Nitecore presents EDC33 with 450 meter range, USB Type C and a very high energy density 18650 battery

The EDC33 is Nitecore's new flashlight for everyday use (Everday Carry, EDC). Surprisingly, Nitecore has once again opted for a very compact format, but with a fixed battery and can be charged via USB Type C.

This is made possible by the use of an 18650 battery. Flashlight manufacturers, Nitecore included, have been opting primarily for 21700 round batteries, which provide around 18 watt-hours of capacity (5000mAh at 3.6V) and thus sufficiently long runtimes.

The permanently installed 18650 battery has a lot to offer. This is because it is specified at 4000 mAh, i.e. 14.4 watt hours, which is an unusually high value for a battery of this size. Normally, such batteries range from around 3000 mAh up to 3500 mAh, which are no longer the ideal choice for powerful flashlights.

With 14.4 watt hours, Nitecore promises a maximum runtime of just over 60 hours. Of course, this estimation applies to an extremely low setting.

At 1200 lumens and a range of 208 meters, the battery life drops to 2:31 hours. Nitecore does not specify runtimes for the two highest modes: 4000 lumen floodlight (400 meters) or 1700 lumen spotlight (450 meters). Battery life in these modes is presumably very short, also because the flashlight is likely to get very hot very quickly.

The flashlight has protection against overheating, especially when objects are directly in front of the lens. An IP68 rating means that it is also protected against environmental influences.

The EDC33 has a total of nine LEDs built into the optics, which can all be switched on together to create a floodlight, for example. The flashlight weighs just over 120 grams, depending on the accessories attached, such as a clip.

Nitecore plans to launch the EDC33 onto the market in December 2023. Initial pricing suggests that it will be around US$70 (without taxes).

Addendum, December 8, 2023: Contrary to what was originally stated, the 18650 battery is permanently installed and cannot be removed. We apologize for the error and have adjusted the text accordingly.