Introduction

This torch (aka flashlight) came up during the recording of

the Community News for May 2022. I have owned an example of this device

since 2016. It’s been extensively reviewed elsewhere but I thought I’d

briefly tell you about my experiences.

Nitecore Tube (V1)

My Nitecore Tube

I bought this from Amazon after seeing a video of it on the Big

Clive YouTube channel. It was under £10. This version is no longer

available but there is a version 2 for a similar price. I haven’t tried

this one.

The Nitecore Tube is a small plastic-bodied torch with fittings for a

key ring. I have not been keen to keep it on my keyring for fear of

damage from the keys, so I keep it always in my shirt pocket.

The torch is controlled through a rubber-like button on one side, and

has a micro USB port on the edge which is covered by a rubber cap.

While charging, a blue LED can be seen inside the body of the torch,

which turns off when the charging process is complete.

The torch can operate at a number of brightness levels and has a

lock mode:

Single press - turns the low light level on and off

Double press - turns on the permanent high level mode, a single

press for off

Single press and hold for more than 1 second - temporary high

mode

Press and hold when in low mode increases in brightness in

steps

Press and hold for more than 5 seconds when in high mode will lock

the torch against accidental button presses. The light blinks to show

it’s locked. Press and hold to return to normal.

Usage

I don’t use this torch a huge amount. The fact that it’s always in my

pocket means I have a source of quite bright light when I need one. The

lower level light is useful for moving around in the dark or in a gloomy

place. The brighter level I tend to use to read labels on jars, bottles

and other containers. For some reason, these labels are often designed

with minimal contrast (like a dull orange lettering on a purple

background) which my eyes just can’t cope with. The Nitecore is my

saviour with this sort of stuff!

I don’t charge it very often, but it is easy to do it with a phone

charger - I have several micro USB cables around, so it’s no

problem.

Conclusion

This is a great little device. I have other torches for when I need a

stronger, more broadly illuminating light source. I wouldn’t be carrying

any of these around with me though. The Nitecore is small and compact

enough that I can keep it on me all the time.

If I lost this one, or it died, I’m pretty sure I’d get another!

Links:

Big Clive:

Fixing two

Nitecore Tube torches

Comparison

with a shaker torch

Teardown

Teardown of a

fake

Worst clone

yet

1LUMEN.COM

Nitecore Tube - a very detailed review.