Compact headlamp with infinitely variable brightness and 14500 \ AA powered by Acebeam H40.
There are almost no 14500\AA headlamps on the market. Taking into account the choice of 1000lum\600lums HiCri and infinitely variable brightness, the model looks quite tempting.
you can buy Acebeam H40 at:
➤ Acebeam official website with 10% code LMNC10 (valid for all the items in store)
➤ AMAZON
There are 2 versions of this model, brighter with XP-L HD and less bright, but with neutral light and high color rendering index. I will review the last one.
Characteristics (taken from the site of the dealer):
Cree XP-L HD LED with a working capacity of at least 50,000 hours (more than five years of continuous operation);
Maximum brightness: 1050 lumens;
Peak intensity: 2600 cd;
Range: 102 meters;
Power Supply: 1xLi-ion (700mAh) / Ni-MH (1900mAh) / Alkaline battery;
Maximum operating time: 52 hours;
Impact resistance: 2 meters;
Waterproof: IP-68 standard;
Dimensions: 64.7x26.9x23.4 mm;
Weight: 34 grams (without battery).
durable aviation aluminum body with additional anodizing of the outer surface to protect against corrosion;
ultra clear tempered glass lens with anti-reflective coating and light transmittance more than 98%;
microtextured reflector for maximum light output;
digital voltage stabilization for uniform brightness of the light flux as the battery is discharged;
protection from overheating of the LED and electronic components (the control driver of the flashlight automatically reduces the brightness after a certain time of the diode in high brightness levels / the features of the function depend on the type of battery used);
compact dimensions and low weight.
This modification is based on the Luminus SST-20 CRI 95+ LED, emitting a luminous flux that is as close as possible to natural warm sunlight. With this feature, the flashlight will be an excellent choice for professional photographers, as well as the category of users who need to achieve maximum color reproduction of the illuminated objects.
Maximum power: 600 lumens;
Operating time (in the minimum mode): 52 hours;
Range: 106 meters;
Peak intensity: 2832 cd.
Package and appearance
Good design, reliable and colorful packaging. Taking into account the fact that a relatively small price makes this headlamp interesting from the point of view of a gift, the package here does not disappoints.
Inside is a standard set: a headlamp with a headband itself, manual/warranty card, o-ring. Everything. I think that it would be possible to put the battery, they cost not so much.
Headband - standard “pants”. Here all that is needed: light-reflecting stripes outside, and sweat preventing gel strip inside.
Well, here is the headlamp. It is really extremely small in size, slightly larger than the battery itself. Worn on head, you almost don’t feel it.
In essence, the Acebeam H40 is an ordinary T-shaped headlamp, made in an unusual small size. And there are no unusual external features. Look here.
Both ends are smooth, without magnets (since the latter are usually placed in L-shaped headrest, this is not surprising. I just just clarified this fact just in case). One end is easily twisted battery compartment cover.
Due to the tenacious knurling and good lubrication, twisting it is not a problem.
Inside, just in case, there is an indication how to place battery correct way.
There is a spring in the tailcap, there is a contact pad at the opposide side.
And one more thing to show. Here you can see the copper pad that transfers heat from the LED to the flashlight body itself.
The headlamp is operated by a single soft orange button. The move is average, sensible click. The button is quite comfortable in size.
On the opposite side are the cooling fins. Though they are small, but looks decent and proportional regarding to overall dimensions of H40. There is nothing much to do here. And, well, they do they job, just check the “stabilization” part below.
The reflector is shallow, textured.
The bezel twists without problems, giving access to the insides. everything looks neat here. Acebeam is a good company and I have not heard any complaints about the build quality of their products.
Overall impressions are positive. H40 is small and neat. Both it and it`s packaging look nice and leave the impression of a good branded item. Worn on head, due to the insignificant dimensions, it is not felt at all. Well, I know for sure that there is a category of people who are consciously looking for minimum size and are ready to sacrifice brightness for this. This thing will please them 100%.
UI
It is quite a simple and convenient. There is all the necessary, i.e. access to extreme modes and blocking.
off / on – 1 click (there is mode memory)
Button hold starts the minimum brightness
2x click launches turbo
3x click launches SOS
holding button when ON starts a gradual increase or decrease in brightness. at the maximum brightness (high, not turbo) this ceiling is confirmed by 3 flashes, the minimum brightness is indicated by 2 flashes
lock and unlock with a 3 second hold.
PERFORMANCE
Let me remind you once again that I preferred a much less bright, but definitely more pleasant Hi-CRI version. Accordingly, in the photo-video below, it is worth making an amendment to the fact that the CW version will be significantly brighter: 1050 lumen versus 600 at the maximum (and there will be a difference in other modes too). To some, such a conscious choice of a less bright option will seem strange, but personally I think that a good light is the same functional characteristic as brightness. In any case, this is a good and rare example of how a manufacturer goes to meet two main groups of customers: those who are looking for greater brightness and fans of a more pleasant-looking light.
There is no visible PWM shimmering in any mode.
Light distribution is quite convenient for close range work. This is not a full flood light, there is some hotspot here, which allows us to speak about symbolic throw (to be honest, quite sane for a headlamp with such dimensions), but still there are much more sidelight then throw. Here for comparison all the same S2 +.
Should I say that tint and CRI are perfect.
As for stabilization, then everything is quite good for yourself. But i dont think turbo in AA mode will have any advantages over High.
Well, for work alive. There will be a video below, you can see examples of work there as well. So, if we talk about stabilized brightness, then it will definitely enough for walking around the camp or jogging. Turbo allows, albeit briefly, to enlighten a relatively good distance. Of course, when 14500 is inside. we a The photo will contain examples of work from Ni-Hm, you can also evaluate it.
If we talk about using Acebeam H40 indoor, then the power of the it is definitely enough.
15-20m distance looks quite illuminated. Even in Low mode i see some hotspot there.
Longer distances outdoor, which is not surprising, will be just symbolically illuminated. I do not think that even a brighter version of the Acebeam H40 will be able to show the best result here. After all, with such a small reflector, it would be naive to rely on something beyond fifty meters. But, standing on the ground shine on 13-15 floor is quite possible.
*OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
Due to its size, this headlamp is not for a wide audience. Many will not be able to abandon the long duration of work and high brightness for the sake of compactness. But! I consider it fair to evaluate this headrest from the perspective of the audience for which it was created. After all, it is senseless to evaluate a dump truck from the position of Smart driver and vice versa.
In my opinion, a person who is consciously looking for a compact headlamp, will receive the expected. But there are still a lot of such people, and a fairly large assortment of compact headlamps with built-in battery is proof of that. My experience of talking to those who use such small things shows that they are quite satisfied even with such relatively small brightness. And for their needs, the stock of brightness of such tiny things is quite consistent.
In fact, the Acebeam H40 lacks any functional deficiencies in relation to its size. IMO.
+ convenient UI with access to the extreme modes and blocking, stepless brightness control
+ HiCri version and a radically brighter version with a cold light.
+ compact size
+ affordable price for such a niche product.
+ stabilization and duration of work.
I like this thing and again feel that Acebeam did a great job with release of one more product. Bravo!
