Mankerlight U12 Upgraded Edition

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1. Wanted this to be the ultimate EDC light.

   Posted by Steve M on 19th May 2020

   In the search for the ultimate EDC light, this one looked like the right one.
   
   For me, an EDC light needs to be rechargeable and USB C charging is where it's at these days.
   Needs shortcuts to its lowest and highest output modes.
   A choice of warmer/neutral tint vs the regular standard of cool-white.
   Spot pattern that has a wide flood and medium width spot.
   
   Upon receiving this light, I was stunned to feel the build quality. The light has a very solid feel having only one threaded end/seem in the whole barrel. The button has plenty of feedback without being a super loud click. Tailcap threads are perfect, square cut, smooth as can be and provides a mechanical lockout. The presumably stainless ring flush with the top of the light around the glass is a nice touch. Being my first 21700 flashlight, I am thrilled to realize it's not much larger, if at all from most other 18650 compact lights.
   
   The emitter color is basically perfect in the NW model. The color is not necessarily warm nor is it cool. This color emission is smooth throughout, no green tints, very useful spot/flood beam pattern that covers a wide area while still throwing out far enough for its size.
   
   Two gripes:
   
   The interface on paper looked nice; seeing that it's got user programmable moonlight level is great, I've taken full advantage of this. After a week of carrying this light, I find it a ball of confusion jumping from turbo back to regular output modes. A double-click from off or any lower mode to enter turbo mode is easy enough but achieving the proper double - click to return to a normal output mode is tough sometimes. It likes to land me in strobe mode, instead. Even when I do get the double-click right to return to regular output modes from turbo, it temporarily goes to strobe mode- it's not a smooth transition. The regular modes have bad light level outputs. I prefer a very low moonlight mode, so I set the lowest setting to a low 2-3 lumen mode. When using the flashlight for every day regular usage, the mode that's one brightness level up from the user moonlight mode is too bright. The next mode up from that isn't too far from turbo. Using this light efficiently is hard to do because of this.
   
   The USB C charging port is so appreciated being several years into USB C being the new standard charge and interface connector but it's unfortunate to find out that it does not support USB PD profile. USB C to USB C cables will likely-not work to charge this flashlight. USB C PD power supplies will simply ignore the flashlight and not deliver power. USB A to C cables work fine as it will default to standard 5v USB power without any handshakes required. The light does include an A to C cable.
   
   I replaced this flashlight with a Nitecore MH20 NW model. The interface shortcuts, brightness steps, and extra modes far outshine the usability of the Manker interface. I don't mean to be too comparative but I hope this is helpful to Manker and buyers anyhow.
   
   I will continue to use this flashlight and work around its minor interface and charging inconveniences.

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2. Neutral white. Warm colour.

   Posted by Fabrice on 4th May 2019

   This is my second MANKER U12. On the first switch is broken it is in the trash. It is a very good lamp that illuminates wide enough and makes the beam comfortable. The user interface is top and easy to use.
   The neutral white color is warm and gives a little on the red.

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3. MANKER U12 by Fabrice

   Posted by L'HERMETTE Fabrice on 1st Jun 2018

   This flashlight is very powerful and very compact, it fits very well in the pocket.
   I took it in cool white and the light is very white, no blue halo.
   The beam is wide and comfortable to use no concentrated central hotspot of light.
   The quality is really good with anodizing and machining without defects.
   Amazing user interface easy to use and very complete.
   The 20700 battery brings longevity and power while remaining compact.
   The finishing details are very good there is even a high transparency treated glass.
   The regulation is perfect and guaranteed constant lighting.
   I own the U21 and U11 too and the quality is always present.
   I am never disappointed with the quality MANKER.
   Thank you MANKER.

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4. Bright edc

   Posted by Felix A. Maynes on 21st Mar 2018

   This flashlight is a great edc and is very bright. This light has a lot of spill. Flashlight gets very warm. Lasted longer than my nitecore mh23. I compared with my nitecore p36 2000 lumen mt-g2 ceiling bounce and nitecore was a little brighter. I will say it is at least around 1800 lumen. I don't care too much about the tint it's kind of on the greenish side. All in all great flashlight, great battery, charged quicker than any of my other usb lights. Build quality is good love the matte finish. Even though it's using a 20700 battery it's the same size as my mh23. It will still work with high drain 18650. Thank you maker.

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