
Nitecore HC33 (2018) review
The Nitecore HC33 (HC33) released in 2018. It uses Cree XHP35 HD LED, SMO reflector and 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. The powerful emitter in this headlamp provides up to 1800 lm output, 8750 cd intensity, and a beam distance of 187 m.
This light has 5 modes of lighting. The memory function is a nice feature, the light will remember the last used mode. It has a strobe function, which is one of the most effective self defense tools available.
Table of contents:
Nitecore HC33 (HC33) specifications
Brand | Nitecore |
---|---|
Name | HC33 |
Type | HC33 |
Rating | |
Launch | 2018 |
Form | headlamp |
Body
The aluminium body of flashlight treated with a Type III hard-anodized, anti-abrasive finish.
Weight | 51.2 g |
---|---|
Length | 105.3 mm |
Head diameter | 25.5 mm |
Material | aluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish |
Colors | black |
System
The emitter of HC33 manufactured by Cree, a US-based LED manufacturing company. The HC33 has a smooth reflector. The properly focused smooth reflector gives you a more cohesive hotspot and therefore throws better. It has an AR coated lens.
Emitter | Cree XHP35 HD LED |
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Color temperature | 5000 K |
Reflector | SMO |
Lens | AR coated glass |
Switch | electronic front |
Performance
The throw is the calculated distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. The candela per lumen (cd/lm) ratio can be used to determine if a flashlight has a spot or flood type beam. Well-focused spot beams can be over 100 cd/lm, tactical flashlights are typically between 20-100 cd/lm, and work lights are less than 10 cd/lm.
Flux | 1800 lm |
---|---|
Intensity | 8750 cd |
Throw | 187 m |
CD/LM factor | 4.86 |
Software
The HC33 has mode memory. Mode memory means that the light will remember the mode you were using when the light was last turned off, and when you turn it on again. The HC33 is tactical strobe ready. The strobe light is disorienting to the person it is aimed at which makes it difficult for them to concentrate. It has the SOS beacon function for an emergency situation. The SOS flashes Morse code so you can signal for help when needed.
Modes | 5 modes |
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Mode memory | yes |
Ramping mode | no |
Strobe | yes |
SOS/Beacon | yes |
Features
The HC33 cannot charge batteries directly. You may need an external charger to keep your battery going. This flashlight has a built-in low voltage protection (LVP) to prevent damage to the cell from over-discharge, so protected cells are not necessary. The built-in thermal control automatically adjusts brightness output to prevent overheating. The HC33 is magnetic so that the flashlight can be attached to some metallic surfaces.
Battery | 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery |
---|---|
Battery indicator | no |
Charger port | no |
LVP | yes |
Thermal regulation | yes |
Protection | IP68 |
AUX LEDs | no |
Magnetic | yes |
Accessories
It comes with a battery. The battery must be fully charged before you first use your HC33. The clip is useful to keep the light secured in your pocket.
Package contents | 18650 battery 2 x spare o-rings clip diffuser headband spare rubber cover |
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The performance of the Nitecore HC33 flashlight is measured according to the ANSI / NEMA FL1 Standard 30 seconds after switching the light on. The ANSI/NEMA FL1 2009 Standard is a set of flashlight performance guidelines.
The specifications above are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Nitecore HC33, then don’t hesite and signal the problem to us.
Nitecore HC33 (HC33) pictures

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