Nextorch K33 UV Flashlight Review
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight is a two-mode UV light with a visible light filter by default. It has a simple user interface and is easy to carry! Read on!
Official Specs and Features
Here’s a referral link to the Nextorch K33 UV penlight product page.
Versions
There’s just one version of the Nextorch K33 UV penlight but this body (including the cell used) is available in at least a couple of other lights.
Price
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight sells for $54.99 and is available now. That’s a referral link.
What’s Included
- Nextorch K33 UV penlight
- Nextorch 650mAh 10880 cell
- Charging cable
- Manual etc
Package and Manual
Build Quality and Disassembly
The design of this Nextorch K33 UV penlight is exactly like a previously-tested Nextorch – the Dr.K32 Medical Penlight. Build quality is the same – very good!
Only the head comes off the Nextorch Dr.K32 Medical penlight. The threads are unanodized and the positive contact is just a button.
Inside the (long) cell tube you can make out a spring for the negative connection.
Size and Comps
DIMENSIONS: 149mm (L) x 16mm (head) x 13.2mm (body)
WEIGHT: 31g (without battery)
If the flashlight will headstand, I’ll show it here (usually the third photo). If the flashlight will tailstand, I’ll also show that (usually in the fourth photo).
Here’s the test light with the venerable Convoy S2+. The version below is a custom laser-engraved Convoy S2+ host by GadgetConnections.com. I did a full post on an engraved orange host right here! Or go straight to GadgetConnections.com to buy your Convoy S2+ now!
Also above is the light beside a TorchLAB BOSS 35, an 18350 light. I reviewed the aluminum version of that light in both 35 and 70 formats. I also reviewed that specific edition, the “Oveready BOSS FT Collector Vintage Brass” 35. I love it!
Retention and Carry
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight has a “friendly” pocket clip. It’s actually surprisingly grippy, probably due to how much curve there is in the material when the light is pocketed.
Power and Runtime
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight is powered by a single 10880 cell, which is included. That’s a bit of a weird size, but since it’s included we can give it a pass. I am not sure if Nextorch has these cells available for purchase separately.
The cell goes into the light in the usual orientation – positive end (button) toward the head.
This is a 4.2V cell, too – so while it’s probably two 10440 cells end to end, they are not connected in series. Because of that, you should not just drop two 10440 cells in the light (individually), because that’s over 8V, and will almost certainly kill the light.
The manual also covers usage of the K33 UV with two AAA cells. Output is only minimally (and probably not even noticeably) lower. Runtime duration is about the same. That’s a huge win for this light!
Charging
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight itself does not have built-in charging, but the included 10880 battery does. There’s a USB-C charging port on the positive end.
Nextorch includes a USB to USB-C charging cable.
Nextorch includes a USB to USB-C charging cable. Here are a couple of charging cycles from the same Nextorch cell from the Dr.K32 Medical penlight.
Modes and Currents
| Mode | Mode Claimed Output (lm) | Claimed Runtime | Tailcap Amps |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 1300mW | 1h30m | 0.56 |
| Low | 110mW | 8h15m | 0.05 |
User Interface and Operation
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight uses a single switch. It’s a proud mechanical forward clicky.
I would go so far as to say that this switch cover is pen-like, too. That’s good since that’s the part that will be seen when the Nextorch K33 UV penlight is in a pocket.
Here’s a user interface table!
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Click | Low |
| Off | Tap | Low (momentary) |
| Off | Repeated taps | Momentary mode advance |
| On | Click | Off |
| On | Tap | Doesn’t change anything. |
LED and Beam
The emitter used in the Nextorch K33 UV penlight is a UV emitter. There’s no other option or secondary emitter.
Nextorch includes a filter on the K33 UV penlight. That’s a nice touch! This filter means the output will be almost entirely UV and very little visible light.
Beamshots
These beamshots always have the following settings: f8, ISO100, 0.3s shutter, and manual 5000K exposure. These photos are taken at floor level, and the beam hits the ceiling around 9 feet away.
Tint vs BLF-348 (KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b version) (affiliate link)
I keep the test flashlight on the left and the BLF-348 reference flashlight on the right. These photos are taken around 18 inches from the door.
I compare everything to the KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b BLF-348 because it’s inexpensive and has the best tint!
Summary and Conclusion
The Nextorch K33 UV penlight is a nice UV option. Just two modes keep it useful and reduce confusion of user interface. Including the visible light filter is a great touch, and somewhat unusual. While I don’t love the unusual 10880 cell, it’s very nice that the Nextorch K33 UV penlight can use two AAA cells.
What I like
- Penlight nature (very carryable)
- Very simple user interface
- Runs an included 10880 or two AAA cells
What I don’t like
- The price (it may be a little high)
Notes
- This content originally appeared at zeroair.org. Please visit there for the best experience!
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