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Nitecore vs. Fenix

Nitecore and Fenix are two of the flashlight industry’s two leading brands. With so many models to choose from both brands, it is easy to be conflicted on which flashlight to choose from. In order to help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a short guide to explain the various Nitecore vs Fenix rivalries for you.

Nitecore

Nitecore was founded in 2004 as a part of the bigger company SYSMAX, which is headquartered in China. Nitecore’s first project was a simple, yet effective do-it-yourself type flashlight, which they have vastly improved upon since then. In 2007, Nitecore flashlights broke off from the main company and while they are still a subsidiary, they have made quite the name for themselves in the flashlight industry. And, while they have broken off all of their lights are still designed and manufactured in China.

Nitecore built their reputation and high quality flashlights by adhering to three distinct principles: Practicality, creativity, and engineering perfection. To ensure that their products are the best choice for all types of users each product is made to certain specifications. The product is then carefully looked at and tested to ensure they work as intended with functionality in mind. By adhering to these three major principles, Nitecore is setting the standards higher for other manufacturers in the industry. Their lights are known for their portability, but also how well they function and their amazing output.

When it comes to products, Nitecore has something for everyone. Nitecore currently has 11 different product lines of flashlights alone. The product lines range in the number of products with the older models averaging about nine lights per line, some lines have as many as 14 and as few as four. The newer lines currently only feature one product, but that is only because those styles have just been designed. Give Nitecore a year or two and they will quickly expand on these newer product lines with top of the line models for each one.

In order to be an industry leader, Nitecore has to offer more than just one style of flashlight, they have to offer something for everyone. The 11 different product lines allows them to do just that, as their flashlights come in a variety of sizes based on what they are intended to do. Nitecore carries searchlights, small, medium, and larger sized handheld lights, penlights, headlights, and compact and subcompact lights.

Fenix

fenix flashlight

Fenix, also known as Fenixlight, is a company based in China that was founded in 2014. From day one, Fenix flashlights has specialized in the research and development of high quality illumination devices, as well as their manufacturing. Being based in China the majority of their quality products are designed and manufactured in China and then shipped to the United States and over 100 other countries around the world.

Fenix didn’t become an industry leader in illumination devices by accident. They did it through research and development, as well as hard work. They strongly believe in the ancient proverb:

Improvement roots from dissatisfaction.

They have used that proverb to build the company from the ground up, and they weren’t happy with what lights were currently offered – so they set out to build their own.

Every product that they develop is of the highest quality and is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets the Fenix standards. Each of their illumination devices deliver the highest performance and reliability that you can find on the market. Their products are especially crafted to meet a customer’s expectation of a properly functioning multi-functional device.

When it comes to product choices, you begin to see why Fenix is an industry leader. When it comes to flashlights they have eight different series of lights to choose from. Each of the series is geared for a specific purpose and type of person. The number of lights available in each series is going to vary, but Fenix product lines never fail to deliver because they really do have something for everyone – including angle lights, dive lights, flood lights, as well as tactical and every day carry types of lights.

One of the ways that Fenix really stands out from other industry leaders is that they don’t put all of their focus on flashlights. Fenix focus on all types of lighting needs for the outdoors. To meet all of their customer’s lighting needs, Fenix also manufacturers a large selection of headlamps, bike lights, camping lanterns, and any accessories you might need for your lights. If you really want a Fenix check out our Fenix Flashlight Buyers Guide.

Top Nitecore vs Fenix Flashlight Rivalries

Nitecore P12 vs Fenix PD35

Nitecore P12 vs Fenix PD35

Nitecore P12

NITECORE P12 2015 Version 1000 Lumens Precise Tactical Flashlight CREE XM-L2 U2 LED Waterproof Flashlight

If you are looking for a light that can be easily carried around with you, the Nitecore P12 is an ideal choice as it is small enough to fit inside your pocket and light enough that you won’t even notice it is there. The Nitecore P12 is one of the brightest flashlights of its size, and many people are in awe of just how bright it really is – and for the cost it really can’t be beat. The Nitecore P12 is built to withstand constant use and comes with a variety of features allowing it to be used for a variety of tasks.

