Pinnacle Flashlights Blog

The Nitecore Piston Drive (PD) System available in the D10, D20, and EX10 is among the most advanced flashlight “operating systems” in the world. With an infinitely adjustable output, you can program the exact amount of light or runtime that you need making it a perfect choice for daily carry. The system is very easy to use, but may be confusing at first. This article will explain how to use all the features of this amazing user interface.

Light Operation: The light can be operated through one of three switching options available.
1) It can be operated by simply twisting the bezel clockwise to switch on and counterclockwise to switch off. This is the most straight forward operation.
2) When light is in twist mode off position, pushing the tailcap activates momentary mode.
3) When the head is fully tightened, the light enters tailcap switching mode. In this mode, light behaves as simple click switch light. Push the tailcap to switch on and push again to switch off.

Changing Brightness: When light is operating in tailcap switching mode, from ON position, press and hold piston will start ramping up or down brightness level. When desired light level is achieved, simply release the piston. The light will remember the last used brightness level.

Instant Minimum & Maximum: When light is operating in normal switching mode, from ON position, double clicking the tailcap jumps to minimum light output level. Also, from ON position, double click & hold will instantly switch light to maximum output level.

Check out the Nitecore Piston Drive System in action: