KronoReview of the MaxToch H01 Headlamp This item was provided by Amanda/MaxToch for review.
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^ MaxToch product pic. This pic also links to MaxToch’s Aliexpress H01 page. ^
This is my first MaxToch review, which is kind of surprising, now that I think about it. I’ll let my bias be known…I love this company! My first GBs were with them…the venerable SN6X-2X, and the interesting dual head DX21. And don’t forget Robo’s M24 Thrower/Special Edition Group Buy that is currently active right now.
Yeah…their name is a little screwy. I wondered…well…why isn’t it MaxTorch? Apparently, that name was already trademarked/copyrighted…whatever you call it…somewhere else in the world. So…the name is a little different…but then again, so are many Chinese lights.
What I like about MaxToch the most is that they have quite a bit of experience making lights for other companies, and they LISTEN. When we told them they needed copper MCPCBs with DTP…by golly…they made them! They have taken countless recommendations from users, like mudgripz and Tom E. They have done an amazing job of helping them with their lights, and making them even more user/hunter-friendly. MaxToch’s communication skills are also second-to-none. Amanda has continually impressed me with her knowledge and willingness to work with the flashlight community…certainly a rarity within Chinese manufacturers. Her English communications skills are likewise exceptional, which is a huge plus.
Nevertheless, when I saw that MaxToch was making a headlamp, I had to check it out! Let’s see what the manufacturer specs are first.
MaxToch H01- MaxToch regular price: $39.50.
Features/Specifications (From MaxToch) direct:
Specification (incomplete):
1* XM-L2 U2 LED
800lm
86g
31*85mm
Certification: CE, RoHS
Operation—-
Short press the switch will turn on H01 with white beam. Slightly click the button switch to cycle through modes: high-mid-low. Long press the switch to turn off light.
Long press the switch will turn on H01 with red beam. Slightly click the button switch to cycle through modes red beam constantly on and strobe. Long press the switch to turn off light.
Parameters:
Max Output (LM) 800
Runtime (Hours) 2
Rated Voltage (V) 4.2
Rated current (mA) 2000
Length (mm) 85
Head Diameter (mm) 31
Weight (g) 86
Battery 1*18650
Package included:
1 x H01 light
1 x o-ring
1 x Headband
1 x Proof of purchase/warranty card
Does Not Include battery, charger and other accessories.
My added specs:
Lens OD: 15mm
Lens thickness: ~1mm
Reflector OD (Widest point): 15mm
Reflector OD (At emitter): 6mm
Reflector Height: ~5mm
Weight w/o battery: 86g
OAL: 85mm
OD on endcaps: 31mm
KRONOREVIEW:
The MaxToch H01 is a single 18650 flashlight/headlamp, with two very different emitters…a single XM-L2 U2 emitter and a XP-E Red emitter. The H01 is controlled via a single switch. The silver Alumnum side switch controls both power and mode. There are three regular modes (H/M/L), and the H01 always comes on in High when first turned on. The red modes are sort of ’hidden’ and accessed through long press for on and off, and short press to toggle between the 2 red modes (On/Slow Beacon). The H01 also has an AR lens and a OP reflector for the XM-L2, and a separate, frosted lens for the red XP-E emitter. The flashlight comes with a warranty card, dual-strap headstrap/harness and an extra O-ring.
HI-LIGHTS:
Very floody, OP reflector, but still has a nice hotspot and transition between the two.
Additional Red emitter for map reading etc. at night.
Solid, bombproof, on-piece body design with integrated cavity containing driver/components.
Metal button and electronic switch.
Focused more toward LEO, military and hunting use.
AR Lens.
Fits most protected cells (Future models will include larger ID in battery cavity to fit more protected cells).
Excellent, adjustable headstrap.
IPX7 water resistance.
Even, matte-black HAIII annodization.
White LED lens unscrews for access/modification of white emitter.
External +/- marks for correct battery insertion.
Decent heat-sinking.
Easy UI.
Amp readings were consistent regardless of which battery I used.
LOW-LIGHTS:
Won’t fit some protected cells (corrected in future production runs).
Unable to remove button side of tube (tailcap) for access to driver, controls. It must be glued.
Red emitter is blocked somewhat on the side due to white emitter extension. Not much of a problem during real use.
Annodized emitter shelf.
Not compatible with some flat-top batteries.
PICTURES
^ Heavily padded inside with bubble wrap, egg crate foam and white foam ^
^ Contents: Light, headband, extra O-ring and proof of purchase/warranty card ^
^ Battery opening ^
^ Inside battery tube. Notice battery offset ^
^ Emitter view - XM-L2 & XP-E. Note that red emitter lens is frosted and flush with tube ^
^ Control side of light with Aluminum button ^
^ Battery cover side of light. The marks wiped right off, not sure where they came from…lol ^
DECONSTRUCTION
^ Battery tube, knurled bezel, lens, reflector and tailcap ^
^ Close-up of inside tailcap. I don’t know how they attached the spring, but it ain’t coming off! ^
^ Under emitter, plenty of thermal grease. Solid emitter shelf, but looks annodized ^
BEAMSHOTS/NIGHTSHOTS:
^ Control shot ^
(Note:My Beamshots-Distance to house is approx. 160 ft. (49 meters). Pics taken with Kodak easyshare Max Z990 f/4.5, 1/5 sec, ISO-1600). Note: Not this time…had to change settings to more accurately reflect light.
^ High beam shot: 1.6-1.7 amps. (Note: Beam was slightly brighter than this photo) ^
^ Medium beam shot: .6 - .7 amps (Note: Beam was slightly brighter than this photo) ^
^ Red emitter: .2 amps. Night shot of driveway a few feet away ^
^ Red emitter. Camper about 50 ft. away ^
^ Beam angle of red emitter. Note that XM-L2 bezel slightly limits angle of beam ^
^ Cool pic looking straight at red emitter ^
^ Tailstanding ^
^ Standing on opposite side ^
SUMMARY
MaxToch continues to produce excellent torches, and the H01 is no exception. It is a worthy headlamp that will primarily appeal to the outdoorsman and LEO market. The H01 has quality matte-black HA-III anodization, square cut threads, decent thermal path, lockout, dual purpose emitters, comfy headband…all for a comfy price. Also noticed were smoothly machined, rounded edges, very straightforward UI…and the H01 is cozy on the ol’ noggin. The negatives are very minimal, and don’t affect the light in any significant way.
In conclusion, the MaxToch H01 is a very nice headlamp. Another quality light from a serious torch company.
KRONOMETER patented rating: 4.00 out of 5.