PDA

View Full Version : Thoughts on the NiteCore D20



bagman
04-10-09, 08:45 AM
I bought one of these lights a couple of weeks ago and have been carrying it as my EDC most of the time since.

I had got a quite a few LSD type NiMh batteries for the kids tape and CD players and thought I'd better have a torch to use them as well :D

http://www.nitecore.com/products/d20/

I have been very impressed so far.

Out of the box it is a very solid light, incredibly well built (seemingly more so than its smaller brother the D20) with a fantastic hard anodized finish)

I normally detest clips on lights and usually take them off but this one works very well. It has been clipped down the side of leg pockets in several different pairs of cargo shorts and trousers and clipped in the front slash pocket of 5.11 shorts (its too long for the cargo pockets on these) You notice its there more than a single AA light obviously but not uncomfortable at all. The smaller diameter makes it easier to carry than the shorter 2 x CR123A form factor light in my opinion.

The clip was not quite tight enough for my liking out of the box but it was dead easy to remove with the included allen key and bend it a bit (not quite so easy to put back on though :P ) You get a spare pair of diddy clip screws in the pack as well)


The beam on full is very bright with loads of useable spill. It does not throw a huge distance but as a useable EDC it has one of the best beam profiles I have ever used. A ringy beam typical of CREE LED's but only noticeable when white walling.

The lowest setting is very low, more so than the D10 and makes an excellent night light if needed as it also tails stands.

I mounted it on my bike with a Twin fish mount and it makes a superb bike light as well. I am going to try this twinned with a spot beam light for distance lighting and will report the results.

No pics yet as I'm down the coast and without the needed cables but will try and take some beam shots and post them up.

I buy a lot of lights :rolleyes: ;) and this one has impressed me more than anything else in a long time.

j3bnl
04-10-09, 08:38 PM
Nice light Harvey.
I haven't got one of these (yet) but you seem quite taken with it.
I do have a couple (3) of Nitecores and I am well impressed with the fit and finish of them.
Pics will be nice when you get the chance.
Cheers

bagman
04-10-09, 08:41 PM
It is my third NiteCore Brian and the most impressive by quite along way.

I used it on my bike again tonight to go and get chips for the kids :D

Nice65
04-10-09, 08:51 PM
Not many AA reviews mention the form factor of a light, but I agree a 2 x AA is a much nicer thing to be carrying than a 2 x CR123A torch.

I really don't need much more encouragement to get a D20 as I'm finding that being plunged into sudden darkness by protected RCR123A batteries is a PITA and that primaries are fairly pricy and not always to hand.

Maybe next month. I've had 3 new ones this month. Don't want anyone thinking I'm a Jamie!

j3bnl
04-10-09, 08:51 PM
It is my third NiteCore Brian and the most impressive by quite along way.

I used it on my bike again tonight to go and get chips for the kids :D

Nice to hear the kids are eating healthily!!:D

I have the EX10, EZAA and the SR3.
Like them all but the SR3 is nice (will try to do a mini review tomorrow morning time permitting) and the modes are easily accessed by turning a ring on the head.

j3bnl
04-10-09, 08:53 PM
Maybe next month. I've had 3 new ones this month.:)

Only 3!!
Go on treat yourself.;)

Nice65
04-10-09, 08:56 PM
Only 3!!
Go on treat yourself.;)

I did already.

http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/eagletac/eagletac-m2xc4.html

Neutral white. It's very nice.8)

bagman
04-10-09, 08:57 PM
Nice to hear the kids are eating healthily!!:D

They thought it was Christmas come early :D

j3bnl
04-10-09, 09:01 PM
I did already.

http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/eagletac/eagletac-m2xc4.html

Neutral white. It's very nice.8)

My mrs bought me one of them about 4 weeks ago but I got the cool white 800 lumen version.
I haven't had much chance to try it yet (mini review tomorrow if I get the time). Initial impressions are good though.

bagman
04-10-09, 09:03 PM
Not many AA reviews mention the form factor of a light, but I agree a 2 x AA is a much nicer thing to be carrying than a 2 x CR123A torch.

