Red flashing, Beacon, and SOS modes are available by using the Aux modes (double press power button from off), then cycling upwards (Plus button).

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. The HC68 has built-in charging that is concealed behind the threads at the power button end. A note on this though – it requires 9 full turns to unscrew the cap to its limits, and the first few times you do this, it may be quite tough. This loosens up over time, however. So an excellent front for all outings in the dark, for trekking, work, caving, camping, climbing etc. 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. A power indicator will also show the remaining battery power by pressing the +/- once while the light is turned off. Three flashes is above 50% power, two flashes is below 50% power and one flash is below 10% power and the battery should be charged or replaced. The integrated advance temperature regulation (ATR) technology regulates the output of the HC68 according to the working condition and ambient environment to maintain the optimal performance. Granted, Nitecore products are not cheap. On the other hand, the brand has proven itself throughout the years by introducing innovative and top-quality products. The same applies to the HC68: a completely water and dustproof head torch that is incredibly versatile in use. Keeping that in mind I think the price is justified. My conclusionIn addition to the multiple brightness levels, the beam focus can be also be electronically altered between full spot and full flood so you can customise the focus for the task at hand (excluding turbo which is fixed and ultralow which is either spot or flood). When the light is on, press and hold the + button to increase the spotlight ratio and decrease the floodlight ratio, or hold the - button to increase the floodlight ratio and decrease the spotlight ration. Continue to hold until it reaches 100% spot or flood, or release the button once your desired combination beam has been achieved. The setting of the various levels is memorized and maintained even after turning off the flashlight. Dual lenses provide wide and narrow beams. The level brightness levels of each lens can be adjusted using the buttons. The result is that the focus of the light can be adjusted from very wide and even beam to a narrowly focused beam. HC68 is equipped with 4 different LEDs; 2 main white light LEDs (Luminus SST-40-W) and 2 auxiliary red light LEDs.

The included cell is the NL1835HP, which I’ve previously discovered is usually an LG MJ1 or a Sanyo GA cell with a protection circuit grafted to it – these are both very good cells, and have a capacity of 3500mAh. The protection circuit will limit the output to 8A even in case of an overrun, while the cells are capable of 10A. Still – they’re a great cell to use. Note: *The run-time for higher is tested without temperature regulation active and therefore output and run-time in higher may differ. Turbo & higher modes can only be accessed with an 18650 battery of 8 A discharge or higher, it cannot be accessed if using CR123A/RCR123A batteries.Today I’m looking at the Nitecore HC68, one of the newest headlamps from Nitecore. Like a lot of other headlamps in their stable, the HC68 has multiple sets of emitters, but this time with a bit of a twist – being able to ramp from a flood mode to a “spot” mode. There’s also some aux emitters to give a bit of extra utility, too. Nitecore HC68 is a flashlight with front lighting system suitable for many activities such as research, outdoor / camping, SAR (search and rescue), industrial etc. First, there’s a “tailswitch” on the headlamp. Since it’s a headlamp, it’s not really on the “tail” but let’s call it that. The Nitecore HC68 headlamp accepts rechargeable 18650 batteries (except for flat-top cells), but can accept a pair of CR123 batteries if needed.

With a 180° adjustable mount, the headlamp can be angled as appropriate and the breathable headband and rubber pad provide support and comfort. Additionally, the Nitecore HC68 features Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR), memory function and a built-in power indicator. Note that these are initial/maximum figures – as the battery gets closer to full, the charge rate will slow down. Nitecore’s warranty covers DOA or defective products within 15 days direct to the dealer, and then covers repairs for 2 years, due to the inbuilt battery (lights without inbuilt batteries come with 5 years warranty). In the first test the Nitecore HC68 was put in TURBO mode at 2000 lumens numerous times for a time of 20 minutes and more. There’s effectively three buttons to think about here; Power, “Plus”, and “Minus”. There’s also a few shortcuts to some modes, which I’ll go over below. The UI seems far more complicated in writing than it is in use, though – after a short time with the light, it’s very intuitive.Nitecore is using a USB-C charging port for the Nitecore HC68 headlamp. The port is exceptionally well protected, being hidden under “the other” tailcap. That is, it’s on the end where the tailcap does not come off fully. This is the same end that has the on/off e-switch, too. I also tried making a graph of this, but… let’s just say it’s not too pretty, so I’ll let the numbers do the talking. Both white emitters are Luminus SST-40-W emitters. I don’t think Nitecore specifies what the CCT is.