Olight H1R Nova
Summary:
| Battery: | 1x CR123A / 1x RCR123A |
| Switch: | Electronic Side Switch |
| Modes: | Moon, Low, Medium, High, Turbo. |
| Mode Memory: | Last mode memorized to a single press from off SOS is not memorized |
| LED Type: | XM-L2 (Neutral White) |
| Reflector: | TIR Optic |
| Price: | $66.95 (Ebay - Olight) $66.95 (Olight Store) |
| Provided by: | Olight Official Olight Store |
Function:
The Olight H1R Nova functions exactly the same as the H1 Nova (non-rechargeable version) and similarly to the S1R and S2R.
From off:
A single press turns the flashlight on in the last used mode (Turbo is only memorized for 10 minutes, SOS is not memorized).
A long press turns the flashlight on in moonlight mode.
A double press activates Turbo.
A triple press activates SOS.
To enter lockout mode, Press and hold the switch for 2 seconds. Moonlight will first come on within the first second, continue holding for another second and the light will turn off. The light will not function until lockout mode is exited by either unscrewing the tailcap or pressing and holding the switch for about a second and will turn on in moonlight mode. While in lockout mode the light will flash momentarily when the switch is pressed.
While on:
Press and hold to cycle through modes Low, Medium, High.
A single press will turn the flashlight off.
A double press will activate turbo mode.
A triple press activates SOS. A single press to turn off the flashlight. or press and hold to exit into the last used mode.
The last mode used will be memorized when the light is turned off. Turbo and SOS will not be memorized, instead high mode will be memorized if it is turned off in turbo and the last used mode will be memorized if it is turned off in SOS.
The H1R Nova also behaves similarly to the S1R and H1 in regards to the fast ramping when entering or exiting Turbo mode.
Activating turbo from off will cause a subtle, yet noticeable fast ramp up to the desired brightness. This is a lot less harsh on the eyes than instantly blasting out 600 lumens in pitch dark.
The feature is also present and more noticeable when turning off the H1 from Turbo. The light rapidly ramps down until off. It takes about 750 milliseconds to go from Turbo to off.
Parasitic drain through the electronic side switch is negligible at 22.6µA.
Charging:
The Olight H1R Nova uses the same proprietary magnetic USB charger and interface as all of the newer Olight rechargeable flashlights. It begins charging at 770mA and will decrease the charge rate as the battery is charged. The light on the magnetic end will shine red through the duration of the charging. The attraction between the two magnets is enough to automatically center and snap to position when brought near the tailcap. It takes a fair amount of force to separate. It can take a small tumble and not detach.
The indicator light in the charging attachment will shine green when the battery is fully charged. The Voltage of the The included Olight ORB-163C06 RCR123A 650mAh cell fresh off the charger was 4.223v. Total charging time was around 1.5 hours from fully depleted to fully charged.
Data / Measurements:
My estimated output measurements of the H1R Nova vary a bit from the specifications, but are very consistent with my estimated output measurements of the H1 Nova (NW).
All throw measurements are lux values taken at 7ft and calculated back to 1 meter (Rounded to the nearest hundred). Estimated Max Output (Lumens) values are calculated based on measurements taken 30 seconds after turn on and are obtained through a DIY 'pvc lumen tube' in an effort to achieve diffusion of dissimilar beam profiles. As such, these values should be taken as "rough approximations."
The following test took place in 68°F Ambient temperature, indoors, with very little air movement. The flashlight sits head facing down on a piece of glass that is recessed inside a 4" PVC pipe.
The H1R Nova holds about 600lm in Turbo for 3 minutes and then begins slowly decreasing output for around a minute until it reaches about 200lm. This is maintained until the 90 minute mark when output drops to 70lm. The protection circuitry on the Olight RCR123A tripped at the 104 minute mark and light output ceased. The cell measured 3.11v after reactivation.
My testing with the H1 Nova utilized a 550mAh Olight RCR123A. In the testing of the H1R Nova I used the included 650mAh Olight RCR123A cell. This resulted in about 20% longer runtime.
Pictures:
The Olight H1R Nova arrived in the standard Olight retail packaging. A plastic box showing the H1R Nova.
Contained within the box is the manual, small olight carry bag, magnetic usb charging cable, a preattached clip, a black Olight headband, and the Olight H1R Nova.
The band included with the H1R is much more black than blue. Quite the opposite of the band included with the H1.
Construction quality is very similar if not the same. The mounting location is soft rubber and provides enough friction to hold the H1R at whatever angle you adjust it to. It has a little tab to help with removing the light from the mount. The light can be flipped to whichever side you desire for ease of switch activation.
Here's a 360 view of the H1R. Great fit and finish as usual.
This is the electronic switch in the top of the head of the light. It is slightly recessed. This is one of the best switch & cover designs for an electronic switch that I've come across. There is no squish and activation is immediate making double/triple presses very easy to do.
The signature blue PVD bezel and the honey comb TIR optic. This optic does some amazing things with the beam. The TIR makes for an incredibly wide and consistent beam with almost no spill.
The ridges on the tailcap allow for easy battery replacement and extra grip.
The integrated magnetic interface in the tailcap for the magnetic usb charging cable.
The tailcap threads are square and anodized. Loosening the tailcap slightly acts as a mechanical lockout. The light is shipped with a small plastic insert to prevent accidental activation.
The included proprietary battery. The contact points on the top allow for the integrated charging.
There is a small spring at the opposite end of the tube.
Comparison:
The H1R utilizes the tailcap with integrated charging functionality and as such is slightly taller than the H1. Apart from that they are essentially the same.
They both have magnetic tailcaps.
From Left to Right: RCR123A, AA, H1R Nova, 18650, Convoy S2+.
The size of the H1R is really incredible. Smaller than an 18650 and barely bigger than an AA.
From left to right: S Mini SS, Olight H1R Nova, S1R, S10R, S1A, S2R.
Beamshots:
The central tree trunk is about 50 yards away. The water line is about 35 yards away. The hanging tree limb in the upper left quadrant of the pictures is about 10 yards away.
My collection is kind of lacking in flashlights comparable Olight H1R Nova. The Nitecore HC50 has very similar output and throw. The S2+ has comparable output, but quite a bit more throw than the H1.
The H1R Nova has an extremely floody beam. It is very difficult to discern the 'hotspot' from the spill. Outdoors it has a very uniform, floody beam. The NW tint is also exquisite.
The HC50 is a very floody 18650 headlight, but the H1R is far floodier.
Olight H1R Nova modes Medium - High - Turbo.
Conclusion:
The Olight H1R Nova is yet another great Olight flashlight. Very similar to the H1 Nova, but with integrated charging and a slight increase in length.
The Nova is a floody headlight/flashlight that excels in short range (Less than 50 yards). The Neutral White tint is a fantastic attribute that makes it fantastic for point blank illumination as well. Its surprisingly small, yet emits over 500 lumens. The attention to detail, machining, and fit & finish is excellent.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact, floody headlamp/flashlight with a great Neutral White tint and integrated charging functionality the Olight H1R Nova may just be the light you're looking for.