Love my H2R
Blackdragon1230… here’s another one in that price range to consider: Acebeam H15 (XHP70.2)
Also, for a lower price (and if NW is not a requirement) you could also consider the Nitecore HC33
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I don’t own any of these lights yet but I was basically in the same shoes as you on this, so I’ll relate the findings of my somewhat extensive research for the decision.
I also had an H03 NW but it went kaput over a year ago and I replaced it with a Nitecore HC30 NW. The Nitecore is similar to an H03R in that it has a clear lens over the reflector, so better throw than the H03. I’ve also come to prefer the top mounted switch of the Nitecore much better than the side mounted switch of the Skilhunt.
Like you, at some point I decided to look into a newer higher output angle light, and had considered the Wizard Pro, H2R Nova and Acebeam H15.
Runtime on turbo wasn’t an issue for me, I’m happy to use short bursts for that.
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- 1st place:
My favorite was the Olight, mainly because I really like the optional magnetic charging dock base. Even though I have 3 chargers, tons of cells and I never us the USB charge feature in several lights that have it, I know I’d use the Olight base because it’s just so dang convenient. Plus the top switch, NW option and great UI.
- 2nd place:
Second place was the Acebeam, and nearly a toss up between it and the Olight. I REALLY like the magnetic mode selector ring. There’s a NW option and it has a top mount switch, but no magnetic tail. And although it does have a clear lens, I believe it’s the most floody out of the three due to the XHP70.2 emitter.
- 3rd place
Although it does have a magnetic tail, the wizard pro was my least favorite, one reason was the side switch instead of top. There’s no NW option, however I’ve read the WW is slightly above 4000K and quite nice, but it reportedly has the lowest max output of the three.
- Nitecore HC33:
Since the above three are quite expensive, I’ve also been considering is the Nitecore HC33, It can be had for far less money than the others, however there isn’t a NW option. I have read the tint is pretty close to NW though. It does have a magnetic tail, which is important to me.
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The Armytek, Olight and Acebeam are all a bit longer than what I’m used to with my Nitecore (110-112mm vs 98mm)
The HC33 (105.3mm) is a lot closer in size to what I’m used to. (for reference the H03 is 100mm)
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There’s plenty of reviews on all of these but here’s some of the (non review) discussion threads I was reading:
I haven’t made a decision one one of these yet because I’ve come to the realization that before needing more brightness I need more angle flexibility, so I was waiting for the recently released Rofis R3. with multi-adjustable angle head. I need to get one of those next.
So you thought posting a thread for which light to buy will make your decision easier?
You are terribly mistaken ! 
13,100cd / 229 meters is quite impressive throw in a angle light, I forgot about these Eagtac/Sportacs thanks for posting!
Possibly the next best throw in an angle light is the XHP35 Nitecore HC33
“Precision Digital Optics technology” with Peak beam intensity 8750cd, and throw distance up to 187 meters.
“Flood Lighting System” produces a wide 100 degree beam angle.
Kind of a contradiction in terms, I guess it has both a wide spill and good throw.
It does have a SMO reflector and clear lens, I’m thinking with an emitter swap to a (NW) XHP35 HI it could be quite the thrower.
Actually it’d be the Imalent HR20 with 225m of throw. Those XP-L HI emitters really help in that aspect. The HR20 is actually pretty cool because of the infinitely variable output where it has a rotating knob to control output between 1 and 1000 lumens.
Thanks, yes that would be the next best, and I agree the variable output (actually very small steps) is a cool feature. Now I vaguely remember coming across it before and reading that review, sounded great but there seemed to be some random quality control issues, same with their DM21 (non angled light) with that same rotary switch setup. Hopefully they’ve got any issues worked out in the current production.
Here’s some product links:
Looking at the Imalent HR20 thrower angle light mcfarlie6996 pointed out caused me to come across another (High output) option for the OP to consider:
- XHP70.2
- 3000lm max
- 103mm length
- Top mount switch
- Magnetic tail cap
- Magnetic USB charging adapter
- Great UI (non rotary)
- Great mode levels:
Low - (30 lumen - 50h)
Mid Low - (300 lumens - 4h 15min)
Mid - (700 lumens - 1h 36min)
High - (1500 lumens / 3min) -> (1000 lumens / 69min)
Turbo - (3000 lumens / 1.5min) -> (1000 lumens / 66min)
Great features and a good competitor of the Acebeam and Olight, however I’m not sure there’s a NW option.
Review: [The Lite Review]: Imalent HR70 XHP70.2 Review
Product Links:
You are quite right, now i have 2 more to consider. I seriously need to win the lottery….lol.
Beam0 thank you so much for all the info. I think the Imalent might end up being the one i get. I find anymore i prefer to use headlights so i can be hands free. I’m glad they are finally pushing headlights along like they did some of the multi emitter lights.
i like the tint on the wizard pro (warm), but i don’t know for the olight
edit : i don’t know why the second pic is reversed… oh well
Wow there is quite a difference in those tints. The Wizard Pro also looks like it has a slight bit of a hot spot. In general i prefer a slightly warmer tint though.
maybe in this picture at 6” from the wall, but in everyday task not at all :partying_face:
In the second pic it appears the v2 CRI90 warm was moved to center? And v3 is now to the left << ?
You’re welcome, thanks for starting the thread, it made me rediscover all these options again.
I agree about the Imalent, it checks all my boxes too, except the most important one. As usual when I find a light that has all the best features there’s no neutral option, this continues to happen again and again. If I’m going to have to live with CW I may as well just get the Nitecore HC33 for half the price.
In the Imalent I really like how it has 1500lm & 700lm modes below the turbo, and also the Zebralight type UI with 1-click on/off, plus it’s a bit shorter than the others. If I’d ever see it on a really great deal I’d get it and try an emitter swap.
yes and yes
Perfect agreement with that cold white emitter. I will do a emitter swap and put a 5k neutral white in it. One of my biggest requirements for a right angle light is the magnetic base. There are lots of times when im working on something and find it convenient to stick my light to something. I think one of these days im going to sit down and design and sketch up my perfect headlight. I have a few ideas :).
@Blackdragon1230, perhaps you should do an emitter swap with the Nichia 319A. Very low forward voltage, meaning better efficiency and less heat.
Isn’t that a 3V emitter? He’s replacing an XHP70.2, so maybe he could use the 144AM 90+CRI (6V)?
https://www.virence.com/product-page/nv4l144am
You suggested the 144AM in a different thread about modding an S2+: s2+ with xhp50.2 h1-a driver - #9 by BlueSwordM
Ohhh, I didnt notice he wanted a 6V emitter in his Skillhunt H03.
How is he going to fit a boost driver in it though? Headlamps are even tighter compared to normal lights.
He was referring to buying the Imalent HR70 (see post#26 above)