The Nitecore HA19 Headlamp was sent to me directly by Nitecore for review.
For description, technical data and purchase:
https://nitecorestore.com/collections/h … a-headlamp
Nitecore recently unveiled the HA19 headlamp, featuring new technology and performance. The HA19 is available in two different colors: Classic Black and Hunter Green.
The Nitecore HA19 headlamp is a lightweight product that offers good performance, ideal for indoor or outdoor applications such as camping, trekking, short hikes, and as an emergency light.
The HA19 features a lighting system with multiple color temperatures for all primary lights, providing optimal illumination in any situation thanks to MCT (Multiple Color Temperatures) technology, with good light output to meet a variety of outdoor lighting needs.
This version adds two RGB LEDs with the option of red, green, and blue illumination.
The new headlamp features a dual power supply option: a 2400 mAh Li-ion battery (NITECORE NH2400), sold as an accessory, or two AA batteries (included), with a maximum battery life of up to 90 hours.
The HA19 uses a unibody optical system with a wide field of view, a maximum output of 600 lumens and an intensity of 4,194cd, and a maximum range of 130 meters. It features two buttons for complete control of the flashlight, four brightness levels for the main lights, six light sources, and three special modes.
On the body, beneath the LEDs, are four LEDs indicating the remaining battery life. The Nitecore HA19 is IP68 rated, waterproof to 2 meters (submersible), and has a 1-meter impact resistance.
Main Features:
- Utilizes 4 dual-core UHE MCT (Multiple Color Temperature) LEDs to deliver a maximum output of 600 lumens.
- Equipped with primary lights with three color temperatures: cool white 6,500K (CRI 73), neutral white 4,500K (CRI 85), and warm white 3,000K (CRI 98).
- Equipped with 2 RGB LEDs to provide 3 light sources (green, blue, and red).
- Features a multi-faceted monoblock optical lens system.
- Requires 2 AA batteries and is compatible with the NITECORE NH2400 battery.
- Designed with two buttons of different shapes and textures for easy one-handed operation.
- 4 primary light brightness levels, 6 light sources, and 3 special modes.
- Made of special impact-resistant and low-temperature PC plastic.
- Impact-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Waterproof compliant with IP68 standard
Dimensions: 65 mm x 44 mm x 36 mm / 2.56" x 1.73" x 1.42" (including headband)
Weight: 61 g / 2.15 oz (including headband) - 107 g / 3.77 oz (headband and 2 AA alkaline batteries included)
Warranty:
Any DOA/defective product can be replaced through a local distributor/retailer within 15 days of purchase. After that, all defective/malfunctioning NITECORE® products can be repaired free of charge within 60 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 months, a limited warranty applies that covers the cost of labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or replacement parts.
Note: The data shown was measured using two 1.5V AA alkaline batteries, in accordance with the international flashlight test standards ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019, at an ambient temperature of 26°C (79°F) at the NITECORE laboratory. Actual data may vary due to different battery usage or environmental conditions.
The Nitecore HA19 was sent to me without a box as it has not yet been released for sale. The Nitecore HA19 arrived in the supplied bag along with the Headband and Clip. I also found two AA Alkaline batteries (Industrial). The sales package should also include the multilingual user manual.
The sales package includes two useful accessories: the multipurpose plastic clip that can be inserted after removing the elastic band, and the storage bag/diffuser that transforms the headlamp into a camping lantern or ambient light.
I was subsequently sent two Nitecore Li-ion AA USB-C 2400mAh rechargeable batteries (NH2400), 1.5V, and 3600mWh.
These batteries have a lifespan of 500 charges.
The 4-Way Clip can be positioned in multiple directions, such as on the shoulder attached to a backpack or on a hat.
The headband ensures good breathability and comfort and is easily adjustable and removable. The headband features reflective strips and a silicone strip that improves the fit of the headband once worn.
The Nitecore headlamp can be tilted 90° with one hand through four clicks. The mechanism works well even when subjected to stress, such as while running.
The Nitecore HA19 is made of special PC (polycarbonate) plastic with high mechanical resistance to impact and low temperatures and features an IP68 protection rating. It weighs 107 grams, including the elastic strap (with strap and two AA alkaline batteries). The power supply type (2 x AA) is labeled on the back.
The Nitecore HA19’s optical assembly, with a faceted monoblock optical lens system, uses 4 dual-core UHE LEDs MCT (Multiple Color Temperature) to deliver a maximum output of 600 lumens with 3 color temperatures: 6,500K cool white light (CRI 73), 4,500K neutral white light (CRI 85) and 3,000K warm light (CRI 98) as well as auxiliary red lights and green and blue lights.
Under the optical group there are 4 power indicator LEDs, which can be recalled via the MODE button, which show us the remaining charge of the battery or batteries.
This new version of the “HA” series also features 2 RGB LEDs to provide 3 light sources (red, green, and blue). These colors offer a valid alternative to white light, especially the red light, which is less “intrusive” in the dark, even for insects, but useful for example in night shots or for signaling and assistance.
On the top there are two switches with different shapes and textures (they feel like hard rubber); on the left is the “MODE” button and on the right is the ON/OFF button, for complete management of the user interface. I found the two switches to be improved compared to, for example, the Nitecore HA23 I tested last year, with a nice, silent click, and since they are raised, they are easy to find when the headlamp is worn. Below the two buttons is the writing that reminds us how to engage or disengage the electronic lock.
