Nitecore HC65 vs Nitecore HC60 V2
Quick take: The Nitecore HC65 is brighter (1,750 vs 1,200 lm); the Nitecore HC65 throws farther (219m vs 200m); the Nitecore HC60 V2 runs longer on high (2.5 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Nitecore HC65 | Nitecore HC60 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $55 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | Right-Angle |
| Lumens | 1,750 lm | 1,200 lm |
| Candela | 12,000 cd | 10,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 219m | 200m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 2.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 18650 |
| LED | Luminus SST-40 + Red + High CRI | Luminus SST-40 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 2.5 oz | 2.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 1.1 in | 4.3 x 1.1 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Nitecore HC65
- ✓Three separate emitters — spot, high-CRI flood and red
- ✓Military-grade anodised aluminium casing that feels genuinely rugged
- ✓USB-C charging on the UHE revision, so any cable works
- ✓Reliable onboard charging with a removable 18650
- ✓Smooth reflector gives real throw for a headlamp
- ✗The interface needs sequences of presses and half-presses to navigate
- ✗Headband isn't quite tight enough for running
- ✗Battery life falls short under demanding repeated use
- ✗Output doesn't match similarly priced competitors
- ✗Aluminium body is heavier than plastic headlamps
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