Nitecore Products - Best Place to Buy?

Hey guys,

Recently got into a FLASHLIGHT fetish and after purchasing a few here on OzB in the last couple of weeks, would really want something to replace my 10+ year old LEDLenser P7 for a long throw. Was thinking the Nitecore P30i. Also some personal beacon lights.

After doing some research, I realised Alibaba has a lot of the Nitecore products on there for almost half price. I've never used Alibaba, although from what I understand it's like direct from Chinese manufacturers via an eBay-style store-front?

I believe Nitecore themselves are based in Singapore? Love their YouTube videos because of the homely Malaysian accent the guy has (I'm half Malaysian).

Anyway, is there a downside from ordering from a reputable Alibaba seller (apart from apparent shipping times) compared to directly from Nitecores website?

Thanks in advance for any info. :-D

Related Stores

nitecore.com
nitecore.com

Comments

  • +1

    FLASHLIGHT fetish

    Surrrre, that's what you meant to write

    • Haha, I mean, I made it ALL CAPS because the word looks worse when it's not.. šŸ˜…

      I mean, I could have wrote it like flAshlight but even that looks weird and someone would have pointed it out.. šŸ¤£

    • I have a blower fetish. Check out the Nightcore Blowerbaby. That'll blow harder than the $40 Ozito

      • WTF.. šŸ˜‚

        That's literally the opposite of the normal range of FLESHlights.. usually they just do like suction..?

  • +2

    Probably best from their website or aliexpress. Please be aware that some sellers are being hit with a covid lockdown in Shenzen so deliveries are being delayed.

    • Oh, doh! I forgot to check actually if it was Alibaba or Aliexpress. What was the difference in those please? Thank you.

      Also, thanks for the note of the delayed deliveries! The reputable seller I was looking at was called something like Shenzen Flash Store or something.. šŸ˜… Uh oh! It's stating about 1 month from today, I'm guessing that's not taking into account the delays though.

      • +1

        Oh, doh! I forgot to check actually if it was Alibaba or Aliexpress. What was the difference in those please? Thank you.

        Same thing for the most part but I believe Alibaba is more centred around wholesale ie buying hundreds in one go.

        Have a look at the flashlight subreddit, it is a rabbit hole and lots of monies will be wasted. I'm a big fan of noctigon and emisar (same person is behind them) due to the nice build quality but they are pricey and most lights don't have built in chargers - I believe the K1 is the exception.

        • +1

          Gawddang, that K1 looks insane!

          Will definitely have to check the specs of this one later, even the silver/pink combo is pretty bangin' and the machining looks as top notch as the other touches I've collected, Wuben C3, Wurkkos WK30 and the tiny Olight i3e.. šŸ˜…

          Thank you!

          P.S. Diving into the subreddit tonight sounds TERRIFYING. šŸ˜‚

    • Hey Mr Baldy, did you know much of the current delays in Shenzen?

      I used Aliexpress for the first time last night, $190 (-deal coupons) from 4 separate sellers. All had been apparently shipped by the time I woke up. That's a faster turn around than eBay, although, how trustworthy are these "shipped" notifications? They seem to be somewhat semi-legit because they're all at random times from each seller..

      Thank you!

      • +1

        know much of the current delays in Shenzen

        I don't know too much as I haven't looked into it. Might be worth messaging the sellers directly to ask about delays.

        My covid experience with aliexpress is that it takes a few weeks at least and up to two months for delivery.

  • +3

    Have a look at the Convoy L21B SFT40. Specs are better on paper. Got mine for $65 with a battery. Convoy are known in the space as producing good quality lights with excellent value.

    Even the Noctigon K1 is ahead of the P30 in both specs and price point. https://budgetlightforum.com/node/70305

    Nitecore make good products, but they're not worth the premium. They just have better marketing. Gotta say the P30i is far away from being a $250 light.

    • Damn, that is a lot cheaper.. šŸ˜µ

      I think the cheapest I saw the P30i for $138 or something from an Ali-something trusted seller.

      I hadn't actually looked into all the different types so all this is awesome information, thank you!

      I'll definitely be doing some research tonight!

    • +1

      +1 look into Convoy. Superb value and perform really well. You can buy direct from their Aliexpress shop.

