Nitecore HC65 V2 Rechargeable LED Head Torch

The Nitecore HC65 V2 is a rechargeable LED head torch offering triple light sources that include a main white LED output as well as an auxiliary white light and a red light output.

The main white light provides an increased maximum output of 1750 lumens from an updated Luminus SST-40-W LED and now uses a unibody TIR system for a soft 100° wide angle beam for excellent peripheral vision. This mode is perfect for climbing, hiking, caving and other outdoor activities.

To the right of the main light there is a red auxiliary LED that offers a constant red output with high/low setting and a red flashing setting. Red light preserves your night vision and is good for wildlife observation, astronomy and night photography.

There is also a white auxiliary LED that has a high colour rendering index (CRI ≥ 90), a colour temperature of 4500 K and provides an output of 35 lumens. The high CRI means the beam resembles that of morning sunlight, making colours appear more clearly to the human eye and also reducing eye strain, which makes this mode perfect for night reading. The colour temperature refers to the colour of the beam, which is a neutral to warm light.

A single switch on the front of the torch controls all the functions of the HC65 V2 and it can be turned on or off with a long press of the button. Once turned on, short presses cycle through the brightness settings in the order of ultra-low, low, mid, high and turbo. The last used brightness setting will be remembered the next time the light is turned back on. From off you can also instantly access the turbo by pressing and holding the button until it bypasses the memorised mode and enters turbo, or while the light is on turbo can be momentarily accessed for 30 seconds by double pressing the button.

The auxiliary modes and two special modes can be accessed from off by double pressing the button to enter low red, and then each single press will cycle through low red, high red, red flashing, auxiliary white, SOS and location beacon modes with each press of the switch. Hold the button to turn the light off again.

Due to the high output, the HC65 V2 requires a high drain battery like the Nitecore NL1835HP (included) or a button top rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 with a high discharge current of at least 8 A in order to work. The HC65 V2 can also use two CR123A lithium metal non rechargeable batteries or two rechargeable RCR123A lithium-ion batteries, however the turbo setting is unavailable if you are using these batteries and they also cannot be charge inside the torch.

With a suitable rechargeable battery inserted, it can be charged inside the torch via the upgraded USB-C charging port. Reveal the port by unscrewing the USB cover on the right side of the torch and then simply plug the included cable into the charging port and the other end into a suitable USB power source. The indicator beneath the button will slowly flash while charging is in progress, and turn solid once charging is complete after approximately 2.5 hours when charging a 3500 mAh battery with a 2 A / 5 V power source.

A built-in battery voltage indicator under the button will display battery voltage each time the battery is installed and the end cap is tightened. For example if the voltage is 4.2 V, it will flash four times then pause and then flash two more times. The integrated advance temperature regulation (ATR) technology regulates the output of the HC65 V2 according to the working condition and ambient environment to maintain the optimal performance.

The rugged unibody aluminium construction provides excellent cooling performance and a sturdy unit that is also lightweight, while the newly designed head band features a curved rubber pad at the back for a comfortable fit to the head and a silicone strip on the inside of the head band to channel away sweat as well as provide a non-slip fit. Additionally the head torch sits in an ergonomically designed bracket with rubber loops that hold the torch in place, allowing the light to be easily rotated and adjusted within a 180° angle.

Product Features

Light housing provides 180° vertical movement
Memory function remembers last used brightness level
Extremely wide angle 100° beam
Power indicator displays battery voltage 0.1 V
Advanced temperature regulation to protect LED from overheating
Built-in USB-C charging circuit

Operational Modes

Turbo: 1750 lumens; 30 minutes run-time; 165 m beam range*
High: 900 lumens; 2 hours, 15 minutes run-time; 123 m beam range
Mid: 250 lumens; 6 hours run-time; 65 m beam range
Low: 50 lumens; 28 hours run-time; 28 m beam range
Ultra Low: 1 lumen; 800 hours run-time; 3 m beam range
White Auxiliary: 26 lumens; 25 hours run-time; 6.6 m beam range
Red High: 11 lumens; 30 hours run-time; 7 m beam range
Red Low: 3 lumens; 110 hours run-time; 3 m beam range
Red Flashing: 11 lumens; 57 hours run-time
SOS / Beacon: 1750 lumens

Note: *The run-time for turbo is tested without temperature regulation active and therefore output and run-time in turbo may differ. Turbo mode can only be accessed with an 18650 battery of 8 A discharge or higher, it cannot be accessed if using CR123A/RCR123A batteries.

Tested to ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019 standards in laboratory conditions using the included 18650 3500 mAh 8 A lithium-ion battery. The data may vary slightly in real world use depending on battery type, individual usage habits and environmental factors.

Technical Details

Type: Rechargeable LED head torch
Operating Modes: Ultra Low / Low / Mid / High / Turbo / Signalling Modes / Auxiliary Modes
Luminous Flux: Up to 1750 lumens
Lamp Type: 1 x Luminus SST-40-W LED / 1 x High CRI white LED / 1 x red LED
Beam Range: Up to 165 m
Beam angle: 100°
Recommended Battery: 1 x Nitecore NL1835HP (Included)
Other Compatible Batteries: 2 x CR123A lithium metal / 2 x 16340 lithium-ion
Charging Time: 2.5 hours approx. (battery capacity & charging output dependant)
Measurements: 91 x 35 x 27 mm
Weight: 114.5 grams (excluding battery)
Body Colour: Black
Body Material: Aircraft grade aluminium
Body Finish: Type III hard anodised
Switch Type: Push button
Impact Resistance: 2 m
Environmental: dust and waterproof to IP68 standard (2 m)
Warranty: 5 years (torch) / 1 year (battery) 

Packaging and Contents

Supplied in retail packaging and includes:
Nitecore HC65 V2 head torch x 1
Nitecore NL1835HP 18650 lithium-ion battery x 1
USB-A to USB-C charging cable x 1
Headband and bracket x 1
Spare O-ring x 1
Manual x 1