Review Headlamp Nitecore HC60 v2 - 1200 lumens - USB-C

[ro.ma.]

Nitecore HC60 V2 was sent to me directly by Nitecore for the review.
For the description and technical data of the house: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/hc60v2(link is external)
For purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-HC60-v2-Headlamp-p/fl-nite-hc60v2...(link is external)

Nitecore updates its HC60 headlamp with a new version, the Nitecore HC60 V2.
Nitecore HC60 V2 is a flashlight with front lighting system suitable for many uses such as running, fishing, work, out-of-home activities etc. It is powered by a 3400mAh 18650 Li-ion battery (included) or alternatively by 2 CR123 batteries and is rechargeable via the USB-C connector. The alluvial radius of the HC60 V2 covers a wide angle of 100 ° for a covered distance of 130 meters. The version tested by me has an OSRAM P9 LED (6500K) capable of delivering 1200 lumens for an intensity of 4240 cd. Nitecore HC60 V2 has a memory function and has 5 normal levels and 3 special modes, has IPX7 water protection (temporary immersion) with an impact resistance of 1 meter.



Main features:

• Uses an OSRAM P9 LED with a maximum output of 1,200 lumens
• Maximum intensity of peak beam of 4,240 cd and maximum throw of 130 meters
• A combined optical system with crystal coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT)
• Powered by 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123 batteries with a maximum range of 680 hours
• One switch controls 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides stable output
• The power indicator below the switch indicates the remaining battery charge
• The power indicator can display the battery voltage (± 0.1V)
• Integrated lithium-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
• Wide beam flood optical system with 100 ° illumination angle specially designed for outdoor applications
• Incorporated ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) module
• Adjustable inclination angle of 180 °
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum alloy
• HA III military grade hard anodized finish
• Degree of waterproofing according to IPX7
• Shock resistant up to 1 meter

Specifications
Dimensions: 84mm × 35.8mm × 53.5mm (3.31in × 1.41in × 2.11in) (including bracket)
Weight: 70g (2.47oz) (including bracket, head band and battery not included)
108.5g (3.83oz) (bracket and headband included, battery not included).


Accessories
NITECORE 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery (NL1834 3,400mAh), spare O-ring, USB-C charging cable, spare switch cover, headband, bracket.

Note: The declared data is measured in accordance with the ANSI / PLATO FL 1-2019 international test standard, using 1 x 18650 lithium-ion battery (3,400mAh) under laboratory conditions.
* The autonomy of TURBO is tested without temperature regulation.









PACKAGING and ACCESSORIES:

Nitecore HC60 V2 is sold in a cardboard box. The main characteristics of the flashlight are specified on it. Opening the box we find inside the flashlight with the included accessories which are: NITECORE 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery (NL1834 3,400 mAh), spare O-ring, USB-C charging cable, spare switch cover, headband and bracket. As usual, there is also a multilingual manual.

The breathable headband has been redesigned by adding a rubber pad at the back that guarantees, in addition to a perfect fit, also an improved comfort. There is also a silicone strip near the headband that improves adherence as well as deflecting sweat to the sides of the head away from the eyes.
Well made and well designed the bracket that guarantees a good non-slip grip; in addition, the inclination of the HC60V2 allows an adjustment of 180°. To remove the flashlight from the headband, after unscrewing the two caps, you need to do a little strength and attention.

Nitecore HC60 V2 is constructed of aluminum alloy with anodized finish. Excellent construction and not excessive weight. The writings on the flashlight are well made. On the two sides we find 2 caps; seen from the front on the left next to the NITECORE HC60 v2 writing we find the USB-C charging port, while on the right is the housing of the 18650 battery included in the sales package.

On the front of the HC60V2 we find the power button that allows complete management of the front and the projector with the new OSRAM P9 LED in the center.
The power button, made of rubber, has a good, slightly noisy click and also has the purpose of indicating the remaining battery charge; when the battery is inserted the led under the button flashes to indicate the battery voltage.
Personally I prefer the button, or buttons, at the top but after a bit of practice I found myself fairly well.

The optical system is equipped with Nitecore's "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT) with crystal coating.
The LED in the center of the smooth projector, an OSRAM P9, allows the HC60V2 a maximum throw of 130 meters with a maximum brightness of 1200 lumens.

Nitecore HC60V2 has mechanical protection against reverse polarity. As previously written, the front only supports batteries with the button on the head (Button Top). If necessary, the front can be used with two primary CR123A batteries using the adapter included in the package. I did some tests with two 18650 flat top batteries, not protected, and actually the HC60V2 does not turn on.
The package includes a rechargeable lithium battery in 18650 format (Nitecore NL1834 3,400 mAh).

Nitecore recommends that you do not attempt to use the HC60 V2 to charge CR123 / RCR123 batteries.

To insert the battery, just unscrew the cap on the right, near the projector, and insert the battery with the positive in the head.

