Nitecore HC65 V2 headlamp review USB type C red and high CRI modes 1750 lumens 18650

Nitecore HC65 V2 headlamp Review USB type-C red and high CRI modes 1750 lumens
I loved and still love my V1 of this light, they updated to Type-C USB charging and it also takes power delivery! You still cant charge while its running but thats one of the small 2 things I can find I don't like.
Well worth a solid 9 out of 10. If you need a dedicated headlamp this is an incredible package from Nitecore.
Official link to this product: flashlight.nit...
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#Nitecore
#headlamps
#Fashlights

[@TopDog8762]

Always appreciate the Trail Trek comprehensive reviews. Trying to decide on a new headlamp its down to this and the HC68

[@_Matsimus_]

amazing video! thank you!

[@TrailTrek]

You're so welcome! I had a lot of fun testing it. I still use this light a lot and it's working great for me.

[@ShivSilverhawk]

Wow! Thanks for a really in depth review and test! Some time ago I nearly bought the previous version but I’m glad I held off. This is perfect for my mountain hiking applications and surely will replace my petzl. What I found surprising is the sub £70 price. You get a lot of flashlight for that!

[@TrailTrek]

Thank you very much and you are right, for the price you are getting a hell of a light. Petzl are good but this is extremely good. The last version I have had been well used and i loved it. This one is just an evolution, I use it for start gazing, night hikes, camping and I'm yet to have any issues what so ever. Keep me updated on how you find it as I like hear what real world users have to say on these lights. Enjoy and have a great day.

[@ShivSilverhawk]

@@TrailTrek Thanks for your reply! I think I found an even better option which is a Nitecore HC68. It has features you mentioned you’d like to see in HC 65 V2: mainly the ability to mix both narrow and wide beams according to your preference. It’s a feature I’m willing to pay extra for! I think people underestimate the importance of having uniform flood pattern in a head torch, that instead of blinding them, can save their lives. This is what I liked about Petzl. What I didn’t like was a massive drop in their manufacturing quality… Hopefully the HC 68 will arrive in the UK soon!

[@TrailTrek]

Nice one, let me know what it's like. Years ago I used to get the petzl stuff for camping but like you say the quality is dropping over time. That's a shame because they used to make good stuff. I hate it when a great manufacturer starts turning rubbish.

[@parjau4554]

Just encountered your channel as I was trying to understand why the price for the HC68 is so much more than the HC65 v2 when there is only 250 lumens between them. Great review! You deserve far more subscribers than you have for the level of depth that you go in to (I've subscribed now). I'm a bit of a 'flashaholic' so I'll be checking out your other videos. Thanks.

[@TrailTrek]

Thank you so much for the very kind coment. I like to offer plenty of info so anyone looking to buy a light is armed with enough info so they get the light they need. Plus I get to play about in the dark with cool lights 😁👍 I often get comments saying I should have a higher sub count. I don't do the pop out eyes thumbnails and titles like "brightest flashligh on earth" so that may effect how many viewers I get lol Cheers and have a great day enjoy the channel and if you have any questions I'm always happy to help. 😄

[@preteshpatel959]

Your diagram explanation is excellent. Keep up good work.

[@TrailTrek]

Thank you very much. I always aim to help others :-)

[@colinburgess9455]

I have several tir lenses torches/ flashlights, mostly throwers my acebeam l19 has an advertised throw of 1300 meters, this uses a tir for the purpose of better throw without a large spill, you tend to tell the less informed than tir lenses are exclusive to flood beamed lights which couldn’t be further than the truth. I am a subscriber and I enjoy your channel, I hope you don’t mind my criticism.

[@TrailTrek]

Hi mate thanks for pointing that out, I should have prefixed some of my waffle with (not always but on the whole this is the case) because as you quite rightly say it is not exclusively true to say all throwers are non TIR. I never mind a bit of criticism mate its all information that we can share so anyone watching and reading gets to have a fuller and wider breadth of knowledge. So thank you for taking the time to help out its fantastic :-). I have to say even though I only have the one Acbeam I bought so far I was mega impressed. It beat all of the other lights I had with the same LED and looked good whilst doing it! Have a great day mate.

