Woods Walker
The Wood is cut, The Bacon is cooked, Now it’s tim
I was sent this headlamp for review by Nitecore. I don't do run time charts etc etc etc. I don't disassemble gear items. There are plenty of reviewers who do an outstanding job at that. What I do is actual use of a gear item during outings aka field testing backpack based gear reviews. One pro to camping, hiking, fishing and trail running often is having this very opportunity. To be honest I am not big on the entire open box review structure as often seen on the internet. Nothing wrong with initial impressions reviews but always prefer watching gear in actual use. However that's just my personal preference and to each their own. With my rant out of the way lets take a look at the HC30!
What's included?
Ok the red lanyard and 4xCR123 SF primaries weren't included but the HC30 did come with a nice clip, two O-rings, roomy headband plus extra switch boot. Lets take a look at the stats from Nitecore.
Nitecore's site.
http://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/hc30
That's a bunch of info. So how does this translate into real world usage? We will get to that in a moment. Up next is the clip which seemed fine. The clip allows the HC30 to be setup as a flashlight with a lanyard. Best of all it easily removes from the headband without drama..... How many headlamps advertise this feature only to result in broken hearts and harness attachments for your trouble. So far this removed easily and without issue for me. Despite easy removal from the headband I never noticed the headlamp bouncing around or sliding out of position when trail running.
Makes for a really nice UL crazy bright flashlight.
Maybe it's an OCD thing I but really dislike off centered LEDS. This one was acceptably centered. There was also no nicks on the anodizing or dust behind the window. It's those little quality control things that if done right often indicates good overall quality. Great job Nitecore.
Some of my impressions of the stated stats from Nitecore during actual field use. Again this is based on human observation aka actual use in field conditions so your mileage might vary.
Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) technology helps prevent overheating from extended use.
Oh boy if there ever was a marketing term but who cares because the ATR works. Lets be honest. There is no way a 1.42 ounce headlamp body can disperse enough heat away from the LED to maintain 1000 lumens for 1 hour in most conditions. This is something the reader needs to understand. It's a simple matter of the current state of technology. First the actual weight of the headlamp system if one includes the Nitecore 3400 mAh battery and headband is 4.7 ounces per my digital postal scale from the USPS. On a side note the Nitecore 3400 mAh battery was one of my first lithium ion batteries. I own a Nitecore EX10 flashlight among other gear items for years from Nitecore so had experience with the maker. When it came time to buy a 18650 (for another headlamp) given all the fraud and dangerous products floating around decided to go with a company I knew and trusted. It turned out to be a good decision as the battery continues to function great. IMHO avoid lithium ion batteries with funky "fire" names and crazy high mAh ratings from questionable vendors. Remember it's strapped to your head hence the name "headlamp" so play it safe and smart. Plenty of trusted names out there in this regard. Nitecore IMO is one of them. Yes the HC30 will work with 2XC123 primaries but given the higher modes I recommend 18650 lithium ion.
So how did I test this ATR? I did several trail runs using the HC30 on turbo in sub freezing weather. The headlamp really didn't overly heat up and though the output might have declined it wasn't all that noticeable. Again using just human perception which admittedly isn't the best light meter but then again I don't use a light meter to see anything. LOL! On a side note it was strange trail running with what seemed to be a car headlight worth of illumination blazing away. I then tested it on the table in my house which was around 70 Fahrenheit without any moving air. It got much warmer, the output seemed to reduce even more. So based on pure human observation it seemed to work. I bet if hiking next winter during sub zero it would probably stay even brighter for longer. I was impressed by this. Yup. The HC30 is bright and IMHO stays bright as long as possible.
Note: All modes can be seen in the video.
Turbo.
Low.
162 meter throw.
I have no way to measure that but can say the reflector looks deep compared to my other XM-L2 single battery headlamps. It's smooth as well so that made me think this headlamp would have some throw and sure enough the HC30 really throws. One big pro to this is the ability to see up tall trees looking for widow makers before setting up camp. This was a job that in the past required a flashlight (for me anyways) but the HC30 is more than up to the task. Google the words "widow maker" for those who don't know the term. Serious stuff.
This is a massive Hemlock. The raw power of the HC30 given the weight and size is amazing in actual use. Numbers, photos or even video can't fully show it or maybe I am just easily impressed. LOL! All kidding aside I am amazed at the current state of LED technology. Heck I was amazed 10 years ago so now just flabbergasted.
1.5 meter drop rating.
