Reddit reviews Nitecore Cree XM-L2 HC50 565 Lumens Headlamp, Black

I'm gonna ask do you need to do anything with your hands during these inspections - and if so, would a headlamp be more suitable?

For example:

• Nitecore HC50
  
• Zebralight H502. It's AA, but closeup inspections aren't going to require high output so you may want to consider the convenience of the format.

I don't know if I would trust any headlamp with a USB-C port on it into a cave... it seems like asking for trouble with it getting filled with mud and other nasty stuff. A similar light is the Nitecore HC50, which is $15 cheaper and has red lights. I have this light and have taken it in many muddy, wet caves and have banged it up something good and it is still rocking strong. The beam is awesome, and while it's only 565 lm this is honestly still brighter than useful pretty much always. I typically run it at the second or third brightness setting anyways. My only complaint with this light is that it is a bit heavy, which isn't really a problem when strapped to an ecrin roc, but can be annoying when not using it with a helmet around the camp.

My favorite light is my Zebralight, the hype for this thing is well deserved. While it doesn't have a red light, the form factor is awesome. It is super light on the head without the hassle of a battery in the back. I think many people will agree that the Zebralight H600 series is one of the best caving lights you can get. (note there four versions of the H600, two LED colors cool and neutral, and two beam spreads, flood and spot)

Nitecore makes a blatant ripoff of the Zebralight that is $30 cheaper. While I don't have one of these, I did have a chance to play with one after a buddy of mine got one and it seems to be pretty neat. Considering how much I like my Nitecore HC50 I'm willing to bet this would be a solid light to get as well. One thing I like about the Zebralight over the Nitecore is that it works with flat-top 18650 batteries so you can bust open old laptop batteries and use the cells to power the light, whereas the Nitecore requires a button top 18650. Not a huge issue but something to consider.


Edit (some more thoughts):

It sounds like you are new to caving, welcome! I would recommend that you attend a local grotto meeting, which I believe for you would be the Southern California Grotto. You may meet some awesome people and it's a good way to get involved in the sport.

Also, with your flashlight purchase don't forget to get an 18650 battery and a charger for it. You may already have these since you have the Nitecore MH25 but I figured I'd mention it just in case. Be careful with the batteries to get a reputable brand because there are a lot of fakes out there. Panasonic makes good batteries, but unfortunately there are a lot of ones that say Panasonic that are made somewhere else and a lot of ones that say other things that are made by Panasonic. Confusing! I got this one and it works great. You can take a risk with cheaper ones, just know they might not last so long. This charger works good for me. I've had both of my lights last for a 14 hour cave trip so the battery life is pretty good.

Get a Nitecore HC50. You can see plenty far ahead, enough to actually dodge a pothole or crack that might kill you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GNJM3AM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505454015&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=hc50+nitecore&dpPl=1&dpID=51LrYWk3MjL&ref=plSrch

Nitecore HC50 is on sale and squeeks under the limit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNJM3AM/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_3_w

But if they sell out this would be cool too:
https://www.amazon.com/Headlamp-Headlight-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlamps/dp/B075ZN5LJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511208054&sr=8-1&keywords=wowtac%2Ba2s&th=1

Dang, wouldn’t mind adding this to my quiver!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GNJM3AM/ref=mp_s_a_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1506100071&sr=8-47&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=nitecore&dpPl=1&dpID=51LrYWk3MjL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNJM3AM

Been wanting a red headlamp (if that counts as a flashlight). I think this is a good one?

Only thing missing from my camping kit is a headlamp. Thank you for doing this giveaway!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNJM3AM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_NZrXzb54HKPY6

Or for 20 bucks more get a Nitecore HC50 with about 4 times that performance. I understand its not AA but why not spend that 20 extra bucks and actually but a good piece of equipment with a good brand name behind it?