Nitecore Torches

Modern LED torches and lights now dominate the shooting market as pound for pound they offer compact designs that punch well above their weight in terms of ability. There are now so many makes out there that nailing down a choice is not easy and I have not been looking too hard as I am happy with what I use. Well that was until I was sent a pair of NITECORE Chameleon’s – the CR6 and C16 and their HC50 head torch.

First impressions are good with a well made and presented package and build: toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating,  aero-grade aluminium alloy, HAIII military grade hard-anodized finish, waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (two meters submersible) and impact-resistant to 1.5 meters. They can run on either disposable CR123A cells or single, 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery (recommended). NITECORE also sent four rechargeables, an Intellicharger i4 charging unit with mains and vehicle adaptors and a remote pressure pad end cap for the Chameleons. The torches include a lanyard, tactical grip ring, removable clothing clip, spare O-rings, replacement rubber tail cap button and a belt holster.

Equally prices are competitive with the most expensive being sub-£65. A look at the website shows a lot of accessories and for that matter other torch choices. For our needs the two most useful are the torch-to-barrel Fig-8 clamp and QD Picatinny adaptor. Both offering a 25.4mm (1”) ring.

TECH SPEC

The build of both Chameleons is identical, dimensions are length: 143mm (5.63”), head diameter: 40mm (1.57”), tail diameter: 25.4mm (1”) and weight: 138grams (4.87oz) without battery. The reflector is double-dished to house the two main LEDs with two secondary LEDs one either side of the face. Controls consist of a main, tail cap ON/OFF button and twin side switches behind the head to select functions and power levels. The remote replaces the tail cap and has a side-mounted ON/OFF, the pressure pad is press & hold on only, no adhesive Velcro pads for attachment are included. Despite their similarity the CR6 band C16 offer distinctly different functions.

CR6

The CR6 features two primary light sources (red and white) plus secondary red, green and blue LEDs. Control of these output types is handled by the aforementioned dual side switches with independent white and colour buttons. They also include a power indicator to let you know battery state. The primary white source is from a Cree XP-G2 with a maximum output of 440 lumens. A separate 3 watt red LED provides a bright beam with three power levels. Red light does not degrade your night vision and dispenses with the need for a separate filter if you prefer shooting with that colour. Also being non-filtered the output will be greater! In addition there are the secondary low level red, green and blue LEDS. These are non-adjustable but provide ample illumination for close work such as checking the rifle and unloading etc.

In terms of operation once you have switched on at the tail cap pressing the left hand side-mounted switch enables the white light and the lightest touch allows you to toggle up through the four output levels. Pressing the right switches off the white and enables the red with levels controlled as before, once you have hit maximum continue pressing and you switch to the side LEDS as follows red, green and blue, then cycles back to the main red light. With all modes there is no hesitation or power up time – hit the button and it’s on. NITECORE quote a run time of 400-hours in low power mode.

C16

The CI6 features two primary lights sources. A white, 4-level Cree XP-G2 with a maximum output of 440 lumens and a 1.5 watt Infrared LED which outputs 1500mW, 850nm. The dual-sided switch is the same as the CR6, however the right one controls both the IR and the smaller side-mounted LEDs with options on red, green and blue light plus a flashing red/blue signalling mode too. Run times as follows: White - Turbo: 440 lumens (1 hour 45 minutes), High: 280 lumens (3 hours 30 minutes), Mid: 160 lumens (7 hours), Low: 25 lumens (43 hours) and Ultra Low: 1 lumen (400 hours). Infrared:  is 1500mW, 850nm. Combining IR and white light in a single unit is doubtless practical in terms of equipment carried. However, it will have to be used with NV to determine its effective range ability.

HC 50

Now on to the ‘mother of all head lamps’- the HC50. Build quality and materials are the same as the torches, as is the battery arrangement of either 2 x disposable or 1 x rechargeable. A maximum output of 565 lumens from a Cree XM-L2 LED is quoted. There are also two red LEDs for close work. It’s probably the most powerful, compact head torch I have used. It offers four levels and run times - High: 350 Lumens (2 hours 45 minutes), Mid: 170 Lumens – (6 hours 15 minute), Low: 35 Lumens (32 hours) and Ultra Low: 1 Lumen – (400 hours). There’s a fifth (Turbo) mode giving 565 Lumens (1 hour 15 minutes) and to say that is bright would be a gross understatement!

Operation is by a side-mounted switch that selects white or red modes, pressing the central button allows you to toggle up/down through the settings. On the two small reds you can also nominate a flashing function. Compared to the plastic-bodied head torches the HC50 is noticeably heavier at 130-grams, but tough. It sits in a rubber mounting and can be easily switch from left to right side to suit. But like I said the output even on High is good but on Turbo simply amazing. At £59.99 it’s certainly more expensive than some but has that ‘last a lifetime’ feel about it!

Space restricts any field testing for this issue, but I will get onto that for next month. However, fist impression are very positive!

FOR:
Well built
Powerful and
versatile illumination

AGAINST:
Not a lot

VERDICT:
Price, quality and
ability make them
well worth a look