I have one and a skilhunt , it has a good output and has been reliable even though it has been bashed about under trucks and trailers, runtime is good in lower modes
The only thing I could complain at is that it is quite a “throwy” headlight sometimes I need more flood over a large area and it has too much of a hotspot which is why I swapped to the skilhunt which floods more.
The Nitecore HC30, Skilhunt "R's" and the Xtar H3 are all similar. The Skilhunt uses a different button location and they all use a different UI. The HC30 and H3 are closer in similarity.
All are good. The bigger issue is service after the sale.
Install a 20mm 60 degree TIR. Swap the stock cool XM-L with neutral one on DTP board, maybe even 219B or 219C. Put a magnet in the tail cap.
Then it’ll be good. HC30 is a subpar off-the-shelf headlight, but a very good host. There is even a nice custom build using its body, but with high-CRI XHP-50, wide TIR lens and a boost driver.
I had a Skilhunt h03… It is now dismantled in its original card-box, I don’t even want to use it as a host. The reflector diameter is too small, the electronic isn’t reliable (I did let it fall on concrete from 1m… Stopped working immediately) I checked the wire connection, the led and conclude that the component failed.
Go for the Nitecore HC30, better host, better electronic. Also, the magnet inside the Skilhunt is very weak, the clip is rubbish too.
From factory, The Wizard has the strongest magnet (easy removable) and the best TIR reflector (BUT no mod allowed, . Unless you are a psychopathic can opener, and like to scratch anodized aluminum)
IF you need a good host/electronic, he HC30 is the best. Compact too.
H600d if you need a proper CRI and don’t want to play-play soldering stuff…
Wizard Pro if you like lumens over cri.
I love my HC30, however if I knew then what I know now, I might have opted for the Xtar H3 Warboy. Not that I’m disappointed with my HC30. It’s one of my favorite lights. Might order a Warboy just for giggles.