I recently got my hands on the new HD05 and thought I’d drop a few pics and impressions here.

Basics/specs:

  • main throw  3100 lumens
  • 365nm UV
  • red spot
  • rotatable wing light with temp adjustment (3000K-6000K)
  • magnetic threaded cap
  • 5000 mAh battery, USB-C charging
  • green/red led on power button indicates battery level
  • clip and lanyard for carrying
  • grey aluminum body with black highlights

First impressions:

  • wow! looks rugged, tech and futuristic
  • feels solid and comfortable in hand
  • intuitive operation

More detailed thoughts:

Looks: very stylish with a mix of straight lines and angles; the grey and black looks great.

Weight: at 237g, it is ~60g heavier than the TS26S which uses an identical battery. In hand the difference isn’t too noticeable, more so in pocket.

Wing lamp: I like that they printed how to change the color temperature right underneath it so I don’t have to remember and it’s only visible when opened. At max power the lamp isn’t super bright (1/10th of the main throw), so personally I’d use it as an overhead lamp for reading or work done at an arm’s length.

Red light: works well to protect night vision, but I found I had to make sure not to look at the center spot because it is bright and focused; instead I used the peripheral light. Stepless setting.

UV light: The UV light is a bit niche, but happy to say the light is 365nm, not the cheaper 395nm.  I have another light that’s 395nm that came with a smartphone glass protector kit and I can confirm the 365nm is much better: it doesn’t look like a purple spotlight and it makes things fluoresce more strongly. Some uses for it: cure resin, charge watch lume, check authenticity of bills, inspect hotel room cleanliness. I don’t live in a country with scorpions, but apparently it can be used for that too! Two intensities.

Main throw: Looks to be 6000K or 6500K. Powerful spot. Stepless.

Operation: Simple and easy! The wing light automatically turns on/off when unfolded/folded. The three other lights turn on/off with the press of the power button. The selector switch is perfect. Holding the power button changes intensity.

Some possible improvements (in my opinion):

  • clip looks disproportionally large; could be smaller and still do its function
  • the wing light locks in place, but makes some noise with a solid shake
  • an option for stepped mode on the main throw
  • a laser would be fun
  • powerbank function like some other models

Final thoughts

Overall a great flashlight in a stylish form factor. This is my new nightstand, travel and camping light!

Available here: amazon.com/dp/B0GQ3Q61WQ, discount code ALGIG28R.

by owlolowl

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