Nitecore LA10 CRI Review


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The Nitecore LA10 CRI is a compact, AA lantern/flashlight that’s largely intended for camping or illuminating an area with a 360 degree diffusion pattern.

Specs

  • LED:  Nichia 219b (high CRI, > 90)
  • Weight: 42.7g (1.5oz)
  • Length: 78.5mm (3.1″)
  • Batteries supported: AA alkaline, NiMH, lithium.  Does not support 14500 batteries.

At the size of roughly a small lipstick applicator, the Nitecore LA10 is a nice little compact light that will light a room or tent without the need for a separate diffuser.  Weighing in at around 1.5oz (without battery), it’s easy to toss in a backpack and not worry about the extra weight.

Operation

The diffuser extends by twisting the body of the device, and extends out a couple of inches depending on your preference.  The light contains 3 different brightness modes:

  • 9 lumens / 23 hrs
  • 30 lumens / 6 hrs
  • 85 lumens / 1.5 hrs

To toggle the brightness, you do a small twist of the tail cap, where it will cycle between the three modes.  Twist to change modes isn’t my favorite way to operate a light, but given the compactness of this model it is acceptable.

Pros

  • One of the very few small camping lights that use a good LED and AA battery
  • High CRI which is very hard to find
  • Lightweight
  • Magnetic tail cap would be good for automotive repair use, or a lanyard to hang
  • IPX6 waterproof

Could be improved

  • Would have preferred a lower temperature light, particularly for night use.  The temperature isn’t listed but appears to be around 5000k or cooler
  • Would also like a lower lumen mode for camping use:  9 lumens is still quite bright at night.  Would like to have seen a 1-3 lumen mode.
  • Different interface for changing modes

You can buy the Nitecore LA10 CRI on Gearbest or Amazon.

Also note that there is a non-CRI version for about $5 less, or a larger 18650 version called the Nitecore LA12