The Nitecore HA19 can be powered by two AA alkaline batteries (included) or two 2400mAh rechargeable lithium batteries (NH2400) (optional), as well as other 1.5V AA rechargeable batteries inserted into the battery compartment according to the polarity markings. It cannot be powered by 3.6V/3.7V 14500 batteries.
The honeycomb battery compartment features two gaskets for water and dust protection.
The Nitecore HA19 is IP68 certified (2 meters submersible).
USER INTERFACE (UI):
The Nitecore HA19 features two buttons for controlling the headlamp with many lighting options. It takes a few minutes of practice before you can easily manage the available lighting options. The HA19 has four levels of primary white light + three special modes (SOS, Beacon, and Red Slow Flashing) and two levels of auxiliary red light in addition to green and blue illumination.
Above is a diagram taken from the user manual.
Main Light
On / Off
On: When the light is off, long press the Power Button for 1 second to access the LOW level of Neutral White.
Off: When the light is on, long press the Power Button or the MODE Button for 1 second to turn it off.
Changing the Color Temperature
When the main light is on, briefly press the MODE Button to cycle through the following sequence: Neutral White – Warm Light – Cool White.
Note: After switching from neutral white to warm light, if no operation is performed for more than 1 minute, briefly pressing the MODE Button will return directly to neutral white light (skipping cool white for this cycle).
Adjusting the Brightness Level
When the main light is on at any color temperature, briefly press the Power Button to cycle through the following brightness levels: LOW – MEDIUM – HIGH.
Note: The HIGH level will gradually decrease to prevent overheating and prolong battery life during extended use.
ULTRALOW Activation
When the light is off, double-press the Power Button to enter ULTRALOW mode with Neutral White light.
RGB Lights (Red Light / Green Light / Blue Light)
The product features three RGB light sources, allowing users to choose according to their needs.
• When the light is off, press and hold the MODE Button for 1 second to turn on the RGB light (default: Red LOW).
• When the RGB light is on, briefly press the Power Button to cycle through: Red LOW – Red HIGH – Green Light – Blue Light.
Note: The product has a memory function for the RGB light. When reactivated, it will automatically enter the last stored RGB light.
Special Modes (SOS / HEADLIGHT / SLOW FLASH)
• When the headlamp is in any mode, double-press the MODE button to enter SOS mode.
• When one of the special modes is active, briefly press the Power Button to cycle through the following special modes: SOS – HEADLIGHT – SLOW FLASH.
Double-press the MODE Button again to return to the previous mode.
Lock / Unlock
Lock: When the headlamp is off, press and hold both buttons for 2 seconds until the light flashes 3 times to indicate access to Lock Mode. In Lock Mode,
the light cannot be activated and will flash once to indicate this status when either button is pressed.
Unlock: When in Lock Mode, press and hold both buttons until the ULTRALOW Neutral White light turns on to indicate the unlocked state.
Note: The headlamp will remain locked after replacing the battery in Lock Mode. Follow the steps above to unlock it before use.
Nitecore HA19 next to the small Nitecore NU25UL and next to the Nitecore HA23UHE
BEAM and RUNTIME:
The Nitecore HA19 offers various beam color options thanks to the implementation of Nitecore’s recent MCT (Multi Color Temperatures) system. You can choose your preferred color temperature from four main levels: neutral, warm, and cool white.
The light emitted is reasonably uniform, and the beam provides a wide-angle illumination with a broad field of vision, both far away and near. See the wall photo below:
The CRI and CCT (color temperature) values, measured with the OPPLE Light Master, found in my tests match those indicated by Nitecore, with excellent values. The Duv value is also good, while the flicker level is in the green range, safe in all tests. These are the values found for the Nitecore HA19 with primary white light in HIGH mode:
Cool White Light: Color Temperature (K): 5847 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 72.3 - Duv = -0.0025
Neutral White Light: Color Temperature (K): 4441 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 84.1 - Duv = 0.0001
Warm Light: Color Temperature (K): 3351 - Color Rendering Index (Ra or CRI): 98.9 - Duv: -0.0005
The chart below shows some peak candela (cd) values taken with my Luxmeter for the 4 levels High, Medium, Low, and Ultralow with the Nitecore HA19 set to Cool White. The table values are in brackets.
Runtime tests were performed indoors at the High light level (600lm) using two AA alkaline batteries and two AA 2400mAh rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The values were taken with the LX1330B Luxmeter, measuring Lux/1m (cd).
Please note that the values shown in the graphs should be taken primarily as reference values because they were obtained using equipment and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory. Measurements made with the Luxmeter report values in Candela (cd) and not the expressed brightness.
VIDEO Unboxing and Use
CONCLUSIONS:
Nitecore HA19 is a lightweight headlamp suitable for both indoor and outdoor lighting. The Nitecore HA19 features three color temperatures and two RGB LEDs for red, green, and blue alternatives to white lighting. Its strong point is definitely its power supply, as the HA19 runs on two readily available AA batteries. The construction and waterproofing (IP68) are good, with the two switches providing a great feel. They’re slightly raised and have different shapes and textures. A less positive aspect is the user interface (UI), which is complicated by the numerous lighting options and therefore difficult to remember, at least initially.
Therefore, it’s an excellent headlamp for all outings in the dark, for trekking, work, camping, climbing, etc. The Nitecore HA19 is definitely a must-have in its category.
Thanks for reading the review.
Roberto
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