I've reviewed Armytek XHP50 headlamp before, so this time I'll focus mostly on differences and pros of this version. But there will of course be all important stuff.
Link to my previous XHP50 review: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/58330
For VERY large photos: click -> on the photo page right click -> "Open image in new tab"
I got this headlamp from Armytek for review. A big "THANK YOU"
https://www.armytek.com/flashlights/models/wizard/armytek-wizard-pro-magnet-usb-nichia-led-warm/
PS: If you want more info, just check my previous XHP50 review, there will be more pictures and details.
PS2: This headlamp is just perfect. Everything I say here is 100% honest and manufacturer did not suggested me to give them 5 stars. In fact, so far one manufacturer strongly suggested me to give them 5 stars review, but their name will not be mentioned. ;)
Table of Contents:
- General parameters
- Package content
- Appearance, parameters
- UI, runtime and charging
- PWM
- Waterproof
- Light pattern, tint
-Beamshots
- Usage and my experience
- Nitpicking
- Gallery
- Summary
From Armytek page, but translated in too many languages using Google Translate, and then back to English. Why? Because it's just funny :D
Inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XTMpOeo8Qo
Description:
The Nichia diode system is a comprehensive collection of Armytek Nichia diodes and cables, ensuring the highest quality with amazing wood processing. Lightning can be used daily with USB cables, brackets, armrests, metal cables and plastic handles.
1400 OTF CH Planning (Max brightness which I managed to achieve was 1282lm, using Sanyo NCR18650GA battery)
97 meters high
Work on television for up to 200 days.
Specification:
Again: OK
Summer color: warm
Light and mirror
Ikanam, Ikanam 1770 LM
Air flow, OTF: 1400 pounds
Light area: 97 meters
Options: TIR optics
Maintaining perfect transparency
Medium error: 70 °
Brightness: 120 ° F
Size and weight
Width: 29 mm.
Length: 108 mm
Body width: 24.5 mm
65 grams
Design dies immediately with nature
Home ware: plane
Communication: Premium type III level with 400kV anode
Location: Math Black
Standing in a safe place: 10 meters
Description and bottom row - IP68 (top)
Temperature: -25 .. + 40 degrees
Product loss: 10 minutes
Electrical engineering and electrical engineering
Energy source: 1x18650 ions
Total time spent: 11
Maximum working time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Trip at least 200 days
Utility and batteries don't matter. Yes
Prevent shipwrecks: Yes
Notice you can use lightning with armrests, and keep in mind that design dies immediately with nature and you will lose this product in 10 minutes.
Armytek knows it will be just another bookshelf flashlight, so you don't have to even open it. I'm waiting for "Don't touch" tape.
Differences with XHP50 NW version:
So about 400lm less and 33m less distance. Dimmer, but A LOT better.
Inside was the same content as in XHP50 version:
- flashlight
- headband
- wristband
- charging cable
- 2 spare o-rings
- SS clips
- Armytek battery 3200mAh - which is just LG MH1
- manual
(XHP50 content picture)
So everything you need and even more. Well, except this Armytek battery. It is not high drain cell, which is recommended here. So I just replaced it with Sanyo NCR18650GA, which I recommend. Better than 30Q, because you don't really need that high drain battery, and it's nice to have that 400 extra mAh.
Everything is the same as in XHP50 version except the diode and "Limited edition" label.
I haven't noticed it before, but the switch is aslant
So if you wear and tilt the headlamp down, the switch will be in more upright position. Great idea! All my other headlamps have switches in...normal position.
Size comparison in the Gallery
UI
Same as in previous versions. For details check my previous review - 11 modes and quick access to every mode. Temperature protection, low voltage protection and constant battery voltage information by flashing switch.
Runtime
I did only first couple of minutes to see max brightness step down. Room temperature 21°C and as you can see, heavily cooled.
If you want full runtimes with Armytek battery, check my previous review
Charging
As in the previous version - a built-in charger with a special cable attached. It is worth using, because the o-rings are very thick and the cap is hard to unscrew (which is good) and o-ring would wear out quickly by screwing and unscrewing.