  • +2

    Another one has seen the light.. Welcome to the land of collecting flashlights, I've never owned a Nitecore product so can't give any help on that front but when you're ready you should have a look at Hank's Flashlights. Especially if you want to start getting custom built torches, he has recently started dual channel torches, I've been looking at a D4SV2 with Osram W1 and Samsung LH351D for a everyday throw/flood combo just like this video shows.

    • I see the light! šŸ˜‚

      Hanks also doesn't seem that expensive.

      Will have to look throw the models further tonight! šŸ˜

      Thanks for the links!

      • +1

        No problem! When I read about and saw his products I thought his prices were pretty good too.

        • "Throw"? WTF, my poor brain..

          Yeah, I hadn't seen the models listed before but they're a lot cheaper than the other model torches I had come across and look a lot more normal compared to all the blacked out tactical ones like most of the Nitecore range!

    • I bought a D4SV2 and then he announced the dual channel feature…. I'm holding out for titanium variants before I make the jump.

      • I have no idea how this dual channel feature works or why it's beneficial, but I've been looking at that Noctigon K1 link you sent and I'm fairly keen but I can't find it in that amazing silver-ish.. :-( Atleast on the Noctigon website..

        Also came across the C8+ as another alternative with -150m throw distance in what looks to be a much slimmer, if not more balanced unit..?

        • It's not relevant for the K1. The D4SV2 and many other flashlights have multiple LEDs. So you can mix and match the LEDs to get more functionality for the cost of some brightness. Most people have combined throwy and floody emitters.

          • @Caped Baldy: I'm thinking to send my LEDLenser back, and see which replacement unit they give. I think it was sufficient for most of my floody needs with the adjustable head, but I assume nothing in comparison what what you're dealing with nowadays.

            Was really just after a decent dedicated thrower in as slim form as I can, although from all the Nitecore marketing last night, I did learn one thing, lumens doesn't usually mean throw, instead reflector size will get you there, although, that makes my conundrum of "as-slim" form factor, a little tricky.

            Brightness counts as distance right? šŸ˜… I'm yet to understand all the LED options but I noticed there's also colours, I don't suppose as a percent lose, you could turn the torch into like a green or blue thrower aswell with the click of a switch?

            Damn, torches are getting WILD nowadays. I just order a traffic cone attachment for the LEDLenser and thought that was innovative. I mean, I'm another cone and P7 short of being an air traffic controller! šŸ˜…

            • @[Deactivated]: Get the K1 if you're after throw. I don't personally have this one.

              You could get the convoy 4x18A sbt90.2 for similar amounts of throw but lots more battery life.

              • @Caped Baldy: No experience with the C8+?

                I would have loved the Convoy yesterday but after seeing like the K1 with all the random customisation (even though I also know I'll get over it quickly too) seems like a decent upgrade to a standard workhorse?

                The C8+ looks to be a decent in-between aswell but I haven't looked at the comparisons properly yet.

              • @Caped Baldy: Duudddeeee, I didn't think I needed like another EDC light, but after watching a review of the D4V2 specifially, I THINK I NEED ONE.

                The amount of light it gives when you shorten the formfactor with a smaller battery is INSANE. I mean, I wasn't thinking to get any other floody light or even combo, but after seeing the ability to hide it in a palm and still blind mofos makes it a MUST!

                Any chance you can briefly compare the two? I think the one you mentioned is a better model? If not newer?

                • +1

                  @[Deactivated]: Sorry which lights do you want compared?

                  d4v2vsd4sv2
                  Here are the differences between Emisar D4V2 and Emisar D4SV2.

                  Size & Weight: D4SV2 is 11mm girthier at the head, 8mm girthier at the body, and 10mm longer. D4SV2 weights almost twice as much as the D4V2 with the batteries installed.

                  Switch: D4V2 has the option of a flat or raised switch ring, while D4SV2 has a recessed switch by design.

                  Drivers: Both lights come with 7135+FET based drivers by default, but you can (and should) get 9A+FET drivers by email request. More details can be found here.

                  Materials: D4V2 is available in aluminum, titanium, copper, and brass. D4SV2 is only available in three colors of aluminum (black has been discontinued).

                  Clips: D4V2 has a clip available and a wide variety of aftermarket options. There is no stock clip for D4SV2 and no aftermarket options that fit without modification. A Noctigon KR4 clip can fit pretty well with some modification.

                  Brightness: Turbo output is the same between the two using the same emitters. D4SV2 has significantly more thermal mass so it will have a higher sustained output than D4V2, and will take longer to heat up.

