Acebeam T36 vs Acebeam H30
Quick take: The Acebeam T36 costs $8 less; the Acebeam H30 is brighter (4,000 vs 2,000 lm); the Acebeam T36 throws farther (303m vs 171m); the Acebeam T36 runs longer on high (2.5 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Acebeam T36 | Acebeam H30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $138 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Tactical | Right-Angle |
| Lumens | 2,000 lm | 4,000 lm |
| Candela | 23,000 cd | 7,300 cd |
| Beam distance | 303m | 171m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | 21700 |
| LED | CREE XHP35 HI | CREE XHP70.2 + Nichia 219C |
| Beam type | Throw | Balanced |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Dual Switch | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 4.5 oz | 4.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.8 x 1.1 in | 4.8 x 1.2 in |
| Warranty | 5 Year | 5 Year |
What owners report
Acebeam T36
- ✓2,000 lumens and 303 m of reach, comfortably meeting Acebeam's claims
- ✓No PWM on any mode
- ✓Removable, reversible strike bezel
- ✓Onboard USB-C that charges the included cell quickly
- ✓Compact given it packs a tail switch, head ring, 21700 and charging
- ✗Long overall — the reviewer's main reservation
- ✗The USB-C cover pops out when the light gets hot on high or turbo
- ✗An 18650 is too short to power it reliably; a knock switches it off
- ✗Cool XHP35 HI with ordinary colour rendering
- ✗Tactical layout limits its usefulness as a household light
Acebeam H30
- ✓4,000 lumens from an XHP70.2, with 171 m of throw
- ✓Triple emitter — secondary red and green (or red and UV) channels
- ✓Mode memory, so you return to the level you were using
- ✓Integrated power bank for charging devices on long trips
- ✓IP68 rated with a secure head strap
- ✗Heavy on the forehead over long sessions
- ✗Not suited to distance running
- ✗The headband would benefit from a larger rubber backing
- ✗Around $120 — expensive unless you need the output and extra channels
- ✗Sustained output is thermally limited, as any 4,000-lumen headlamp's is