Clearly, NITECORE is flowing with ideas on how to make its flagship rugged power bank better. Just look at how many generations of the NB10000 have appeared since 2020. Four. That’s right. The brand best known for its rugged flashlights is back with another NB10000, aptly called the NB10000 Gen4.
Billed as an ultra-lightweight competition-grade power bank, the latest iteration shaves 7 g off, tipping the scales at just 143 g (5 oz) while retaining its monster 10,000 mAh capacity. The new generation also carries a slightly higher nominal voltage at 3.9 V (39 Wh). Theoretically, it should offer marginally longer runtime or more output energy. But let’s be honest, you are unlikely to notice that in real-world use.
Inputs get a boost, too. It supports USB-C charging rated at 5V-3A (2A on Gen3), 9V-2.22A (2A on Gen2), plus a new 12V-1.87A option. Total max input tops out at 22.5 W. Rated energy also differs slightly, but we shall not dive into the technicalities. What matters is that Gen4 delivers a bit more usable capacity at the 5V output side.
On output, things are largely similar, except that 12V direct current now maxes out at 1.87A instead of 1.68A. The 10V option has been dropped. Anyhoo, you get all this in a lighter and smaller footprint measuring 116 mm x 46.8 mm x 14.5 mm (4.57 x 1.84 x 0.57 inches), albeit thicker than Gen3’s 10.6 mm profile.
Safety and ruggedness remain intact. It features Active Balancing BMS Technology, a Microcontroller Unit (MCU) with dual NTC thermistors, and multiple protections ranging from overcurrent and overvoltage to thermal safeguards. There is also touch button protection and accurate power indication.
As for toughness, it boasts an IPX7 rating and a rugged construction with dual-sided carbon fiber sheets and a reinforced flame-retardant composite frame. This patent-pending structure converts the tensile strength of carbon fiber into enhanced torsional resistance, improving durability and overall safety.
The NITECORE NB10000 Gen4 includes a lanyard charging cable, Knock to Wake function, RGB positioning lights, dual USB-C ports, pass-through charging, Regular and Eco modes, and support for multiple fast-charging protocols. It can charge two devices simultaneously. It is available now for US$83.95.
Images: NITECORE.