I have definitely gone over to AA size lights for EDC, I find the slimmer diameter much easier to pocket carry over the CR123A lights.


I really don't need much more encouragement to get a D20 as I'm finding that being plunged into sudden darkness by protected RCR123A batteries is a PITA and that primaries are fairly pricy and not always to hand.

One of the reasons I changed my work EDC from a Malkoff M30 to a M60 was so as not to be left in the dark when the protection circuit kicks in. I run the M60 off a protected 18650 that will just go direct drive and dimm once it drops below 3.6v


Maybe next month. I've had 3 new ones this month. Don't want anyone thinking I'm a Jamie!

Ha, just admit it and get on with life :D

j3bnl
04-10-09, 09:08 PM
Don't want anyone thinking I'm a Jamie!

Me thinks your still in the closet!!;)




Ha, just admit it and get on with life :D

Correct that man.
He's a Jamie but can't admit it.:lol:

Nice65
04-10-09, 09:19 PM
Me thinks your still in the closet!!;)

Correct that man.
He's a Jamie but can't admit it.:lol:

I have to confess to making enquiries to TX101 and Essexman a little while ago about a 3 cell Mag modification. We discussed leds and battery options.

It was for a friend of course.

bagman
04-10-09, 09:27 PM
I have to confess to making enquiries to TX101 and Essexman a little while ago about a 3 cell Mag modification. We discussed leds and battery options.

It was for a friend of course.

:ralmao:

mojofilter
04-10-09, 09:45 PM
I just got a D10 yesterday, my first AA light (well it's not really, but you know what I mean) and I must say I am impressed.

This looks like a cracker too.

bagman
04-10-09, 10:55 PM
I just got a D10 yesterday, my first AA light (well it's not really, but you know what I mean) and I must say I am impressed.

This looks like a cracker too.

I've been carrying a D10 for over a year now and very pleased with it but the D20 blows it away :D much bigger of course :rolleyes: ;)

Its just a shame you cant use 2 x li-ion 14500's in it for added :fighting3 :D

mojofilter
04-10-09, 11:49 PM
Can the D10 use a 14500 then, I think I have a couple?

bagman
05-10-09, 08:27 PM
Can the D10 use a 14500 then, I think I have a couple?
:icon_bounce: oh yes and best of all it gives you even more (guilt free) lumens :D

Anvil
06-10-09, 02:00 PM
Was seriously considering the D20, great looking thing but got the Fenix LD20 instead, still think about the NiteCore tho :rolleyes:

Can anyone tellme how easy the piston drive is to use wearing gloves?

mojofilter
06-10-09, 04:02 PM
Why oh why do they not do an EX20 that takes an 18650 and puts out 200 lumens, that would be about perfect.

j3bnl
06-10-09, 04:06 PM
Why oh why do they not do an EX20 that takes an 18650 and puts out 200 lumens, that would be about perfect.

No that would be worth having.
The D10, EX10 and D20 are all excellent lights but as said an 18650 version with the extended runtime would be somthing I would buy.
You could always buy the SR3 and get the 18650 body for that.;)

mojofilter
06-10-09, 04:28 PM
No that would be worth having.
The D10, EX10 and D20 are all excellent lights but as said an 18650 version with the extended runtime would be somthing I would buy.
You could always buy the SR3 and get the 18650 body for that.;)

I'm not that keen on the form factor of it tbh, and I already have an extreme that I mainly use on an L2 body with an 17670 anyway! :D

I had calmed right down with lights for a couple of years there, but now I just seem to want them all again! :D

j3bnl
06-10-09, 04:39 PM
I had calmed right down with lights for a couple of years there, but now I just seem to want them all again! :D

I know exactly what you mean mate.
I was the same but some of the new lights coming out have re-invigourated my interest.