I dropped it once because of being a goofy goober who naturally drops stuff. Not actually testing for that but the headlamp survived the impact. Then again it was on leaf letter so not sure if that proves anything.
IPX Rating: IPX-8 (Waterproof and submersible up to 2 meters).
First thing. No I am not dunking my light 2 meters down because in actual field conditions that would most likely be a lost gear item. It's very possible to have a light slip out of my hands when near the bank so tested for that setup. Here we go.
The water was actually deeper than it looked as the headlamp slowly started to sink into the murky leaves.
I think this looks neat. The light passing through the water from the submerged HC30 bouncing off a rocky over crop. I wonder what the light transmission rate of murky water is?
Gosh I hope this works because I am several miles in with 5 miles of trail running to go.
And it does. A later inspection showed no water ingress after 5-minutes which is the maximum amount of time I would sit there actually looking at a light accidentally dropped in the water. Come to think of it would I really sit there looking at light for 5-minutes under water not doing something about the situation? Probably not but it's the internet so just roll with it.
On a side note the temperature was 34 Fahrenheit so I wasn't liking that wet headband.
Speaking of cold a mile earlier did a stream crossing. I was actually testing two different lights in this regard as occasionally will cross water at night for various reasons. For example if fly fishing late hiking out past dusk or trail running looking to save some miles as was the case here. I don't recommend doing stream or river crossings at night in around freezing temps. If you slip and drown don't blame me. If one day you read I drowned doing this by all means make fun of me. I won't mind because you're probably right.
HC30 on turbo. The river looks flooded. Bummer.
Time to cross. The power and throw of the headlamp really penetrated the water well mitigating the risk of slipping. Yes the actual crossing is in the video. It would be a mistake attempting to walk over the flooded rocks as those create choke points. Faster the moving water the greater the risk. Better to go with the slower moving water even if deeper IMHO.
Cold feet after the river crossing which is in the video.
Location Beacon for efficiently marking your current position.
Yes the beacon is fun. I tested that in the video. I also showed the other disco modes.
Lock out tail cap.
Yes. The HC30 easily locks out to prevent accidental activation. This is a BIG pro for me.
Can be turned into a flashlight.
I read the HC30 can be removed and used with the clip (or without) as a flashlight. This is an elusive feature of some headlamps which sometimes works and other times not so much. In this case it works. The light was easily removed and clip was tested for holding when dropped with DIY lanyard attached. Often I pack a headlamp plus flashlight using the same battery type but at times don't want too much extra weight. Given the UL nature of the HC30 if using 2xCR123 or 18650 this isn't a bad option for the flashlight roll.
Works with gloves as well.
So how is the tint? Not bad. Sure it's cool white but not squid **** green or alien abduction angry blue. Neutral white MD2 with M61N on left, cool white HC30 on right. There is now a HC30W which I guess is probably neutral white. The "W" would be my preference however this example's CW is acceptable for CW. The beam as stated has good throw but also some flood.
The UI. Here are the basics.
When off:
One short press activates the ultra low mode.
Two short presses activates strobe aka disco.
A half second press activates the last-used constant mode aka memory.
A one second press activates the max 1000 lumen mode.
From any constant mode:
A short press switches to the next higher mode, or from turbo down to ultra low aka it cycles.
A long press turns off the light.
When using a disco mode:
A short press switches between disco modes in the order Strobe > SOS > Beacon
A long press turns off the light.
Basically when using the light you can either go with a memory function or not. I really like this as sometimes memory UIs are inconvenient. There is also a fast access to Turbo mode which is nice when you need to know if those glowing eye belong to a deer or an imaginary black bear stalking your camp. Could also be Bigfoot. For those who have lights employing a fast single click to turn off the long press of the HC30 takes a bit getting used to. I have several headlamps which have this UI feature so am familiar with it.
That's all for this field testing review. I like the headlamp! Here is a video for those with too much time on their hands.
What's included?
Ok the red lanyard and 4xCR123 SF primaries weren't included but the HC30 did come with a nice clip, two O-rings, roomy headband plus extra switch boot. Lets take a look at the stats from Nitecore.