                  Intensity: D4SV2 has significantly deeper optics so it throws much better. It has around 2.5x the candela of D4V2 with the same emitters. You can get an extra optic for D4SV2 that's floody if you want the higher thermal mass, but don't want a narrower beam.

                  Both have options for magnets, d4sv2's is stronger, and both can get shorter tubes for better pocketability and both have options for dual channel modes.

                  the flashlight subreddit has a really good wiki
                  https://www.reddit.com/r/BrokenRecordBot/wiki/index

                  • +1

                    @Caped Baldy: Woah, that was amazing, and you are amazing.

                    I think I have the basics enough to jump into the deep end, wish me luck on the subreddit.. šŸ˜…

                    • @[Deactivated]: Be careful, you don't even know about LEPs yet. Keep in mind, if you buy a hanklight you probably will need a battery charger.

                      • @Caped Baldy: I came back here just to show my findings, then realised you mentioned it.. :D I AM IN LOVEEE.

                        This thing is WILD and looks to be smaller than like the Convoy C8+ for comparison.. :O

                        And thanks, I just realised my soon-to-arrive Liitokala 402 won't hold a lot of these newer bigger 2000+ batteries. Haha.

                        • +1

                          @[Deactivated]: One day I'll get an LEP. The Lumintop Thor series are a bit more affordable.
                          Unfortunately, they're pretty incapable as actual torches due to the small hot spot.

  • OH NO, WHAT HAVE I DONE? šŸ¤£

    All this info is making me soo curious!

  • Depending on your budget, the Surefire lights are built much better and more well known amongst military and law enforcement.

    • Yeah, these are beautiful pieces of kit!

      Are they sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee? šŸ˜…

      Kidding, but I know a lot of youtube shooters use these for their quality and reliability.

      One day.. šŸ˜

      • +1

        I've got a few of them and the oldest one is about 15 years old. Every time I've needed it, it's there and it's worked. haha

    • Surefire is great (have one with gun mount) but for the price point Iā€™d rather a Nitecore/Fenix/OLight.

  • +1

    Been researching headlights since Friday.. more confused than ever…. :(
    Want to blind pigmys at 100mtrs… :D

    • P.S. Don't google Pigmy.. šŸ¤£ I'm assuming you're referring to those cute little goats that fall over? I think that's the only time I've ever heard them used.

      But I totally get what you mean, I thought I'd get a straight-forward answer but NOOOOOOOOOOO.. I've got more questions than ever! (in just a few hours) šŸ˜‚

    • +1
      • +1

        how much does it cost to replace burnt retinas? lol

        • Can do for $30. I've had spots in my vision for several minutes from reflections from some of my flashlights. I don't want to think what turbo at close range would be like.

          • +2

            @Caped Baldy: ha! I tell people not to look directly at the lights and the first thing they do is shine it in their own faces!

            I guess it's like having a big red button there that says "Do not press!" šŸ¤£

      • RIP. šŸ¤£

        The flood on that looks AMAZING! šŸ˜µ

  • +1

    I've got a couple of Nitecores. I can't recall exactly, but I think I got them from Banggood or Gearbest from the (at the time) official Nitecore shop. I think Aliexpress now has a Nitecore offical seller.

    In any case, I agree that Nitecore is potentially overpriced (especially now, with the availability of a lot of budget brands of quite good quality) - but the two I have are great. I love the quality, the feel, the look, and very happy with their performance. Definitely would recommend. However, having said that, my cheap "leave in car" and "keep handy in the cupboard" torches are all Convoy (mostly C8, though not the plus), and for value for money you can't go past them. For me they are bit like Ozito vs DeWalt. Much cheaper, probably not quite as good overall, but 90% of the time they do the job just as well (and you can have more of them to play with…) I have in the recent past also bought an Astrolux EC01 from Banggood and I am very happy with it, in fact it's the one I currently reach for the most for 'normal' torch use because it can recharge the battery in-torch (one of my Nitecores is the same, but it's too bright/a waste for general use). I can't speak to your specific question as none of my torches are exactly in the same category as the P30i you're looking at, but wanted to give my experience with Nitecore and Convoy.

    Good luck with your new fetish. Hope it doesn't turn into an obsession…

  • Anyone got comments on Olight Warrior Pro 3 or Seeker Pro 3?

  • Big props aswell if anyone knows a better place to buy the Nitecore NU 06 and NU 07's than Ali-Affliliates. <3

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