Nitecore HC65 vs Nitecore MT2A Pro
Quick take: The Nitecore MT2A Pro costs $11 less; the Nitecore HC65 is brighter (1,750 vs 1,000 lm); the Nitecore MT2A Pro throws farther (255m vs 219m); the Nitecore HC65 runs longer on high (2 vs 1 hrs).
| Spec | Nitecore HC65 | Nitecore MT2A Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $44 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | EDC |
| Lumens | 1,750 lm | 1,000 lm |
| Candela | 12,000 cd | 16,500 cd |
| Beam distance | 219m | 255m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 1 hr (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | AA/14500 |
| LED | Luminus SST-40 + Red + High CRI | UHi 20 6500K |
| Beam type | Balanced | Throw |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 3 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 2.5 oz | 2.1 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 1.1 in | 5.6 x 1.0 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 MT2A Pro
- ✓1,000 lumens and 255 m of throw — well ahead of typical AA lights
- ✓Runs on the supplied lithium cell or ordinary AAs
- ✓Build quality reviewers rate highly, with no battery rattle
- ✓3.45 ounces with a two-way pocket clip
- ✓Penlight format that carries in a shirt pocket
- ✗No low-voltage protection in the driver — it relies on the cell's own circuit
- ✗When the cell cuts out you must swap or recharge before the light works again
- ✗Only two modes on AA power, versus three on the lithium cell
- ✗Throw-biased beam is narrow for close work
- ✗Penlight ergonomics don't suit heavy-duty use