Nitecore HC50 565Lm Headlamp Review

[MountainKing]

Great review. But why no MSRP in the review?

[dthrckt]

http://bit.ly/19EA5Go

[MountainKing]

@dthrckt

http://bit.ly/19EA5Go

It was easier for me to select that nitecore with my mouse right click and use the context menu to search the MSRP or to even type that long ass response to your lmgtfy link.

I mean the review is great but including a MSRP at start of review would be much better and put the light in ‘context’

[koyotee]

Has the glow isue been fixed?

[Ramblings]

Never had an issue in the first place :P

[southland]

@Ramblings

Never had an issue in the first place

Same for me.

[sunbeam]

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

[FlashLion]

@sunbeam

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

2 batteries have higher total voltage and respectively the light will stay longer in regulation(will maintain constant brightness).
Shorter run time with two batteries.
The HC50 has no enough space for two protected 16340(RCR) batteries. CR123A,IMR 16340 or unprotected ICR 16340 can be used,but the CR123As are not cost effective.Using unprotected 16340 requires more care to their voltage.

[saypat]

@FlashLion

@sunbeam

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

2 batteries have higher total voltage and respectively the light will stay longer in regulation(will maintain constant brightness).
Shorter run time with two batteries.
The HC50 has no enough space for two protected 16340(RCR) batteries. CR123A,IMR 16340 or unprotected ICR 16340 can be used,but the CR123As are not cost effective.Using unprotected 16340 requires more care to their voltage.

Hello. I overcharged 2 of my 16340 cells and put them into my HC50. The battery meter read 8.6V. Is the light brighter at this voltage?

thanks.

pat

[brad]

HC50 is equipped with a smooth reflector and due to that the beam is not fully floody smooth.OP reflector would be also a good choice here.The smooth reflector is good in situations requiring more throw.

I’m curious about the flood, my HL 21 is too focused, my HL10 is very nice, and my HP25 is nice on flood but too focused on throw, is this beam floody with no hot spot, or least a wide hotspot that blends in to the flood (spill?)?

[FlashLion]

@saypat

@FlashLion

@sunbeam

whats the difference in using 1 or 2 batteries ? in terms of performance

2 batteries have higher total voltage and respectively the light will stay longer in regulation(will maintain constant brightness).
Shorter run time with two batteries.
The HC50 has no enough space for two protected 16340(RCR) batteries. CR123A,IMR 16340 or unprotected ICR 16340 can be used,but the CR123As are not cost effective.Using unprotected 16340 requires more care to their voltage.

Hello. I overcharged 2 of my 16340 cells and put them into my HC50. The battery meter read 8.6V. Is the light brighter at this voltage?

thanks.

pat

Probably slightly brighter,but not much. I can’t test it though.
Just for info,what batteries do you use?

[FlashLion]

@brad

HC50 is equipped with a smooth reflector and due to that the beam is not fully floody smooth.OP reflector would be also a good choice here.The smooth reflector is good in situations requiring more throw.

I’m curious about the flood, my HL 21 is too focused, my HL10 is very nice, and my HP25 is nice on flood but too focused on throw, is this beam floody with no hot spot, or least a wide hotspot that blends in to the flood (spill?)?

The light still has a hotspot,because of the reflector,but it’s not too bright and doesn’t disturb my eyes. Hotspot and spill blend well.

[brad]

How do you think it would be for reading and working at arms length?

The HL21 drive me nuts.

[FlashLion]

@brad

How do you think it would be for reading and working at arms length?

The HL21 drive me nuts.

I think it is good for reading and working. Sometimes I use my HC50 when soldering and I found it comfortable. I usually use a flashlight with attached diffuser.

[scheven_architect]

Very very good review! a shame it has only 40 replies, but i guess you left a lot of us speechless.

[eebowler]

FlashLion, jaw dropping pics man!! Great review too! One thing you didn’t mention in the OP is approximate tint of the light. Cool, neutral, warm. Thanks again

[Pregulla]

He did actually:

The LED installed here is Cree XM-L2 T6,cool white. It gives beautiful clean white light. No greenish or yellowish tint.

[eebowler]

Oh crud. Sorry :weary: Thanks

[FlashLion]

@scheven_architect

Very very good review! a shame it has only 40 replies, but i guess you left a lot of us speechless.

Thanks! Glad you like the review.

@eebowler

FlashLion, jaw dropping pics man!! Great review too! One thing you didn’t mention in the OP is approximate tint of the light. Cool, neutral, warm. Thanks again

Thanks. These are some of my favorite pictures. The weather was cold and windy,but the result is quite good.

The beam of my HC50 is definitely a cool white light,but still with good color rendition. Comfortable for regular use.

[ri_chevy]

Have the bezel outer covers been changed on this headlamp? Mine from the group buy has a bezel that is slotted rather than smooth and all the way around. Just curious. The tint on mine is a very white, white. No colors at all on the edges! Nice.