Wurkkos FC12 vs Wurkkos HD15
Quick take: The Wurkkos FC12 costs $1 less; the Wurkkos FC12 throws farther (304m vs 173m); the Wurkkos HD15 runs longer on high (2 vs 1.5 hrs).
Which one to buy
The FC12 is discontinued, replaced by the FC12C, so the HD15 is the one of these two $37-$38 lights you can count on buying new. They're also built for different jobs. The FC12 is an 18650 thrower: an SFT-40 at 6500K giving 2,000 lumens and 23,000 cd for 304 meters. The HD15 is an 18650 right-angle light that works as a headlamp, with a 90 CRI LH351D and an SST20, both 5000K, flooding 2,000 lumens to 173 meters.
FC12 owners praise its machining and anodizing, and like a beam that throws well but stays usable up close. They dislike its cool, low-CRI emitter and a smooth body that's slippery in wet or gloved hands; one reviewer scored it 3.5 out of 5. HD15 owners call its build fantastic for the money and like the strong magnetic tail, USB-C charging in the head at over 2.3 A, and the 18350 tube in the box for a shorter, lighter setup.
The HD15's complaints are about levels and claims. Owners find too few steps, with high often too bright and medium too dim, and one reviewer says Wurkkos's runtime figures overstate reality by two to three times, so treat its 2-hour rating loosely. For camp, work and anything hands-free, the HD15 is the better buy. The FC12 only makes sense as cheap old stock for someone who needs reach.
Wurkkos FC12
Only as leftover stock, for someone who needs a reach-focused pocket light and doesn't care about color rendering.
Wurkkos HD15
Best for hands-free camp and work use, with a 90 CRI emitter, a strong magnet and an 18350 tube included.
| Spec | Wurkkos FC12 | Wurkkos HD15 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $37 | $38 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | Right-Angle |
| Lumens | 2,000 lm | 2,000 lm |
| Candela | 23,000 cd | 7,500 cd |
| Beam distance | 304m | 173m |
| Runtime | 1.5 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 18650 |
| LED | SFT-40 6500K | LH351D 5000K 90CRI + SST20 5000K 70CRI |
| Beam type | Throw | Flood |
| Modes | Ramping + Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Anduril-like | Simple |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 90 |
| Weight | 2.5 oz | 2.2 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 1.0 in | 4.3 x 1.1 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
What owners report
Wurkkos FC12
- ✓Machining and anodising well above the sub-$30 price
- ✓Beam throws usefully but stays usable close up, unlike many tactical lights
- ✓Dual-switch tail with a genuine tactical layout
- ✓Complete package including a cell, ready to use out of the box
- ✓One-year warranty against manufacturing defects
- ✗Output can only be controlled from one switch, which reviewers call the main usability flaw
- ✗Emitter is cooler and lower-CRI than it should be
- ✗The body is smooth — it wants knurling or a blasted finish for grip
- ✗Scored 3.5 out of 5 by a reviewer who liked the hardware but not the configuration
- ✗Sits between categories: not quite a duty light, not quite an EDC
Wurkkos HD15
- ✓Build quality reviewers describe as fantastic for $33
- ✓USB-C charging in the head at over 2.3A
- ✓Strong magnetic tailcap for hands-free use off the band
- ✓Two emitters plus an 18350 tube included in the box
- ✓Smaller and lighter than the 21700 HD20 while keeping the same idea
- ✗Too few brightness levels — high is often too bright, medium not bright enough
- ✗Published runtime figures overstate reality by two to three times
- ✗Only three steps between the lowest and highest levels
- ✗The head strap is ordinary
- ✗No Anduril, so the mode spacing can't be reconfigured
Wurkkos FC12 vs Wurkkos HD15: common questions
Is the Wurkkos FC12 still available?▾
No, it's discontinued, and Wurkkos lists the FC12C as its replacement. The HD15 is current, so it's the safer purchase of these two if you want a new light.
Can I trust the HD15's published runtime?▾
One reviewer found Wurkkos measures runtime in a way that overstates it by two to three times. Plan as if you'll get well under the rated 2 hours on high.
Which light renders colors better?▾
The HD15, whose LH351D emitter is rated at 90 CRI. FC12 owners call its cool, CRI 70 emitter the light's weakest point, so it's a poor choice for wiring, first aid or anything where color matters.