Here’s a quick review of Nitecore’s new SRT 6 light. It is part of their new Smart Ring Tactical range, currently comprising of 4 lights. Primary LED in each light is the XML2-T6.
The range comprises:
SRT 3 – Single CR123A or AA battery, max output 550 lumens.
SRT 5 – 2 CR123A or 18650, max output 750 lumens. Has additional red and blue LED’s.
SRT 6 – 2 CR123A or 18650, max output 930 lumens.
SRT 7 – 2 CR123A or 18650, max output 960 lumens. Has additional red and blue LED’s.
The light arrived in Nitecore’s usual packaging, which contained the light, holster, lanyard, clip, grip ring, spare O rings and tail rubber.
The first thing I noticed about this light is the size of the head. As well as accommodating the smart ring, the smooth reflector is quite deep. Given the size of the XML LED, it was the only way to get a decent amount of throw from the light. It does make the light top heavy.
The smart ring is what makes this light stand out from a crowded market. Time will tell how durable the ring will be. There are no markings on the ring or light, so it is up to you to remember what mode the light is in.
With the ring turned all the way to the left, the light is in SOS flash mode. A slight turn to the right, engages the first detent. Light is in standby mode. If tail cap is pressed, light stays off. This feature is important for the SRT3 and 5, as the tail cap on these models are fixed. On the SRT 6 and 7, the tail cap can be partly unscrewed for additional lockout. I have not confirmed, but in standby mode, there may be a small parasitic drain on the battery.
A further turn to the right will put the light in its lowest brightness setting. As you continue to rotate the ring, the brightness increases. It takes a third of a turn before hitting the next detent, the light will then be in turbo mode. A further turn to the right puts the light into strobe mode. It’s quite a fast insane strobe as well.
Despite using a smooth reflector, the beam from this light is actually very smooth. There is a well defined hotspot and plenty of spill.
On max output, this light is extremely bright. Put side to side with my Jetbeam IIIM (450 lumens), the Nitecore overwhelms it. Much brighter spill and hotspot.
With this power, there are problems, namely heat generation and power consumption. It is not just Nitecore, but every other company seems to be in the lumens race.
On turbo, this light is being driven hard. After 30 seconds on turbo, the head is starting to warm up. To prevent damage, this light and its big brother, the SRT7 will reduce to high output after 20 minutes continuous turbo. The SRT 3 and 5 will reduce after only 3 minutes. Not surprising, given the slimmer nature of these 2. If for some reason turbo is still required, simply switching off/on the light or turning the ring to high and back, will force the light back into turbo. Not recommended, but handy if you are in situation that warrants it.
To power this light, I would definitely recommend high capacity 18650. Run time graphs on CPF, show that CR123A have a hard time sustaining turbo mode.
Overall, this is a very nice light. I don’t know where it fits in with my light usage. I originally intended this light to replace the Jetbeam as my winter carry EDC, but is a little too big and heavy for that. I think it will sit at home and be the light I reach for if something goes bump in the night. It may get the odd outing when I know I will be needing a lot of light.
Picture 1. SRT6 shown with Jetbeam IIIM and Fenix PD32. Nitecore holster also shown.
Picture 2. Shows the deep smooth reflector. Note the stainless steel strike bezel.
Picture 3. Shows front battery contact. This is spring mounted to help absorb recoil if the light is weapon mounted. Note, the contact is recessed. This will provide reverse polarity protection, but also means flat top 18650’s cannot be used.
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