Review Headlamp Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Nichia

Armytek WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia (warm light) was sent to me directly from Armytekstore.de for review.

For the description, technical data of the house and the purchase: https://www.armytekstore.de/flashlight/ … -usb-warm/
The Online Manual: https://www.armytekstore.de/index.php?d … ent_id=237

A 15% coupon code “Bright15” is available on the website: https://www.armytekstore.de/

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I have always particularly appreciated the light quality of Armytek products, especially in the Warm versions. I am therefore happy, thanks to Armytekstore.de, to try the Wizard C2 Pro Nichia model, an update of the Wizard Pro Nichia model, popular among lovers of high-quality light.
The Wizard C2 Pro version, with Nichia LEDs, has an almost perfect color reproduction and is therefore particularly recommended for use in situations where natural color reproduction of illuminated objects is required; for example, photo and video shooting or in the work field (painting and polishing, color coding of wires, etc.).

DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL DATA:

Armytek WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia is a multifunction torch with a white light front lighting system (Warm) powered by a Li-ion battery 18650 3500 mAh (included) with a maximum autonomy of 6.5 months (Firefly mode).
WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia has a compact design with an anti-abrasive matte finish without rough knurling, managed by a convenient side button. The Armytek headlamp has a TIR optics with a beam that covers from 70° to 120° (hotspot and spill) and, in this “warm” version, it has a Nichia LED with high CRI (>90), with a color temperature of 4500K, a maximum light output of 1600 lumens and is rechargeable via the magnetic port, located under the cap.

WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia has a water protection rating of IP68 (10m for 2 hours) with resistance to falls of up to 10 meters and is equipped with an active temperature control system.
It is sold with some accessories included in the package and a head support (band) to be used, in a simple way and with one hand, as a torch also having a powerful built-in rear magnet.
WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia is suitable for everyday indoor use or for outdoor activities (running, cycling, sports, fishing, hunting, car maintenance and assistance etc.) with multiple installation variants and optional accessories for mounting on sports equipment and is compatible with AHM series helmet mounts for industrial work and mountaineering.

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Main Features:
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Dimensions and weight: Head diameter: 33mm / Body diameter: 20.4mm / Length: 112mm
Weight: 65g (115g with battery).

Warranty and Service: Armytek provides free warranty repairs for 10 years (excluding batteries, chargers, mounts, holders, switches and connectors, which have a 2-year warranty) from the date of purchase if a document confirming the purchase is present.
The warranty does not apply to magnets, silicone covers of connectors and buttons, installation rings and silicone mounts, clips, silicone grips, holsters, lanyards, O-rings and pads, Velcro tapes. The warranty also does not extend to damage due to improper use.

PACKAGE and ACCESSORIES:

WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia is sold in the classic Armytek cardboard box. The main features of the flashlight are specified on it, some of which are not present in the small manual supplied. Opening the box we find inside the torch with the included accessories which are: Steel clip, nylon holster, 2 x spare O-Rings, 18650 Li-ion battery (3500 mAh), magnetic-USB charging cable, head band with support and user manual (quick guide).

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The HEADBAND.

In the sales package we find the head band with the support where we will put the WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia for use as a headlamp. Excellent quality and adjustment of the elastic band complete with upper band and excellent plastic support where we will attach the torch.
C2 PRO NICHIA is installed and removed, in its support, easily and rotates 180° safely thanks to a quick release silicone ring that provides additional secure fastening.

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In the sales package we find two very useful accessories such as the Steel Clip and a nylon Holster.

The removable Clip, with two or more mounting options on the flashlight, remains firmly in place once installed for reliable mounting on clothing, belt, backpack as well as a deep fit on the pocket.

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The nylon holster is of good quality and has two attachment options, on a belt of any width and on the equipment thanks to the ring placed on the top.

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Wizard C2 Pro Nichia is a beautiful and functional flashlight. It is built in lightweight and shock-resistant aircraft aluminum with new springs for better protection and battery contact. Even in this version, the matte anodization is sensitive to scratches, or to the insertion of the supplied Clip, but to the touch the impression is excellent; it does not slip despite the smooth body and does not roll.

It holds well and the weight on the head, even with the battery inserted, is not excessive (115 gr). Thanks to the tail and flat head it is possible to put it upright (tail standing) or with the head upside down.

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Starting from the head we note the TIR optical system that provides a wide and uniform beam (hotspot/spill: 70°:120°) without distinct hot spots and sharp edges, tempered glass and anti-reflective coating surrounded by a protruding steel bezel for better protection of the optics. Also highlighted are the horizontal cooling fins and the ever-numerous writings.

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WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia has a Nichia LED (should be the 144AR) with high CRI (>90) and a color temperature of 4500K. With this configuration the WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia has a maximum power of 1600 lumens and reaches, with its beam, a maximum distance of 113 meters.

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To the left of the projector we find the yellow power button, large, surrounded by a metal circle. The electronic switch has a loud click but also a soft and comfortable pressure. It is the only button on the WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia for managing the torch (UI).
Under the button we find a multicolored Status indicator LED (temperature, battery level and status).