[@billdavis4270]

Outstanding !..Real world guy.Real world settings for comparison.Thorough in ALL aspects ! Glad I found this channel.Thank You Sir !!!

[@TrailTrek]

Thank you very much for these kind words. I try to keep it down to earth and honest. My reviews do tend to go on and on for ages but that means it covers allot so helps more people. Im very happy my video helped out. Have a great day 👍😁

[@sleeping2924]

Вот это я называю настоящим обзором. Уважение вам, и спасибо за большую работу.

[@TrailTrek]

Спасибо за поддержку. Я очень стараюсь создать правдивый и полезный обзор, поэтому я очень рад, что вы нашли его полезным. Спасибо (Thank you for the support. I try very hard to create a truthful and helpful review, so I am very happy that you found it useful. Thanks)

[@ravenfeather7087]

A review or a work of art? Nicely done.

[@TrailTrek]

Thank you 😃👍 I try to cover as much as I can and like to use the light for a while before I do the review. So happy that you enjoyed it. Have a great day mate.

[@bdmenne]

Most well earned subscription I've encountered. Bravo!

[@TrailTrek]

Welcome aboard! and thank you for the very kind praise. If I can help with anything at all just let me know :-)

[@chrisd5016]

Great detailed review as always. As I own the H1, Wizard Pro and SP40 it is good to see the comparison. Really like the wide beam and good throw with the V2. For me personally I would prefer a bit warmer tint, or an option to combine the aux and main led to get a warmer tint. Question not directly related to this video, how do you store and take care of your batteries? Do you charge them from time to time when not in use?

[@TrailTrek]

This is a really good idea why didn't they allow a combined beam setting I never even considered it. I would have also liked to see a high and low setting on the high CRI output. First il tell you what you should do then il tell you what i do which is not optimal. Ideally you should remove the battery so as to stop any parasitic drain on the cell then store the battery with a voltage around 70% of capacity. This will ensure you get the longest lifespan (number of recharge cycles) and also avoid draining the battery down to very low levels by accident which damages cells. So onto what I actually do in real life. I stick the cell in the light and leave it there! I store the light in a pelican case and keep it in a cool cupboard. They are ready to just take out and use, no messing about looking for cells. I go through all of my lights every 6 months and recharge them all to full. So as you can see I am LAZY and I don't care about longevity of cells, but I want a light I can just pick up and know is near full in any situation, I've never had a single cell fail on me. I have very old cells which still hold a great charge and show zero signs of degradation to me so far. If I have a light with very bright Aux LEDs like the Fireflies stuff I twist the tail cap to avoid accidentally letting the cell deplete too far if I forget to recharge. My excuse for being lazy and suboptimal is that I'm lazy and I can pretend I'm looking for issues as I test lights :-) Also do I really care about the difference between getting 500+ recharge cycles compared to 400. Il just spend 8 quid and get a new cell in 20 years when it isn't as good anymore. One thing I do recommend is using a good quality charger, never let the cell get too low in voltage and try to always buy genuine quality cells then you will have a happy life. I hope this helps mate.

[@Teddy-vs5rw]

Excellent, detailed video, just what I needed to push me over the edge. I'm ordering the light tomorrow.

[@TrailTrek]

Excellent news I hope you can get a good deal on one. I have been using this one regular and still no issues. Works and the headband hasn't gone funny or anything yet. If you have any questions just give me a shout. And enjoy the light 👍😁

[@t.o.m.6114]

Are you shure other 18650 would work (e.g. flattop)? Because in the HC65 V1 they did not. I never tried it out and surprisingly found out when it was too late to return this propriatary piece of....

[@riceball777]

Do normal non protected 18650 cells work? Or do you have to use the longer protected 18650 cells?

[@TrailTrek]

I've just put a flat top non protected Samsung 30q in the unit and it works. You need to make sure that the thing is closed tight but it turned on and off, then I turned it on and shook it about a bit and it still didn't go off so it seems good to go.

