Review Nitecore HC65 V2 - 1750 lumens - USB-C

Nitecore HC65 V2 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for the review.

For the description and technical data of the house: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/hc65v2

For purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-HC65-v2-Rechargeable-Headlamp-p/fl-nite-hc65v2.htm







Nitecore updates its HC65 headlamp with a new brighter version and faster to load; the Nitecore HC65 V2.

Nitecore HC65 V2 is a flashlight with front lighting system suitable for many uses and in particular for runnung, caving, camping, rescue, climbing and mountaineering.

It is powered by a 3500mAh 18650 Li-ion battery (included) or alternatively by 2 CR123 / RCR123 batteries and is rechargeable via the USB-C connector.

HC65 V2 uses a unibody TIR lens system equipped with 3 different LEDs with a wide beam (100 °) flood beam covering a maximum distance of 165 meters. The main LED, a Luminus SST-40-W (White LED) is capable of delivering 1750 lumens for an intensity of 7000 cd.

Nitecore HC65 V2 has a memory function and has only one button to manage: 5 primary levels with white light, 2 special levels (Beacon and SOS), 3 auxiliary red light levels and an auxiliary white light (High CRI ≥ 90).

Nitecore HC65 V2 is certified IP68, 2 m (waterproof and submersible) with an impact resistance of 2 meters.








Main features:

  • Triple output full metal USB-C rechargeable headlamp
  • Utilizes a primary Luminus SST-40-W LED with a max output of 1,750 lumens
  • Equipped with a high CRI auxiliary white light (CRI≥90, Color Temperature: 4500K) and an auxiliary red light
  • Unibody TIR lens system reflects uniform and soft light
  • A max beam intensity of 7,000cd and a max throw of 165 meters
  • Highly efficient constant current circuit provides max runtime of 800 hours
  • Built-in intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C charging port
  • 180° adjustable tilt angle for various lighting needs
  • The power indicator beneath the power button can indicate the remaining battery power
  • The power indicator can display the battery voltage (±0.1V)
  • Integrated Advanced Temperature Regulation (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
  • Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy
  • HA III military grade hard-anodized finish
  • Waterproof and dustproof rating in accordance with IP68 (2 meters submersible)
  • Impact resistant to 2 meters

Specifications

Dimensions: 90.8mm × 34.75mm × 26.95mm (3.57” × 1.37” × 1.06”) Weight: 114.5g (4.04oz) (Bracket and Headband Included, Battery Not Included) 65.5g (2.31oz) (Bracket, Headband and Battery Not Included)

Accessories

NITECORE 18650 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (NL1835HP 3,500mAh), Spare O-ring, USB-C Charging Cable, Headband, Bracket





Note: The stated data is measured in accordance with the international flashlight testing standards ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, using 1 x 18650 Li-ion battery (3,500mAh) under laboratory conditions.

The data may vary in real world use due to different battery usage or environmental conditions. * The data is tested without temperature regulation. * TURBO Availability: The TURBO level is only accessible when using an 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery with a discharge current over 8A. It is inaccessible when using CR123/RCR123 batteries





PACKAGING and ACCESSORIES:

The Nitecore HC65 V2 is sold in a cardboard box. The main characteristics of the flashlight are specified on it. Opening the box we find inside the flashlight with the included accessories which are: NITECORE 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery (NL1835HP 3,500 mAh), 2x spare O-rings, USB-C charging cable, headband and bracket. As usual, there is also a multilingual manual.








The breathable headband has been redesigned by adding a rubber pad at the back that guarantees perfect adherence and improved comfort to be able to comfortably wear the headlamp for a prolonged time. There is also a silicone strip near the headband that improves adherence as well as deflecting sweat to the sides of the head away from the eyes.

The bracket is well made and guarantees a good non-slip seal. The inclination of the HC65 V2 has a 180 ° adjustment; you have to do a little bit of force to turn it and, if necessary, to remove the flashlight from the headband, after having unscrewed the two caps.








Nitecore HC65 V2 is constructed of aluminum alloy with anodized finish. Good materials and not excessive weight. The writings on the flashlight are well made. On the two sides we find 2 caps; frontally seen on the left we find the USB-C charging port, while on the right is the housing of the 18650 battery included in the sales package. Nitecore HC65 V2 is equipped with grooves in the upper part and laterally that facilitate the dissipation of heat when used at high light powers.









In the upper part of the HC65 V2 we find the power button, which allows complete management of the front, and the front projector with the new TIR Unibody system in the center.

The new power button, made of rubber, is barely embossed and has a good, slightly loud click. Once the battery has been inserted, the two LEDs under the button flash to indicate the remaining battery charge.





The optical system of the HC65 V2 uses a unibody TIR lens system and is equipped with 3 different LEDs with a wide beam (100 °) flood beam covering a maximum distance of 165 meters.

The main white light LED, in the center of the optical system, is a Luminus SST-40-W with a maximum light output of 1750 lumens for an intensity of 7000 cd.

Frontally, to the left of the primary LED, we find the auxiliary red light LED of 11 lumens max.

Frontally, to the right of the primary LED, we find the auxiliary white light LED High CRI (CRI≥90) of 35 lumens.






Nitecore HC65 V2 has mechanical protection against reverse polarity. If necessary, the front can be used with two CR123 / RCR123 batteries.