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In the Arnytek WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia the only unscrewable part is the tail cap on which we find numerous writings.
The powerful built-in magnet in the rear cap allows the torch to be anchored stably on iron objects. Wizard C2 Pro Nichia has complete protection against short circuits even in case of contact between the magnetic connector and metal objects.

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Unscrewing the tailcap we notice a large spring plated to the negative and a smaller spring to the positive. The threads arrive well greased, furthermore the WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia is equipped with two O-rings for water tightness and is certified by Armytek IP68 (10m for 2 hours). The magnetic connector is robust and water resistant; the torch continues to work even after immersion at a depth of 10 meters.
The resistance to falling is 10 meters.

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In the package we find a 18650 lithium ion battery without protection circuit with high discharge current (13 A) and capacity of 3500mAh. With this configuration we have the possibility of using any 18650 battery, flat or button top, protected or unprotected.

Armytek WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia provides complete protection against short circuit even in case of contact between magnetic connector and metal objects and allows the physical blocking of the torch by unscrewing the tailcap by ¼ to avoid involuntary ignitions.

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On the back of the tail cap, magnetized, there is the charging connector for the torch.
The proprietary USB cable, 50 cm long, is of course included in the sales package.

To recharge the battery you need to unscrew the tailcap by 1/4 turn and make the magnetic charger adhere to the tailcap.
To recharge the supplied battery it took me about 3 hours and 40 minutes. If the cell is higher than 4.0 V, charging does not start (the charging status remains green). Always in my tests, the full charge stops at 4.19 V.

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Connector LED color indication:

Charger not connected:
• Green: Device is in standby mode.
Charger connected:
• Green flashing — battery voltage assessment.
• Red flashing: Unscrew the tailcap 1/4 to charge.
• Orange flashing: USB power source voltage is too low to be corrected or there is poor contact between charger and battery. Clean the tailcap and threads of flashlight parts or try using a different power source.
• Red: Charging with rated charging current.
• Orange: USB power source voltage is too low, charging current may be reduced.
• Green: Charging is complete.

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Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Nichia along with other headlamps.

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From left: Armytek Wizard C2 PRO NICHIA, Armytek TIARA C1, Nitecore HC68, Zebralight H604c and Acebeam H15.

USER INTERFACE (UI) AND LEVELS:

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WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia has a total of 11 light modes. The operation is not easy but it becomes so with a little practice. By default we have 6 light modes with the possibility of switching to the professional advanced operation with 11 modes. The spacing of the available modes is very good covering the available brightness well from 0.1 lumens to 1600 lumens.

General type (default): Firefly1, Firefly2, Main modes, Turbo mode (last used in Advanced, Turbo2 by default).
Advanced type: [1] – Firefly modes, [2] – Main modes, [3] – Turbo modes, [4] – Strobe modes.

WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia has active temperature control. When the temperature of the flashlight approaches +58 °С, the brightness drops to the safe value, allowing the flashlight to avoid overheating for a long time. In conditions of good air cooling the flashlight provides light without decreasing brightness.
The flashlight has a multicolor temperature, battery level and state indication (indication by the color LED in the button), as well as a low
battery level indication by light (indication by the main LED of the flashlight).
When the battery level becomes less than approx imately 25%, the color LED in the button indicates the warning level by flashing orange 1 time every 2 seconds. With a further drop in voltage, the brightness begins to decrease in steps to ensure the safety of the battery and the user. If the brightness of the mode (except Firefly modes and Main1) drops below approximately 25% from the nominal value, the main LED flashes 2 times. When the battery level becomes critical, less than approximately 10%, the color LED flashes red 1 time every second.
High temperature: When the temperature of the flashlight increases to the warning level, the color LED in the button flashes orange 3 times
every 2 seconds. At critical level the LED flashes red 3 times every second. The brightness begins to decrease to a safe level.

GENERAL TYPE
Modes: Firefly1, Firefly2, Main modes, Turbo mode (last used in Advanced, Turbo2 by default).
In OFF state
1 click: To turn on the last used mode.
Press and hold: To start cycling through Firefly modes. Release to select. Keeping button pressed will start cycling through Main modes.
In ON state
1 click: To turn off the flashlight.
Press and hold: To start cycling through Main modes from any mode. In Firefly1 cycling through Main modes starts after cycling through Firefly
modes. Release to select.
2 clicks: To turn on Turbo mode from any mode. The second double click brings back last used mode.
ADVANCED TYPE
Sections of modes:
[1] – Firefly modes, [2] – Main modes, [3] – Turbo modes, [4] – Strobe modes
In OFF state:
1 click: to turn on the last used mode.
Press and hold: to turn on Firefly1 mode [Section 1]. Holding the button will start
to scroll through the modes: Firefly1 - Firefly2 - Firefly3 - Main1 - Main2 - Main3 - Turbo1.
In ON state:
1 click: To turn off the flashlight.
Press and hold: To start scrolling through the modes of the relevant section.
The same in OFF and ON states:
2 clicks: To turn on the main mode [Section 2]. Another double click will toggle between the modes chosen in [Section 1] and [Section 2].
3 clicks: To turn on the Turbo mode [Section 3].
4 clicks: To turn on the Strobe mode [Section 4].

