Finding a flashlight that is compact and bright is easy; what makes it hard is finding one that is also reliable. If you are struggling to find the right flashlight you need to consider the Nitecore P12GT. Our job is not to tell you that you need to choose one flashlight over the other. We are here to provide you with specific information and opinions on the Nitecore P12GT. It is then up to you to use the information how you see fit.
If you are particularly interested in Nitecore check out our Nitecore Buyers Guide that has the history of the brand and some of their top current lights. We also link out to all of our other Nitecore light reviews from there.
Before You Buy
When it comes to purchasing an EDC flashlight the choices can be quite overwhelming. You want to have a light that is small enough to carry with you, but bright enough to light up things in the distance. If you are looking for an EDC style of light with a terrific throw the Nitecore OP12GT is the ideal choice for you. Nitecore designed this light for military and law enforcement activities. Before buying a flashlight you need to think about what you will be using it for. Other factors to consider are size, power, and style of batteries.
Nitecore P12GT
The Nitecore P12GT is an improved version of the Nitecore P12 2015 model. The two lights have some of the same features, but the boosted intensity of the P12GT gives it a better range. Nitecore has been a leader in the flashlight industry since early 2004. They built their well-deserved reputation by following three distinct principles: practicality, creativity, and engineering perfection. All Nitecore lights are designed and manufactured in China under the highest standards.
Weighing 3.21 ounces and measuring 5.51 inches long the Nitecore P12Gt is not the smallest light ever made. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Using a single 18650 the CREE XP-L HI V3 LED can produce anywhere from 1 to 1000 lumens. On Ultra low mode, the 18650 battery will last up to 500 hours, while on high you can expect a runtime of 1 hour. The light can also be powered by two CR123 batteries, but run times will be less than the run times of the 18650.
Pros:
- Amazing range
- Battery readout feature
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent runtime
Cons:
- No charger
- Physical tail switch has a very slight delay
Features & Benefits
Advanced Temperature Regulation
Some flashlights are prone to overheating when in use. Overheating flashlights often shut off leaving you lurching around in the dark. Nitecore developed the Advanced Temperature Regulation to prevent the P12GT from overheating. The technology monitors the internal temperature and automatically adjusts the output. This eliminates any problems due to overheating, but also expands the life of the P12GT.
Increased Throw and Intensity
When you are depending on a light in a tactical situation you want it to be intense enough to light up the distance. The P12GT uses a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED to provide you with double intensity. When compared with the XM-L2 LED you will have 200% intensity. The CREE XP-L HI V3 LED emits 1000 lumens on its highest mode. Crystal Coating Technology increases the throw of the light. The throw is what you find with ordinary wide reflector lights. With the P12GT the beam reaches distances up to 1,050 feet.
Built-In Indicator
The last thing anybody wants is to rely on their flashlight only to find out the battery is dead. The P12GT features a built-in indicator to alert users to problems before they occur. The indicator immediately goes to work when the light powers on. A blinking blue light every two seconds indicates battery levels that are at or below 50%. Rapid blinking of the indicator light alerts users to critically low battery levels. When the P12GT is off the indicator shows battery voltage.
User Interface
User InterfaceThe intuitive interface of the P12GT is what makes this flashlight so great. The P12Gt features a front-facing tactical tail switch for momentary and constant on. The side switch provides quick and easy access to all modes and brightness levels. The P12GT features four different brightness levels: High, Mid, Low, and Ultralow. Using the side switch users can access brightness levels from lowest to highest. With the intelligent memory function the P12GT stores your preferred brightness setting. The P12GT also features three hidden modes: strobe, SOS, ad Beacon. Pressing and holding the mode button will provide access to the hidden modes.
Social Proof
I have spent hours scouring the internet for reviews on the Nitecore P12GT. After reading through several, I can say the Nitecore P12GT is a favorite and for good reason. Every review I read had positive things to say about the Nitecore P12GT. All reviews made note of the increased throw of the light when compared to similar lights. Several reviews noted minor issues with the Nitecore P12GT. The biggest issue was the slight delay upon activation of the light. Users reported a .5 second delay from the moment they clicked the switch to when the light turned on. Even with this minor issue, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Nitecore P12GT to others.
Alternatives
Nitecore P12
The Nitecore P12 has all of the same features as the P12GT with two exceptions The P12GT has a better distance and features a thermal regulation system. A few other minor differences between the lights is the beam pattern, the delay on activation, and the price. The P12 has a large hotspotot in addition to a larger spill/flood. The P12 only has about a .1 second delay upon activation compared to the .5 second delay on the P12GT. The P12 is an ideal light for people who want an EDC light but are not too concerned with a thermal regulation system. The P12 has so many of the same features as the P12GT, but for about $30 less.
- Lower price
- Larger spill/flood
- Larger hot spot
- Minimal delay upon activation
Fenix PD35
Built and designed for law enforcement and military style activities, the Fenix PD35 is a strong and durable light, despite its lightweight feel. The Fenix PD35, like the Nitecore P12GT, can emit up to 1000 lumens, which is more than enough to blind potential attackers. The Fenix PD35 utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 emitter, which doesn’t allow the beam to reach as far as the P12GT. The Fenix PD35 maintains constant brightness due to its digitally regulated output. Word of warning, the front end of the light still gets rather hot to the touch when in use for an extended period of time. The Fenix PD35 is ideal for those who are looking for an exceptional tactical light at a lower price.
- Lower price
- 1,000 lumens
- Digitally Regulated Output
Thrunite TN12
Geared towards military and law enforcement, the Thrunite TN12 is a popular light. Thrunite upgraded the TN12 over the years to keep up with the demands of its users. The newest model can emit up to 1050, which makes it brighter than the Nitecore P12GT. The Thrunite TN12 uses a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED, but features a centralized bulb to provide better beam focus. The Thrunite TN12 is perfect for those of you who want to get the most out of a compact tactical light. The TN12 is one of the easiest lights to operate. It requires a single 18650 battery to power six brightness levels. The thermal limit system found in the TN12 prevents any damage to the light from overheating. While it is a great alternative to the Nitecore P12GT it is more expensive.
- 1050 lumens
- 6 brightness levels
- Thermal limit system
Nitecore P12GT Review Final Thoughts
First I want to thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Nitecore P12GT. I am an avid outdoorsman and believe in keeping an EDC close so I am always prepared. The sole purpose of this review is to teach you all about the Nitecore P12GT. Designed for military and law enforcement, flashlight enthusiasts, like myself, find the Nitecore P12GT to be an excellent choice. The Nitecore P12GT offers an intuitive interface. the tactical tail switch allows for momentary and constant on. The multi purpose side switch allows for quick operation. The bezel turns the light into a valuable self-defense tool; it can be used to strike, as well as blind potential attackers. If you want to check out the Nitecore P12GT all you have to do is click here.
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