Review of H1R vs H2R. Or, head (torch) to head (torch). Or, two heads (torches) are better than one.

Or you could always refer to this as Little and Large.

For those of a certain vintage, from a certain locus, ‘Little and Large’ will evoke memories of the old-fashioned comedy duo of Syd Little and Eddie Large. Not their real names.

Eddie was the big fella, full of fun. A little bit saucy, a little bit risqué.

Syd was the meek, geeky, serious, boring one.

Here’s the pair of them sandwiching Susie Silvey. No - that’s not a euphemism!!!

Anyway, I digress.

Where was I? Oh yes……

This is a sort of swift, completely non-techy review/comparison of a couple of fairly recently released head torches, very kindly provided by the ever wonderful Sandra of Olight UK.

The H1R and the H2R.

Both are compact head torches which can be removed and used as hand torches.
Both are superbly packaged.
They feature the signature metallic blue bezels and switch highlights.
They have TIR ‘Total Internal Reflection’ bead lenses (picture a macro shot of a fly’s eye. Although on second thoughts, don’t. You might have nightmares).
They have removable pocket clips (the torches that is, not flies).
Magnetic bases.
Comfortable head straps.
IPX8 water and 1.5m impact resistance.
Simple, intuitive User Interface (Astrolux S42 designers, are you listening?).
Proprietary, modified batteries.
Integral USB charging via teensy magnetic cables.
Lovely build quality.

I’ve had a load of Olight torches through my hands over the last year or two. They’ve all had excellent build quality and these two are no exception with precise machining, flawless anodising and useful, innovative features.

Quick vital statistics……

H1R (Neutral white):
Emitter - Cree XM-L2
Length - 61.5mm
Width - 21mm
Weight with battery and clip - 52g
Maximum lumens - 600
Minimum lumens - two
Maximum throw - 72m
Runtime on Maximum - three minutes (600 lumens) + 80 minutes (stepped down to 180 lumens)
Runtime on Minimum - six days.

H2R (Neutral white):
Emitter - Cree XHP50

Length - 110mm
Width - 25mm
Weight with battery and clip - 114g
Maximum lumens - 2000 (2300 maximum with the cool white emitter)
Minimum lumens - one
Maximum throw - 142m (153m CW)
Runtime on Maximum - one minute (2000 NW/2300 CW lumens) + 110 minutes (stepped down to 700 NW/750 CW lumens)
Runtime on Minimum - 45 days.

Both of these torches have similar beam patterns with no discernible hotspot, just a gradually fading, pleasantly creamy tinted, wide flood. They are excellent in their main intended purpose of a head torch. Point them where you need them and they’ll perform very well. Or, if you need an extremely capable and compact hand torch, pop them out of their mounts, decide whether you want them with or without clips and away you go.

Some differences between them, other than their relative dimensions and power, are as follows:

The H1R head strap is a single broad elastic circumferential strap whereas the H2R also has an extra elastic strap running across the top of your head for added support.
The H1R mount works like two elastic bands holding the torch whereas the H2R’s silicone band features a loop and catch. The H2R mount is also magnetic to assist whilst fastening the band, although this wouldn’t hold the torch very securely so don’t depend solely on it without the band also in place. Both mounts allow for easy repositioning of the torches to have different beam angles.
The H1R switch is perpendicular to the optics whereas the H2R’s is angled down a little towards the rear of the torch, meaning it is a bit more ergonomically comfortable for your thumb or other digit of preference.
The H1R has a standard clip whereas that provided with the H2R is bi-directional.

So…….

You have the eminently pocket-friendly but still impressively powerful H1R which will disappear into your clenched fist.

Or the H2R, still compact enough not to be obtrusive during every day carry, but with up to 2000/2300 astonishing lumens of firepower or up to a month and a half of continuous light, should you desire.

Little or Large? Or both? You decide.

Some pics………

The Goonies DVD is to give a sense of scale. I’ve had it in my collection for years and years, yet I’ve never ever watched it….

My only very slight criticism would be that neither torch has any sort of Glow In The Dark anywhere, which I personally think is a bit of a shame. Certainly the likes of the R50 Pro Seeker has a light dusting of blue GITD just beneath the lens rim and I find that useful.

Anyway, thanks for reading.

SP