One of the novelties of this renewed version is certainly the USB-C charging socket. The charging port is hidden and not in contact with external agents. To access it, just unscrew the cap to the left of the front, near the power button. Above the cap you can see the words Rechargeable and USB-C. On the thread, well greased, we find an O-ring for water protection.

Once the battery is fully charged, it is automatically stopped. During the charging process, the power indicator will flash slowly, while the power indicator will remain lit constantly to inform the user when charging is complete.
The charging time for an 18650 lithium-ion battery (3,400 mAh) is approx. 4 hours (5V / 1A).

USER INTERFACE (UI):

Nitecore HC60V2 is easy to use. It has a single switch for managing the UI (user interface).
The HC60V2 has 5 light levels and 3 special modes.


ULTRALOW - 1 lumen - 680h
LOW - 40 lumens - 26h
MID - 250 lumens - 6h 30min
HIGH - 450 lumens - 2h 15min
TURBO - 1.200 lumens - *45min
* Turbo runtime is tested without temperature regulation.

STROBE - 1.200 lumens
BEACON - 1200 lumens
SOS - 1200 lumens
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ON / OFF
When the light is off, long press the power button to turn it on.
When the light is on, long press the power button to turn it off.
Note: The HC60 V2 has the memory function. Upon reactivation, the projector will automatically access the previous stored brightness level.

Levels of brightness
When the light is on, short press the power button to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRALOW - LOW - MID - HIGH - TURBO.

Direct access to ULTRALOW / TURBO
When the light is off, short press the power button to directly access ULTRALOW.
When the light is off, press and hold the power button even after accessing the stored brightness level until it enters TURBO.

Special modes (STROBE / SOS / BEACON)
When the light is off, double press the power button to enter STROBE mode.
When the STROBE mode is active, short press the power button to cycle through the following special modes: SOS - BEACON - STROBE. When one of the special modes is on, long press the power button to exit the special modes and turn off the light.


For the complete management of the Nitecore HC60 V2 I am attaching the address of the user manual:
https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/hc60v2.pdf(link is external)

BEAM and RUNTIME:

Tested in the field, the HC60 V2 left me very impressed. The Headlamp is equipped with a wide-beam flood optical system (with an illumination angle of 100°) certainly suitable for a well-lit walk also from the side. The flashlight, with a little force, is easily tilted to find the right personal setting.
The beam has no defects or aberrations and the tint is not particularly cold. Use is simple even with only one button to manage it.

Runtime:
The runtime tests were done indoors using the 3400 mAh 18650 battery supplied with the flashlight.
N.B. The measurements and data collected, having been made with instruments and environmental conditions different from those carried out by the parent company, can be dissimilar.

Nitecore HC60V2 features ATR technology (advanced temperature regulation) which adjusts the light output according to the working conditions and the external environment to maintain optimum performance in safety.

In the first test the Nitecore HC60v2 was put in TURBO mode at 1200 lumens.
As soon as it is switched on, the brightness exceeds the value in Candles as declared by Nitecore, remaining almost constant for 2m30s. At this point there is a decrease up to 10 minutes where, after a slight increase in brightness, there is a stabilized value up to almost 2h30m.
Then we have a sudden increase and immediately after a fast reduction of the light. In my case, the shutdown took place after more than 5 hours.

The first 20 minutes.

Another test was made with the front set in the HIGH 450 lumens mode and in MID mode at 250 lumens. . Also in this case the Nitecore HC60v2 is well regulated. At 250 lumens the curve is almost constant up to over 4 hours. After the sudden drop in brightness, the flashlight remains with a constant trend for more than 7 hours after switching on.


The 3 curves placed close.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nitecore HC60 V2 is a simple and valid product offered in a complete package, ready to be used. The HC60 update brought more light output and some changes such as the new USB-C charging interface.
The headband has also been improved, now more stable with more comfort in wearing it.
Nitecore HC60 V2 is compact and allows a well-lit walk together with excellent autonomy. Recommended.
Thank you for reading the review.

------ MY Youtube Channel: (link is external) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5j6yZ6oVR867k2KINs2qg?view_as=subscriber(link is external) ------------------------------------------------

 

[Tony-Ri]

I generally like my HC60 v1 and it looks like this would be a good upgrade, however the one issue I have is parasitic drain with my headlamp. I like to keep the batter in it ready to go on my SAR helmet, however since it sits for weeks at a time without use in my truck, the battery is inevitably dead or near-dead when I need to use it. Is the drain on the battery while off improved in the V2 model?

 

[ro.ma.]

Hi, I don't know if it has improved since version 1. I will almost certainly do some tests by leaving the battery in the flashlight for a month to check how it behaves. I usually put the battery in a plastic container if I leave the flashlight stationary for a long time, I've always done that.