  • Length: 5.47 in.
  • Diameter: 1 in.
  • Weight: 3.1 oz.
  • LED: CREE XM-L2 U2
  • Batteries: 2-CR123 or 1-18650
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 1000 lumens for 1.25 hours
  • Beam distance: 232 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 1 lumen for 520 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
  • Different modes:
    • Firefly
    • Strobe
    • SOS
    • Location beacon
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Special features:
    • Tail stand/U-shaped tail cap
    • Momentary illumination
    • 3 special modes
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • Multifunctional indicator light
  • Available accessories:
    • Holster
    • Lanyard
    • Pocket clip
    • Spare O-ring
    • Tactical ring

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What Others Are Saying About the Nitecore P12:

“The P12 is a compact, yet solid little light. Anodizing is a shiny black finish, hard anodized, with no chips or damage on my sample. Body labels are bright white and clear against the black background. Knurling is of moderate aggressiveness on the body tube and tailcap. But when combined all the other grip elements (e.g., side switch cover, fins in the head, pocket clip, etc.), I would describe overall grip as very good.” – Selfbuilt’s review on CandlePowerForums. Read more reviews here.

Fenix PD35

Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight with Two EdisonBright CR123A Lithium Batteries

The Fenix PD35 is a compact flashlight that can be used in a variety of situations. The light measures around 5.5 inches and can easily fit in a pocket or a purse, so it is always nearby when needed. But don’t let its compact size fool you because it is easily one of the brightest lights around – it can put out 1000 lumens on its highest setting. Users have two choices when it comes to batteries, but in either case the batteries power the light well beyond what you would expect. Using the light everyday on the medium setting you can easily go four days without charging the battery with regular use. Read our review here.

  • Length: 5.5 in.
  • Diameter: 1 in.
  • Weight: 3 oz.
  • LED: CREE XM-L2 U2
  • Batteries: 2-CR123 or 1-18650
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 1000 lumens for 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Beam distance: 185 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 8 lumens for 140 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • Turbo
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
  • Different modes:
    • Tactical mode: Turbo, low, and strobe
    • Outdoor mode: Turbo, high, medium, low, eco, and strobe
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Special features:
    • Tactical tail switch
    • Momentary illumination
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • Overheat protection
    • Low-voltage warning
  • Available accessories:
    • Holster
    • Lanyard
    • Pocket Clip
    • Spare O-ring

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What Others Are Saying About the Fenix PD35:

“Equipped with the latest,high efficiency components to give us the maximum we can get from a flashlight at the moment. PD 35 is the latest and most powerful(850 lumens) in this series and allows the user to have powerful lighting tool that is easy to carry and use always when needed.” – Flashlion’s review on Candlepowerforums. Read the review here.

Fenix UC35 vs Nitecore MH12

Fenix UC35 vs Nitecore MH12

Fenix UC35

Fenix UC35 V2.0 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight 3500mAh Battery and Lumen Tactical Organizer

One of the great things about the Fenix UC35 is that it is just a new and improved version of the PD35, which we just discussed. The one thing to make note of when it comes to the Fenix UC35 is that, unlike the PD35, it does not come with a tactical mode, but it does come with the popular strobe mode. One of the biggest complaints that users have with the UC35 is the lack of a moonlight/firefly mode. The UC35 comes with an eco mode that puts out a low 14 lumens, but some users prefer even less lumens at night to help keep their night vision. While some users complain about the moonlight mode missing, those same people can’t help but notice how versatile and bright this compact light is.

  • Length: 5.9 in.
  • Diameter: 1 in.
  • Weight: 3.49 oz.
  • LED: CREE XM-L2 U2
  • Batteries: 2-CR123 or 1-18650
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 960 lumens for 1.5 hours
  • Beam distance: 200 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 14 lumens for 150 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • Turbo
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Eco
  • Different modes:
    • Strobe
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Special features:
    • Micro-USB rechargeable
    • Low power warning
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • Intelligent memory
  • Available accessories:
    • Holster
    • Pocket clip
    • Micro-USB cable
    • Fenix ARBL2P 189650 battery
    • Spare O-ring

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Nitecore MH12

NITECORE MH12 Multitask Hybrid 1000 Lm Rechargeable Flashlight, Black

The Nitecore MH12 features a mode switch and a tactical tail switch, both of which have different advantages. The tactical tail switch is ideal for situations where you need to turn the flashlight on for a brief moment, such as scanning a room for an intruder. The mode switch is located in an excellent location as it cannot accidentally be turned on, but at the same time it offers quick and easy access to all four brightness levels, as well as the three special modes. Perhaps one of the most talked about features, aside from the brightness, is the Mirco-USB charging capability. With the micro-USB cable you can literally charge your flashlight while on the go, so it will always be ready for you when you need it.

