There are very few compact headlamps on the market (unless we are talking about models with built-in batteries). The new product from Acebeam is one of those.
Specification
- model name: Acebeam H16
- LED: Nichia 519A and some unknown in CW version
- maximum brightness and range: 1000lum \105m and 650lum \86m
- magnet at the end
- power supply: 14500 Li-Ion (900mah included)
- dimensions and weight: 81.61917mm, 53.5 \ 71g (with battery and fully assembled with head mount)
WHERE TO BUY
ACEBEAM OFFICIAL STORE with 10% code LMNC10 (valid for all the items in store)
➤ AMAZON
PACKAGE AND APPEARANCE
Good lookling package design, which is expected when we talk about Acebeam.
Kit includes: the flashlight , the headstrap, the 14500 900mah battery with a built-in charging connector, the Type-C battery cable and manual.
I like the headband. Lightweight, perforated, with reflective elements and gel strip
Actually, here is a flashlight in full assembly with a mount. The ratio of the width of the headstrap and the dimensions of the Acebeam H16 already allows you to judge how small it is.
And it is really a small headlamp. 81.6mm is actually a little. This headband is only slightly larger than a 21700 battery! And the full-sized Sofirn SP35, a full-sized EDC flashlight with a 21700 battery, seems like a real giant against the background of Acebeam h16. Well, even Wurkkos TS10, which is powered by the same 14500 battery is larger than Acebeam H16
Here’s another pic for clarity, the headlampis actually only a size of a finger.
There are currently two colors available, gray and black. Moreover, gray only comes with non-HiCRI light. But look how handsome they are! This is a real flashlight bonsai, tiny headlamps that look like full-sized ones
There is a magnet is installed in the tail cap, the strength is enough to keep the flashlight horizontal
The spring is only in the tailcap. As you may expect, there is a contact pad at the side of the head
Machining is, of course, flawless. Just looking at the flashlight, you understand that this is not even close to some kind of budget model. Acebeam H16 looks perfect, like almost any Acebeam flashlight.
As mentioned at the beginning of this Acebeam H16 review, this headlamp is powered by a 14500 Li-Ion battery. This is the size of an AA battery, well known to all of you. The complete 900mah battery has a built-in charging connector. It’s really convenient. If the battery is discharged, you change it to a fresh one, and the discharged one can be put on charge from the power bank.
The advantage of an L-shaped headlamp over a T-shaped headlamp (all the nuances of choosing headlamps can be found here) is the ability to attach it not only to the head, but also to the breast pocket or backpack strap. Clip helps in this, of course. This one is double-sided and convenient. Removed with reasonable effort, does not scratch the case.
If you put a clip on the seat at the tail, then it will stick out ugly from the side of the tail cap. Since the clip is double, I don’t see the point in this.
The cooling fins are very deep, but with such dimensions and brightness, let’s look at things objectively, they are more of a design element.
Finding the button blindly will not be an effort, it sticks out quite a bit. However, Acebeam took care that the UI had protection against accidental activation.
The reflector is small, textured. If the quality of light is more important to you , then you have option of Nichia 519a , and if the quantity, then some unknown but good LED
UI
It is familiar UI , that is really close to the mass of other Acebeam flashlights, differing only in one. As I wrote above, to make sure that the flashlight does not turn on randomly, now it turns on by 2 clicks, not by one. It’s unusual, yes. But! There is logic in this, and you get used to such inclusion really quickly.
ON - 2 clicks from OFF
OFF - 1 click from ON
Mode change - hold from ON
Firefly Instant Access - Hold from Off
Instant access to Turbo - 2 clicks from ON
HOW ACEBEAM H16 ILLUMINATES
HiCRI version should suit taste of all flashlight gourmets. 5000K, a high color rendering index and the absence of a green tint at lower brightnesses. Well, i admit that some may prefer 4000K, but i`m one of those who pick 5000K.
The Non HiCRI version has a lower light quality, but still much better than a lot of other flashlights. But the amount of light here is much more than the HiCRI version.
Of course, runtime in the turbo is short, but you will have enough time to look around
Acebeam H16 is that rare case when the seller is cunning in the specification. The promised stabilization only refers to Ultralow mode, where you would not notice its absence at all.
High will last longer, but alas, the brightness will drop as the battery drains. However, you will have an hour of very good brightness anyway.
But two hours before the brightness dropped to half of the original MID mode did not please me.
However, I see no reason to take such a compact headband for the sake of high brightness. I am sure that in most cases you use a headlamp for close range work. And Acebeam H16 is convenient here.
Moreover, if we are talking about some searches on the shelf, or work at a very short distance, then even a very long-playing Ultralow mode is quite suitable here, see for yourself. And in such scenarios, the HiCRI version looks definitely much more preferable.
Within the limits of some small room such as a garage, LOW mode may well be enough for you. If the flashlight had a TIR lens with a wide light, then such a small brightness would not be enough. The reflector installed in Acebeam H16 allows you to achieve greater brightness due to a smaller area of illumination.
However, this is a very small reflector, so I find the width of the light quite comfortable.
If you go out into the open air, then you will understand that the MID mode is enough for you.
In the same rare situations when you need real brightness, you should not look for it in the HiCRI version. I remind you that there is no stabilization, so after some time the maximum brightness may even be lower than the initial brightness of the High mode.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
Of course, Acebeam H16 is flashlight not for everyone. It is for those who find compactness to be more important than longer runtime and high brightness. Many are chasing high brightness in headlamps, but in most cases, a flashlight is used for close-range work, when high brightness is even inconvenient. Acebeam H16 shows it`s best in this certain cituation of use.
If needed, the cold white version of Acebeam H16 can shine very brightly and with good runtime. The version with HiCRI Nichia 519a will certainly appeal to advanced users, especially fans of compact models (and I know those). They, due to the price of a flashlight, will be the target audience. And, guys, dont expect Acebeam H16 to be a budget model, of course.
The flashlight looks very nice, it has good UI. I got used to switching on by 2 clicks instantly.
You will not feel Acebeam H16 on your head at all, it weighs very little. Because of this, it will still fit as a headlamp for a child. In case of urgent need, Acebeam H16 can also be powered by a regular AA battery to operate at low brightness.
However, one cannot ignore the disadvantage - the manufacturer claims stabilization, but is silent that it is for the Ultralow mode. Though here, as usual, the eye will adapt to the drop in brightness and to certain level of brightness will compensate the lack of stabilization.
In short, I like this small headlamp. This is a model for its audience and if you belong to it, then you should like Acebeam H16. Finding a compact headlamp with HiCRI light is not easy. Most importantly, do not forget 1-2 spare 14500 batteries if you go out into nature. Fortunately, these batteries do not take up space in your pocket at all.