NiteCore Concept 1 flashlight with 1800 lumen

The NiteCore Concept 1 is a remarkable light with a maximum light output of 1800 lumens! That is unheard of for a light this size. It is not often that we run into a light this compact that works with one 18650 battery that also offers you this much light. With the Concept 1 Nitecore has done anything to reinvent the concept of a powerful EDC flashlight.

The basis for the impressive light output is the Cree XHP35 HD E2-LED light. To squeeze 1800 lumens from it NiteCore recommends a IMR18650 battery. That is a lithium-ion-battery that can supply a larger current. Of course the light will also work with a regular protected 18650 battery or two CR123A batteries.

This version of the NiteCore Concept 1 comes with a NiteCore IMR18650 battery of 3100mAh. A charger is not included. We recommend using one of the clever NiteCore 18650 chargers, which can be found in the combi-deals. Please note: an IMR18650 battery gives you a higher current for an even more powerful beam. Unfortunately an IMR cell is not protected from over or undercharging. For that reason you should always use a suitable charger and never leave the battery inside the charger any longer than absolutely necessary.

NiteCore Concept 1: not just brains, also looks

Not only the light out-put is impressive, the design is also innovative. NiteCore returned to the drawing board and reinvented the shape of the light. You can immediately tell that this model is different from other NiteCore flashlights. The casing is thinner than ever. The 18650 battery has a diameter of 18 mm and the body one of only 22 mm.

You can control the NiteCore C1 with the steel side switch which is also completely new. One of the great things we noticed was that you can hold the light in your fist and control it by simply squeezing it. The control of the different light modes is, initially, not very intuitive, but once you get the hang of it, it is incredibly easy. By pressing the side switch down you can scroll through the modes. Simply release the button and you will keep the mode that is active at that moment. When you turn the light off it will remember the mode you chose last.

There are two different modes: a General and a Tactical mode. For the General mode you press down the side switch three times to reach the Turbo-mode. For the tactical mode you can easily switch to stroboscope mode. Also great: the light has been enhanced with a built-in battery indicator. Simply pop in the battery and the LED light will give you the voltage.

The tailcap (back of the light) has been enhanced with a magnet. With it you can attach the NiteCore Concept 1 to whatever steel surface you prefer.

Heat protection

In the highest mode the NiteCore Concept 1 will quickly heat up. For that reason NiteCore has enhanced the light with ATR-technology. This is advanced temperature regulation. As a result the light will automatically switch back to a different mode when overheated to prevent damage to the light and battery. Of course, the speed with which this occurs completely depends on the circumstances (the temperature of the surroundings, for instance.)

Because of the design of the side switch you might run the risk of turning on your light, or turning it off, when you store it in a bag or sheath. To prevent this from happening you can loosen the tailcap (back) about a quarter turn.