks (not used) without ruining them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since this takes lithium batteries, either 2x CR123A primaries or you may also use rechargeable batteries as well (option of 1x 18650 or 2x 16340/RCR123A) there is not the same concern as with alkaline or old fashion carbon-zinc batteries which often leaked if left unused for several months. I would recommend locking out the light if not planning to use for a while (this can be done by unscrewing the tail switch cap about a quater to half turn, basically enough so the light does not power on when activating the switch). That will prevent parasitic battery drain even though there is very little with this model. Also just as part of routine maintenance I would recommend at least every six months removing battery and testing for charge level. Using a charger that can test under load is the best. Also inspect the o-ring and if necessary clean threads and apply new lubricant to the threads. This will give you longer and more dependable service light and help protect your internal components and battery from the environment in which it is used and stored. If using rechargeable batteries it is best to top them up periodically since lithium batteries can be damaged or have their lifespan shortened by running them too flat. Locking out the light as I mentioned here will help with that and should allow approximately 6 months storage on a charge.I have had this model for a while and use it regularly. It has survived a few 3-5 foot drops onto concrete and other than minor scuff marks still works great. I have several Nitecore lights (P12, SRT 7, SRT 5, TM26, EC1, T5s) and they are all excellent lights and Nitecore is a excellent brand offering some of the most advanced lights on the market for a price well within reason considering what they offer and compared to competitors like Fenix, Eagletac, Four Sevens, Sunwayman, Surefire, Streamlight and other high end manufacturers. I think you will be happy with this model and I hope I answered your question thoroughly.You may want to take a look at the Fenix PD35 as well. It's very similar to this light but many seem to prefer the Fenix just a little bit more. I have both and I like the Fenix just a bit more because it offers five intensity settings instead of four and it has a dimmer low setting. It does run on average about $7-10 more so it's up to you if it's worth that extra money for the additional intensity settings. Whichever you go with you are probably getting one of the best values factoring performance versus price.

Question 2

which one do you think is best: nitecore p12, fenix pd35 tac, eastshine t25, surfire 6PX?

Accepted Answer

P12 has similar performance as the PD35. Surefire 6PX is a great light but only 300 lumens.No experience with Eastshine. Cannot find any manufacturer information on it.

Question 3

If a cr123 is 3 volts X 2 = 6. volts,how does a 18650 (3.7 volts work.).

Accepted Answer

Voltage can be thought of as "pressure"; if the circuitry is "strong enough" to take the pressure, the higher voltage works just fine. Another answer here states correctly that it is potential energy; but that is not capacity or run time. What controls capacity is amp-hours - how long a battery can maintain that "pressure" under a given load. The second part of run time is the load, or current draw; this is expressed in amps (not the same as amp-hours); and essentially measure how fast the electricity is flowing. Thus, a 1 amp-hour battery can produce a flow of 1 amp for 1 hour (amp-hour). Voltage is essentially irrelevant in this calculation. What complicates, and confuses many people is that doubling the voltage can produce twice the power output for the same amperage. In summary, a 6 volt batter might last longer than a 3.7 volt battery, but only if it has the same amp-hour rating and the circuit is able to use the additional voltage to reduce the drain current (often times, extra voltage is simply dissipated as heat.) For more info, look up buck-converter technology - which is a much more efficient approach.

Question 4

What does cree mean?

Accepted Answer

It's a name brand for a LED bulb. They're exceptionally bright compared to other bulbs.

Special Feature	Waterproof
Color	Black
Power Source	Battery Powered
Light Source Type	LED
Material	Aluminum
White Brightness	1000 Lumens
Voltage	3.7 Volts
Light Path Distance	232 Meters
Battery Cell Composition	Lithium Ion
Item Weight	0.2 Pounds
Number of Batteries	2 CR123A batteries required.
Water Resistance Level	Waterproof
Brand	Nitecore
Brightness	1000.00
Battery Description	Compatible with 1 x 18650, 2 x CR123A, or 1 x AA batteries
Runtime	520 hours
Style	Tactical
Recommended Uses For Product	Outdoor
Manufacturer	NiteCore
UPC	616641594633
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	8.39 x 3.94 x 1.42 inches
Package Weight	0.17 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	5.47 x 1 x 1 inches
Brand Name	Nitecore
Country of Origin	China
Model Name	Nitecore
Part Number	NiteCore-P12-Black
Model Year	2016

NitecoreP12 2015 Version 1000 Lumens Precise Tactical Flashlight CREE XM-L2 U2 LED Waterproof Flashlight

Details

Description

Specifications

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Common Questions