[@thebassmaster1364]

Very nice. Probably the most detailed headlamp video arround. Just ordered mine

[@TrailTrek]

I'm so happy that you enjoyed the video. I think you will love this headlamp, I use mine regularly and it never lets me down.

[@ronan3672]

A luz da nitecore hc65 v2 é mais para amarelo ou para o azul? Obrigado.

[@TrailTrek]

O feixe principal está próximo da tonalidade de 6000k. Não consigo ver nenhum azul quando o uso. (I tested the main beam to be at around 6000k so white above neutral with no blue to my eyes.)

[@jack.charlesc4750]

Gréât explaination gréât job thanks

[@TrailTrek]

Thank you 👍. If you have any questions I'm here to help out. Have a great day.

[@TheAcidheat]

try zebralight headlamps love them 😉

[@TrailTrek]

Good shout, I get this recommendation a lot. I hope to get hold of some at some point.

[@tyronewalker5764]

Well sir, this would make a great backup to my HC65 & HC35.

[@TrailTrek]

I used this last night to do some testing, i miss the very rapid button on the hc65 (normal press half press and etc to get to red, normal and cri but im used to it now and its my grab light when im heading outside. How do you rate Nitecore, i find them pretty reliable and i like lots of what they make i only have a few lights from them i don't like for strange UI choices etc. but they do a great job otherwise.

[@mindrelaxationandsleepingf7610]

Really Really informative in-depth view. Thank you

[@TrailTrek]

Very kind im very happy that you found it useful. if you have any questions just let me know.

[@grahamjohnson1200]

The HC65 V2 needs a positive safety switch these get very HOT. Had mine a year, after the first time it switched on in my top pouch it melted a hole in the nylon bag luckily I smelled burning before my 3 hour trip in the car the result was a melted nylon bag and a slightly bubbled the lens. After that I always took the battery out until a week ago in a rush I forgot the lens is now severely bubbled and dark. Absolutely love nitecore and loved this headtorch just very disappointed 😞

[@TrailTrek]

What a nightmare 😭 very sorry to hear that. I've melted a jacket pocket on two different jackets and also done the same with some jeans as well. It's really annoying, now I quarter turn the tails on lights so they can't turn on before I stick them in a pocket. I guess this is the downside of such high outputs and the corresponding heat.

[@sergey9712]

Thank you very much great job

[@TrailTrek]

Thanks for the support. If you have any questions on this headlamp just give me a shout. Cheers 😃👍

[@XericSol]

IPX 6 is NOT WATERPROOF! You're talking IPX 8, IPX 6 is splash resistant and dust resistant.

[@creativtea]

Greetings from Hamburg Germany

[@TrailTrek]

Sending some love to my fans in Germany il have an extra large bit of Stollen this afternoon :-) yum yum.

[@1212CRMD]

I love this review! Very nice. Congratulations for such a good presentation job! Greetings from Brazil.

[@НиколайЮдин-т9э]

Здравствуйте! Купил такой фонарь, и обнаружил, что когда светишь на расстоянии 3-6 метров к примеру на светлую стену, то видны небольшие затемнения по центру света. Если у вас что то подобное на вашем фонаре?

[@TrailTrek]

Мой работает хорошо. Для меня нет видимых черных битов, которые я вижу. это nitecore hc65 или другой бренд, который у вас есть? (Mine is fine, good working beam with no big black bits spoiling the beam)

[@НиколайЮдин-т9э]

@@TrailTrek Да, hc65 v2. Возможно в моем фонаре некий дефект, но не критично, . Спасибо за ответ!

[@TrailTrek]

Да, я думаю, что это может быть правдой. Мой луч очень ровный даже на белой стене.

[@hokiedokie]

Do any of the 6 you have in the still pictures of the woods, have a motion feature to turn the light on?

[@TrailTrek]

Hi no I don't have any like that. Olight do a motion sensing headlamp though.

