The NiteCore EC11 is a compact 900 lumen LED flashlight that is unique in that it comes with a secondary red light. The EC11 would be very suitable as your EDC (everyday-carry). With the secondary red, this NiteCore flashlight would a great asset when camping or hiking for signaling use.
It comes with all the standard features such as different brightness outputs, solid body, rechargeable batteries, and many more as we’ll explore in our NiteCore EC11 review below.
Specifications (Specs)
Output and Runtime
The EC11 LED torch offers 5 different brightness modes with varying degress of runtimes:
- Turbo
- Output: 900 lumens
- Runtime: 30 minutes
- High
- Output: 300 lumens
- Rutime: 45 minutes
- Middle
- Output: 160 lumens
- Runtime: 1.5 hours
- Low
- Output: 70 lumens
- Runtime: 2.5 hours
- Lower
- Output: 1 lumen
- Runtime: 12 hours
It’s incredible to see such a small flashlight having the flexibility of 5 different output modes. For your everyday use, you likely would be using the low-high modes most frequently. The turbo mode is great for defense and tactical use. At 900 lumens, it is extremely bright and confuse your attacker/intruder.
We’re also impressed with seeing the lower mode, equivalent to other flashlight’s moonlight feature. The lower mode is great for focused illumination when looking at a map in the dark, or searching through small areas like you’re backpack.
One of the few downsides the NiteCore EC11 has is the relatively low runtimes compared to its competitors. However, the EC11 makes up for this disadvantage with its unique features.
If you’re looking for a simpler torch with longer runtimes, albeit less functionality, we highly recommend checking out the Olite S1, Fenix E05 or ThruNite T10.
Throw Distance
The EC11 uses an XM-L2 LED bulb with NiteCore’s proprietary Precision Digital Optics Technology reflector, giving this light a maximum throw distance of up to 190 meters(m).
Peak Intensity
At 9000 candela per lumen (cd/lm) the NiteCore EC11 offers a good balance of a spot/flood beam making it versatile for most situations. This torch would be great for illuminating long distances with a decent amount of focus.
Functionality
The NiteCore EC11 has two buttons. The one closest to the tail turns the flashlight on and off, while the one closet to the bezel switches between the brightness outputs. You can access the other features like SOS, strobe, and the red LED by holding that switch.
The body has an anti-rolling design for slanted surfaces, and a flat tail cap for tail-stand and hands-free candlelight use.
Battery
Unfortunately, unlike other compact EDC lights, the EC11 doesn’t use common batteries like triple AAA or double AA batteries. It uses either one 18350 or CR123A rechargeable battery.
As mentioned before, you’re not going to get the longest runtimes with this flashlight. We’d recommend getting an accompaniment EDC or additional batteries if you’re going to be using it for long periods.
Dimensions and Durability
Size
The EC11 flashlight is about the size of an adult male’s thumb with 3 inches of length and 1 inch of diameter. It weighs at 1.59 ounces can be easily fit in your pocket or small bag.
Water Proof / Water Resistance
Like many high quality NiteCore flashlights, the EC11 NiteCore is IPX-8 rated waterproof and submersible up to 2 meters underwater.
Impact Resistance
The body is made of machined aerospaced, military-grade and hard-anodized material giving the torch 1.5 meters of impact resistance. You’ll be fine if you accidentally drop the light a few times; it’ll come out with very little marks or scratches.
Accessories
Being a very light-weight and compact EDC flashlight, the NiteCore EC11 doesn’t come with many accessories. It does come with a durable and detachable stainless steel clip, which comes in handy if you want to attach it to your hat.
Conclusion: Our NiteCore EC11 Review
The NiteCore EC11 is a compact EDC that comes with the features that many regular sized flashlights have - as well as the additional separate secondary red LED. However, some downfalls include relatively short runtimes and uncommon batteries.
The EC11 NiteCore would be a great addition if you happen to carry two small compact lights. It would be good to pair it with an Olite S1 or a ThruNite T10 so you can get one with the features you want, and another with longer run-time use.