 

[Olumin]

I generally like my HC60 v1 and it looks like this would be a good upgrade, however the one issue I have is parasitic drain with my headlamp. I like to keep the batter in it ready to go on my SAR helmet, however since it sits for weeks at a time without use in my truck, the battery is inevitably dead or near-dead when I need to use it. Is the drain on the battery while off improved in the V2 model?

The threads are anodized, so you could simply unscrew the cap slightly to lock it out. Works in the Fenix hl60r and its the same design. I dont own this light personally, if someone who does could confirm this that would be helpful.

 

[Flashlightmaster2021]

I have the first version and I love. I always keep it charged. its my first real head lamp outside the 20$ amazon cheapo headlamps.

 

[adrian.jacobs.90]

Does this headlight only have one beam angle setting (100°)?

 

[Flashlightmaster2021]

I`m not sure of the math but I can see alot in front of me . 100 percent . Its also adjustable which is really nice. IT goes up as high as you could need and or as low as you could need it.

 

[ro.ma.]

Does this headlight only have one beam angle setting (100°)?

The lens is fixed, it covers the walk well.

 

[ro.ma.]

The threads are anodized, so you could simply unscrew the cap slightly to lock it out. Works in the Fenix hl60r and its the same design. I dont own this light personally, if someone who does could confirm this that would be helpful.

Right, by unscrewing the cap by a quarter you get the mechanical lock. In the "i" series Nitecore, even by unscrewing the tail cap, the positive contact remains.

 

[adrian.jacobs.90]

The lens is fixed, it covers the walk well.

Thanks. No diffuser either?

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

I like the upgraded l.e.d., the tether on the usb charging cap, and the usb-c charging. One thing they should have done is put the switch on center top. I thought my HC60 was the perfect bombproof headlight until I let my brother use it. Trying to find the switch in the dark, he pushed in on the lens instead. I corrected him before he could break the lens, but that is a concern. The new HC65 v.2 made that improvement, but it's much bigger lens might make it more susceptible to damage on drops.

 

[Olumin]

Trying to find the switch in the dark, he pushed in on the lens instead. I corrected him before he could break the lens, but that is a concern.

That mustve been one hell of a push!

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

That mustve been one hell of a push!

He broke the switch on my Nitecore NU30 by pushing too hard so I didn't want to take any chances. In his defense, the NU30 was probably locked out and he didn't know how to unlock it. It still works, but you have to push more precisely with your fingernail. Lesson learned, don't give a family member with autism an overly complicated light to use. Now I give him a Petzl Tikka to use (would have been a Zipka but no local REI carried it).

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Just got my HC60 v2 in the mail. First impressions: Rubber on switch is thinner than the old one. Maybe they were going for softer, but I hope it holds up over time (they still give you a spare just in case). Brightness on a white wall isn't noticeably brighter except for turbo versus the old version. This is because the new version has a much more floody beam in the center. Color temperature is a little bluer than my old one but not bad. Headband seems a little more complicated to adjust due to the new back plastic piece. Other than that, seems like a solid headlight. Can't wait to use it for the next decade. My old one is 6 years old and gets used almost daily. Had to replace the bracket for it recently as it wore out and the battery spring is needing some adjustment lately. If that is all that goes wrong with the new one after that much use, I'll be happy with it.

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Did my first hike with this headlight last night under the lunar eclipse. Started the hike at 11:30p.m. at Iron Mountain in Poway, CA shortly after the eclipse started. Got to the top at 1 a.m. shortly before the peak of the eclipse. Spent 50 minutes at the top then got back to the trailhead at 3 a.m. a little after the time the eclipse ended. Temperature was in the 40s. What I learned: Beam seemed a little bluish at first but after awhile, you don't notice it anymore. Beam pattern has a hotspot, but it's so big that it covers pretty much the whole trail giving a very even flood. 40 lumen low setting is all you need on a well established trail. Was able to clearly see the eclipse through the beam at 40 lumens looking up. With the wide beam, bugs flying into the light almost missed my face completely, none flew into my eyes. It was cold so there weren't that many bugs, your mileage may vary. Turbo does a good job lighting up the whole nearest hillside. It seems to be on a timer around 3 minutes or so. The light didn't get warm using it until after I used it a second time directly after. Turbo and high drop down to medium after their short time on their setting is up. The medium is probably closer to 300 lumens so that isn't so bad. The 1 lumen low was useful at the top while taking a break and making hot cocoa. Didn't get much use out of the 450 lumen high that trip. Since turbo and high both drop to medium after a short time, I didn't find much use for the high that trip. Because this light is very floody, I think the lowest three setting are the most useful with turbo or high used occasionally for search and rescue situations or to locate where those bumps in the night (wild animals) are coming from. Seems like a solid new headlight. I just wish the neutral white version was available on sale when I got it, but for under $50, it's a good light either way. My old HC60 was getting picky on what batteries would work with, so it was a good time for an upgrade.