REVIEW OLIGHT HS2
Next will be presented the new Olight HS2, a front with built-in battery designed specifically for outdoor activities and especially for Runners, hikers, climbers and skiers. The reason for this statement will be discovered throughout the review. Olight has given me this model (the second I publish of three), in order to make a review, without any other compensation than the model, and with total freedom to make the criticism that he deems appropriate. In the next few lines, I will go over what I consider relevant to the model.
PRESENTATION
The HS2 comes once again in a common brand wrap. A satin cardboard box in dark color, with multiple full color prints and a very relevant amount of information about the model in white letters. In fact just taking a look at the box shows that although it can do that function perfectly, it is not a generalist front, but wants to influence a certain relevant segment today. Sports people who due to the rhythm of life that we carry in the present society have to do their routine even at night. In addition, we can find complete technical specifications, construction features, brand information, and other types of informational data.
As it is a frontal designed for a specific segment, you have to think about the details. Due to its possible use it has to be transported so the HS2 comes in a waterproof case of very compact size that will protect it convenient during the journey. Once the case is opened we have the front strap attached to the strap, with the battery attached to it and the mechanisms of the user interface. All in one. So it only needed as accessories what is included, a USB cable and some tape adjustment clip.
The headlamp consists of 2 XP-G2 LEDs. One called Low beam, and another High beam. Personally I was somewhat skeptical because of my experience with bike fronts where the flood led only flooded the front wheel, and the pitcher either was a good flood to dry, or was excessively thrower. We do not really have that here. They are simply flooding projections that project in a different way, one a lower projection and one higher projection, with which it goes further (as if we focus the flashlight towards the front or to the ground). This does not imply that the orientation of the led is different, but is produced by the design of the different lenses Tir that carries each of the LEDs that allow a more frontal projection or towards the sides.
The HS2 is smooth, with fringes like dissipating fins in its central part and which also serve to hold it well and easily adjust it up or down. The mark, model and serial number are engraved on one side.
At the rear of the tape is the extra-flat battery, 2200 mAh, which has a USB charging port and led indicators of the battery charge level. These indicators play a double role. When the battery is charging, indicate the battery level. When the battery is not charging, both in use and at rest, we can know its state by pressing the button. This a priori can be a problem to know its status when we are using it, Olight solves it by a sound signal that will warn us when the battery is around 10% of its capacity, and later when the battery is fully depleted.
This battery allows charging from a standard USB charger, but also allows you to do so from more accessible elements in travel situations, such as the USB port of a computer, and even from a portable powerbank that we can carry with us. According to Olight the charging speed can reach 1 A (in the photo is seen at 0.90 from a powerbank cheapest), and when the battery is reaching its maximum load capacity the speed decreases to minimum levels in the last moments.
The interaction with the HS2 is carried out by means of a push-button located in the lateral zone. It is a button of sufficient size, and easily localizable, by which we will have no problem in changing modes and type of lighting. This button terminates on a female connector that connects to another male connector from the battery. The connection is quite firm. When charging the flashlight it is advisable to disconnect the battery button according to Olight's instructions.
We have already seen that the battery can be charged by a powerbank, but another positive aspect of the model, better in my opinion, is that we can use it directly with some kind of 5v power supply, and especially powerbank type devices. This combined to that we can extract the front without battery of the tape make it a very useful aspect. Below are two devices of this type, an economic powerbank and a box of 4 batteries 18650 of focus of bike with exit USB.
As for the tape in general, despite being band mode, with no upper central strip, I liked it very much because it combines firmness and smoothness. It is very comfortable and has nothing to envy in these aspects to the one that comes with the Zebra.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Beyond the data on size and weight, after testing it well, I have to say that just as many technical aspects have been taken into consideration to be a good front, the comfort aspect has been measured to the millimeter. The weight distribution is great. Firmness and comfort. Both running and on the bike I have perceived at no time to make a perceptible rebound.
The one that is so comfortable, logically is determined by its weight and size, that exceeds 100 grams by little
USER INTERFACE
The handling is very simple. To clarify concepts we will describe the different modes / projections you have, and this will serve to better understand the graphs of measurements.
Modes: 2, Low/High
Projections: Beam Mix, Beam High, Beam Low. In order not to confuse the reader, we will speak of Mix Beam, Flood Beam and throw Beam.
These offer us a total of 6 types of lighting; Mix beam in modes high and low. Flood beam in modes high and low. Throw beam in modes high and low.
As for the use, with one press the HS2 will turn on mixed projection and high mode. If we want to change modes simply with simple pulsations will descend or rise in modes. If we want to change the projection from mixed to flood or throw, we will do it through double pulsations and the flashlight will change from mixed -> flood -> throw. In each Beam, with a simple pulsation we will go up or down of mode. To switch off, press and hold. With a triple pulse we will access the strobe.
A very interesting aspect of this model is that to avoid changes of luminosity too radical for the vision of the athlete, the passage from high-low mode and vice versa are very gradual, using for about 1.5 to 2 seconds approximately (my sphere collects values every half second). The changes between the different beams are faster, because the difference of light intensity is smaller. Here are some examples of such changes.
POWER, RUNTIME, THERMAL BEHAVIOR AND REGULATION
We really have 6 different modes ... In this respect the HS2 behaves as expected, with data very similar to what was announced in the high mode, and a higher bit in the low mode. Given the use for which it is intended, I think the distribution is pretty good.
As for the thermal behavior I have to say that I have not drawn graph because it is not necessary. Olight could certainly have exploited the performance of these two XP-G2 in order to deliver much more intensity, but probably considering the use of the model, have preferred to create a front that does not overheat. Spinning with the runtime graph, we are talking about an initial output around 400 lumens, which descends rapidly around 350 (125 per led), which is a very modest figure for the XP-G2. Little heat, enough light, a long runtime.
In fact, the runtime seems very good with a 2200 mAh battery. For example, compared to the Manker E03H (manker manages very well the electronics of its models), with an AA of 2500 mAh, but less voltage, and delivering some more light, I expected HS2 to be significantly better, but is that the runtime is very much superior.
As for the Throw, obviously we are facing an flood model. With a led that comes a little further than the other, but both are flood. What has surprised me is that to reach the maximum candles it is necessary to have both LEDs on. I thought that with the Beam high we would have the highest number. They really almost add up, which gives us an idea that there is not so much difference between the two, and they complement each other.
PROJECTION
At this point in the review, I think it is clear what type of projection / projections HS2 presents. Let us now present some examples and compare them with some other models.
Projections against the wall in portangels.
Projections in corridor garaje of. 6 meters wide, 4.5 meters high and 95 meters long..
Exterior projection on 40 meters of an agricultural construction.
CONCLUSION
In my opinion we are facing a product that will leave satisfied runners, hikers, and people who practice nightly and vigorous outdoor activities. For them is a product that brushes the perfection, although of course, you can put some default. For example I would like a more neutral dye, and not that it is exaggerated cold, but in outdoor activities a more neutral dye allows a greater color contrast, and according to what activity, when in addition fatigue influences perception, can come well.
Another aspect that could be improved is that we could know the state of the load without having to remove the tape. The audible alarm is great, but it alerts you when they are around 10-15 minutes to the end of the battery. It could be obtained through flashes for example. It is an aspect that really would be used in very few occasions, but better to have it than not.
Finally a moonlight mode would also be fine.