Review topics: [size, light, charger, line, output, works, feels, price, batteries, flashlight, mh12, nitecore, option, feature, setting, port, recharge, clip, capability, brightness, usb, choice].
Reviews
Work lite I bring in my vehicle.
"I received my Nitecore yesterday. I attached it to a lanyard as I hang around my neck for hands free operation. The single 18650 is compact and very lite as you would expect. I was able to take it with me last nite to work. I got the 18650 as my other flashites use same. In the future I may get a USB flashlite with one of the bigger batteries like the 26650? I need a lite for inside vehicle to quickly read labels in back seat and trunk of what I am delivering and outside as I walk to customers houses in the dark and the 1000 lumens to read signage past 50 meters. I like the tail for on/off and the mode is on the and worked fine. I find the spill is about 80% and the spot is 20%. which is fine for my type of work use. I use the 70 lumen while around vehicle, 240 lumen outside to see clearly at nite and walking thru some brush, Only a couple times I used the 1000 lumens for far off distance. If I need I do have flashlights with much more lumens and with long battery life but are much heavier."
— Lexie (5/5)
Only as good as your tools
"I purchased my Nitecore MH12 in 2016 to use at my security job at a major Southern California amusement park. I did bag check at the entrance to the park which meant my light was on constantly for at least 7 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week. At that time, the rechargeable capabilities was not my aim, run time and durability were. I have a Fenix PD35 that is comparable to the MH12 that I purchased in 2014 so I had a charging unit at home I use to charge my 18650 batteries. The MH12 was definately stingy with the power so it would last the whole shift on one battery. The Fenix PD35 was a very capable light but needed a battery change about 2/3 of the way through a shift. The Fenix was relegated to my backup/loaner flashlight. Here I am 4 (Fenix) and 2 1/2 (nitecore) years later and both lights are working great with all their original parts. The nitecore has a better feel to my large hand and now that I'm retired, has become my household and travel light. I own a Travel Trailer and the MH12 goes everywhere with me. Now the USB charging option is handy as my trailer has several USB ports I can use to charge the battery. I also carry it in my suitcase for any trips where I might stay at a hotel. Most hotels have USB ports available for cell phones. I just purchased a new MH12 for my wife's Equinox and feel it's a great choice for someone who would probably never remember to change the battery when it got low or dead. It's easy to leave plugged in to the console and should always be available when needed. For any Fenix owners who might be concerned as to the fate of my PD35, it is working well and is my truck flashlight. I periodically check my batteries so it works well in that capacity for me. My nitecore is in my bed stand as my house flashlight when I'm not on the road."
— Stjeepers (5/5)
Can’t believe this pocket flashlight Is so powerful
"This light does a great job for the farm. Leave it in your coat pocket are throw it in the pickup. Holds a charge great if you don’t use turbo setting. It’s too bright for haying horses unless you want to chase them away. It functions well in cold weather. Feels good in the hand and fits in youy pocket. I could mount it on a gun if I needed as well. A bit spendy though."
— John (5/5)
One year (give or take) review
"OK, I got this one from you guys around a year or so ago (maybe more maybe less, my mind is moosh lol). But it's been a while, and I'd like to offer my thoughts on it: The light itself has held up very well insofar as dings, scratches and the like. Clip is still intact. The buttons and the USB cover haven't been damaged or anything within my environment (I'll admit, I don't fight fires or do much construction stuff, but with 3 little kids around, it does see some rough stuff lol). . . . . that all being said, nothing on it cosmetically has torn or busted. Insofar as performance goes, it's more than held up it's end of the bargain. Plenty bright, and no malfunctions so far as toggling between the various levels of light. As an aside, it's doubled as a nightstand light a couple of times when the power has gone out, and even with the 2nd level brightness, it's got enough spill on it to be an effective lamp. On the highest setting, it's got a boatload of throw to be effective in that capacity. The low battery indicator (the blinking blue mode toggle switch) works very well when the battery is starting to get low. Insofar as the battery life, for my own use, it lasts quite a while (one caveat is I rarely run it on the upper settings too much unless absolutely neccessary, so your millage may vary). I'd say in the time that I've owned the light, I've only had to charge the battery maybe 2 or 3 times. One thing I should note. I do not use the USB port to charge it up. I had a gentleman at a vape shop tell me it's better for the battery life to use a portable battery charger (meaning taking the battery out of the light, and throwing it on one of those multislotted deals). I did purchase a Nitecore charger (can't remember the model number), but it's worked well, and charges within a reasonable amount of time. The same gent mentioned that using the charger provides a more 'robust' charge to the battery (whatever that means lol) than using a micro USB cord with the port. However that all said, if I'm in a jam, it's reassuring to know I can bust out the cord, and make use of the port if need be. As an EDC light, it carries pretty well for it's size and weight. If I clip it to my front pocket near the rear, I barely know it's there (and that's standing, sitting, squating etc etc to boot, it's never gotten in the way once). From an empirical standpoint, I'm 6' 1', and weigh about 180 lbs, so again, ymmv. (meaning what works for me may not work for you) Overall, for the price, it's a pretty good bargain if you're looking for a simple, solid light to tote around or even keep in your backpack/car. I definitely give it 5 stars (for it's use and performance in my urban EDC environment -Jon Pittsburgh, PA"
— Jon (5/5)
Handy Rechargable Light
"I use this as my vehicle emergency light since I can easily charge it anywhere. Perfect light for emergency situations. Zero complaints on form and function"
— Maurice (5/5)
Solid 18650 Light
"This is a very good choice for a light in the 18650 category. I will say this. If you need or want the USB recharge option this light is a great option. I have also had the MH20 and MH20GT, which I prefer for EDC since they are shorter. However, if you do not need the USB recharge option, the MH10 might be a better option (it is a little shorter and better waterproofing. ) Overall, mode spacing is very good. Run time is excellent, and it is a well built light. You can not go wrong with this light or any I mentioned above."
— Joe (4/5)
Bright Light not durable
"Had the light for about six months. Loved the brightness of the light and design, but light was nocked of the first step of a 6' ladder and stopped working. Will not turn on. My first experience with nitecore is not a good one."
— Bob F. (2/5)
Nifty Little Light
"I've owned a bunch of 'flashlights' over my 68-plus years. This is by far the best one ever. Gobs of light when needed, not so much when you don't need it. Just the right size to slide in a pocket without being obtrusive, but large enough to get hold of quickly. Love it. . ."
— Frank (5/5)
Not as small or powerful as the Olight S30R
"Own a number of Nitecore flashlights, and some time ago purchased the Olight S30R. I love the Olight, and it has become my primary flashlight. Small size, and very bright with an impressive throw. Decided I had to have the Nitecore MH12 since it appears to be comparable to the Olight. The Nitecore is slightly larger, and similar in performance. Much prefer the Olight's recharging design to the Nitecore's. Unlike the Olight, the Nitecore comes with a holster, and other extras (spare 0-rings, etc. ). One can't go wrong with either flashlight, but I'd rate the Olight above the Nitecore given size, easy recharging, and overall performance."
— Agate H. (5/5)
Don't leave home without it
"Super bright and well designed. Best feature is the ability to charge via USB. I keep it in the car and if the charge is starting to go down I can just plug it in right in the car and it will be usable again in no time."
— Nancy (5/5)