Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Cheapest
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative.
Most expensive
Acebeam H17 2.0 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative.
Lightest
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Heaviest
Acebeam H17 2.0 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Lowest output
Acebeam H17 2.0 stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Highest output
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Shortest
Acebeam H17 2.0 stands out as the shortest option for length, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative.
Longest
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the longest option for length, with about a 42% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable (button top unprotected)
Charging type
USB-C, 5V 1.5A fast charging, about 1 hour full charge
USB-C in body
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP68 (2 meters submersible for 30 minutes)
IP66
Impact resistance
1.5 m (5 ft)Highest
1 m (3 ft)Lowest
Material
Aerospace-grade AL6061-T6 aluminum alloy with HAIII hard-anodized anti-abrasive and corrosion-resistant finish
Anodized aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
▣Night running and jogging▣Camping and hiking▣Outdoor work and repairs▣Tactical and emergency use▣Everyday carry for high-CRI lighting needs
▣Hunting▣General use requiring multiple beam types▣Users needing spot, flood and red lighting modes
Common praise
✓High CRI 4000K neutral white LEDs provide natural, comfortable light suitable for long use✓Compact and lightweight design (73g) with included rechargeable 18350 battery✓Fast USB-C charging with full charge in about 1 hour✓Multiple modes including six brightness levels, strobe, SOS, beacon, and stepless dimming✓Durable aerospace-grade aluminum body with excellent waterproof and impact resistance✓Convenient magnetic tailcap and versatile clip for many carry options✓Very long runtime in moonlight mode (up to 170 hours)
✓High maximum output for a headlamp of this size✓Multiple beam types: spot, flood, and red LEDs✓USB-C onboard charging✓Lightweight and compact form factor✓Good build quality with anodized aluminum body✓Affordable price point
Common complaints
⚠Turbo runtime on max output limited to about 30 seconds before stepping down⚠No detailed specification for exact switch type in sources⚠Not suitable for users requiring very long maximum output turbo runtime without steps down
⚠No glass lens, optic exposed and prone to scratching⚠Impact resistance only rated to 1 meter⚠Red LEDs output lower than expected⚠Lanyard hole design prevents tail-standing with lanyard attached