Surefire Vs Nitecore and Helmet Recommendation

[tired_and_hungry]

Dear All,

I am considering getting a headlamp for night hiking and equipment repair/maintenance after dark. So far, I've narrowed my choices down to either:

1) A surefire minimus or a nitecore HC50.
Or
2) A surefire maximus or a nitecore HC90.

So which offers better value for money? Nitecore or Surefire? Also, is ultra high lumen output really important in a headlamp?

Additionally, I happen to have eczema so from what you guys know, which manufacturer's head mounting straps/webbing causes the LEAST skin irritation or chafing? Also, are the straps on the surefire headlamps removable for washing?

Lastly, if I choose not to wear the lamps on my head, can you folks recommend me a tough but lightweight plastic helmet that I can mount either the nitecore or surefire lamp to?

 

[cland72]

Dear All,

I am considering getting a headlamp for night hiking and equipment repair/maintenance after dark. So far, I've narrowed my choices down to either:

1) A surefire minimus or a nitecore HC50.
Or
2) A surefire maximus or a nitecore HC90.

Additionally, I happen to have eczema so from what you guys know, which manufacturer's head mounting straps/webbing causes the LEAST skin irritation or chafing? Also, are the straps on the surefire headlamps removable for washing? The straps and pad on the Surefire can be removed for washing and/or replacement.

Lastly, if I choose not to wear the lamps on my head, can you folks recommend me a tough but lightweight plastic helmet that I can mount either the nitecore or surefire lamp to? You could look at a snowboard or bicycle helmet, or if you want to get really fancy you could look at a FAST Ops Core Base Jump helmet for $240 USD (or a Chinese knock off for $70 USD)

 

[Charles L.]

Can't help with helmet, sorry, although cland72 seems to have some good suggestions.

You asked about value for money. If you compare solely on a spec for spec basis, there is no comparison: the Nitecores have it all over the Surefires. However, "value" may have additional meanings; Surefires have quite the reputation for robust construction and excellent warranty coverage. They are also made in the U.S., which for many people adds value as well.

I've never worn a Surefire headlamp so can't comment on its strap. I can say the Nitecore headstrap is quite soft and comfortable. In fact, my current favorite headlamp set-up is the Zebralight H600F on the Nitecore strap.

 

[dss_777]

re: straps

Consider getting or adding a top-strap setup. No need then to keep the headband tight, and reduces the chafing issue tremendously.

 

[Chenery88]

Ok so,you said Surefire or the Nitecore..... But seriously have a look at a Zebralight H600fw II. I just spent weeks deliberating and picked one up and it is great ....nice lumen levels, and on the medium and low modes will last over 24 hours, nice neutral White gives nice colours which many recommend on a head torch...it is my first neutral white and I love it for hiking and pottering around....the f means it is a frosted lens so it has a nice spread beam (although many but the clear version then put tape over the lens if they want to diffuse it). I have found this is a lovely head torch and the strap is a nice soft stretchy fabric ...no chaffing so far and it comes with a top strap .... Surefire seem overpriced whichever way you look at it...and although I love my Nitecore handheld I was put off by their head torch as it is their first outing I think whereas Zebralight have led this field for awhile IMHO ..... Enjoy whatever you go with

 

[Littlelantern]

I just bought the nitecore hc 90,planing to modify it with warm white emitter (3000k) XML2.my dream headlamp specification ,
a variable output with a warm light.

 

[dwminer]

I just bought the nitecore hc 90,planing to modify it with warm white emitter (3000k) XML2.my dream headlamp specification ,
a variable output with a warm light.

Please keep us posted. I have both the HC50 and the HC90.

Thanks
Dave