Fenix LD15R vs Nitecore HC60 V2
Quick take: The Nitecore HC60 V2 is brighter (1,200 vs 500 lm); the Nitecore HC60 V2 throws farther (200m vs 123m); the Nitecore HC60 V2 runs longer on high (2.5 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Fenix LD15R | Nitecore HC60 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $55 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Right-Angle | Right-Angle |
| Lumens | 500 lm | 1,200 lm |
| Candela | 3,800 cd | 10,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 123m | 200m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 2.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | CR123A | 18650 |
| LED | CREE XP-G3 | Luminus SST-40 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 4 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 1.5 oz | 2.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 3.1 x 0.8 in | 4.3 x 1.1 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Fenix LD15R
- ✓Right-angle body ideal for crawl spaces and working in awkward places
- ✓4500K tint with a wide, soft beam that suits close work
- ✓Magnetic tailcap plus a two-way clip for hands-free positioning
- ✓Genuinely small for an EDC light with onboard charging
- ✓Red mode available for preserving night vision
- ✗You get a flash of white light before the red mode engages
- ✗The battery indicator is dim and its states are hard to remember
- ✗Turbo passes 100°F within five minutes and steps down quickly
- ✗The pocket clip isn't removable
- ✗No strobe or SOS mode
Nitecore HC60 V2
- ✓Emitter near-centred in a T-shaped body — better balanced than offset designs
- ✓1,200 lumens with a genuinely useful 400-lumen second step
- ✓V2 headband adjustment stays put, with a rubbery front strip that grips
- ✓USB-C charging on the V2
- ✓Rugged anodised aluminium build suited to hunting and outdoor work
- ✗Gets hot enough on sustained high to make your head sweat
- ✗Heavier than plastic headlamps
- ✗Output at the top end is thermally limited
- ✗The aluminium body transmits that heat straight to your forehead
- ✗Overkill for casual around-the-house use