Nitecore’s 8,000-Lumen EDC37 Pushes Pocket Tactical Flashlights to New Heights

After months of speculation and hype, the new king of the tactical pocket flashlight is finally here.

Two years after the EDC27 redefined what we expected from slim EDC flashlights, Nitecore has returned with something that feels like a logical evolution that doesn’t feel inclined to reinvent the wheel. The EDC37 takes everything that worked about its predecessor and amplifies it, now putting out 8,000 lumens while still fitting comfortably in your pocket. This is the kind of spec that would have sounded ridiculous just a few years ago.

Building on Proven Foundations

The EDC27 made waves in 2023 precisely because it proved you didn’t need a chunky tactical light to get serious performance. Nitecore’s latest iteration builds on that foundation while addressing some of the power limitations that inevitably come with compact designs. The built-in 8,000mAh battery feels like a necessary upgrade given the power demands, and the 18W fast charging keeps downtime manageable when you’re actually using these higher output modes regularly.

What’s particularly smart about the control scheme is how familiar it feels if you’ve used the EDC27. The circular power button handles your standard operations with four brightness levels (15, 100, 400, and 1,500 lumens), while the larger mode button accesses the party tricks. This isn’t revolutionary interface design, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes the best approach is refining what already works rather than reinventing it entirely. We were fortunate enough to get hands-on with the EDC37 for the past few weeks and can safely say that we appreciate the faithfulness to what worked last time around.

The Same (Kinda) But Better

For Nitecore fans, it’s obvious that the jump from the EDC27’s 3,100 lumens to the EDC37’s peak output is more than just a spec update. The brand has nearly tripled the brightness while maintaining the same general device that made the original such a hit. The company’s proprietary Lumin Shield tech coordinates dual UHi 20 MAX LEDs with eight supplementary cores to create what they’re calling a “light wall” for max flood coverage.

This isn’t just about the raw lumen count (though 8,000 is certainly impressive) but how that light gets distributed. The EDC37’s multiple LED configuration lets you switch between these wide flood coverage when you need to illuminate a broader area up close but a focused throw (up to 1,378ft) when you want distance, not forcing you to compromise one for the other like other lights might do.

The OLED display is another thoughtful addition that goes beyond simple battery indication. We loved the real-time runtime display and output level feedback, which might seem like minor details, but they’re the kind of quality-of-life improvements that make this a daily-use tool rather than an occasional-use gadgets.

The Rapid Lock mechanism with its dedicated switch also shows Nitecore learned from user feedback about accidental activation. This is a legitimate concern when you’re dealing with output levels this high. Runtime can get you up to 190 hours on the lowest setting but it seems like Nitecore is cautious to give a runtime for the max 8,000-lumen mode.

Construction and Practical Considerations

At about 4.25” long and weighing just over 7oz, the EDC37 sits in an interesting spot size-wise. It’s not pocket-disappearing small, but it’s also not the kind of light that announces itself when clipped to your gear. Creating an all-around sleek appearance up close, the armor-style texturing and high-strength construction are designed for actual use, not just bragging rights.

The IP54 rating might disappoint some users hoping for full submersion capability, but it’s adequate for real-world EDC scenarios where splash resistance matters more than diving capability. The detachable silicon nitride ceramic glass breakers are a nice tactical touch, though their utility will obviously depend on your specific use case and local regulations.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Priced at $140, the EDC37 is available now from Nitecore’s web store, making it a premium option in the EDC flashlight space. Given the output capabilities and feature set, that pricing feels reasonable for what you’re getting.

Recap

Nitecore EDC37 Tactical Flashlight

Nitecore may have just made the best tactical EDC flashlight in the game with the EDC37. After much hype and speculation, the 8,000-lumen follow-up to the EDC27 that triples the brightness and still retains the form factor that fans loved the first time around.

Learn More: Nitecore