I had been a fan of tactical flashlights since October of 2004.

The first time I purchased a tactical type of flashlight was on May 5, 2005.

Then in December of 2005, I discovered the Mini Maglite.

I would mostly carry one for the next twelve years.

I was also very hesitant to try the name brand Chinese flashlights, as I thought that the American made Maglites and SureFires were superior.

However, by 2017, my thoughts were changing.

I had seen more than enough positive reviews of the Chinese brands on sites like Candle Power Forums.

I have to say that my three favorite Chinese brands are NiteCore, Fenix and Lumintop.

So, in May of 2017, I purchased my first of these, a NiteCore MT06, which I EDCed on and off during the year 2017.

This was followed by a NiteCore MT20A in January of 2018 and a NiteCore i4000R in the Spring of 2020.

In the latter parts of 2021, I had begun to desire a NiteCore E4K, after seeing one on broadcast television back in the earlier parts of 2020.

I was looking for an upgrade for a flashlight that was bright not not threatening like my NiteCore i4000R and one I could simply EDC.

So, as an early Christmas present to myself I ordered a NiteCore E4K.

It came in after a few days and that is what this piece will be a review thereof.

While it is indeed a powerful flashlight and does have a very cool appearance, there is a major design flaw that can be dangerous:
It can be accidently switch on way to easily while being carried in a pocket or bag.

Because this light gives off over 4,000 lumens, it tends to get quite hot.

That is not the kind of flashlight one would want whilst carrying in a bag or pocket because it can literally start a fire!

I learned this the hard way early on: it burned a hole in my pants pocket twice while also burning my thigh.

Smoke was even rising from my pocket!

So, I quickly learned that this flashlight was not a good candidate for EDC and while I still carry it in my backpack, I make durn sure that the switch is locked out!

With all that being said, I still think this flashlight could be a useful one.

It has multiple output settings, which makes it appropriate for a range of tasks.

Turbo mode lasts only a few seconds, but, it would be very useful in disorienting an openent in any tactical situation as would the variable frequency strobe function.

The second highest setting would be useful for ranchers in search of livestock gone astray at night or even for any sort of search and rescue operation.

The medium setting would prove itself worthy for any sort of nighttime commuting.

The low setting would be helpful in just about any domestic setting and many industrial settings as well.

The ultra low setting would provide an unbelievable amount of runtime for tasks such as close up detail work in a low light or no light setting or even reading at night to not disturb those in close proximity.

The Neutral White color tint is perfect all across the board.

This is indeed a versatile flashlight it’s just the combination of a very hot running temperature and a switch system that is way too easily activated can make it potentiall dangerous.

By all means and I cannot stress it enough, one absolutely must lock out the tail cap when carrying if the battery is to be installed! If not serious injury and property damage will occur!

If any NiteCore executives happen to be reading this, please consider making a replacement tailcap with a sturdy lockout switch, that will prevent accidental activation.

It shouldn’t be too hard.

Such a modification would result in me giving this product a five out of five stars instead of the two and a half out of five, which is the lowest rating I ever gave a product reviewed on this blog to date!

I remember for Christmas Eve of 2021, after dark, I was playing on my family’s property and trying out high and turbo modes. I was thoroughly impressed by the brightness and the amount of light coverage in terms of throw and especially spill.

Once again I am living in close quarters with neighbors, so I usually do not use this flashlight when commuting at night as to not disturb them.

This is a powerful flashlight but also a potentially dangerous flashlight and I urge NiteCore to consider making a modified tailcap that features a sturdy lockout switch.

Until now, I lockout the tailcap in a more crude fashion and that is unscrewing it enough so the circuit is broken no matter what. If I don’t and it activates whilst in my backpack, results could prove catastrophic.

I guess this therefore concludes my review of the NiteCore E4K and I wish I didn’t have to include all the negativity.

Still, I hope that, you, the reader, have been informed, entertained and enlightened.

May God richly bless you!

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