Nitecore from incompatible 18650 Flat Top batteries. I tried using a battery without the button on the head (Sanyo NCR18650GA) and the HC65 V2 worked.

The package includes a rechargeable lithium battery in 18650 format (Nitecore NL1835HP 3,500 mAh – 8A).






To insert the battery just unscrew the cap on the right, and insert the battery with the positive in the head.

As contacts we have a double spring on the cap for the negative and a button for the positive.

Nitecore recommends that you do not attempt to use the HC65 V2 to charge CR123 / RCR123 batteries.











One of the novelties of this revamped version is the USB-C charging socket. The charging port is hidden and not in contact with external agents. To access it, just unscrew the cap to the left of the front. Above the cap you can see the words Rechargeable and USB-C. On the thread, well greased, we find an O-ring for water protection.






Once the battery is fully charged, it is automatically stopped. During the charging process, the power indicator will blink slowly, while the power indicator will remain lit constantly to inform you when charging is complete.

The charging time for an 18650 lithium-ion battery (3,500 mAh) is approx. 2 hours and 25 min. (5V / 2A). In my tests the time taken for a full charge was 2h45min (1.5A).



USER INTERFACE (UI):






Nitecore HC65 V2 has only one switch for managing the UI (user interface).

The HC65 V2 is equipped with 3 different LEDs.

- The main white light LED, a Luminus SST-40-W has 5 normal levels and 2 special levels (Beacon and SOS).

The setting of the various levels is memorized and maintained even after turning off the flashlight.

ULTRALOW - 1 lumen - 800h

LOW - 50 lumens - 28h

MID - 250 lumens - 6h

HIGH - 900 lumens - 2h 15min

TURBO - 1750 lumens - * 30min

BEACON - 1750 lumens

SOS - 1750 lumens

* Turbo runtime is tested without temperature regulation.

- The auxiliary red light LED has 3 levels.

LOW - 3 lumens - 110h

HIGH - 11 lumens - 30h

FLASHING - 11 lumens - 57h

- The auxiliary High CRI white light LED (CRI ≥90) has a single level of 35 lumens - 20h

For the complete management of the Nitecore HC65 V2 I am attaching the address of the user manual:


https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads ... hc65v2.pdf






Nitecore HC65 V2 near to Nitecore NU32.


BEAM and RUNTIME:

Tested in the field, the HC65 V2 left me impressed by the quality of the beam and the distance reached by it. The headlamp is equipped with a wide-beam flood optical system certainly suitable for a well-lit walk also from the side. The flashlight, with a little force, is easily tilted to find the right personal setting. HC65 V2 has, like the previous one, an auxiliary red light (for hunting or tactical lighting), as well as a secondary high color rendering LED recommended in particular for reading in poor visibility conditions.


The beam has no defects or aberrations and the tint is not particularly cold, as can be seen in the test on the wall where the spot is yellowish (in the measurement made by me it is about 5500K). Using the HC65 V2 is simple, after some practice, even if you only have one button to manage it.










From a test made with the OPPLE Light Master instrument, there are no problems of flicker (flicker) of the beam.





The runtime tests were done indoors using the 3500 mAh 18650 battery supplied with the flashlight.

N.B. The measurements and data collected, having been made with instruments and environmental conditions different from those carried out by the parent company, can be dissimilar.

Nitecore HC65 V2 features ATR technology (advanced temperature regulation) which adjusts the light output according to the working conditions and the external environment to maintain optimum performance in safety.


In the first test the Nitecore HC65 v2 was put in TURBO mode at 1750 lumens.

As soon as it is switched on, the brightness has a constant decline for about 2min. At this point there is a sudden drop up to almost 3 minutes where, after a slight increase in brightness, there is a stabilized value up to almost 1h17m.





The first 16 minutes.





Another test was made with the front set in HIGH mode at 900 lumens. Also in this case the Nitecore HC65 V2 has a good adjustment. After switching on, there is a slight decrease in brightness until minute 7.30. At this point there is a sudden drop in the light output up to minute 19 where there is a steady settlement and a constant output up to minute 135. The data declared by the manufacturer are also respected for the HIGH mode.







A final test was made by putting the HC65v2 in MID mode at 250 lumens. The curve, as seen from the graph, is almost constant up to over 5h30min.










VIDEO Unboxing and use of the headlamp.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2PtBp7N3Xk


CONCLUSIONS:

Nitecore HC65 V2 is a well built headlamp offered in a complete package, ready to be used. The update of the HC65 brought more light output (1750 lumens) and some changes such as the new USB-C charging interface.
The headband has also been improved, now more stable with more comfort in wearing it even for a long time.
Nitecore HC65 V2 is compact and allows a well-lit walk together with excellent autonomy, it is a flashlight with front lighting system suitable for many uses such as runnung, caving, camping, rescue, climbing and mountaineering.
It is powered by a 3500 mAh 18650 Li-ion battery (included) and can also be powered by other non-proprietary batteries or alternatively by 2 CR123 / RCR123 batteries. Recommended.
Thank you for reading the review.

Like most Nitecore flashlights it looks nice and futured, but as usually have irritating UI.

Thanks for the review. The original HC65 has been my go to headlamp for many years.