Li-Ion 18650 USB rechargeable headlamp

[Ambiorix]

I'm looking to buy my first headlamp and have decided I want one based on a single 18650 Li-Ion battery (battery and lamp in single pack), that's USB rechargeable. It has to be somewhat rugged (aluminium) and waterproof.

So far I've only found the following solutions:

Fenix HL60R
Nitecore HC90

I prefer the symmetrical looks of the Fenix and it's cheaper but I dislike its controls. It looks alot like the Nitecore HC50 and I prefer the controls of the Nitecore HC50 but that's not USB rechargeable. The Nitecore HC90 is USB rechargeable but I don't like the slider and don't need the extra blue and green colour lights.

Is there any other possibility in this segment (single 18650 accu+lamp in one pack that's USB rechargeable) to choose from?

 

[JAS]

Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

You are pretty much where I was a year or so ago when I was looking for headlamps. I wanted a single 18650 that recharged in the light. I probably had a much easier decision because, when I was looking, the Fenix HL60R. I, too, was slightly concerned about the slide switch of the Nitecore HC90. I also couldn't see the need for the red, green, and blue LEDs. But, I sprung for the Nitecore HC90 anyway.

As it turned out, the concern about the slide switch was unwarranted. Also, even though I couldn't see the need for the other LEDs, I do use them every so often. For example, about an hour ago I was taking a hike, around a lake, in a county park near me. As I approached other people, I simply switched by headlamp from white to blue. It gave me ample light to hike by without blinding the other hikers.

Now if I were buying today, I am really not sure which I would buy between those two. While it might sound like a cop out, I really think that it is a "WIN-WIN". Which ever light you buy will probably serve you quite well.

I realize that probably didn't make your decision any easier, but just know that what ever you go with will be a good choice. Also, this IS CandlePowerForums. You simply can't have just one of anything. Buy BOTH of them, do an in-depth comparison, and then post it here for all to read!

 

[Ambiorix]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

I don't really see it as a WIN-WIN, but more as a LOSE-LOSE because instead of wanting them both, neither is what I really want.

With the Fenix if you're on Low and want to go to the Red light, you'll have to pass through Mid-High-Turbo which renders the Red option less useful.

With the Nitecore HC90 it's not that I'm concerned with the yellow switch, I just don't like the looks of it and for me it makes the lamp ugly. I also find it too expensive for a handlamp for my use.

I've been weighing this so much, which disadvantage will bug me the least, that I think I might have to abandon the USB-rechargeable idea.

The only solution I currently see is to buy the Nitecore HC50 in combination with the Fenix ARE-X1 charger. As I'll have to buy a separate 18650 battery as well, it's actually more expensive than the Fenix HL60R which includes the battery. Is the USB chargeable option worth compromising or is it just a nice extra that can easily be compensated by the Nitecore HC50 + Fenix ARE-X1 combo?

 

[JAS]

Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

.....The only solution I currently see is to buy the Nitecore HC50 in combination with the Fenix ARE-X1 charger. As I'll have to buy a separate 18650 battery as well, it's actually more expensive than the Fenix HL60R which includes the battery. Is the USB chargeable option worth compromising or is it just a nice extra that can easily be compensated by the Nitecore HC50 + Fenix ARE-X1 combo?

Go with the Nitecore HC50 and Fenix ARE-X1 charger. I happen to like the ability to recharge with a USB port, BUT I also realize that I am in the minority here. Many, perhaps most, members here advocate charging batteries outside of the light. I haven't bought a separate charger yet, but I suspect that I will at some point.

 

[Ambiorix]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

I like that ability as well. It also saves on buying a seperate accu and charger. That's why I looked for this in my initial search.

Unfortunately the offering is very limited and I happen to dislike the controls and/or functionality.

Regretting not having the option to recharge through USB, Nitecore HC50 it will probably be...

 

[Kueh]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Maybe consider this .... JetBeam HR25

https://www.fasttech.com/products/3510200

 

[Ambiorix]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Really appreciate the proposition! However it has an odd mode spacing and also the square the design isn't entirely to my liking. Thx!

 

[Ambiorix]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Anybody who want to share their Fenix HL60R or Nitecore HC90 user experience?

 

[pika-t]

Lumonite Compass R is available with a magnetic snap charger. I'm afraid it's only available here in the Nordics. I would have bought it but the lowest output of 85 lm is too high for me. Compared to the Armytek Wizard, it seems to have better heatsinking and a headband mount that comes off without a struggle. Right now I'm just waiting for either of the brands to make a new model with the best features of both models.

 

[Ambiorix]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Go with the Nitecore HC50 and Fenix ARE-X1 charger. I happen to like the ability to recharge with a USB port, BUT I also realize that I am in the minority here. Many, perhaps most, members here advocate charging batteries outside of the light. I haven't bought a separate charger yet, but I suspect that I will at some point.

I favored the USB charging ability and went for the Fenix HL60R Thanks a lot for your input JAS!

Not having to buy the 18650 and a charger and the flexibility to charge from USB convinced me. I still think the controls could have been better but will learn to deal with it

My order arrived today and a brief 5 minute test gave me the idea that it doesn't feel to heavy and is comfortable to wear without the top strap (tested very briefly). I like the beam both far away and up close (tested in the underground parking lot).

 

[Sphinxxx]

Re: Li-Ion 18650 USB Rechargeable Headlamp

I was obsessed with this idea for a long time. I hike and backpack a lot and would like to have my headlamp plugged directly into my Voltaic solar panel during the day. I was using a Zebralight H32 with a separate charger and that worked well, but i wanted more battery life and direct charge. I have yet to find anything i like enough to buy. I will probably give up and get a ZL 18650 with the Klarus charger/power bank. But i get it, i HATE adding a whole separate item to the situation, and i don't like taking the battery out all the time. But at least with an 18650, i can go a few days without charging. With the cr123 light i changed them twice a night and that really irked me, especially in the dark haha.
My opinion: the headlamps currently available compromise too much in performance and weight to be worth the convenience of charging.
I did find one interesting light that you might want to check out though.
http://www.klaruslight.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=130&id=108
But its twice the weight of a ZL 18650, and it lacks a real low mode. Both deal breakers for me.