Olight H1 Nova XM-L2 LED 500 Lumens Headlamp

Very nice little headlamp that takes some weight off your head, compared to the 18650 headlamps I also have. Of course the battery duration is shorter, but its easy to carry a few extra CR123's or 16340's to pop in if needed. The included headband is quite comfortable, and the light dispersion uniform. this little jewel is a winner in my book! I do prefer the black holder that comes with the rechargeable version, so I just swapped headbands with my wife's - the two headbands are fully compatible. Would be nice to see a factory option on this.

Bought the Neutral White model on sale during the Christmas 2021 sales, and very glad I did. Amazingly compact - tiny, really. Seems barely bigger than a 16340 cell. About an inch shorter than its closest competitor, Niteye's JC10 right angle single CR123A light, and much brighter using a rechargeable 16340/RCR123A cell. Olight exceeds customer expectations with its nice zippered storage/carry case, too, allowing a hiker to pack this light and perhaps a tent light plus extra cells conveniently keeping everything safely together. The H1 Nova produces a nice wide beam and its modes cover many needs (brief Turbo of 500 Lumens with reasonable throw of over 60m, then modes of 180, 60, 15, and 2 Lumens). Run time is good as expected with 16340's or CR123A's. Build quality is excellent as is the headband. Button is a bit below the top of the light, that and the headlamp role reduce risk of accidental activation; the tail cap can be unscrewed for lock-out as well when you choose to use this light as a utility work light or even an EDC. The tail cap also has a strong magnet, making the H1 Nova a handy helper when working on equipment or under the sink, or sorting out breaker issues in a dimly lit basement. Time will only tell how well the headband will stand up to repeated insertion/removals of the H1 from its silicone rubber holder with its two narrow holder bands. I'd prefer a single wider holder like Nitecore's HC30 headlamp headband. While the H1 Nova headband fits me, it seems not to have too much adjustment range. Included in the case is a snap-on pocket clip, user guide, product flyer, the headband, and the H1 Nova. The H1 Nova does not allow for a split ring or lanyard for those who prefer such things in an EDC light; clearly not so important for aits role as a headlamp. I like the User Interface design. A long click (over a second) results in Moonlight - that safe way to enter the 2 Lumen level is a good idea, and at that level looking about in a tent or taking a late night walk helps preserve night vision. From off, a quick double click brings up Turbo brightness, while a single short click brings up the last mode from which it was turned off and memorized from the 15/60/180 Lumen levels. In keeping with the role of an outdoors headlamp, the H1 Nova also provides an SOS mode rather than a Strobe mode (triple click from off). The UI design also provides for an electronic lock out and the driver has a low standby current drain, so long standby life is promised; i still prefer using giving the tail cap a short twist instead. Finally, the driver design provides for "soft" on/off, a nice touch and does reduce shock to your eyes.