[@fyvewytches]

Thank you so much for your channel. It really makes a change to have very thorough reviews by someone who obviously knows what he’s talking about and goes into very detailed and helpful explanations. Based on this review I just got the HC68 which has them beam/spread continuous mix feature. I think it will be perfect for my nightly migrating amphibia protection walks. Hopefully I’ll be able to get to them faster than the complete maniacs who drive at incredibly high speeds down the road which crosses the migratory path.

[@TrailTrek]

This is fantastic to hear mate I have been on a few night time amphibian walks and saved a ton of newts and frogs. Let me know what you think of the 68 as I don't have one but love my 65 so far.

[@fyvewytches]

@@TrailTrek Sorry for *very* late reply! I’ve used the HC68 for 2 seasons now. I have mixed feelings, for my use. The light is bright, the adjustable wide/throw is very useful and of course it’s superbly built and rock solid. The issue I have is power. I have two batteries fully charged and can easily go through them both in one evening. One of the issues has nothing to do with the HC68 itself but with street lighting. I’ve found that the more street lights there are, paradoxically the higher output the flashlights need to be. Street lights shine straight down and for us, make the animals harder to see as there is no or little shadow. So we have to turn our lights up higher and hence the quick battery drain. So yes, I wish it came with 27100 5000mAh or even a belt wearable battery pack like one of the Fenix has. I’m not sure what the health of the batteries is but my Xtar VC8S (thanks for your review 😊) should be delivered tomorrow, so I will be able to check. I also use a Fenix LR35R and Wuben X1 so be aware that I am spoiled for high output torches. 😊 I am thinking of getting an Olight Marauder Mini and Mabel that Fenix headlight with the external battery pack.

[@chrisjones6699]

28 minutes in but need to ask a question. I use the cri on my V1 all the time and it’s really quick and easy to get that on. I see you’re having to go through the red lights to get to it on the V2. Is there a way of switching on the cri as quickly as on the V1?

[@TrailTrek]

Excellent question and on the V1 you can get straight to the mode you need because of the button design. On this V2 you cant do that from my testing, here is the full manual: flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads/FLASHLIGHTS/download/hc65v2.pdf So to get to it i double press button then as soon as i see red light is on i press the button 3 times not too fast and it takes me to high CRI I preferred the old v1 style where you could click of on. press and hold for a mode or half press and hold for another mode but im used to that now.

[@chrisjones6699]

@@TrailTrek ahhh that’s a real shame. I use that mode almost all the time with the V1. I like how quick and easy it is to get to it but I suppose I’ll just get used to the V2’s way of doing it.

[@lioncross1849]

A single button just isnt enough. They should do a HC90 style slider and you’ll have the perfect headlamp

[@chrisjones6699]

Yeah, good idea. I have a feeling I’m not going to want to press that button so much to get to where I want. We’ll see though.

[@TrailTrek]

I agree it's less effective as it takes longer so in no way is it better but I think they did this thinking the mass market might get confused or something. That's all I can imagine for the change there.

[@NightmareCrab]

awesome review. appreciate the drawings and explanations!

[@TrailTrek]

Thanks for the feedback. I still use and enjoy this light no issues and still working for me. If you have any questions just let me know.

[@thomasbechard]

Really love how you do these.

[@TrailTrek]

Thanks :-) always great to hear my stuff is being enjoyed. have a great day

[@Overonator]

Hey you should test the manufacturer claims about running time.

[@TrailTrek]

Cheers if I ever get the time and my pile of items to review gets to the bottom il have a go. I always take any run times with a pinch of salt they get them under ideal conditions like the perfect ambient temperature with a brand new battery. So you might get those figures but it's also true to say you might not lol :-)

[@Overonator]

@@TrailTrek This light would be perfect for me if it had more modes for the high CRI LED

[@TheAtherion]

Is there a memory for the auxiliary light mode or does it always start on low red ?

[@TrailTrek]

No memory on the double press modes so every time you double press from off you will get the lowest red light mode.

[@TheAtherion]

@@TrailTrek I see ... that feels like a huge setback for me, have the V1 and 90% of the time only use the high cri LED.

