Nitecore MT42 flashlight review
The Nitecore MT42 flashlight was 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.
Curious if this Nitecore flashlight is a real gem? Keep following along!
Table of Contents
- Nitecore MT42 specifications
- Body, materials, weight, colors
- System, LED, lens, reflector
- Performance, flux, intensity, throw
- Software, user interface, modes
- Features, battery, protections
- Accessories, package contents
- Links
- Conclusion, pros and cons
- Photos
- Comparisons
The content of this article reflects our own experiences and viewpoints. We aim to offer insights on a topic, and we hope others find it helpful and motivating. Additionally, we make every effort to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage.
The flashlight is a must-have tool for outdoor activities, it offers guidance and safety. 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.
Nitecore MT42 specifications
| Brand | Nitecore |
|---|---|
| Name | MT42 |
| Type | MT42 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2018 |
| Form | flashlight |
The MT42 flashlight allows you to light dark areas.
Body, materials, weight, colors
| 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 |
The 231.5 g weight may provide advantages, such as increased durability. The length of a flashlight can affect how it feels in your hand and how you can grip it. The aluminium body of the MT42 has a reputation for being durable and strong. The HAIII coating is uniform and attractive. The MT42 flashlight comes in a stylish black color.
System, LED, lens, reflector
| Emitter | Cree XHP35 HD LED |
|---|---|
| Color temperature | 6500 K |
| Reflector | SMO |
| Lens | toughtened AR coated glass |
| Switch | electronic side, mechanical rear |
Cree is a US-based LED manufacturer. It is well-regarded for its high-quality products and innovation in lighting. Color temperature is used to quantify the color appearance of light sources. The MT42 has a smooth reflector. It gives you a better hotspot, and it throws better. The AR coating reduces the loss of light due to reflections, allowing more light to pass through the lens. The MT42 flashlight has multiple switch options.
The flashlight has electronic switches. Mechanical switches are usually robust. The rear switch is at the end of the MT42 flashlight.
Performance, flux, intensity, throw
| Flux | 1800 lm |
|---|---|
| Intensity | 55400 cd |
| Throw | 471 m |
| CD/LM factor | 30.78 |
With 1800 lm, the MT42 flashlight will offer a brighter and more powerful beam of light. 55400 cd represents an extremely high level of brightness for a flashlight. The throw is the distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. The cd/lm factor is the candela-to-lumen ratio. It shows how concentrated a light source's output is.
Software, user interface, modes
| Modes | 5 modes |
|---|---|
| Mode memory | yes |
| Ramping mode | no |
| Strobe | yes |
| SOS/Beacon | yes |
A flashlight's modes are different output settings or brightness levels. The flashlight has mode memory. It remembers the mode you were using when the light was last turned off. Designers created the strobe function to produce a disorienting or attention-grabbing effect. The MT42's SOS mode produces a specific sequence of long and short flashes.
Features, battery, protections
| 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 |
The Nitecore MT42 flashlight is powered by 2 x 18650 Li-Ion batteries. The MT42 cannot charge batteries. You may need an external charger to keep your battery going. The flashlight detects when the battery's voltage has dropped to a certain level. The built-in thermal control adjusts brightness output to prevent overheating. The "8" in the IPx8 rating means the highest level of protection.
Accessories, package contents
| Package contents | clip lanyard nylon holster spare o-ring spare rubber cover tactical ring |
|---|
The holster keeps your flashlight secure. The clip is useful to keep the light secured in your pocket. The lanyard of the MT42 protects the flashlight from accidental damage. Replacing worn or damaged O-rings helps a lot.
Links
| Official site | https://flashlight.nitecore.com/ |
|---|
Conclusion, pros and cons
This Nitecore flashlight, like any other, has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a close look at both sides to understand this flashlight better. I share my thoughts on its standout features and the parts that might need improvement. Keep in mind, these are just my opinions, and you might have a different perspective.
Pros
- lightweight
- aluminium body
- AR coated lens
- side switch
- tactical switch
- adequate performance
- super bright
- multiple modes
- mode memory
- tactical strobe
- SOS/beacon function
- low-voltage protection
- thermal regulation
- waterproof
- protective holster
- clip
Cons
- cool light
- no battery indicator
- no built-in charger
- no auxiliary LEDs
- non-magnetic
Photos
Comparisons
According to our statistics, the Nitecore MT42 flashlight was most often compared on our site with the following flashlights.
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Updated: April 30, 2024
