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- Verified Buyer
I like to fancy myself a headlamp aficionado, even if my wife simply thinks I'm a headlamp fanatic. lolIn any case, I've owned literally dozens of headlamps over the years and I really enjoy using them, as well as comparing them and testing them--even if it's according to my own quasi-scientific methodology.Having said that, Nitecorp's T360 USB Rechargeable LED Headlamp is one of the most unique headlamp's I've come across. And I mean that as nothing but a 5-star compliment.In a "bigger is better" time, when we're seeing ever larger and heavier and bulkier headlamps (especially from overseas, judging from what's available on Amazon), it's very refreshing to see a top-notch company like Nitecorp go totally in the opposite direction with the T360.You see, I'm a "less is more" kind of guy (and outdoorsman), and Nitecorp's T360 is, to be sure, a "less is more" kind of headlamp. That's one of the big reasons why I'm so delighted with it.When I look at it or just think about the T360, I can't help but think of how "ultra" it is: ultra compact, ultra lightweight, ultra portable, ultra innovative, ultra versatile, ultra well made, ultra durable, and of course ultra comfortable.But more than anything else it is ultra unique--as in thinking-outside-the-box unique. It accomplishes this in at least three ways:(1) ITS SIZE & WEIGHT:The headlamp itself is roughly only 3/4" wide x 2 1/4" long, and it's only about 3/8" thick. It has about the lowest profile on the forehead that can be achieved. And when being stored or transported, well, it can fit most anywhere and in virtually ANY pocket with ease (with room to spare).In addition, it weighs LESS THAN AN OUNCE--which is incredible and impressive by any measure. So with its soft, thick and comfy head strap, this is one ultra light headlamp that you can truly forget is on your head.(2) ITS LUMENS:It's "only" 45 lumens. With its single, LED flood-type light, it will likely be used mostly for close-up kinds of tasks. But for these close-up tasks--everything from tinkering to reading--I find myself using the mid (15 lumens) and low (1 lumen) settings more than anything else (which is great insofar as these settings greatly extend battery life).Nonetheless, 45 lumens is brighter and has more uses than most people might guess. You can make your way around a dark camp, or even down a dark trail with 45 lumens. The maximum beam distance is 30 meters (approx. 100 ft.) at 45 lumens. I'm not implying that this would be the optimal light under such circumstances. I'm simply making the point that 45 lumens affords a surprising--and versatile--amount of illumination.(3) ITS INNOVATIVE DESIGN:A ball joint allows the headlamp to swivel, thereby allowing its light to be pointed in virtually ANY direction. This has been far more useful than I even imagined.And of course the ball joint affixes the headlamp securely to a bracket clip. This allows one to quickly and easily use the headlamp independently of the head strap. In this way, the T360 becomes more of a utility light, as it can be clipped on to a shirt or coat pocket, a backpack strap, a hat or helmet--or any number of other convenient places.I do have one constructive criticism to offer: in my opinion it was shortsighted of Nitecorp not to include a micro USB cable with this bundle, especially when one is required for charging, AND when they have included wall and car plugs. It just makes the bundle seem obviously incomplete.But overall I am VERY pleased with the T360, and I HIGHLY recommend it--especially for those situations and tasks that don't require the brighter lights of more powerful headlamps, and that would actually benefit from more subtle and softer lighting.In this way I see the T360 as a complement, rather than a competitor, to the more typical general-use headlamps. We might even think of it as a "specialty" headlamp. Just as there are atypically large and powerful specialty headlamps for, say, spelunking (caving), the T360 can helpfully be regarded as an atypically small, low-lumens specialty headlamp for situations and tasks that would best be seen or worked on in less intense light. While using and testing the T360, I've discovered that more of these situations arise than I had first anticipated or appreciated. I also discovered that my eyes are very grateful for the options of less intense light (particularly when working on things up close and personal).I received the Nitecorp T360 headlamp at a discount in exchange for my HONEST and UNBIASED review of it. And that's what I've truly given you. Discounts and freebies don't sway my opinion in the least.My goal is always to try and help others make better informed decisions about any potential Amazon products they may be considering. Toward that end, I hope in some small way that you may have found this helpful. Thanks for reading my review.
