
Nitecore MT21A 260lm review. Is it worth it in 2023?
The Nitecore MT21A (MT21A) released in 2013. It uses 1 x Cree XP-E2 R2 LED, SMO reflector and 2 x AA batteries. The powerful emitter in this flashlight provides up to 260 lm output, 10000 cd intensity, and a beam distance of 200 m.
The MT21A flashlight provides instant illumination at the touch of a switch. This immediate response is particularly useful in emergency situations or when you need instant visibility. This light has 4 modes of lighting. Lack of mode memory means you need to manually adjust the flashlight's settings each time you turn it on to get the desired mode. It has a strobe function, which is one of the most effective self defense tools available.
Table of contents:
Nitecore MT21A (MT21A) specifications
Brand | Nitecore |
---|---|
Name | MT21A |
Type | MT21A |
Rating | |
Launch | 2013 |
Form | flashlight |
The MT21A flashlight offers precise and focused illumination. Unlike ambient or overhead lighting sources, flashlights allow you to direct the light exactly where you need it.
Body
Weight | 68 g |
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Length | 155 mm |
Body diameter | 21.5 mm |
Head diameter | 25.4 mm |
Material | aluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish |
Colors | black |
The MT21A is small, compact, and designed for ultra-portability. The length of a flashlight can also impact its balance and weight distribution. A well-balanced flashlight, where the weight is evenly distributed, can be more comfortable to hold for longer periods and reduce hand fatigue. The aluminium body of MT21A has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it can effectively dissipate heat generated by the flashlight's components, such as the LED or battery.
The HAIII coating can also enhance the visual appearance of the flashlight. It offers a uniform and attractive finish, often available in different colors, giving the flashlight a sleek and professional look. The MT21A flashlight is offered in a stylish black color.
System
Emitter | 1 x Cree XP-E2 R2 LED |
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Color temperature | 6500 K |
Reflector | SMO |
Lens | toughtened AR coated glass |
Switch | mechanical rear |
The emitter of MT21A manufactured by Cree, a US-based LED manufacturing company. Cree is a well-regarded LED manufacturer known for its high-quality products and innovation in the lighting industry. Color temperature is a characteristic of light. It is measured in units called Kelvin (K) and is used to quantify the color appearance of light sources, particularly white light. The MT21A has a smooth reflector. The properly focused smooth reflector gives you a more cohesive hotspot and therefore throws better.
The AR coating reduces the loss of light due to reflections, allowing more light to pass through the lens. This can increase the overall brightness and efficiency of the MT21A flashlight. The MT21A has mechanical switch. Mechanical switches are known for their durability and reliability. They are typically built with robust construction, making them resistant to wear and tear, and capable of enduring various environmental conditions. The placement of the rear switch at the end of the MT21A flashlight facilitates a secure forward grip. This grip allows for better control and handling of the flashlight, especially in situations where precision and stability are important.
Performance
Flux | 260 lm |
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Intensity | 10000 cd |
Throw | 200 m |
CD/LM factor | 38.46 |
260 lm can provide a decent amount of brightness and be suitable for many everyday tasks, it may not be sufficient for certain scenarios or individuals with specific requirements. With 10000 cd, the MT21A flashlight provides a noticeably brighter and more intense beam of light. It can illuminate objects or areas with greater clarity and visibility, even at longer distances. The throw is the calculated distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. Candela per lumen (cd/lm) is a measure of a flashlight's beam intensity relative to its total luminous flux or output. It quantifies the concentration of light emitted by the flashlight in relation to the total amount of light produced.
Software
Modes | 4 modes |
---|---|
Mode memory | no |
Ramping mode | no |
Strobe | yes |
SOS/Beacon | yes |
Modes on a flashlight refer to different output settings or levels of brightness that can be selected to suit different needs and preferences. The MT21A is tactical strobe ready. The strobe light is disorienting to the person it is aimed at which makes it difficult for them to concentrate. It has the SOS beacon function for an emergency situation. The SOS flashes Morse code so you can signal for help when needed. The SOS signal is recognized as an international distress call and is used to indicate an urgent need for assistance.
Features
Battery | 2 x AA batteries |
---|---|
Battery indicator | no |
Charger port | no |
LVP | no |
Thermal regulation | no |
Protection | IPx8 |
AUX LEDs | no |
Magnetic | no |
The Nitecore MT21A flashlight is powered by 2 x AA batteries. The MT21A cannot charge batteries directly. You may need an external charger to keep your battery going. A protected battery is recommended as the light itself does not have low voltage protection (LVP). This light does not have temperature control feature. The "8" in the IPx8 rating indicates the highest level of protection against water ingress.
Accessories
Package contents | lanyard spare o-ring spare rubber cover |
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When gripping the flashlight with the lanyard around your wrist, it provides a more secure and stable hold. Instead of searching for compatible O-rings or waiting for replacements to arrive, having spare O-rings readily available allows for convenient and immediate repairs or replacements.
The performance of the Nitecore MT21A flashlight is measured according to the ANSI / NEMA FL1 Standard 30 seconds after switching the light on. The ANSI/NEMA FL1 2009 Standard is a set of flashlight performance guidelines.
The specifications above are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Nitecore MT21A, then don’t hesite and signal the problem to us.
Nitecore MT21A (MT21A) pictures


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