Last Updated on February 20, 2025
I am an electrician by Profession and need a flashlight as I connect and disconnect wires. A colleague of mine recommended the Nitecore p12 LED flashlight. I bought the Nitecore P12 flashlight last year. At first, I wondered how this small EDC flashlight will be of help to me as I had tried out several of them, only to disappoint me. The Nitecore turned out to be different, and I use to date. Later, I bought other versions of this light Nitecore p12gt flashlight. However, read this 1000 lumen Nitecore P12 review to know more why I am recommending this flashlight.
Related: Fenix TK16 Review: Upgrade Dual Tactical Tail Switch flashlight
Technical Features of the Nitecore P12 flashlight
Features |
Nitecore P12 |
| Lumens: | 1000 lm |
| High Output: | 15 lumens / 7 hours |
| Medium Output: | 240 lumens / 6 h min |
| Low Output: | 70 lumens / 28 h |
| Lowest Output: | 1 lumens / 520h |
| Special Mode: | Strobe, SOS and location beacon |
| Beam Distance: | 253 yards (232 m) |
| LED: | CREE XM-L2 U2 |
| Batteries: | 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A |
| Battery Cell Type: | Alkaline |
| Batteries Included?: | Not included |
| Waterproof: | IPX8 (2 meter submersible) |
| Dimensions: | 4 x 1 x 7.3 inches |
| Weight: | 3.10 oz (88 g) (without battery) |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The nitecore p12 is different from other EDC flashlights in that it offers very bright light and has outstanding features. I would say it functions better than most flashlights within its range. It is also sturdily built and has a nice black anodized finish. The two switches that it has allowed the user to operate the flashlight easily and quick. It uses CREE XM-L2 U2 LED bulb with 50, 000 hours lifespan. The bulb produces a maximum of 1000 lumens and has a bean distance of 232 meters.
Summary of Contents
Nitecore P12 Review(video):
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, this is a great torch to use as it can still function in rain with its IPX8 water rating and resistant impact of up to 1.5 meters. Also, competitive shooters and hunters can still benefit from this flashlight with its different lighting modes.
Why wait till you are reminded of the importance of a flashlight? Most of the time, people tend to forget how important flashlights are. You will hear some sighs when there is a blackout like, “ooohhh! I wish I had a flashlight”. Why wait till the last minute. Anyway, people like me must have a flashlight always.
Basic Troubleshooting Table:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flashlight not turning on | – Battery improperly installed – Depleted or faulty battery – Loose tail cap or head |
– Ensure the battery’s positive end faces the flashlight head – Replace or recharge the battery – Tighten the tail cap and head securely |
| Flickering or intermittent light | – Dirty or oxidized contacts – Loose internal connections |
– Clean battery contacts and threads with a soft cloth – Ensure all components are tightly assembled |
| Unable to cycle through modes | – Faulty side switch – Electronic malfunction |
– Check for debris obstructing the side switch – If unresponsive, perform a reset by removing the battery for a few minutes and reinstalling it |
Detailed Troubleshooting Table:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flashlight not powering on | – Battery improperly installed – Depleted or faulty battery – Loose tail cap or head – Lockout mode activated |
– Insert battery with positive end towards the head – Replace or recharge the battery – Tighten tail cap and head securely – Rapidly click the side switch three times to deactivate lockout mode |
| Light flickers or is unstable | – Dirty or oxidized contacts – Loose retaining ring in tail cap – Incompatible or protected batteries |
– Clean contacts and threads with isopropyl alcohol – Tighten the retaining ring inside the tail cap using needle-nose pliers – Use recommended batteries; avoid protected cells that may trip under load |
| Difficulty switching modes or stuck in strobe | – Side switch malfunction – Electronic lockout engaged |
– Ensure side switch is unobstructed and clean – To disengage electronic lockout, rapidly click the side switch three times |
| Rapid battery drain | – High-output mode used continuously – Parasitic drain when off – Aged or low-quality battery |
– Use lower brightness settings for extended runtime – Loosen tail cap slightly to prevent parasitic drain during storage – Replace with a high-quality, fully charged battery |
Quick Reference Troubleshooting Table:
| Symptom | Check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| No light output | – Battery orientation – Battery charge level – Tail cap tightness |
– Insert battery correctly – Recharge or replace battery – Tighten tail cap |
| Light flickering | – Contact cleanliness – Component tightness |
– Clean contacts – Secure all parts |
| Mode switching failure | – Side switch function – Lockout status |
– Clear any obstructions – Deactivate lockout mode |
Features and Benefits of Nitecore P12 flashlight
In the early stages of my career, I had to try out different flashlight before I became an expert in choosing the best. But I have learned one thing for sure; never underestimate any flashlight before using it. The Nitecore p12 one of the best selling flashlights from this brand.
