Nitecore NL2160: 21700 round batteries with 6000 mAh/21.6 Wh available

Nitecore 21700 round batteries with 21.6 watt hours are now available at German retailers. Both Selected Lights and KTL, the operator of the German Nitecore site, have the 6000 mAh batteries in stock.

Nitecore offers these in two different models. One is the NL2160 and the other is the NL2160HP. The latter can handle a current of up to 20 amps, but is somewhat more expensive. The smaller version can handle a maximum of 8 amps. Nitecore has installed the new 21700 round batteries for the first time in the EDC35 flashlight. However, it is unclear exactly which battery is installed there, especially as the battery cannot be removed.

Compared to conventional 21700 rechargeable batteries with 18 watt hours (5000 mAh, 3.6 V), the new NL2160 models offer around 20% more capacity. However, Nitecore also offers batteries with slightly more capacity (5300 mAh, 3.6 V) as an intermediary solution. Nitecore is removing most of the smaller batteries from its range (Status: discontinued).

In contrast to the previous models, Nitecore also specifies the number of charging cycles for the new series, which should be at least 500. Nitecore does not specify a possible loss of capacity until then.

Caution is advised when buying the new batteries, as they do not fit in all 21700 sockets. Even within the Nitecore family there are incompatibilities. The P series in particular is not compatible with the new batteries. Anyone interested in the NL2160 series should thus take the time to inform themselves. The NL2160 costs around EUR 29 ($32) at Selected Lights, while the NL2160HP is available from Nitecore.de for EUR 34 ($37).