Nitecore's site.
http://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/hc30
Features:
Aero-space aluminum alloy body with HAIII military grade hard-anodized finish
Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass lens with anti-reflective coating protects LED
Easy-to-use single button interface
Features three specialized tactical outputs:
Strobe Mode for disorienting a target
S.O.S. Mode for signaling for aid
Location Beacon for efficiently marking your current position
Rotating head allows up to 90 degrees of vertical rotation for a broader range of illumination
Comfortable, adjustable nylon headband provides secure hold for any head size
Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) technology helps prevent overheating from extended use
Reverse Polarity Protection prevents chance of damaging circuit from improperly installing batteries
Tail-stand capability
Included Accessories:
1 x Nylon Headband
2 x Spare O-Rings
1 x Spare Rubber Switch Cover
1 x Stainless Steel Pocket Clip
Specifications:
LED: CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED
Power Source: 1 x 18650 OR 2 x CR123A (Batteries Sold Separately)
IPX Rating: IPX-8 (Waterproof and submersible up to 2 meters)
Impact Resistance: 1.5 meters
Brightness Output / Runtime (Using 1 x 18650):
Turbo: 1000 Lumens / 1 Hour
High: 400 Lumens / 3 Hours 30 Min.
Mid: 210 Lumens / 7 Hours 15 Min.
Low: 70 Lumens / 15 Hours 15 Min.
Ultralow: 1 Lumen / 330 Hours
Brightness Output / Runtime (Using 2 x CR123A):
Turbo: 1000 Lumens / 45 Minutes
High: 400 Lumens / 2 Hours 30 Min.
Mid: 210 Lumens / 4 Hours 30 Min.
Low: 70 Lumens / 10 Hours 15 Min.
Ultralow: 1 Lumen / 150 Hours
Peak Beam Distance: 162 meters
Peak Beam Intensity: 6600 cd
Dimensions:
Length - 3.86"
Head Diameter - 0.95"
Weight: 1.42 oz
That's a bunch of info. So how does this translate into real world usage? We will get to that in a moment. Up next is the clip which seemed fine. The clip allows the HC30 to be setup as a flashlight with a lanyard. Best of all it easily removes from the headband without drama..... How many headlamps advertise this feature only to result in broken hearts and harness attachments for your trouble. So far this removed easily and without issue for me. Despite easy removal from the headband I never noticed the headlamp bouncing around or sliding out of position when trail running.
Makes for a really nice UL crazy bright flashlight.
Maybe it's an OCD thing I but really dislike off centered LEDS. This one was acceptably centered. There was also no nicks on the anodizing or dust behind the window. It's those little quality control things that if done right often indicates good overall quality. Great job Nitecore.
Some of my impressions of the stated stats from Nitecore during actual field use. Again this is based on human observation aka actual use in field conditions so your mileage might vary.
Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) technology helps prevent overheating from extended use.
Oh boy if there ever was a marketing term but who cares because the ATR works. Lets be honest. There is no way a 1.42 ounce headlamp body can disperse enough heat away from the LED to maintain 1000 lumens for 1 hour in most conditions. This is something the reader needs to understand. It's a simple matter of the current state of technology. First the actual weight of the headlamp system if one includes the Nitecore 3400 mAh battery and headband is 4.7 ounces per my digital postal scale from the USPS. On a side note the Nitecore 3400 mAh battery was one of my first lithium ion batteries. I own a Nitecore EX10 flashlight among other gear items for years from Nitecore so had experience with the maker. When it came time to buy a 18650 (for another headlamp) given all the fraud and dangerous products floating around decided to go with a company I knew and trusted. It turned out to be a good decision as the battery continues to function great. IMHO avoid lithium ion batteries with funky "fire" names and crazy high mAh ratings from questionable vendors. Remember it's strapped to your head hence the name "headlamp" so play it safe and smart. Plenty of trusted names out there in this regard. Nitecore IMO is one of them. Yes the HC30 will work with 2XC123 primaries but given the higher modes I recommend 18650 lithium ion.
So how did I test this ATR? I did several trail runs using the HC30 on turbo in sub freezing weather. The headlamp really didn't overly heat up and though the output might have declined it wasn't all that noticeable. Again using just human perception which admittedly isn't the best light meter but then again I don't use a light meter to see anything. LOL! On a side note it was strange trail running with what seemed to be a car headlight worth of illumination blazing away. I then tested it on the table in my house which was around 70 Fahrenheit without any moving air. It got much warmer, the output seemed to reduce even more. So based on pure human observation it seemed to work. I bet if hiking next winter during sub zero it would probably stay even brighter for longer. I was impressed by this. Yup. The HC30 is bright and IMHO stays bright as long as possible.
Note: All modes can be seen in the video.
Turbo.
Low.
162 meter throw.
