Nitecore MT42 (2018) review

2018

Cree XHP35 HD LED

1800 lm output

55400 cd intensity

2 x 18650 Li-Ion batteries

The Nitecore MT42 (MT42) released in 2018. It uses Cree XHP35 HD LED, SMO reflector and 2 x 18650 Li-Ion batteries. The powerful emitter in this flashlight provides up to 1800 lm output, 55400 cd intensity, and a beam distance of 471 m.

This light has 5 modes of lighting. The memory function is a nice feature, the light will remember the last used mode. It has a strobe function, which is one of the most effective self defense tools available.

Table of contents:

Nitecore MT42 specifications
Nitecore MT42 pictures
Nitecore MT42 comparisons

Nitecore MT42 (MT42) specifications

Brand	Nitecore
Name	MT42
Type	MT42
Rating	★★★★★ Rated 4/5 based on 1003 user votes.
Launch	2018
Form	flashlight

Body

The aluminium body of flashlight treated with a Type III hard-anodized, anti-abrasive ﬁnish.

Weight	231.5 g
Length	228 mm
Body diameter	25.4 mm
Head diameter	50 mm
Material	aluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish
Colors	black

System

The emitter of MT42 manufactured by Cree, a US-based LED manufacturing company. The MT42 has a smooth reflector. The properly focused smooth reflector gives you a more cohesive hotspot and therefore throws better. It has an AR coated lens.

Emitter	Cree XHP35 HD LED
Color temperature	6500 K
Reflector	SMO
Lens	toughtened AR coated glass
Switch	electronic side, mechanical rear

Performance

The throw is the calculated distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. The candela per lumen (cd/lm) ratio can be used to determine if a flashlight has a spot or flood type beam. Well-focused spot beams can be over 100 cd/lm, tactical flashlights are typically between 20-100 cd/lm, and work lights are less than 10 cd/lm.

Flux	1800 lm
Intensity	55400 cd
Throw	471 m
CD/LM factor	30.78

Software

The MT42 has mode memory. Mode memory means that the light will remember the mode you were using when the light was last turned off, and when you turn it on again. The MT42 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.

Modes	5 modes
Mode memory	yes
Ramping mode	no
Strobe	yes
SOS/Beacon	yes

Features

The MT42 cannot charge batteries directly. You may need an external charger to keep your battery going. This flashlight has a built-in low voltage protection (LVP) to prevent damage to the cell from over-discharge, so protected cells are not necessary. The built-in thermal control automatically adjusts brightness output to prevent overheating.

Battery	2 x 18650 Li-Ion batteries
Battery indicator	no
Charger port	no
LVP	yes
Thermal regulation	yes
Protection	IPx8
AUX LEDs	no
Magnetic	no

Accessories

The package includes a holster to safely store your flashlight. The clip is useful to keep the light secured in your pocket. The lanyard prevents accidental loss of the flashlight.

Package contents	clip lanyard nylon holster spare o-ring spare rubber cover tactical ring

The performance of the Nitecore MT42 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 MT42, then don’t hesite and signal the problem to us.