Updated Review: Nitecore EA41 Explorer Flashlight (Classic)
We discovered the Nitecore booth at a past summer outdoor retailer show and were immediately drawn in by their rugged-looking, heavy-duty, and solid-feeling flashlights.
A good flashlight is like a good knife—every outdoor enthusiast needs one. As surely as the sun sets, a light is a necessity. If you’re like us, you need a few reliable lights: usually a good headlamp, a tent light, and a versatile all-around light. The EA41 is exactly that: a great all-around light that is extremely versatile, well-weighted, tough, and bright when needed, yet delicate enough to use for close-quarters lighting, like in a tent.
Power and Performance
The light is powered by a single CREE XM-L2 U2 LED (in the 2015 version, providing 1020 lumens), and it is bright! But it is also very versatile, offering five brightness settings with a maximum output of up to 1020 lumens—plenty of light to manage most any personal outdoor need. The beam can throw light up to 335 meters (over 1,000 feet).
The light runs off of four AA batteries that are not included with the light. On the lowest setting (1 lumen), the EA41 can run for an impressive 400 hours. A really nice feature is the integrated power indicator light within the switch that indicates the remaining battery power. This patented feature was a game-changer when it first arrived. We grew tired of always carrying around an extra set of batteries, never knowing how much juice was left in the light. Now, simply push the mode switch when off, and the flashing blue light indicates the remaining power level.
Build Quality and Durability
The EA41 feels bulletproof in hand. It is constructed from aerograde aluminum alloy and features a sturdy HAIII military-grade hard-anodized finish. It is also certified IPX-8 waterproof (submersible to 2 meters) and impact resistant up to 1.5 meters.
We just can’t get over the size and feel of the light. It feels so good in hand—just a little bigger than the palm of your hand, and not too wide to manage easily. The light is very evenly balanced. It is also engineered with quality parts, from the single machined piece of aluminum to its gold-plated contacts, making this a light that is likely to last for years.
Intuitive Dual-Switch Interface
One of the great, well-thought-out features of the NITECORE EA41 is the switch. It’s easily operated with one hand and two buttons. The beam functionality is controlled by two small buttons that are very easy to press while holding the light in one hand. One button acts as the on/off power switch, while the other cycles through the intensity settings, as well as the different strobe patterns when held.
There are also two quick access features from the off state:
- Holding the Mode Switch for more than a second turns the light on at its max setting (Turbo).
- Holding the Power Switch for more than a second turns the light on with the lowest setting (1 lumen), perfect for tent use.
- Additionally, to quickly enter Strobe mode, you can double-click the Mode Switch.
- The light also features a lockout by pressing and holding both buttons simultaneously (from the On state or Off state for some versions), which ensures the light doesn’t accidentally turn on in your bag.
One complaint is that the beam is not perfectly diffused; there is a noticeable “hot spot” in the middle of the beam on higher settings. It’s not horrible, and definitely not the worst hot spot we’ve seen in high-powered lights, but it is worth pointing out. Another option we would like to see is some mounting options. The light is so small and powerful it would be nice if there were a way to attach it to a bike, helmet, or head strap.
Nitecore EA41 Beam Comparison
- Nitecore – EA41 – Ultra Low Brightness
Conclusion
For a small handheld flashlight that runs off 4 AA batteries, the value can’t be beat. The flashlight is virtually indestructible. Anyone serious about preparation, outdoors, backpacking, and emergencies will find this light highly capable. Big bulky flashlights are outdated, and D-cell batteries are cumbersome. Ditch the old-school Maglite and upgrade to something that will last for years and meet all your modern lighting needs.