Aluminum alloy construction with hard anodized finish
If you work in tight areas such as mine or in construction sites, this flashlight is built to withstand such hardships. It is built from aluminum alloy and has a hard anodized black finish. The nitecore p12 has an anti-roll design that prevents the flashlight from rolling on a flat surface when dropped accidentally. With its U-shaped tailcap protector, the flashlight can be placed to stand and be used as candlelight.
Tactical use
There is no doubt that this flashlight was built for tactical use. From the tactical tail switch to the hard anodized finish and O-ring seals, this light is great for use in tough situations. The flashlight has a waterproof rating of IPX8 and it can also resistant impact up to one meter. The strike bezel can be used to hit an enemy and the strobe mode to disorient an attacker. All these features make this flashlight to be well suited for tactical use.
Very bright light
Do you work in dark environments or want a flashlight to use during your three day camping trip? The nitecore p12 flashlight is a great choice for campers and other outdoor lovers. It has a maximum of 1000 lumens and a beam distance of 232 meters. This helps the user see images or objects in front of them from a distance. As a result, he or she has time to decide what to do especially when out in the woods or on a dangerous street at night.
Versatile in use
Depending on where you work or what to do with the flashlight, you can use one of its several modes. These include lower, low, medium, and high modes. The special modes are strobe and SOS modes. the lower modes have the highest run time of 520 hours on 1 lumen, the low mode has a runtime of 28 hours on 7 lumens, the medium mode has a runtime of 6 hours on 240 lumens, and high mode has a run time of 1 hour 15 minutes on a 1000 lumens. Strobe mode is used when there is an assailant while the SOS mode is used while lost or when you need help.
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Offers two battery options
Another unique feature of this flashlight is that it enables the user to either use 1 X 18650 battery or 2 CR123A batteries. 18650 batteries offer the best performance and have the highest run time. Also, this battery can be recharged when it runs out of power. The flashlight has a power indicator that enables the user to know if the battery is low or not. When the p12 LED flashlight is switched off, the power indicator level will blink once every two seconds when the power level reaches 50%. Alternatively, when it is switched on, the power indicator will blink quickly when power levels are low.
Easy to use the dual switch
Using the p12 flashlight is easy and fast. All you have to do is to press the tail cap switch to turn on the light. Then, you can press the mode or side switch to cycle through the light mode of choice. The tail cap switch provides the momentary on function, while the side switch offers access to all the other light levels. This is done with one hand and on the go.
A compact and lightweight flashlight
Unlike the big and powerful flashlight, the p12 EDC flashlight is compactly designed to fit in tight places and for easy storage. This flashlight weighs 3.10 with battery excluded. This is not cumbersome at all and you won’t feel any burden if you carry the flashlight along. You have the option of using the lanyard to tie it to your belt or utilize the holster. Also, it can be held easily in the hands and offers comfort to the user due to its rugged design.
Great customer support
Nitecore is among the reliable flashlight brands on the market. They offer a 5 year warranty and have a great customer support team.
