Nitecore EDC31: New compact flashlight has USB-C and weighs just 3.5 oz
Nitecore has officially introduced the new EDC31. At 100 grams or 3.5 oz, it's the lightest flashlight in the EDC series thus far. Compared to the EDC33, it's about 2.5 oz lighter. The EDC23 Saber is only slightly heavier at 3.6 oz but utilizes a different form factor.
The EDC31, on the other hand, uses a classic flashlight shape. Like other models in the EDC3x series, Nitecore offers two high-power modes for temporary usage. There's a 3,500-lumen floodlight mode called “Lumin Shield” and the so-called spotlight mode with 1,500 lumens. The latter requires a half-press of the button, while the floodlight mode requires a full press.
These modes are practical because they can even be used on a low battery state of charge, which is an advantage of the Nitecore flashlight compared to its competitors. This also applies to the already available Nitecore EDC33/35. As with previous models, we expect the flashlight to get very hot, even if it doesn't output as much light as the other lamps. However, its body is also significantly smaller.
The manufacturer only specifies battery life for the regular continuous light modes. At “high” and 1,100 lumens, a full charge should last four hours. Needless to say, battery life increases with lower settings: 300 lumens yield 5 hours, 70 lumens 24 hours and at 5 lumens the flashlight can even last 57 hours.
Similar to the spotlight mode, the regular modes have a focused beam. The additional LEDs for the floodlight mode remain off in that setting.
Unfortunately, the new EDC31 retains a well-known downside of Nitecore's EDC series. Like with the EDC31, the battery cannot be replaced. Although the flashlight houses a regular 18650 battery, Nitecore hasn't specified the voltage, which makes it difficult to determine the exact capacity. We estimate that the battery has 13.7 to 14 Wh or roughly 3,800 mAh. Nitecore also has batteries with 4,000 mAh at 3.6 volts, which would equate to 14.4 Wh.
The Nitecore flashlight can be charged via USB-C port, which can be protected with a cover. That being said, the Nitecore EDC31 does not feature the rotating mechanism found on the EDC33 and EDC35. There is a lockout switch to prevent accidental activation in a backpack, for example. As usual, the EDC31 is pretty robust and can withstand a brief immersion in up to 6.5 ft of water.
As usual, Nitecore hasn't revealed the MSRP of the EDC31 just yet. The Nitecore EDC33, which we have already reviewed and compared to the EDC35, has an official price tag of $69.95. Therefore, the new Nitecore EDC31 flashlight is likely to be slightly cheaper.
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