Comparison Console
Nitecore NU45 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 44% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 14% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 14% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU45 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 44% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU45 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 77% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU45 stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU45 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 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.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$65Most expensive
US$56Cheapest
Weight
126 g (4.44 oz)Heaviest
71 g (2.50 oz)Lightest
Length
79 mm (3.11 in)Shortest
112 mm (4.41 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
1700 lmLowest output
2100 lmHighest output
Max candela
7426 cdLowest candela
11525 cdHighest candela
Beam distance
172 m (564 ft)Lowest
215 m (705 ft)Highest
Max runtime
5160 min
Unknown
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 4000mAh 18650 Li-ion Battery
18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable (button top unprotected)
Charging type
USB-C Fast Charging
USB-C in body
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP68 (2 meters submersible)
IP66
Impact resistance
2 m (7 ft)Highest
1 m (3 ft)Lowest
Material
PC material with aluminum alloy front housing
Anodized aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
Night RunningOutdoor AdventuresCampingWorkHiking
HuntingGeneral Use Requiring Multiple Beam TypesUsers Needing Spot, Flood And Red Lighting Modes
Common praise
High Brightness With Multiple Lighting ModesLong Runtime On Low SettingsFast USB C ChargingLightweight And Comfortable To WearDurable With High Waterproof And Impact Resistance Ratings
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
No Explicit Complaints In Provided Sources
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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