Olight H1 Nova vs Olight Perun 2 Mini vs Nitecore UT27 - trying to find the right headlamp-ugh
In a nutshell: I want a small rechargeable headlamp with replaceable batteries that can run about 200-ish lumens for an hr or so. It will be used around the house - repair, projects, etc. I’m burning through too many AAA batteries with my Milwaukee headlamp. (love the lamp, hate buying batteries)
Can anyone comment on the lumen / runtime profile of the Olight H1 Nova or Perun Mini 2, or provide any other details or opinions?
Take a look at skilhunt H04 mini and may be acebeam h17 too, if you are looking for a small headlamp, just as an option. Slightly larger 18350 cells, but the weight is still ~same to the option you’ve listed. For me personally high CRI would be a + too, not sure if it matters for you. Both also have stable, regulated output regardless of cell voltage.
As a sidenote - if you have AAA lamp you like using Ni-MH cells with it is always an option…
I like angle lights like Skilhunt, but as a headlamp they cast light on my nose too, because the optic / head doesn’t stick out.
Very annoying to have a partially illuminated nose in the corner of your eye.
I use a headlamp all the time when i’m DIY-ing.
I’ve had several, but i landed on a 1x AA T-shaped light with the head of a Lumintop EDC01 Frankensteined on it, with a 45° frosted TIR optic and a 4000K LH351D in it for efficient high CRI light.
It starts in a perfect medium mode and lasts a couple of hours (maybe 4 ?) on a NiMH AA.
Recently replaced the stretch band too, the old one was totally worn out.
But it’s light weight, so no over the middle of your skull strap needed.
Because of the T shape (the head sticks out around 3 cm) it doesn’t illuminate my nose of cheekbones.
45° is wide enough to illuminate what you’re working on.
If you’re happy with your 3x AAA light then maybe you can find a LiPo pouch cell to fit in the battery compartment.
HobbyKing has a lot of choice in pouch cells.
Stick on one of those USB charger and protection boards and you’re good to go.
Looks like the runtime of 18350 is better. Where’s a good place to get one pretty quick? The Skilhunt store @ 40.90? I think the HO4F Mini with the flip-diffuser should be fine. I really like the way all of my LiOn lights perform, so will give this one a go. I’m so busy this winter that no time to futz around with anything, but really appreciate the other suggestions.
It really depends on where you live. I got mine from aliexpress simply because for me shipping was easier this way. Not fast though. Some local retailer would probably be the best bet, otherwise - official store.
It is an interesting idea, but the biggest concern here is how robust it is.
I personally ended up getting regular H04 mini with TIR, because the less things to break the better, and was not disappointed by it. It is very floody, just what a headlamp needs, and on higher brightness levels it can reach fairly far too, for rare cases when it is needed, even if at a cost of lower runtime.
Agreed about the chance of breaking that flip-diffuser. Maybe I should try to order spares from the Skilhunt store. It was a toss up between the TIR but I sometimes like a more focused beam … we’ll see!
Funny how so often we come in with “this item or that item?” and end up purchasing a different item. Cool.
Got UT27 Nitecore, really dissappointed regarding waterproofness. Dropped in a small saltlake for 5seconds, just a drop in 5cm water, not more, it got water inside immediately. It is not waterproof at all i think.
Even though it’s a bit more costly than what has been mentioned, I continue to be very impressed with my Fenix HM65R. By far the most comfortable, best performing headlamp I’ve ever used by a long shot. Thing is quite lightweight and very compact for what it has to offer and the 18650 just runs indefinitely for my use.
Get the hmr65T headlamp. 400lumens for 12 hours. Magnesium body super light weight. Flood or beam. Cinch headband is great. Bought one for my wife and she loves it.
Received the Skilhunt H04F Mini today and so far looks good. Glad I did not order a larger format - this one feels about twice the weight of my 3 AAA backpacking headlamps. Great light output, beam is nice and smooth. The diffuser doesn’t widen the beam, just softens it a bit. Should be great around the house, icefishing and on the lake this summer.
I also ordered a Vappower 18350 as a spare, but might have the wrong battery - it’s a flat top and shorter. Ooops. We’ll see what Killzone says.
