Brinyte Links:
Get the HL18 here (US) 👇
https://amzn.to/3WctUoj (affiliate link)
20% Off Discount Code: “ZRLX2S2H”
Get the HL18 here (AUS) 👇
https://amzn.to/3Qhv7qN (affiliate link)
20% Off Discount Code: “AE8J938Z”
I review the Brinyte HL18 – a unique 2-in-1 headlamp/EDC flashlight.
Brinyte HL18 Review:
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality/interesting things:
• I own close to 10 headlamps and Brinyte HL18 is one of the most unique ones for a few reasons. Firstly, it has an SFT40 which surprised me given most headlamps are geared toward floodier LEDs like the SST40. The SFT40 creates a high candela, long-range beam, perfect for spotting distant objects, but also produces a ton of usable spill. The HL18 also has a 90-degree adjustable head! It’s basically a 2-in-1 EDC flashlight/headlamp. Initially, I thought the design was a bit strange but it’s grown on me considering you can use it in so many ways, plus… it’s a fun fidget toy as well!
• What’s in the box: charging cable, manual, spare o-rings, 18650 cell, headband with an adjustable mount.
• Comparison with Nextorch Max Star, Acebeam H16 – this one uses rubber rings to hold the headlamp which I’m not a fan of as it makes it difficult to remove the light.
Overall Construction, LED, lens, bezel and reflector
• High quality machining. Some basic cutouts on/near the head. The head articulates 90 degrees and is very smooth but with enough resistance to stay in place. The joint is well lubricated. Anodizing is more towards matt black but feels a little slippery. The knurling helps make the tube grippier and also has a unique tessellating square design. Dual attachment points for the clip (also double-sided). Light is operated via a single rubber side-switch. I like the blue accent. The button is large and requires a firm press to activate thankfully.
• Opposite side, there is a magnetic charging port. It’s an interesting design – a much smaller attachment point than other magnetic charging options out there. Simple tailcap design with spring + spring under the head. Magnet in the tail – great for work/hands-free use.
• Cool bezel design! Reminds me of the side of a file, but with no sharp edges. SMO reflector with SFT40, glass lens.
• The headband mount has a close to 180-degree articulation, and a simple clip-on design which allows you to attach and detach the HL18 in seconds. The headband is just one band, with no additional band running along the top. Still holds firmly with the light attached. Some reflective material.
UI – modes
• Simple UI. Press once for memory mode. Press and hold for ML. Continue holding for LMHT. Light will memorize all modes besides turbo, strobe, and SOS.
• Triple press for strobe, again for SOS.
• 5 clicks to lock/unlock.
Performance – total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality
• Ceiling bounce test, CRI, CCT
• Throwy beam with nice spill too due to the SFT40. Throw biased.
Considerations
• Limited heat dissipation due to rotatable head. Brinyte has reduced the lumen output slightly to handle this, and 30 seconds on turbo is still impressive.
• Proprietary charging.
• Dust in the joint? Seems to be the norm if you want a design like this.
• High candela, focused beam. Some of you might like floodier beams. Personally, I love this thing – I’m a huge fan of throwy lights.
Verdict
• One of my favorite headlamps! The rotating head design has grown on me, and I like how versatile this light is – you can use it as a normal flashlight or work light due to the magnetic tail too. The uniquely long-range beam profile may be divisive for some but keep in mind this light also produces ample amounts of spill.