  • Length: 5.47 in.
  • Diameter: 1 in.
  • Weight: 3.1 oz.
  • LED: CREE XM-L2 U2
  • Batteries: 2-CR123 or 1-18650
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 1000 lumens for 1.25 hours
  • Beam distance: 232 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 1 lumen  for 520 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Ultra-Low
  • Different modes:
    • Strobe
    • SOS
    • Location Beacon
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Special features:
    • Micro-USB rechargeable
    • Selects appropriate charge mode
    • 3 special modes
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • Multifunctional indicator light
  • Available accessories:
    • Holster
    • Battery
    • Pocket Clip
    • Spare O-ring
    • Lanyard
    • Micro-USB charging cable

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Nitecore TM16 vs Fenix TK75

Nitecore TM16 vs Fenix TK75

Nitecore TM16

Nitecore Bundle:2015 Latest Tiny Monster TM16 4000 Lumens LED Handheld Searchlight, 4X 3400mAh Batteries i4 IntelliCharger, & 2X LumenTac Battery Organizers, Car Adapter

The Nitecore TM16 is an ideal light for the outdoors because of its extremely long range, we are talking 700 meters. Not only that but the TM16 comes with a standard tripod connector that allows you to connect the light to a tripod so you can set it up to work as a lantern (or as a camera light for the photographers out there). For those of you that plan to use the light for the outdoors, you will find the direct access to turbo and ultralow mode to be very convenient – simply press and hold the required switch for over one second to easily activate the modes. One thing that can become a problem with search type flashlights is the amount of light they put out heating up the light itself. The TM16 uses advanced temperature regulation technology to prevent the light from becoming too hot to hold, which also helps extend the working life of the light.

  • Length: 7.17 in.
  • Diameter: 3.5 in.
  • Weight: 17.85 oz.
  • LED: 4 – CREE XM-L2 U2
  • Batteries: 4-18650
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 4000 lumens for 45 mins.
  • Beam distance: 700 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 5 lumens for 520 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • Turbo
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Ultralow
  • Different modes:
    • Strobe
    • SOS
    • Location Beacon
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Aero-Space Grade Aluminum Alloy
  • Special features:
    • Advanced temperature regulation technology
    • Power indicator light for voltage and remaining battery power
    • 3 special modes
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • Rear tripod connector
  • Available accessories:
    • Lanyard
    • Spare O-ring

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Fenix TK75

Fenix TK75 Flashlight without Battery and Charger, Black

People who are looking for a powerful light that will actually go the distance will benefit from the Fenix TK75. The light has a run time of 11 days, which obviously the lower the lumens the longer the battery will last. The multifunction socket allows the light be to be used in conjunction with a tripod for photography or any outdoor needs. The 400 maximum lumens is more than enough to light up your surroundings making it an excellent searching tool. The Fenix TK75 has a dual body switch that allows you to access the various modes, including the two emergency modes. The lock-out design is just an added bonus as it helps prevent any unwanted usage, so you can save your battery power for when it is needed most.

  • Length: 7.28 in.
  • Diameter: 3.5 in.
  • Weight: 21 oz.
  • LED: 4 -CREE XM-L2 U2
  • Batteries: 4-18650 or 8-CR123
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 4000 lumens for 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Beam distance: 690 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 35 lumens for 270 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • Turbo
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
  • Different modes:
    • Strobe
    • SOS
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Special features:
    • Tripod socket
    • Digitally-regulated output
    • Intelligent memory function
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • Battery level indicator
  • Available accessories:
    • Shoulder strap
    • Lanyard
    • Spare O-ring

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What Others Are Saying About the Fenix TK75:

“The TM75 clearly has a very throwy beam, surprisingly well focused even at this ridiculously close distance. As with all 3xXM-L lights, there are some “daisy flower-like” artifacts in the spillbeam. These are the most obvious in the periphery of the beam, which is why you don’t notice them above.” – Selfbuilt Review on Candlepowerforums. Read the review here.

