Nitecore/EDC

Nitecore EDC27

Name: Nitecore EDC27
Brand: Nitecore
Price: 80 USD
Availability: Discontinued

DiscontinuedNitecore no longer makes this light; what dealers have left is the last of it. Its current replacement is Nitecore EDC27 UHi.

The EDC27 was the light that started the flat-EDC trend, with dual SST-40s in a thin stainless body, an OLED readout for battery and output, and two clicky switches with momentary turbo and strobe. Its 3000-lumen turbo was a short burst, and the IP54 rating ruled out submersion. Nitecore replaced it with the EDC27 UHi.

Beam profile

Flood, about 32° wide. Wide and even — light where you are, not where you're pointing.

Estimated from 3,000 lm ÷ 12,200 cd — how this works

$80

Specifications

Output: 3000lm
Peak intensity: 12200cd
Beam distance: 220m
Emitter: Dual Luminus SST-40
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Balanced
Cell: Built-in
Runtime: 1.3 hrs (high)
Modes: 5 Stepped
Interface: Dual Button
Water/dust: IP54
Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.2 in
Weight: 4.3 oz
Warranty: Lifetime

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

USB-C Charging Pocket Clip Momentary Mode Lockout Mode

What owners report

Nitecore EDC27/5 sources reviewed

A flat, thin EDC with two Luminus SST-40 emitters, an OLED display showing output and remaining charge, and 3,000 lumens on turbo — measured above 3,500 by some testers. Reviewers rate the construction, the USB-C charging and the flat profile, which sits on a belt or in a pocket far better than a tube light. Turbo and strobe both draw specific praise.

Heat is the serious complaint. The light runs hot in turbo and even at 1,000 lumens, with the area around the emitters getting extremely hot — one reviewer went as far as calling it a potential fire hazard and recommended keeping the light in lockout so it can't switch on unattended. Beyond that: it doesn't throw far, it lacks a genuinely low mode, the beam has a greenish cast, and the box contains a cable but no adapter and no holster.

Consistently praised

OLED display showing real-time output and remaining charge
Flat, thin profile that carries on a belt or in a pocket properly
3,000 lumens claimed, measured above 3,500 by some testers
Solid construction with USB-C charging
Excellent turbo and strobe

Common complaints

Runs very hot in turbo and even at 1,000 lumens — one reviewer called it a fire hazard risk
No genuinely low mode
Limited throw
Greenish beam tint from the SST-40 pair
No holster, and the box has a cable but no adapter

Questions people ask

How serious is the heat problem?: Serious enough that a reviewer recommended keeping the light in lockout so it can't be switched on accidentally in a bag. The area around the emitters gets extremely hot on turbo, and it warms up even at 1,000 lumens.
Is the OLED display useful?: Yes — it shows current output and remaining charge, which removes the guesswork that every other light leaves you with. It's the main reason people choose this series.
Does it throw?: Not far. The flat format and dual SST-40s give a wide, bright beam at short range. For distance you want a reflectored light.
What's in the box?: A charging cable, but no mains adapter and no holster — worth budgeting for if you want to carry it on a belt.

Sources (5)