"Nitecore MH40: $95 Kick-A Spotlight" by Nutnfancy

Published on December 27, 2013
Duration: 14:39

This review of the Nitecore MH40 highlights its capabilities as a powerful handheld searchlight with significant throw. The presenter, Nutnfancy, emphasizes its value for the price, its robust construction, and its user-friendly interface. While acknowledging its limitations for EDC, he positions it as a strong option for tactical applications, search and rescue, and potentially as a weapon light, noting its impressive beam quality and illumination range.

Quick Summary

The Nitecore MH40 is a powerful handheld searchlight with an effective throw distance of approximately 200 yards, offering significant value for its $95-$100 price point. It utilizes a CREE XML U2 LED and comes with two 18650 rechargeable batteries, providing up to 1 hour 15 minutes of runtime on Turbo mode. The flashlight features an integrated, waterproof recharging port for convenience.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Intro and Channel Branding
  2. 00:13Tacticool Intro Sequence
  3. 00:39Nutnfancy Project Philosophy
  4. 00:52Limited Edition TMP Patches
  5. 01:30Flashlight Review Ground Rules
  6. 02:15Introducing the Nitecore MH40
  7. 02:49Philosophy of Use: Handheld Search Light
  8. 03:03Thrower Capacity Explained
  9. 03:13Manufacturer's Throw Claims vs. Reality
  10. 03:34Weight and Battery Considerations
  11. 03:44Battery Type: 18650 Rechargeables
  12. 04:10Battery Overheating and Self-Regulation Issues
  13. 04:36Size and Portability Assessment
  14. 04:45Not an EDC Light
  15. 04:51Potential as a Weapon Light
  16. 05:00Firepower vs. Mobility
  17. 05:27Capability with 18650 Cells
  18. 05:32Compatibility with CR123A Primaries
  19. 05:39Overall Length and Weight
  20. 05:47Construction and Waterproofing
  21. 06:06IPX8 Waterproof Rating
  22. 06:10Mineral Glass Lens
  23. 06:13Reflector and LED Type
  24. 06:20CREE XML U2 LED
  25. 06:41LED Tint Preference (Cool White)
  26. 06:53Aluminum Body and Knurling
  27. 06:58Absence of Strike Bezel
  28. 07:07Self-Defense Potential
  29. 07:12Primary Use: Portable Search Light
  30. 07:15Ideal Users: SAR, Police, Pilots
  31. 07:23Integration into Systems
  32. 07:29Tail Cap Design and Stability
  33. 07:40Included Accessories
  34. 07:43Anti-Roll Ring and Lanyard
  35. 07:48Clip and Extra Parts
  36. 07:55Included Holster
  37. 08:00Value for Money
  38. 08:07Durability Rating (1.5m Drop)
  39. 08:18Potential for Glass Shattering on Impact
  40. 08:36Ergonomics and Gloved Hand Use
  41. 08:44Weapon Mounting Considerations
  42. 08:53Balancing the Light
  43. 08:59Focus on Practicality Over Finer Points
  44. 09:03Brightness and Throw Performance
  45. 09:09Realistic Throw Distance
  46. 09:20Comparison to Other Lights
  47. 09:25Value as a Critical Component
  48. 09:34Burn Times and Modes Discussion
  49. 09:43Beam Quality and Artifacts
  50. 10:06Excellent Beam Quality
  51. 10:09Turbo Mode Illumination
  52. 10:12Accessing Turbo Mode
  53. 10:19User Interface: Twisting Head
  54. 10:30Lumens and Burn Time Ratings
  55. 10:35900 Lumens in Turbo Mode
  56. 10:41Burn Time with 18650 Cells
  57. 10:52User Interface Navigation
  58. 10:55Mode Cycling: Turbo to High
  59. 11:02Strobe Mode
  60. 11:06SOS Mode
  61. 11:14Low Mode (18 Lumens)
  62. 11:16Burn Time at Low (105 Hours)
  63. 11:23Medium Mode (105 Lumens)
  64. 11:27High Mode (320 Lumens)
  65. 11:29Burn Time at High (5.5 Hours)
  66. 11:32No Step Down Feature
  67. 11:36Regulated Brightness Levels
  68. 11:38Subjectivity of Burn Times
  69. 11:44Temperature Impact on Burn Time
  70. 11:54CR123A Primaries in Cold
  71. 12:03Lithium-Ion Rechargeables Performance
  72. 12:07Liked User Interface
  73. 12:07Forward Clicky Switch
  74. 12:10User-Defined Mode Memorization
  75. 12:23Accessing Turbo Anytime
  76. 12:27Duty Light Suitability
  77. 12:34Caution: Unscrewing Body Section
  78. 12:39Integrated Recharging Port
  79. 12:46O-ring Sealed Recharging Port
  80. 12:50Convenience of Integrated Charging
  81. 13:04High Integrity Sealing
  82. 13:11Optional Nitecore Intellicharger
  83. 13:16Compatible Chargers
  84. 13:29Overall Track Record
  85. 13:32Testing Observations
  86. 13:35Regulation Mode Activation
  87. 13:42Excellent Throwing Light
  88. 13:45Desert Conditions Testing
  89. 13:52Sighting in SPR at 150 Yards
  90. 14:04Gift Item Potential
  91. 14:06Cost Analysis
  92. 14:10Price Point Around $100
  93. 14:13Recommended Vendors
  94. 14:18Included Accessories Quantity
  95. 14:23High Value Proposition
  96. 14:26Comparison to Other Search Lights
  97. 14:29Hard to Beat for $100
  98. 14:30Nutnfancy Review Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effective throw distance of the Nitecore MH40 flashlight?

The Nitecore MH40 flashlight is estimated to have an effective throw distance of approximately 200 yards. While the manufacturer claims 490 meters, real-world testing suggests a more practical illumination range closer to 200 yards for usable light.

What type of batteries does the Nitecore MH40 use and how long do they last?

The Nitecore MH40 comes with two rechargeable 18650 batteries. Burn times vary significantly by mode and temperature, with Turbo mode lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes and Low mode (18 lumens) lasting up to 105 hours. Performance can be affected by cold weather.

Can the Nitecore MH40 be used as a weapon light?

Yes, the Nitecore MH40 can be considered for weapon light applications due to its powerful beam and throw capability. Its longer cylindrical form factor offers good ergonomics for mounting, though balancing might be necessary.

Does the Nitecore MH40 have a built-in charging feature?

Yes, the Nitecore MH40 features a unique, o-ring sealed recharging port integrated into the body. This allows you to charge the 18650 batteries without removing them from the flashlight, offering convenience and maintaining its waterproof integrity.

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