I have no way to measure that but can say the reflector looks deep compared to my other XM-L2 single battery headlamps. It's smooth as well so that made me think this headlamp would have some throw and sure enough the HC30 really throws. One big pro to this is the ability to see up tall trees looking for widow makers before setting up camp. This was a job that in the past required a flashlight (for me anyways) but the HC30 is more than up to the task. Google the words "widow maker" for those who don't know the term. Serious stuff.
This is a massive Hemlock. The raw power of the HC30 given the weight and size is amazing in actual use. Numbers, photos or even video can't fully show it or maybe I am just easily impressed. LOL! All kidding aside I am amazed at the current state of LED technology. Heck I was amazed 10 years ago so now just flabbergasted.
1.5 meter drop rating.
I dropped it once because of being a goofy goober who naturally drops stuff. Not actually testing for that but the headlamp survived the impact. Then again it was on leaf letter so not sure if that proves anything.
IPX Rating: IPX-8 (Waterproof and submersible up to 2 meters).
First thing. No I am not dunking my light 2 meters down because in actual field conditions that would most likely be a lost gear item. It's very possible to have a light slip out of my hands when near the bank so tested for that setup. Here we go.
The water was actually deeper than it looked as the headlamp slowly started to sink into the murky leaves.
I think this looks neat. The light passing through the water from the submerged HC30 bouncing off a rocky over crop. I wonder what the light transmission rate of murky water is?
Gosh I hope this works because I am several miles in with 5 miles of trail running to go.
And it does. A later inspection showed no water ingress after 5-minutes which is the maximum amount of time I would sit there actually looking at a light accidentally dropped in the water. Come to think of it would I really sit there looking at light for 5-minutes under water not doing something about the situation? Probably not but it's the internet so just roll with it.
On a side note the temperature was 34 Fahrenheit so I wasn't liking that wet headband.
Speaking of cold a mile earlier did a stream crossing. I was actually testing two different lights in this regard as occasionally will cross water at night for various reasons. For example if fly fishing late hiking out past dusk or trail running looking to save some miles as was the case here. I don't recommend doing stream or river crossings at night in around freezing temps. If you slip and drown don't blame me. If one day you read I drowned doing this by all means make fun of me. I won't mind because you're probably right.
HC30 on turbo. The river looks flooded. Bummer.
Time to cross. The power and throw of the headlamp really penetrated the water well mitigating the risk of slipping. Yes the actual crossing is in the video. It would be a mistake attempting to walk over the flooded rocks as those create choke points. Faster the moving water the greater the risk. Better to go with the slower moving water even if deeper IMHO.
Cold feet after the river crossing which is in the video.
Location Beacon for efficiently marking your current position.
Yes the beacon is fun. I tested that in the video. I also showed the other disco modes.
Lock out tail cap.
Yes. The HC30 easily locks out to prevent accidental activation. This is a BIG pro for me.
Can be turned into a flashlight.
I read the HC30 can be removed and used with the clip (or without) as a flashlight. This is an elusive feature of some headlamps which sometimes works and other times not so much. In this case it works. The light was easily removed and clip was tested for holding when dropped with DIY lanyard attached. Often I pack a headlamp plus flashlight using the same battery type but at times don't want too much extra weight. Given the UL nature of the HC30 if using 2xCR123 or 18650 this isn't a bad option for the flashlight roll.
Works with gloves as well.
So how is the tint? Not bad. Sure it's cool white but not squid **** green or alien abduction angry blue. Neutral white MD2 with M61N on left, cool white HC30 on right. There is now a HC30W which I guess is probably neutral white. The "W" would be my preference however this example's CW is acceptable for CW. The beam as stated has good throw but also some flood.
The UI. Here are the basics.
When off:
One short press activates the ultra low mode.
Two short presses activates strobe aka disco.
A half second press activates the last-used constant mode aka memory.
A one second press activates the max 1000 lumen mode.
From any constant mode:
A short press switches to the next higher mode, or from turbo down to ultra low aka it cycles.
A long press turns off the light.
When using a disco mode:
A short press switches between disco modes in the order Strobe > SOS > Beacon
A long press turns off the light.
Basically when using the light you can either go with a memory function or not. I really like this as sometimes memory UIs are inconvenient. There is also a fast access to Turbo mode which is nice when you need to know if those glowing eye belong to a deer or an imaginary black bear stalking your camp. Could also be Bigfoot. For those who have lights employing a fast single click to turn off the long press of the HC30 takes a bit getting used to. I have several headlamps which have this UI feature so am familiar with it.
That's all for this field testing review. I like the headlamp! Here is a video for those with too much time on their hands.
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