Review: Olight H1 Nova CW

Budda

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Nov 30, 2009
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I received the H1 Nova from Olightstore.com for the review.

The H1 is a small headlamp with TIR optic, running CR123 or RCR. There is available a CW and a NW version. I got CW version

Here are the specs

  • Utilizes CREE XM-L2 LED (NW/CW) paired with bead lens, creating clearly divided focus and flood with a smooth transition
  • High light transmission rate TIR optic lens to deliver a balanced and soft beam
  • Five brightness levels and SOS mode covering 1~500 lumens
  • Compatible with CR123A or RCR123A (16340) rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • Gradual brightness changes: When turned on/off on medium, high, and turbo modes, it will turn on or off gradually to protect the eyes from stimulation caused by sudden brightness changes
  • Low profile silicone switch located on the head of the headlamp for easy location and operation
  • Magnetic tail cap allows it to be attached to any ferrous surface for hands free work when being used as a standard light.
  • Runtime based thermal management program: Under the turbo mode, the headlamp stays at the maximum output for three minutes before gradually dropping down to the high mode after one minute.
The light comes in this box




The box contains this nice pouch


Everything comes well organized and displayed. The light is already mounted on the headband, with a CR123 battery inside.






DSCN3046_zps5hhvgr8z.jpg

Black HAIII anodization, magnet at the tailcap and squared anodized threads allow physical lockout.

The headband has a small rubber tab that helps to remove the light from the headband.










Not removable magnet in the tailcap. It is strong.


Battery goes in upside down





A couple of H1 on my desktop


It is a small light





Vs armytek wizard pro warm hicri



UI
Standard Olight interface:
The light turns on and off with a single click.
From off, keep pressed the switch to turn the light on at moonlight
When the light is on keep pressed the switch to circle between low, mid and high mode.
The light has memory mode except for turbo (comes back on high).
Double click for turbo mode
Triple click for SOS.
Lockout mode: keep pressed the switch for more than 2seconds when the light is off. Re-do for unlocking the light.

Beamshot at 0.5 meters from the wall
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DSCN3093_zpsxp3yvc93.jpg

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The TIR optic give you a defined spot that disappears gradually as the distance increased, but the spill is wide enough to arrive almost at your feet. This is very good. I don't want a light that will light 100 meters from me, but will make me stumble on a rock or in a hole because it starts to light 2 meters from me on.

The barrier on the right ends around at 70 meters



Output and runtime
Both measured with Olight IMR 16340 batteries.





My thoughts
Fit and finishes are good as you would expect from Olight.
I like the box: the light is well protected and well displayed. Good for a gift.
The UI is fine for me: I like access to lowest, highest and last used mode. I would have preferred to have strobe instead of SOS mode. I'd like an additional level, lower than moonlight.
Output and runtime are limited due to size and battery capacity, but this means that this is a small and light lamp.
The only protected battery I had was a Olight IMR 16340 with 550mAh. You can get other batteries with more capacity but I surely recommend protected batteries because unprotected batteries will be discharged.
I have red that the H1 can use the tailcap of the S1R and can recharge the Olight IMR proprietary battery with the olight magnetic base. I'd like to have they available as accessories.

Thanks to: AntoLed for the camera and the luxmeter.
 
Last edited:

davidt1

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Sep 23, 2008
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1,907
This light has the beam profile I want in a light -- floody enough for up-close use and focused enough for maybe 20ft out. Waiting for AA and 18650 sizes.

Thanks for the review.
 

Budda

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Nov 30, 2009
Messages
590
Location
Italy
I used it a couple of nights ago in the woods.
Definetly, it is the headlamp with the best beam I have ever used. Better than my AT and Zebra.
Can't wait a 18650 version.
 

lampeDépêche

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May 15, 2012
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1,241
I used it a couple of nights ago in the woods.
Definetly, it is the headlamp with the best beam I have ever used. Better than my AT and Zebra.
Can't wait a 18650 version.

Interesting!
Can you tell us how its beam differs from the AT beam? Your photos make it look like the beam profiles are very similar so far as size of hotspot, distribution of spill, etc.

So is it mostly the H1's tint that you prefer over the AT's tint, or what is it?
 

Budda

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No, I said the beam pattern, not the tint.
As tint, I have yet to find something better than my AT wizard hicri.
The beam pattern is similar to the one of the wizard, but the spill begins right at your feet, while there is some distance in the wizard.
I believe because the optic of the wizard is way more recessed.
 

iamlucky13

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Oct 11, 2016
Messages
1,139
No, I said the beam pattern, not the tint.
As tint, I have yet to find something better than my AT wizard hicri.
The beam pattern is similar to the one of the wizard, but the spill begins right at your feet, while there is some distance in the wizard.
I believe because the optic of the wizard is way more recessed.

I've got the AT Tiara High CRI. It's a wonderfully naturally looking warm tint, but it's not the thing for neutral beam lovers, and definitely not for efficiency.

I noticed what you're saying about the Armytek beam - I find myself aiming mine down further than it seems like I should need to.
 

Budda

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Efficiency? better half lumen, but warm and hicri. I believe you know what I am saying.
Even with my wizard pro wide I have this issue.
 

HughJorgan

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Nov 10, 2016
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Obviously they're different classes of headlamps, but how would you compare this to the H15S Wave?
 

Budda

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I would love to answer that. I don't have an H15S wave, or any other Olight Headlamp.
I used the H1 yesterday evening when I went out for a run. Great beam. Can't wait for the 18650 version. I hope they add a 50 lumen locator (1 or 2 Hz flash), or a strobe, instead of the SOS.
 

GODOFWAR

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Feb 20, 2016
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Just asking what do you think about that armytec is it good light? Should I buy one? I heard many people complain about armytac headlamps
 

Budda

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Nov 30, 2009
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590
Location
Italy
depends what version you get.
some have bugs, and other driver-ui issue.
other than that, they are great lights, but discussing armytek is beyond the point of this thread
 

khaleeq

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Dec 10, 2015
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Excellent review. Was just wondering if K2 energy LFP123A 3.2v rechargeable batteries can be used? I have a maglite mag tac and have plenty of these batteries.
 

tyler_jet

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Aug 18, 2016
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I just purchased this lamp via AliExpress also purchased the batteries below any thoughts on them ?

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