Okay, I know that “nova” means new. I also know it has something to do with stars. I had a quick look at the Wikipedia entry for “nova” and a lot of it was just way too complex for me to get to grips with, although I think most of us get the basic premise that it means something really bright……
So anyway, here is my quick review of the Olight H1 Nova headlamp. My particular torch has a neutral white Cree XM-L2 emitter, though it is also available in cool white.
This versatile little torch can knock out a “turbo” burst of up to three minutes at 500 Lumens before it steps down (to prevent overheating/excessive battery use) to a still very impressive 180 Lumens which it can sustain for up to three hours with a fully charged battery. Three other levels of brightness (60, 15 or 2 Lumens, with respective runtimes from a fresh battery of 8.5 hours, 42 hours or 15 days) are available, together with an SOS mode which could also double as a cyclists safety/position lamp.
The torch arrives in a nice quality cardboard and clear plastic box, inside of which is the torch and all the gubbins (headband, torch holder, removable metal clip and some instructions/literature) in a neat little double-zipped black and blue case with a carry-strap.
Open up the case, you have the torch already attached, via a soft blue silicone rubber holder, to the signature black and blue headband.
The holder has two loops which slot into channels (which the metal clip also uses) on the torch, allowing for a snug fit though still allowing rotation within the holder to get the desired angle of illumination. A wider tab on one of the loops allows for quick and easy removal of the torch from the holder, meaning it can very easily double as a (very) small pocket torch.
First things first, grab it out of the case, pull it out of the holder, smoothly unscrew the very nicely threaded and lubricated tail cap, remove the small plastic battery contact protector (a primary, non-rechargeable CR123A battery is included, though it can also take rechargeable RCR123A’s) and then put the cap back on. The battery is inserted with the positive terminal towards the tail. There is a small diagram to remind the user of this etched inside the body of the torch.
The user interface follows the same common theme as with most Olight torches. From off, press and hold the top mounted switch to access the low (moonlight-ish) mode. Then another press and hold to cycle through low/medium/high. From off, tap the switch to access the memorised last used mode. The memory function does not apply to the SOS mode and, if the torch was last used in turbo mode more than ten minutes earlier, will default to medium mode.
A double click from on or off to access turbo. Another double click will go back to the previous mode. A triple click from on or off to access SOS.
To activate the electronic lock-out, from off, press and hold. Moonlight will briefly activate, but keep holding and the torch will go out after a couple of seconds. It is now locked and will only turn back on if the switch is pressed and held for a further few seconds. When locked out, however, it still allows for momentary moonlight activation by tapping the switch in short bursts, ideal for discrete signalling or very quickly checking something.
Quite intuitive and if you’re not familiar with this type of interface you’ll soon become accustomed to it.
In terms of build quality, it is as I expect with all of Olight’s products, of which I own many. It is exemplary. The anodising is first rate and flawless. It is rated at IPX8 meaning it is effectively waterproof and also has a 1.5 metre impact resistance. Despite this toughness, the torch is really light at a mere 47g with the battery installed (29g naked), yet feels really substantial and solid. It is very small, just 58mm tall and 21mm diameter, about the size of an average adult thumb, should you happen to have one.
From top to bottom, the main features are as follows:
On the head, a large, soft rubber switch surrounded by a slim anodised blue bezel.
A recessed, concave, honeycomb lens surrounded by a broader anodised blue bezel.
Five neatly machined, aesthetically pleasing fins to help with heat dissipation.
A removable steel clip which allows for very deep head-up pocket carry or even deeper head-down carry, depending on orientation and whether it is the head or tail channel it is fixed into. Plus a small cut-out in the clip bend to allow for a lanyard should you so desire.
The lettering on the torch is very crisp and clean.
The tail cap has very fine grooves for grip.
A 1/8th or so twist of the cap gives a physical lock-out by severing the battery connection.
The tail cap also has a strong integrated magnet, allowing the torch to be fixed to any ferrous surface for hands-free working or ease of access.
Moving onto the headband, this is the first headlamp I’ve ever used so I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, I’d say that the band seems robust but very soft and should allow for hours of use without fatigue, discomfort or pain. It has a really wide range of adjustment and will fit the biggest of heads. It would easily fit around a cycle helmet to perform as a bike light, either as a warning SOS light or to reasonably illuminate the road ahead. The holder is soft and pliable with rounded edges. This is a very comfortable headlamp.
In terms of light, the torch has a very even flood and is superb for close to medium work as a headlamp, giving you enough peripheral spill to match your own view. When turning on or off in the higher modes, the light will “ramp” up or down over about 3/4 of a second to give your eyes a moment to adjust.
I could see this really versatile tiny torch being really useful in a wide range of tasks such as searching, mountaineering, trekking, cave work, a hands-free workshop light (whether by the headband or via the magnet), dog-walking, running - more or less anything really.
Cycling? Well yes, but I wouldn’t say for high speed night riding because whilst the torch is bright, the throw is relatively limited at about 66 metres or so at best. Having said that, for less demanding riding or as a supplementary or position/warning light, it is excellent.
The inclusion of the removable multi-mountable clip just adds to the versatility.
Pros.
Bright.
Tiny.
Versatile.
Comfortable.
Useful carry-case (could double up as a little survival kit or MP3 player/’phones etc)
Cons.
None really - there could perhaps be an option to have it bundled with the excellent Olight Universal charger and a rechargeable RCR123A cell, to help cut down on potential battery costs. Other than that, I’d say it is bordering on being TOO small as a hand torch, though a lanyard would improve your grip when used this way. It really is so compact.
To sum up, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this versatile little high-quality torch. It offers a lot of illuminative bang for your buck.
Oh, this torch was provided for me to review by the delightful Sandra of Olight. Thanks Sandra, you’re a gem!!
Thanks for reading.
SP
* No Border Collies were harmed during this review*
