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Nitecore HC33 1800lm In-depth review, Pros and Cons

Cree XHP35 HD LED
1800 lm output
8750 cd intensity
1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery

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.

The HC33 headlamp is designed to provide hands-free illumination, allowing the user to have both hands available for other tasks while having a focused light source. 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.

Nitecore HC33 (HC33) pictures

Nitecore HC33 / HC33 photo
Nitecore HC33 / HC33 photo
Nitecore HC33 / HC33 photo
Nitecore HC33 / HC33 photo
Nitecore HC33 / HC33

The specifications below 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) specifications

BrandNitecore
NameHC33
TypeHC33
Rating
Rated 3/5 based on 1229 user votes.
Launch2018
Formheadlamp

Headlamps consist of a light source attached to a headband, allowing users to wear them hands-free.

Body

Weight51.2 g
Length105.3 mm
Head diameter25.5 mm
Materialaluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish
Colorsblack

The HC33 is small, compact, and designed for ultra-portability. The length of the HC33 flashlight can affect its portability. A shorter flashlight is generally easier to carry in a pocket, bag, or pouch, making it more convenient for everyday use or when you're on the go. The aluminium body of HC33 has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it can effectively dissipate heat generated by the flashlight's components, such as the LED or battery.

HAIII coating is widely used in the flashlight industry due to its durability, corrosion resistance, improved grip, and aesthetic appeal. The HC33 flashlight is offered in a stylish black color.

System

EmitterCree XHP35 HD LED
Color temperature5000 K
ReflectorSMO
LensAR coated glass
Switchelectronic front

The emitter of HC33 manufactured by Cree, a US-based LED manufacturing company. Cree is a well-regarded LED manufacturer known for its high-quality products and innovation in the lighting industry. Color temperature is a characteristic of light. It is measured in units called Kelvin (K) and is used to quantify the color appearance of light sources, particularly white light. The HC33 has a smooth reflector. The properly focused smooth reflector gives you a more cohesive hotspot and therefore throws better.

The AR coating reduces the loss of light due to reflections, allowing more light to pass through the lens. This can increase the overall brightness and efficiency of the HC33 flashlight. The HC33 utilizes electronic switch. Electronic switches on flashlights provide a range of advantages and additional features compared to mechanical switches.

Performance

Flux1800 lm
Intensity8750 cd
Throw187 m
CD/LM factor4.86

With 1800 lm, the HC33 flashlight will offer a brighter and more powerful beam of light. This higher output can be advantageous in various situations where you require enhanced visibility or need to illuminate larger areas. With 8750 cd, the HC33 flashlight provides a noticeably brighter and more intense beam of light. It can illuminate objects or areas with greater clarity and visibility, even at longer distances.

The throw is the calculated distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. Candela per lumen (cd/lm) is a measure of a flashlight's beam intensity relative to its total luminous flux or output. It quantifies the concentration of light emitted by the flashlight in relation to the total amount of light produced.

Software

Modes5 modes
Mode memoryyes
Ramping modeno
Strobeyes
SOS/Beaconyes

Modes on a flashlight refer to different output settings or levels of brightness that can be selected to suit different needs and preferences. The HC33 has mode memory. Mode memory means that the flashlight 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. The SOS signal is recognized as an international distress call and is used to indicate an urgent need for assistance.

Features

Battery1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery
Battery indicatorno
Charger portno
LVPyes
Thermal regulationyes
ProtectionIP68
AUX LEDsno
Magneticyes

The Nitecore HC33 flashlight is powered by 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. 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 "6" in the IP68 rating represents the level of protection against solid objects, specifically dust and foreign particles. It indicates that the HC33 flashlight, is fully protected against the entry of dust and other solid objects. The "8" in the IP68 rating indicates the highest level of protection against water ingress. The HC33 is magnetic so that the flashlight can be attached to some metallic surfaces.

Accessories

Package contents18650 battery
2 x spare o-rings
clip
diffuser
headband
spare rubber cover

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. Instead of searching for compatible O-rings or waiting for replacements to arrive, having spare O-rings readily available allows for convenient and immediate repairs or replacements.

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.

Nitecore HC33 (HC33) comparisons

According to our statistics, the Nitecore HC33 flashlight was most often compared on our site with the following flashlights.

Nitecore EC30 (EC30) Nitecore EC30 Nitecore MT06MD (MT06MD) Nitecore MT06MD Nitecore MH10 v2 (MH10V2) Nitecore MH10 v2 Nitecore NM02 (NM02) Nitecore NM02 Nitecore TM06 (TM06) Nitecore TM06 Nitecore MT2A (MT2A) Nitecore MT2A Nitecore EF1 (EF1) Nitecore EF1 Nitecore TIP 2 (TIP2) Nitecore TIP 2

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