FlashlightChart.com
Nitecore

Nitecore P18 flashlight review

Cree XHP35 HD LED
1800 lm output
8360 cd intensity
1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery

The Nitecore P18 flashlight was released in 2019. It uses Cree XHP35 HD LED, SMO reflector and 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. The powerful emitter in this flashlight provides up to 1800 lm output, 8360 cd intensity, and a beam distance of 183 m.

Excited to learn if the P18 lives up to expectations? Read on!

Table of Contents

  • Nitecore P18 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.

Nitecore P18 / P18

The P18 is an impressive flashlight that offers both power and reliability. This light has 5 modes of lighting. The P18's mode memory makes the flashlight start in your preferred or needed mode. The strobe function produces a high-frequency flashing light pattern.

Nitecore P18 specifications

BrandNitecore
NameP18
TypeP18
Rating
Rated 3 / 5 based on 1536 user votes.
Launch2019
Formflashlight

This Nitecore flashlight offers portability, versatility, and reliability.

Nitecore P18 / 2

Body, materials, weight, colors

Weight103.5 g
Length105.5 mm
Body diameter23 mm
Head diameter23 mm
Materialaluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish
Colorsblack

The flashlight is comfortable to hold for a long time, and it is also easy to carry in pockets or bags. The length of a flashlight can affect how it feels in your hand and how you can grip it. Aluminium is a lightweight material, which is beneficial for P18 flashlight. HAIII is a specific anodizing process, it creates a thicker and harder oxide layer than regular anodizing. The P18 flashlight comes in a stylish black color.

Nitecore P18 / 3

System, LED, lens, reflector

EmitterCree XHP35 HD LED
Color temperature5000 K
ReflectorSMO
LensAR coated glass
Switchelectronic side, mechanical rear

Lighting professionals trust Cree LEDs. Cree LEDs have gained a strong reputation for quality and performance. The color temperature choice depends on the light's use and personal taste. The smooth reflector creates a well-defined hotspot at the center. The AR coating reduces the loss of light due to reflections, allowing more light to pass through the lens. The P18 flashlight has multiple switch options.

Some flashlights with electronic switches have programmable features. Mechanical switches are usually robust. Rear switches are common on tactical flashlights.

Nitecore P18 / 4

Performance, flux, intensity, throw

Flux1800 lm
Intensity8360 cd
Throw183 m
CD/LM factor4.64

With 1800 lm, the P18 flashlight will offer a brighter and more powerful beam of light. The P18 flashlight has 8360 cd, it provides a much brighter and more intense beam. The throw is the 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.

Nitecore P18 / 1

Software, user interface, modes

Modes5 modes
Mode memoryyes
Ramping modeno
Strobeyes
SOS/Beaconyes

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. Strobe mode on P18 flashlight produces a rapid, repeated flashing of light. The P18's SOS mode produces a specific sequence of long and short flashes.

Nitecore P18 / 5

Features, battery, protections

Battery1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery
Battery indicatoryes
Charger portno
LVPyes
Thermal regulationyes
ProtectionIP56
AUX LEDsyes
Magneticno
Specialsred caution light

The P18 flashlight utilizes 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery as its power source. The battery indicator shows the remaining power level of the flashlight's battery. The P18 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 "5" in the IP56 rating shows the level of protection against solid objects. The IP56 rating indicates that the flashlight has a protection against water jets. Extra LEDs have different colors or modes, they can help with specific tasks.

Accessories, package contents

Package contents18650 battery
clip
lanyard
nylon holster

The included battery lets you immediately use the flashlight for your desired applications. The holster keeps your flashlight secure. The clip provides flexibility in how you carry your flashlight. Attaching a lanyard to your P18 flashlight provides an additional layer of security.

Official sitehttps://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
  • warm light
  • AR coated lens
  • side switch
  • tactical switch
  • adequate performance
  • multiple modes
  • mode memory
  • tactical strobe
  • SOS/beacon function
  • battery indicator
  • low-voltage protection
  • thermal regulation
  • dust protected
  • waterproof
  • auxiliary LEDs
  • battery included
  • protective holster
  • clip

Cons

  • no built-in charger
  • non-magnetic

Photos

Nitecore P18 / P18 photo 1.
Nitecore P18 / P18 photo 2.
Nitecore P18 / P18 photo 3.
Nitecore P18 / P18 photo 4.
Nitecore P18 / P18 photo 5.
Nitecore P18 / P18 photo 6.
Nitecore P18 / P18

Comparisons

According to our statistics, the Nitecore P18 flashlight was most often compared on our site with the following flashlights.

If there’s information about the Nitecore P18 that you would like to see on this site, then write to us.

Updated: April 23, 2024

David Hagon
I love bushcraft and flashlights. I find joy in mastering wilderness survival skills and exploring the realm of illuminating gadgets. Bushcraft isn't just fun, it's a learning journey. I form a strong bond with nature. It's more than a hobby, it enriches me in practical and spiritual ways.