Comparison Console
Nitecore NU40 vs Sofirn HS42
EDC Flashlights comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 39% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 110% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU40 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 9% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 39% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU40 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 63% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU40 stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 52% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 110% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU40 stands out as the shortest option for length, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the longest option for length, with about a 40% 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.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$61Most expensive
US$56Cheapest
Weight
116 g (4.09 oz)Heaviest
71 g (2.50 oz)Lightest
Length
79.8 mm (3.14 in)Shortest
112 mm (4.41 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
1000 lmLowest output
2100 lmHighest output
Max candela
2700 cdLowest candela
11525 cdHighest candela
Beam distance
100 m (328 ft)Lowest
215 m (705 ft)Highest
Max runtime
7200 min
Unknown
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 18650 Li-ion 2600mAh rechargeable
18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable (button top unprotected)
Charging type
USB-C (5V 2A)
USB-C in body
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP68
IP66
Impact resistance
2 m (7 ft)Highest
1 m (3 ft)Lowest
Material
PC plastic rear housing with aluminum alloy front housing
Anodized aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
HikingTrail RunningCampingCyclingMaintenanceOutdoor Activities
HuntingGeneral Use Requiring Multiple Beam TypesUsers Needing Spot, Flood And Red Lighting Modes
Common praise
Lightweight And Compact DesignHigh Maximum Output With Uniform BeamLong Runtime Especially On Low ModesUSB C Fast RechargeableDurable Construction With Good Heat DissipationMultiple Brightness Levels And Special Modes Including Red Light For Night Vision Preservation
High Maximum Output For A Headlamp Of This SizeMultiple Beam Types: Spot, Flood, And Red LedsUSB C Onboard ChargingLightweight And Compact Form FactorGood Build Quality With Anodized Aluminum BodyAffordable Price Point
Common complaints
Runtime On Highest Output (turbo) Is LimitedSome Users May Prefer Longer Beam Distance For Certain Tasks
No Glass Lens, Optic Exposed And Prone To ScratchingImpact Resistance Only Rated To 1 MeterRed Leds Output Lower Than ExpectedLanyard Hole Design Prevents Tail Standing With Lanyard Attached
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