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Following on from my review of the excellent Nitecore MH12 Pro flashlight, I have also been using the Nitecore EDC27. This is a slim flashlight that’s designed for everyday carry (EDC).
It is a similar price to the Nitecore EDC27, but its flat design and built-in clip makes it more convenient to carry around with you in your pockets.
The Nitecore MH12 Pro had a maximum output of 3300 lumens using the new UHi 40 LED. Due to this, using a single LED and the design of the reflector, it has a very directional light with a long 505 throw distance.
The Nitecore EDC27 has a maximum output of 3000 lumens, but it is only capable of this in strobe mode or for 11 seconds in turbo mode before reverting to 1000 lumens. It uses two Luminus SST40 LEDs, which provides a greater spread of light, but the consequence of this is a shorter throw distance of 220M.
Both lights are superb, and as the name suggests, I think the Nitecore EDC27 is a bit better for everyday use due to the slim design and wider beam.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitecore EDC27-3000 lumens, OLED Display, USB-C |
£96.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Nitecore EDC27 Specification
- Max Output: 3,000 Lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 220 Meters
- Max Beam Intensity: 12200 cd
- Max Runtime: 37 h 0 m / 1.54 d
- Battery Built-in Li-ion Battery
- Special Modes: STROBE
- Beam Colour: White Light
- Dimensions Length: 135.6mm (5.34″)
- Width: 31.4mm (1.24″)
- Thickness: 17 mm
- Weight: 124 g / 4.37 oz
- Feature: STROBE READY, Rechargeable
- Activity Gear, Outdoor/Camping, EDC
LED, Lens and Reflector
The EDC27’s lighting capabilities are a key selling point. The two Luminus SST40 LEDs provide a maximum output of 3,000 lumens, delivering a bright and effective beam. This powerful output, combined with the total reflective optic lens, ensures a uniform, soft light that is ideal for a range of situations.
The LED colour report puts the Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) in the range of 5,600-6,200 Kelvin, which falls within the cool white spectrum. This means the light produced is bright and clear, enhancing visibility in all conditions.
Nitecore EDC27 Lumen Output
The EDC27 offers five brightness levels—Ultra Low, Low, Medium, High, and Turbo—plus a special Strobe mode. The two-button interface on the tail end allows for easy switching between modes, and there is a mode memory that remembers your last brightness level setting.
The six different mode can do:
- Turbo: 3000 lumens
- High: 1000 lumens – 1 hr 45 mins runtime
- Mid: 200 lumens – 3 hrs 45 mins runtime
- Low: 65 lumens – 11 hrs runtime
- Ultralow: 15 lumens – 37 hrs runtime
- Plus Strobe mode (3000 lumens).
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the EDC27 is its slim, flat design. This unique form factor ensures it won’t roll off the table when placed down and allows it to fit comfortably in your pocket or bag. It is coated with a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) titanium matte finish, which is resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
Adding to its user-friendliness, the EDC27 features an on-board OLED display, providing real-time information on brightness levels, remaining runtime, battery voltage, and lockout mode.
The EDC27 comes with a built-in 1700mAh Li-ion battery, providing a runtime of up to 37 hours on the Ultra Low mode. The flashlight also features on-board USB-C charging, making it easy to recharge wherever you are.
Integrated battery that’s not easy to replace.
There are a couple of minor gripes with this flashlight.
One is the flashlight has an integrated battery. If you use the flashlight frequently, the battery will degrade over time and reduce the run time. I believe that the battery is replaceable, as you can access the internals if you unscrew the front plate. But, replacing the battery is more complicated than the MH12 Pro as you’d need to disconnect and resolder the leads attaching it. You’d also need to source a compatible battery.
Furthermore, it has an impact resistance of 1m. This is a relatively common impact resistant but some flashlights are more durable. I have only used this for general use when walking at night, so it hasn’t been an issue for me, but it is something you’d need to consider depending on how you use your flashlight, and I have noticed some users criticise this.
Performance and Run Time
The EDC27’s performance is impressive. On the highest setting (Turbo mode), the flashlight can emit a staggering 3,000 lumens for up to 11 seconds before dropping down to 1,000 lumens to prevent overheating. This provides a powerful burst of light when you need it most.
The two Luminus SST40 LEDs provide a wider spread of light than the Nitecore MH12 Pro I have previously reviewed. Due to the wider spread, this has a shorter beam distance of 220 meters, which I find is more than adequate for general use.
I found this useful when walking back from the pub to my brother’s house down dark country roads. I don’t really need to see things that are 500m in front of me, I mainly want visibility and awareness of the things that are immediately around me.
In terms of runtime, the EDC27 delivers. On a full charge, the built-in 1700mAh battery can power the flashlight for up to 37 hours on the lowest setting (Ultra Low mode). This extends to approximately 1 hour 45 minutes on High mode and nearly 4 hours on Medium mode.
Price and Alternative Options
The Nitecore EDC27 is priced at £96.95 and is available from nitecore.co.uk and Amazon.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nitecore EDC27-3000 lumens, OLED Display, USB-C |
£96.95 | Buy on Amazon |
The Nitecore MH12 Pro I previously reviewed is priced at £94.95 in the UK and is available directly from Nitecore and Amazon.
There are not many/any like-for-like alternative options, especially if you want this convenient flat design.
The Streamlight Wedge is a thinner and lighter flashlight that’s capable of 1000 lumens for 35 seconds. This costs £129 and is available from knivesandtools.co.uk. The lower 300-lumen model is £90, available from Amazon.
The OLIGHT Arkfeld EDC Flashlight is around £90 available from olightstore.uk with 1000 lumen output and thinner at 15mm.
The Wuben X2 is thicker at 20mm but much shorter. This can do a maximum brightness of 2500 lumens with the Osram P9 variant. This appears to be limited to 1 minute before dropping down to 800 lumens. It is priced at $98 directly from Wuben or around £84 from Amazon.
Overall
The Nitecore EDC27 Slim Flashlight is a superb choice for an everyday carry flashlight.
Its slim form factor, high output, and wide light spread make this a useful light to keep in your pocket, especially if you find yourself walking in the dark a lot.
The integrated battery will make replacing it difficult, and if you use your flashlight a lot, you will want to factor this into your buying decision.
While it may be a bit pricey, the features and performance it offers justify the investment.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a professional needing a reliable light source, or simply someone looking for a sturdy flashlight for home use, the Nitecore EDC27 is well worth considering.
Even though I think this is more useful than the MH12 Pro, I have marked it a touch lower due to the integrated battery.
Nitecore EDC27 Slim Flashlight Review
Summary
The Nitecore EDC27 Slim Flashlight is a superb choice for an everyday carry flashlight.
Its slim form factor, high output, and wide light spread make this a useful light to keep in your pocket, especially if you find yourself walking in the dark a lot.
The integrated battery will make replacing it difficult, and if you use your flashlight a lot, you will want to factor this into your buying decision.
Overall
80%-
Overall - 80%80%
Pros
- Slim design with a pocket clip makes this easy to carry with you all the time.
- High lumen output with wide beam spread makes this good for walking in the dark.
Cons
- Integrated battery will be difficult to replace
- 1m drop resistance
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