[@AG-on7we]

Extremely good review!

[@TrailTrek]

Cheers I try hard to make an informative review to help potential buyers make the best choice. Glad you liked it 😃👍

[@ixamxangel]

Great video! 👍 If you could only use red light modes. Would you be able to hike at night and through bushes? Night ops?

[@TrailTrek]

I often use it like that. If I'm messing with equipment I use the first red light mode then if I'm walking along hiking I turn it to the second red light level with is a bit brighter. Any bush whacking hmmm... I would only do that if I had full length boots on so I don't twist an ankle in a rabbit hole or some other daft thing.

[@ixamxangel]

@@TrailTrek thanks, that exactly what I wanted to know. Also thanks for the tall boot/ankle tip. Also how far can you see with the brightest red light?

[@TrailTrek]

@@ixamxangel I would say that on mode 1 (lowest red light mode) if its on wet dark brown mud you can *just* see your feet. If its snow or light grass then it lights up slightly better. On highest red light mode I can see about 1 meter to 2 depending on what the surface is (snow/dark mud/ leaves etc) it will go further but it isnt enough to run along in the night etc its just for walking I would say. if i need to move faster i start on the main beam modes

[@ixamxangel]

@@TrailTrek thanks for your well thought out video and thorough answers. You've earned a subscriber :-)

[@TrailTrek]

@@ixamxangel Thank you very much for that. You should enjoy the channel I never ask for likes or subs I just get on with the item I'm reviewing and keep it honest and the usual viewers enjoy that and my long style reviews best. Have a great week mate I should be out tonight testing new lights after some time off due to a sort right leg which was really bugging me! chat soon. Rich

[@DaleLadDaz]

fantastic educational and informative thanks...subbed

[@TrailTrek]

Thanks so much for the kind comments. If you have any questions just let me know and I'll do my best to help. Have a great day 😁👍

[@DaleLadDaz]

@@TrailTrek I actually ordered the ms12 mini but then cancelled after thinking about the battery situation, I think I would much prefer a torch with user replaceable and readily available batteries... any suggestions for anything that comes close to the ms12 mini but with a choice of batteries that you can think of?

[@TrailTrek]

I suppose it depends, do you really need 65k lumens. The reason I ask that is because lithium ion batteries store a huge amount of power which allows this sort of thing. Add soon as you move to a setup that allows the use of more traditional batteries the lumens have to go way down. I mean I know for me something like a 'soda can' style light is plenty of lumens in a woodland, fields or during a power cut. Have you looked at them?

[@apcwjw]

Looks good apart from the not being able to use it while charging issue.

[@TrailTrek]

For a light that's for the out doors I'm still surprised they omitted this feature. I've genuinely used this feature while camping so was a bit disappointed. Mind I still love it for the rest of it's features

[@apcwjw]

@@TrailTrek I was using an olight perun the other night strapped to my bag strap running of an external power bank, it’s a really handy feature. The nitecore still looks really though, I still don’t own any nitecores.

[@TrailTrek]

Use while charging is something I've used camping, 6hour night fishing and a few other things. It's something I love. I will say for me this is my favourite headlamp right now, I was using my hc65 v1 or my sp40. But this is way better. I'm now going to give away my v1 with no hesitation.

[@apcwjw]

@@TrailTrek it does look really good. I have a fenix hm65r which is similar. I have just received a d4sv2 with thower and flood leds, going to try it out on tonights walk. How is the back pocket?

[@TrailTrek]

The combo beam setup on the d4v2 sounds great, enjoy mate. Back pocket seems to have survived because it was thick material. I've lost a bit of my coat inside pocket testing lights I need a new setup for carrying and deploying multiple lights one handed!

[@geneness8595]

Thank you!

[@TrailTrek]

You're welcome mate :-)

[@djsharl1821]

The 1st veron was much better, had more features. Less bang for the same buck

[@TrailTrek]

Still got my beat up v1 here and still working to this day despite its lower output its a highly rated light.