Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Fenix HM50R v2 vs Nitecore UT27 MCT 800

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Fenix HM50R v2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about technical outdoor users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Fenix HM50R v2

4.5

3 sources$59.95as of Aug 1

The Fenix HM50R V2 weighs 2.75 ounces, puts out 700 lumens, and throws a beam 377 feet. Reviewers noted the IP68 waterproof rating and the USB-C charging cable in the box, though some disliked that activation takes a long press rather than a single click. The clip is stiff, which keeps it stable but makes reattachment hard for children. It handles technical outdoor tasks well, but the feature set is thin and there's no flood function.

Strengths

— Lightweight at 2.75 ounces, suitable for backpacking, running, and climbing
— Bright output of 700 lumens with a beam distance of 377 feet
— Durable aluminum construction with IP68 waterproof rating

Watch-outs

— Limited features with only 4 modes and no flood function
— Activation requires long press instead of single click
— Stiff clip makes it difficult for children to reattach the headlamp

$59.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #8 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Nitecore UT27 MCT 800

3.7

2 sources$54.95as of Aug 1

The Nitecore UT27 MCT is a light, rechargeable headlamp for outdoor use, with 800-lumen output and a Multi Color Temperature (MCT) LED system covering three color temperatures. Reviewers noted the IP66 rating and 1-meter impact resistance, which hold up to rugged treatment. Build quality on previous versions came up as a concern. Hikers, climbers, and campers who want a reliable, multi-function light are the audience, though its 14.5-hour capacity may fall short for anyone needing long runtime at maximum brightness.

Strengths

— 800 lumens maximum output with 168-meter beam distance
— Multi Color Temperature (MCT) system with three color temperatures (3000K, 4500K, 6500K) and varying CRI values
— IP66 rating for waterproof and dustproof performance with 1-meter impact resistance

Watch-outs

— Build quality issues noted in previous model version
— Limited battery life at maximum output (up to 14.5 hours with stable output)

$54.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fenix HM50R v2

The Fenix HM50R v2 surpasses the Nitecore NU27 600 in brightness with 700 lumens versus 600, and offers superior durability with an IP68 rating. However, it's less user-friendly than the Petzl SWIFT LT, which has a simple one-button operation, and lacks the adjustable color temperature of the Nitecore NU27 600.

Nitecore UT27 MCT 800

The Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 surpasses the Nitecore NU27 600 in brightness with 800 lumens versus 600, and offers a more advanced multi-color temperature system. However, it's less user-friendly than the Petzl SWIFT LT, which has a simpler one-button operation, and lacks the ultra-lightweight design of the Knog Bandicoot 250.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fenix HM50R v2	Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
Weight	78g (with battery and headband)	74 g (including battery)
Lumens	700 lumens	800 lumens
Beam Distance	377 feet	168 meters
Waterproof Rating	IP68	IP66
Battery	1*16340	HLB1500 1500mAh lithium-ion
Charging	USB Type-C	USB-C (5V/0.5A)
Modes	6 (Turbo, High, Med, Low, Red, Red Flash)	Turbo, High, Mid, Low, Red Constant-On, Red Flashing
LED Type	CREE XP-G3 S4	UHE MCT (Multi Color Temperature)
Material	Aluminum	Polycarbonate

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