Nitecore SRT6i Review

 

 

1. Introduction

In search of a tactical flashlight, I've been looking at every flashlight brand that has intuitive user operation for their flashlight. As a Nitecore fan for 5 years, I was so satisfied with my old MH25GT, and in my opinion, the MH25GT is the best Nitecore for my needs, with no complicated user operation and a really good thrower flashlight.

I'm amazed since the first day Nitecore announced they will be releasing their new product for the SRT series. As far as I know, SRT, or "SmartRing Tactical," is part of the Nitecore flashlight that has multiple led sources or a mode with rotation ring operation for its output.

It's been 7 years since their SRT7GT was released, and finally we have the new Nitecore SRT6i, the new 4th generation of the SRT series. 

The new SRT6i is really a remodel of their predecessor, since it doesn't have multiple LED output, yet they changed it for an intuitive user (no nonsensical UI) interface for a tactical thrower flashlight.

2. What's inside

The Nitecore SRT6i package is really stunning for a flashlight box. They're really serious about designing their flashlight box. The black and yellow accent is very impressive!

 

1 x Nitecore SRT6i
1 x Lanyard
1 x 21700 battery inside the flashlight (i Series)
1 x Clip
1 x CR123 adapter
1 x USB Type-C Cable
1 x Spare O-Ring
1 x Really great quality Holster
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty card

3. Build quality and impression

The Nitecore SRT6i is a full-size tactical thrower but really handy in the hand. I don't find any drawbacks to its features or design.

It's almost everything that you want in a tactical flashlight: a long thrower, a direct USB-C port, a smooth reflector, and an impressive LED that can reach 510 meters away. A completely amazing tactical flashlight for everyone! 

4. Specs, LED, bezel, lens, reflector and beam

Nitecore doesn't mention which kind of LED they are using on the Nitecore SRT6i, but the form is similar to the XHP 50.3 dedomed version. I'm not sure either, but the tint is cool white and has a really tight beam profile due to its deep, smooth reflector.

As a tactical flashlight, the bezel itself has three silicone nitride ceramics for self-defense or breaking glass; well, it's mandatory for such flashlights these days.

The lens has a special two-sided protective layer, so it's scratch-resistant. 

5. Size and comparison

 6. User interface 

 

Now comes my favorite part: the user interface or operation mode. If you have read my previous review, you will notice about the "no nonsensical user interface" for the tactical flashlight. Yes, the new Nitecore SRT6i is qualified as a "no nonsensical" tactical thrower flashlight! 

I wonder myself about the terms of tactical on the flashlight; so many brands claimed to be tactical here, tactical there, but there was no option to direct turbo or high output, no logic simple operations for distress situations! That doesn't make sense!

The Nitecore SRT6i has two primary buttons and a smart selector ring; basically, it's a rotational dial output. The user interface for the Nitecore SRT6i is really a breakthrough—simple logic, no nonsensical and intuitive—that every tactical flashlight should have! 

The two primary buttons on the tail are act for turning on or off and direct turbo-strobe. The function is really simple: half pressed for momentarily on and fully pressed for steady on, the mode button acts as a direct strobe (Strobe ReadyTM) or turbo. The output levels depend on the selector ring, and it has three output levels and one special tactical mode. 

For the tactical mode, the difference is that it only supports momentarily on. The main button goes from low and fully pressed to turbo, and the mode button goes from turbo to strobe. 

The best thing about this selector ring is that you can override to turbo or strobe in any state of output. Let's say you're patrolling around the street on 300 lumens and suddenly you need to illuminate a suspicious activity; you just need to press the mode button for blazing 2100 lumens on a 65,200 candela, that's insane! 

Both the main button and selector ring have a silent operation; yes, they didn't forget to add this little detail. Perfect, isn't it?

The selector ring also has a lockout mode, so no more complaining about accidentally burning your pants or your bag!

I have to admit that the Nitecore SRT6i User Interface is really a perfect implementation of the tactical flashlight; their user interface is a fundamental that every flashlight brand needs to learn. 

7. Batteries and Performance

The Nitecore SRT6i is a part of the Nitecore "i" series; it comes with their proprietary 21700 battery, the NL2150HPi, and has a 15A current output.

The battery has 5000mah capacity and has negative and positive polarities at both ends. We can't use a standard battery for this flashlight.

According to the Nitecore datasheet, the maximum output is 2100 lumens, and the runtime is 30 minutes at 65,200 candela. The medium output runtime of 300 lumens is 7 hours, 30 minutes at 7,700 candela, and the low output is 30 lumens for 70 hours.

For the charging SRT6i has a direct USB Type-C port on the body; it needs 3 hours to complete the charging for a 10 watt charger (5V/2A).

The Nitecore SRT6i also has a battery capacity indicator; it will blink when the battery capacity is 50% or below and rapidly blink if the battery is almost depleted.

9. Beamshots 

 

10. Conclusion

 

The Nitecore SRT6i has proven to be a perfect tactical thrower flashlight. It is a perfect example of a tactical flashlight. It has tons of features but still maintains a simple logic for its operation mode. I can't say much, but this is a perfectly splendid tactical flashlight! 

11. Product page

 

Learn more about the new Nitecore SRT6i here : https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/srt6i

Disclaimer: This flashlight was sent to me by Nitecore to review.