Although in this version the included cable is attached in the opposite way than in my previously reviewed XHP50 - a plus.
Charging takes long time. From 4.05V to 4.17V charges over 3 hours ... On the other hand, a battery will stay cool and live longer. 8h charging is a perfect "night charging"
I did not notice any. For photo, check my previous review
Up to 10m underwater up to 2h.
Of course, the Wizard is at the highest level of water resistance - two o-rings, thick, and the cap unscrews with high resistance (which is a plus).
I don't see the point in testing it again. Everything is the same and the test in the aquarium is in the previous review. Well, just greater water resistance than probably everyone needs.
TIR optics, honeycomb. I was able to achieve max 1282lm with Sanyo NCR18650GA. Declared throw is 97m and 2350cd. In XHP50 Neutral it was 130m and 4200cd. Dimmer light, but a much better tint and a high CRI.
And the tint, folks, is straight up perfect! 4500K and CRI>90. My dreams come true. It is just the best tint I've ever seen.
In my XHP50 review I was complaining about Armytek making only ~ 3000K and 5700K version. "Why can't they make something like 4500K" I was thinking. And here we go! Don't forget about high CRI ;)
Comparison to the XHP50 version:
Best for camping, backpacking and mountaineering. Not the best in emergency situations - in this case I'd choose XHP50 NW version
ISO200, t2s, f/3,5 WB: sunlight
Comparison to XHP50. You can clearly see, the XHP50 is brighter:
Color rendering and high CRI pros:
It's best noticeable on red colors:
Red just came alive under Nichia's light:
It makes a big difference in a forest, where is much brown and yellow colors.
I will definitely pack it when going in the mountains, because it is very small and light. I will get it to the forest for my campings and night walks. Although I also prefer to see what's far ahead in the forest, so either I'll also take something throwier, like FW1A or just another headlamp with the OP reflector instead. But as far as I know most of you like such diffused beam as Wizard can deliver, so it can easily be the only headlamp for your trips.
The built-in charger is a big plus - fewer items to take, and less weight of equipment.
Next time I go on backpacking, I will consider taking it, without the headband.
Wizard will be useful wherever reliability is needed - e.g. in the mountains.
In addition, the attached magnet also gives several mounting options. The magnet is strong, same as in the previous version.
So everything about all cons.
Well...two things:
1. One of the o-rings can easily fall out of it's place when screwing. It did not happened on the picture, but I marked with an arrow a place it can happen. Just be careful when screwing and do it slowly.
2. Charging takes so long. For one reason it's good (battery stays cool) but on the other hand if you don't have extra charger and want to charge the battery fast: NOPE.
Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia is the perfect headlamp for me. True leader among all headlamps. The XHP50NW version was already good, but when they made it with Nichia, it became perfect. And this is not an exaggeration. For those who say: "BUT AnDuRiL!" I answer: "But this is the headlamp". Anudril is nice (and in my opinion the best) software in handheld flashlights. I see the headlamp more as a tool than a toy - camping, mountains, work, workshop.
As soon as I have more free time (and it will be real winter with snow and -15°C) I will test it in my planned "No tent forest night"
Pros:
+ Perfect tint 4500K
+ High CRI> 90
+ Built-in charger
+ High waterproof (up to 10m underwater for up to 2 hours, double o-rings)
+ Headband with the best flashlight holder ever
Cons:
- One of the O-rings tends to slip off when screwing the tailcap
About host - threads, knurling o-rings and so on
Rating: 9/10
About light - UI, tint and so on
Rating: 10/10
1 - very bad flashlight hurts to look at, terrible quality, not worth any (even very low) price
5 - average flashlight, at a reasonable price - for the average person "great". Or better flashlight, but overpriced
10 - flashlight meets all my expectations in a given category (e.g EDC, headlamp, thrower), it's durable and neatly made, perfect light tint, worth its (even slightly inflated) price - just pure perfect, so I doubt any light can get a 10 from me