The Skilhunt H150 is a small headlamp with great color quality, magnetic charging, and the ability to use both 14500 Li-ion and AA batteries. It sets a new standard in its size class.
3 Thanks
great review, thanks for all the details, including the Low Lights 
Magnetic charging pad can spark when shorted
Efficiency with Li-ion could be better
May attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries
I keep an H150 in my car (I unscrew the tailcap to prevent accidental activation and parasitic drain):
2 Thanks
I think the lowlights on this one show how underdeveloped the AA/14500 market segment is.
I’d normally complain more about a linear driver on a $50 light with average maximum output, but who makes a high-CRI light with stable output and better efficiency on a 14500? I suspect Zebralight used to, but 14500 was not officially supported. Emisar might (somebody should test that), but not as a headlamp.
I really like the size class and battery versatility and I hope competition heats up in the segment.
1 Thank
Here is my solution to the exposed live charging pad:
A magnet, and a 3d printed cap, when charging snap to the tailcap, fits well because the groove is the same as on the head.
I was also planning to make magnetic accessories that snap the same way to the head - filters for example, but didn’t have a need for those
4 Thanks
I believe the Emisar D2 has the same efficiency, it is also a linear driver. For me the advantage of the D2 is the Anduril UI. But, the D2 wont run on AA, so it is not the light I keep in my car.
Also the D2 does not include a headband, though one can be purchased separately from Spicy3D.
The D2 also does not have built in charging, and it also does not work w button tops (they are too long).
The new D3AA is more efficient, but is not a headlamp, and does not have built in charging.
The feature the Skilhunt lacks, is the ability to charge Eneloop. No presently available AA/14500 light has the ability to charge Eneloop inside the light.
Personally, Im not attracted to the Skilhunt for its magnetic charging… I do not like that the charging port on the light can attract metal shavings that can short the battery. (or make sparks as you described). Im tempted to paint some silicone over my H150 charging port, to eliminate the risk of sparks from metal shavings. I dont care about built in charging. I dont use it.
The reason I bought the H150 is for its AA capability, and its regulated output with NoPWM.
14500 are kind of obsolete, low energy density. 18650 = 4 x14500 and AA is ancient low tech. But who cares,right?
1 Thank
I care, but for almost all of my headtorch use i prefer a lighter, smaller, safer AA headtorch to an 18650 headtorch.
And while it doesn’t make a difference to your point an 18650 = 3 x Vapcell 14500s.
Strongly disagree. AA formfactor is one of the most reliable sources of stored energy that is widely available in any convenience store. The chemistry that is used in them is low tech and obsolete (IMO). So the formfactor isnt going anywhere, though the chemistry might change. I bet that when we have nuclear power that can be fit in that formfactor, we will get AA that will last forever.
Every standard has its use, i would say the same about 16340, but its a rechargeable alternative to cr123.
H150 is great because it has the versatility - i use primarily with 14500, but i once needed a source of light and all my 14500 were dead, luckily my colleague had AA that he uses in his radio.
1 Thank
Suum cuique. ;))
1 Thank
While there are applications where the energy density of the battery is paramount, many people like smaller, lighter headlamps. I include myself in that group - not that I don’t like 18650 headlamps, but when I don’t need that much performance I do prefer the lighter H150 on my head.
14500 is my favorite smaller battery. Its capacity is similar to 18350, but I prefer the form factor.
2 Thanks
I agree…
The H150 has a nice small, and lightweight, form factor.
1 Thank
I think the same. Previously I’ve used more 18650 headlamps, but for my camping 14500 is great! I mostly use low modes so it can run for long time even on eneloops.
Only when I need a lot of lumens for long time ex. walking in difficult terrain I’d choose 18650.
1 Thank