Shortcomings of the nitecore p12 1000 lumen flashlight
With all the great features that we have discussed above, yes, the nitecore p12 flashlight has some shortcomings, too. The first one is that this LED flashlight becomes hot when used for over a long period of time. Specifically, the flashlight gets hot when used on high mode for over a long period of time. To avoid this, don’t use the high mode for long but interchange to the lower modes.
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The second and last disadvantage of this flashlight is that the 5 year warranty they offer becomes void when you use parts from a different brand. This includes batteries. So, you have to use nitecore batteries or the warranty will become void.
Nitecore P12 vs Nitecore P20: Full Specification Comparison Table
Here’s a detailed comparison of the Nitecore P12 and Nitecore P20 flashlights, covering key specifications to help you make an informed decision:
| Specification | Nitecore P12 | Nitecore P20 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Lumens | 1200 lumens | 800 lumens |
| Beam Distance | 238 meters | 210 meters |
| Peak Beam Intensity | 14,200 cd | 11,000 cd |
| LED Type | CREE XM-L2 U2 LED | CREE XM-L2 T6 LED |
| Modes | 5 brightness levels + Strobe | 3 brightness levels + Strobe |
| Battery Type | 1x 18650 or 2x CR123A | 1x 18650 or 2x CR123A |
| Runtime (Max) | 520 hours (ultra-low mode) | 26 hours (low mode) |
| Runtime (Turbo/High Mode) | 1 hour (1200 lumens) | 4 hours (800 lumens) |
| Switch Type | Side and Tail Switch | Dual-Tail Switch (Strobe Ready) |
| Strobe Mode | Yes (Random Frequency) | Yes (Dedicated Strobe Button) |
| Impact Resistance | 1 meter | 1.5 meters |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX8 (Submersible 2m) | IPX8 (Submersible 2m) |
| Material | Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy | Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy |
| Lens | Toughened ultra-clear glass | Toughened ultra-clear glass |
| Length | 139mm (5.47 inches) | 134mm (5.28 inches) |
| Head Diameter | 25.4mm (1 inch) | 31.8mm (1.25 inches) |
| Weight | 88 grams (without battery) | 101 grams (without battery) |
| Tail Stand Capability | Yes | No |
| Pocket Clip | Yes | Yes |
| Best Use Case | EDC, Tactical, Outdoor | Law Enforcement, Tactical |
Summary
Of all the EDC flashlights that I’ve used over the years, this is one of the best. The nitecore p12 1000 lumen flashlight is a small, compact and lightweight flashlight. It fits perfectly in my pocket or sometimes I insert in one of the compartments of my backpack. You can use this flashlight as like surefire sidekick keychain light. Being an electrician, I need a flashlight that can offer me with a bright and steady light and this is what the nitecore LED flashlight does. After recharging the 18650 batteries, I usually use this flashlight for more than 500 hours before needing to recharge it again. I highly recommend it for people who work in tight places and require a durable and bright flashlight with longer run time. I hope this nitecore p12 review article will help to dig further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How bright is the Nitecore P12 flashlight?
- The Nitecore P12 delivers a maximum output of 1200 lumens, making it a powerful tactical flashlight with excellent brightness.
2. What type of battery does the Nitecore P12 use?
- It runs on a single 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two CR123A batteries as an alternative power source.
3. How many brightness modes does the Nitecore P12 have?
- It features four brightness levels plus three special modes (Strobe, SOS, and Beacon):
- Turbo (1200 lumens) – 1 hour 15 minutes
- High (240 lumens) – 6 hours
- Medium (70 lumens) – 28 hours
- Low (1 lumen) – 520 hours
4. Is the Nitecore P12 waterproof and impact-resistant?
- Yes, it has an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water, and it is impact-resistant up to 1 meter.
5. Is the Nitecore P12 suitable for tactical and outdoor use?
- Yes! Its compact size, high brightness, multiple modes, and durable build make it an excellent choice for law enforcement, self-defense, hiking, and everyday carry (EDC).
Still, have a question after reading this Nitecore P12 Review? Comment below.