Nitecore EA11 900 Lumens Mini Cree XM-L2 U2 LED Flashlight with a Genuine Nitecore IMR 14500 Rechargeable Battery, Lumen Tactical Keychain Light

This was my first "high end" flashlight after having used a bunch of Sipik SK68 clones for years (great lights and amazingly bright for the cost). I wanted a small EDC light that ran off of AA's/ 14500 batteries and had at least 500 lumen output. This seemed to be the perfect light. It is very compact and puts out a lot of light. The major problem for me was the 2 button interface and the buttons location. I had been so used to the tail switch on the SK68 that I have been having a hard time being able to quickly turn on the flashlight. I am always scrambling to find the button. And everytime without fail I hit the mode button first rather than the on/off button. I wanted a light for tactical/ self defense purposes and I just haven't been able to quickly get to the buttons to make it work for this purpose. I wish I was able to try this light out in a store before purchasing because I wouldn't have bought it because of this switch issue. The switches work fine., the various modes are easy to switch between and as a work light or recreational light it is really great but for my purposes it fell short. I ended up buying a Fenix PD22UE and I am very happy with it (although it does not use 14500 batteries).

Extremely bright, last a long time a great every day carry flashlight.

Good things come in small packages. ....This is one of them.

Nice light, however good luck attaching the lanyard to the unit. The hole is way too small. Lanyard for sale. Leo

Sidenote: Lumen Tactical should have one product page for this product, and have the various bundles (e.g. flashlight only, with IMR, with charger combo, etc.) listed as selectable options. Reviews are all over the place otherwise.My bundle includes the Nitecore UM10 USB Li-ion charger, a Nitecore 3.7V 650mAh IMR14500 Li-ion cell, and a keychain LED light reminiscent of Photonlights.I have a 2AA Maglite modified with Nite-Ize's 1-Watt LED Upgrade, and a 5.11 ATAC A2. Didn't like the converted Maglite much - even with the 1W upgrade it's dimmer than the 5.11, and there is no grip whatsoever. I also have to loosen the LED lamp housing about one half-turn before the flashlight can be turned on. It's a nuisance. While the Maglite can be repurposed as a flameless candle, I've already replaced it with the D-cell Streamlight Siege.5.11 - much brighter and doesn't roll off like the Maglite. Unfortunately, the head diameter of these ATAC flashlights is larger than 1" (25.4mm), which makes them incompatible with such accessories as this green add-on filter. While I do have red- and green-LED Photonlights, I'd prefer not having to carry them if at all possible, and they simply aren't as bright as a conventional handheld flashlight with a color filter.Another note involves a EDC wallet that can hold small items up to 4" in length. Flashlights powered by two AA batteries are too long. I'm not a fan of Li-ion-based flashlights, even the 18650 variety. On the other hand, I have a sizable stockpile of eneloop batteries; in fact, I just bought another 20 of these a few weeks ago. Thus, the requirements list:- must run on a single AA battery- the head diameter must be 1" wide- total length 4" or less- bonus points if a non-white color is includedI was almost convinced of buying a ThruNite T10, as it bundles a light wand cap, whereas on Nitecore it's an optional accessory. However, it appeared as if the steel and titanium versions are as grippy - or lack thereof - as the Maglite already in my house, while the black version looks... awkward. A few hours digging into the related items section, I came across the Nitecore EA11.With one AA battery as input, the EA11 is actually dimmer than the cool white version of the ThruNite T10. However, what the EA11 has going over the ThruNite are as follows:- ability to operate with conventional and rechargeable AA batteries, OR a rechargeable IMR14500 Li-ion battery- max brightness up to 900 lumens with IMR14500 (note: the head gets crazy HOT at this setting!)- integrated red LED- quick access to ultra low-light and turbo modes- anti-rollCompared to the 5.11, it's easier to turn on the EA11. The 5.11 requires a hard push for the high setting; a soft push and immediately followed by a hard push for the low setting; or two soft pushes plus one hard push for strobe. Not easy to use, and honestly the Nite-Ize button mod is easier to use than the 5.11. On the EA11, I can choose between five brightness settings and strobe, press the adjustment button (from off) for red light and/or signaling, hold the main power button for ultra low, or hold the adjustment button for turbo. Oh, and it's a full 2.5" shorter.Although my bundle includes an IMR14500 battery, I don't have to use it for the 900 lumens output, as my current Nitecore EA4 can output just as bright with longer run time. I have some reservations of using these IMR batteries on such a small flashlight at very high light outputs without much in the way of surface area for cooling. Interestingly, Nitecore's instruction manual recommends using alkaline and NiMH AA batteries over the IMR ones. Currently using it with an eneloop XX.If I happen to need a second EDC flashlight, I'd buy this again.

Pros -Produces an amazing amount of light for it's tiny weight and sizeGreat for every day carry or as a backup to a main tactical light.Interface is easy to use - the side switches take a little getting used to but they work well.Cons -This is not a tactical light - you wouldn't put it on a pistol or a rifle. You need a rear clicky switch for that. But then I didn't buy it as a tactical light.Yes the lanyard hole is small - but Jesus - how hard is it to poke it through with a pin, needle or bent paper clip? Took me a couple of minutes. This package comes with a Nitecore IMR battery - personally I don't like them and want protected batteries in my lights. Nitecore should dump their way overpriced, mystery brand, unprotected batteries.Also a better bundle would include this flashlight, a protected 14500 battery, and a Nitecore UM10 USB charger.