To switch between modes:
Unscrew the rear cap 1/4 while the torch is off, press the button and tighten the rear cap while holding the button.

Auto Memory.
After turning off, the last used mode is memorized for quick access when turning on again.
Lockout function:
Unscrew the rear cap 1/4 to protect against accidental switching on. The multi-color indication will be deactivated.


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BEAM and RUNTIME:

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The beam of the WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia, thanks also to the TIR lens, does not present surprises being without strange aberrations or color rings. The tone is neutral (4500K) very pleasing to the eye with a beam, of an alluvial nature, that covers the walk well reaching low and medium distances. The specifications claim a hotspot of 70 degrees and a lateral exit of 120 degrees; the light beam is “smeared” without an evident demarcation between spot and spill. I did not notice PWM or flickering in any of the available modes.

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Sunlight is the source of illumination with the highest quality of colors visible to the human eye, that is, it shows colors as they really are, while artificial light has a lower color rendering, partially altering the perception of color. With HICRI LEDs, with high color rendering, we try to partially overcome this problem.
The purpose of the CRI “color rendering index”, which can assume a value between 0 and 100 where 100 is natural sunlight, is to be able to define the level of accuracy in the color reproduction of any light source. This solution is reserved in particular for activities that require high color precision such as painting and polishing, color coding of wires as well as in shop windows or for museum or theater lighting etc.).
In the photo below the three photos were taken indoors using three different headlamps (ISO 500 F/2.8 1/60 sec.).

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The same sequence also outdoors. The color of the Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Nichia beam faithfully reproduces the color of the illuminated part unlike the Acebeam H15 with predominant yellowish and the Zebralight H604c which suffers from the low throw being the beam completely flooded.

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Using the OPPLE Light Master Pro, a fairly accurate device even if not calibrated, I measured the CCT color temperature value, the Ra color rendering index and the flicker measurement if present. These are the data reported by the test:

TURBO2 - Color temperature (K): 4720 - Color rendering index (Ra): 93.5 - Duv= -0.0005
TURBO1 - Color temperature (K): 4603 - Color rendering index (Ra): 94.1 - Duv= 0.0007
MAIN3 - Color temperature (K): 4521 - Color rendering index (Ra): 94.6 - Duv= 0.0014
MAIN2 - Color temperature (K): 4481 - Color rendering index (Ra): 95 - Duv= 0.0014
MAIN1 - Color temperature (K): 4436 - Color rendering index (Ra): 95.1 - Duv= 0.0012
Flicker Index (Risk): No risk for the tested brightnesses.

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In the table below are some values ​​in candela (cd) taken with my Luxmeter after 30 seconds from switching on.

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Runtime:

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The runtime tests were carried out indoors (about 18°C) with the supplied battery fully charged. For the test I used the LX1330B Luxmeter.

I would like to point out that the values ​​expressed in the graphs should be taken, above all, as a reference because they were made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory. The measurement made with the Luxmeter reports the values ​​in Candela (cd) and not the expressed brightness.

As you can see from the graph below, the WIZARD C2 Pro Nichia is well adjusted and the runtime times roughly reflect those declared by Armytek.

In TURBO2 (1600 lm), at the start, the brightness increases for about 30 seconds and then begins a decline that becomes sudden after a minute from the start. After a constant output for over 160 minutes from the start, other drops in brightness occur in sequence as the battery approaches exhaustion. After more than 260 minutes from the start, the brightness drops to the lowest level (Firefly1) for a few hours.
In TURBO1 (750 lm) there is a slow and constant decrease at the start, up to 11 minutes from the start, before suddenly decreasing in brightness. Even in this level, after a constant output for about 160 minutes from the start, there are other drops in brightness in sequence as the battery approaches exhaustion.
In MAIN3 mode (250 lm) the discharge curve is constant from the start for about 5 hours and 30 minutes before starting the decrease.

The switch flashes red when about 3V remains. In my tests, at the end of the test, the battery marked 2.8V, remembering however that the Wizard C2 Pro Nichia could still remain on in Firefly1 for a few hours.

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The first 20 minutes:
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VIDEO Unboxing and Use

CONCLUSIONS:

Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Nichia is an excellent headlamp with a high color rendering light beam that returns real colors; it is well adjusted with 11 light levels available with different Moonlight modes which are now rare to find. The sales package is complete and I would like to underline that the Wizard C2 Pro Nichia can easily be powered with other 18650 format batteries (10A).
The user interface, with two distinct user interfaces, is particular but easy to manage especially in advanced use. I hope in the future for a USB-C charging port which is now a standard adopted by many. Highly recommended.
Thanks for reading the review.

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3 Thanks

The UI sounds overly complicated but it’s not really in practice. I held off for a few years before I bought my first pro and I wish I had not.

1 Thank