Nitecore MT1A vs Fenix LD09

Nitecore MT1A vs Fenix LD09

NiteCore MT1A

Nitecore MT1A 140-Lumen Multitask CREE XP-G R5 LED Flashlight, Black

The Nitecore MT1A is an excellent choice for people who are looking for a light that can be used as an everyday carry style of light. The Nitecore MT1A comes in under 4 ½ inches allowing it to easily fit inside the palm of your hand. Plus coming it at less than 2 oz., it is so lightweight you won’t even notice you are carrying it. There are plenty of small flashlights on the market, but the Nitecore MT1A stands out because it is a true multi-task flashlight that offers plenty of useful features. The light is powered by a single AA battery, plus it recalls the last setting used the next time you turn the light on. The light feels and looks durable and with its impact resistance rating of 1.5 meters it really does stand up to everyday use.

  • Length: 4.13 in.
  • Diameter: .89 in.
  • Weight: 1.94 oz.
  • LED: CREE XP-G2 R5
  • Batteries: 1 AA
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 180 lumens for 1.5 hours
  • Beam distance: 115 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 5 lumens for 60 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • Turbo
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
  • Different modes:
    • Strobe
    • SOS
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Aero grade aluminum alloy
  • Special features:
    • Two-mode interface
    • Integrated memory
    • Reverse polarity protection
    • U-shaped tail cap
  • Available accessories:
    • Lanyard
    • Pocket clip
    • Spare O-ring
    • Spare plastic cap

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What Others Are Saying About the Nitecore MT1A:

“In this review, I am comparing the performance of the 1xAA (MT1A), 2xAA (MT2A) and 1xCR123A (MT1C) models.” – Selfbuilt’s review from Candlepowerforums.com. Read the full review here

Fenix LD09

EdisonBright Fenix LD09 2015 Version 220 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight AA Alkaline Battery

One thing that everybody looks for with an everyday carry style of flashlight, aside from the compact size and super light weight, is the flashlights ability to do different things. The more that the flashlight has to offer people, the better people feel about it and the Fenix LD09 really does have a lot to offer. One of the most talked about features of the Fenix LD09 is the tactical tail cap switch and how all you need is one hand to cycle through the various functions of the light, including momentary on and constant on. With everyday use lights people want something that is going to last, they don’t want something that is going to quit working after a few hours. The Fenix LD09 is made from hard anodized aluminum and can withstand impacts of up to 1 meter.

  • Length: 3.7 in.
  • Diameter: 0.7 in.
  • Weight: 1.2 oz.
  • LED: CREE XP-E2 R3
  • Batteries: 1 AA or 1-14500
  • Highest lumen with battery life: 220 lumens for 1 hour
  • Beam distance: 120 meters
  • Lowest lumens with battery life: 3 lumens for 43 hours
  • Different brightness levels:
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
  • Different modes:
    • SOS
  • Waterproof level: IPX-8
  • Construction material: Anodized Aluminum
  • Special features:
    • Tactical tail cap
    • Digitally regulated output
    • Over-heat protection
    • Reverse polarity protection
  • Available accessories:
    • Holster
    • Lanyard
    • Body clip
    • Spare O-ring
    • AA battery

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Nitecore vs. Fenix Conclusion

As always we want to thank you for taking the time to read this article. Unlike many of our other articles this one doesn’t focus on what the best flashlights are, instead we focus on the Nitecore vs Fenix flashlight rivalry to give you the best information on several models for each flashlight manufacturer. 

If you like any of the flashlights that you see in this article or in any of our other articles, please click one of the Buy Now buttons to make your purchase on Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate we make a small commission off any purchase made from a click through from our website, which is how we are able to provide you with these amazing informative reviews. Clicking through from our website will not cause you to pay more on Amazon, as the price is the same if you go to Amazon directly – the difference is the commission that we receive. If you want a closer look at any of the above flashlights please check out some of our ‘Best of’ articles here. For more flashlight reviews, please visit besttacticalflashlights.net.