Nitecore HC50 565Lm Headlamp Review

[Ramblings]

@dthrckt

could somebody measure the bezel diameter?

OD: 18.10mm

ID: 13.69mm

[dthrckt]

awesome, thank you!!

that clinches it, along with this very nice review

[southland]

This is a flooder, no large reflector needed. Maybe it’s just me but the tint looks more neutral to warm than cool, has anyone else noticed this? Not a big headlamp user myself but I do have a Zebralight, Spark, and Ultrafire and I like the Nitecore the best, Spark next. This headlamp is awesome for up close work and the Illumination Supply price is super cheap, international shipping is also very reasonable.

[dthrckt]

received today.

just about perfect for my purposes.

Does seem more NW than CW (though I actually would prefer WW)

I was worried it’d be too floody but definitely not.

before testing, I was thinking I’d dedome (to make warmer and add throw) but i like it as is.

i suppose i’d prefer 2 levels for the red (with one being a bit brighter than the stock single mode) but i haven’t used the red with night adjusted eyes yet, and it still seemed sufficient. I guess I wouldn’t mind a higher white mode also…ie 2.5amps, but it’d just be for wow effect, so this is all just grasping for a dislike…

ordered from illumination supply - i think it was $53 shipped (coupon happyholidays), arrived in 3 days

[FlashLion]

Just received this clamp mount from FT after “just” one month waiting(with tracking number) .
Fits perfectly HC50.
One more handsfree way of using the headlamp.
I will use it to give some more light to my photos and when modding flashlights. Very nice desk lamp. 8)

[ri_chevy]

Really cool setup there!

[Ramblings]

That clamp looks really useful for attached stuff to crab scoop nets. L:D

[MountainKing]

Great review. But why no MSRP in the review?

[dthrckt]

http://bit.ly/19EA5Go

[MountainKing]

@dthrckt

http://bit.ly/19EA5Go

It was easier for me to select that nitecore with my mouse right click and use the context menu to search the MSRP or to even type that long ass response to your lmgtfy link.

I mean the review is great but including a MSRP at start of review would be much better and put the light in ‘context’

[koyotee]

Has the glow isue been fixed?

[Ramblings]

Never had an issue in the first place :P

[southland]

@Ramblings

Never had an issue in the first place

Same for me.

[sunbeam]

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

[FlashLion]

@sunbeam

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

2 batteries have higher total voltage and respectively the light will stay longer in regulation(will maintain constant brightness).
Shorter run time with two batteries.
The HC50 has no enough space for two protected 16340(RCR) batteries. CR123A,IMR 16340 or unprotected ICR 16340 can be used,but the CR123As are not cost effective.Using unprotected 16340 requires more care to their voltage.

[saypat]

@FlashLion

@sunbeam

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

2 batteries have higher total voltage and respectively the light will stay longer in regulation(will maintain constant brightness).
Shorter run time with two batteries.
The HC50 has no enough space for two protected 16340(RCR) batteries. CR123A,IMR 16340 or unprotected ICR 16340 can be used,but the CR123As are not cost effective.Using unprotected 16340 requires more care to their voltage.

Hello. I overcharged 2 of my 16340 cells and put them into my HC50. The battery meter read 8.6V. Is the light brighter at this voltage?

thanks.

pat

[brad]

HC50 is equipped with a smooth reflector and due to that the beam is not fully floody smooth.OP reflector would be also a good choice here.The smooth reflector is good in situations requiring more throw.

I’m curious about the flood, my HL 21 is too focused, my HL10 is very nice, and my HP25 is nice on flood but too focused on throw, is this beam floody with no hot spot, or least a wide hotspot that blends in to the flood (spill?)?

[FlashLion]

@saypat

@FlashLion

@sunbeam

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

2 batteries have higher total voltage and respectively the light will stay longer in regulation(will maintain constant brightness).
Shorter run time with two batteries.
The HC50 has no enough space for two protected 16340(RCR) batteries. CR123A,IMR 16340 or unprotected ICR 16340 can be used,but the CR123As are not cost effective.Using unprotected 16340 requires more care to their voltage.

Hello. I overcharged 2 of my 16340 cells and put them into my HC50. The battery meter read 8.6V. Is the light brighter at this voltage?

thanks.

pat

Probably slightly brighter,but not much. I can’t test it though.
Just for info,what batteries do you use?

[FlashLion]

@brad

HC50 is equipped with a smooth reflector and due to that the beam is not fully floody smooth.OP reflector would be also a good choice here.The smooth reflector is good in situations requiring more throw.

I’m curious about the flood, my HL 21 is too focused, my HL10 is very nice, and my HP25 is nice on flood but too focused on throw, is this beam floody with no hot spot, or least a wide hotspot that blends in to the flood (spill?)?

The light still has a hotspot,because of the reflector,but it’s not too bright and doesn’t disturb my eyes. Hotspot and spill blend well.

[brad]

How do you think it would be for reading and working at arms length?

The HL21 drive me nuts.