Acebeam H50 2.0

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Acebeam H50 2.0 review

Acebeam H50 v2 specifications

Brand & ModelAcebeam H50 2.0
Flashlight categoryHeadlamp
LED3x SST20 Neutral White
Max. output2,000 lumens
Max. beam distance141 meters
Max. beam intensity2476 cd
Battery config.1x 18650, 2x CR123, 2x 16340
Onboard chargingUSB-C
ModesFive brightness levels
BlinkiesSOS
WaterproofIP68
Review publication dateDecember 2022

Introduction:

The H50 is not a new light: Acebeam introduced it a few years ago and they have decided it is due for an update. The original H50, much like the new version, was a three-emitter headlamp designed for “adventuring” and was the light of choice for the “Chinese Outdoor Women’s Expedition Team.” The original version allowed a choice between the Samsung LH351 and the Osram W1, now you only get the SST-20 in neutral white. Other changes include a slightly different body, a new button, and an improved headband. Critically, the triple “throw” TIR lenses have been changed to a single throw and two flood on the outside. The original H50 was well received, let’s see how version 2.0 holds up!

Package quality.

Acebeam ships the H50 in a very clean box, no extra frills and it looks very professional. Everything is packed nicely in a small plastic insert which has the light, manual, and accessories. Interestingly enough, they give you a lanyard when the H50 doesn’t even have a place to put one!

  • Acebeam H50v2
  • Headstrap
  • Lanyard
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Two O-rings
  • Manual
  • Warranty card

Flashlight in use

Unlike many 18650 headlamps, the Acebeam H50 2.0 is not a right-angled light attached to a strap. It is a full-blooded headlamp with its emitters in a row in the center, each one getting its own lens and optic. In keeping with its lightweight design and nature, this helps the light to feel balanced on the head and results in a more centered beam, it doesn’t make a huge difference for general use but when doing activities such as running that cause it to bounce, this is appreciated. Should you want to use it as a right-angled light, the ends are completely flat and it can be carefully balanced for “head free” use. One tailcap has a magnet as well. The switch is centered in the top of the light making it easy to find and press and is electronic for mode control. 

The primary benefit of this light is that it is small, lightweight, and functional above all else. Acebeam have focused on creating a compact headlamp that produces an impressive amount of light, alongside additional features such as the three-emitter setup. The headband is nylon with small holes for breathability helping to keep the user cool when running or hiking. The strap is very comfortable, though the adjustment points can dig in a little if you like it really snug. It doesn’t wobble around due to the strap going over the top of my head as well. It is also an impressive IP68 certified for more demanding environments.

Build Quality, and Warranty

The H50 2.0 is made from “aero grade aluminum” AKA almost certainly standard 6061 and has a HA III “military grade” hard-anodized finish. Annoying buzzwords out of the way, Acebeam has kept up their trend of making lights that just feel good. The coating feels nice in the hand and isn’t overly glossy and there is light knurling in the way of lines to help you twist off the endcaps. A single stainless-steel switch is in the middle of the light and feels quite nice to press and access.

The threads feel good and are well lubricated, and both ends have a spring helping to keep the battery in contact during vibration and impact events. The entire design is very symmetrical which I appreciate. The charging port is fully covered by one of the caps protecting it from the environment, and while not as accessible as a plastic flap will be much more durable. Note that these caps are not identical, only one fits on each end of the light and are labeled as such. The battery is contained by two springs, one on each end. With a protected cell such as the one Acebeam ships it with, this is plenty to hold it in place. With an unprotected Samsung 30Q, there is very noticeable cell rattle and if shaken the light can cut off. Acebeam offers full replacement within 15 days due to any problem, and if the light fails during normal use during 60 days will also be replaced. After 60 days, customers will be charged for parts and shipping.

LED, Lens, Bezel, Beam, and Reflector

The Acebeam H50 2.0 uses three domed SST-20 5000K neutral white emitters. Three TIR optics are used, however, the center optic is optimized for throw, and the two side optics are textured for a focus on flood. All three optics are protected by a lens that is scratch resistant. This results in a considerable amount of user flexibility, if flood is desired the two side optics produce a very even beam with tons of usable light which is great for working up close, say under a car. If more throw is required, the mode can be changed and the center optic will produce a much more concentrated beam. Used together, you get a very even profile with a sharp transition to the throwing optic in the center, which is very useful for outdoor activities where you want to be able to see a large area up close and know what lies far away as well.

Dimensions and size comparison

Dimensions: 

Acebeam H50 v2MillimetersInches
Length85 mm3.35 in
Width34 mm1.32 in
Height28 mm1.1 in

Dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Weight

Acebeam H50 v2 weightWeight in gramsWeight in Oz
Without battery:94 g3.32 oz
With battery142 g5.02 oz

Weight is rounded to the nearest gram.

Flashlight size comparison with its competition:

Group 1: Acebeam H50 v2 and Wowtac A2S

Driver & User Interface:

The H50 v2 uses a constant current driver for high efficiency and output stability and uses thermal regulation to adjust output. 

Available modes: 

  • Turbo, high, medium, low, ultra-low
  • Side, middle, our triple emitters for each mode

Available blinky modes:

  • SOS

From OFF:

  • Press and hold: Light turns on in ultra-low with the last number of emitters selected
  • Press and hold for three seconds: Light locks out, repeat to unlock
  • Double click: Light turns on to last used mode

From ON:

  • Press and hold: Light cycles through brightness steps
  • 1 click: Light turns off
  • Double click: Light cycles through number of emitters used
  • Single click then hold: SOS mode

Mode memory:

  • Yes 

Shortcuts:

  • To Low: Press and hold from off

Low voltage warning:

  • Switch glows red

Strobe/blinkies

  • SOS mode

Lock-out mode: 

  • Yes, press and hold for three seconds

PWM

  • None visible

Additional/summary info on the UI: 

  • The UI is fine, for the core functions it works without issue for switching emitter counts and brightness. However a shortcut to turbo would have been nice, and easier activation of the SOS mode would also be good.

Batteries & Charging

The H50 V2 uses a single 18650 cell, shipping with Acebeam’s ARC18650H-310A cell (catchy name). It has a 3100 mAh capacity, which I measured to charge at 1A through the USB-C port on the flashlight. It takes roughly four hours to charge to full from the low voltage protection cutoff, not bad. Note that this is a protected cell, and when I tested with my Samsung 30Q (a flat top 18650), there was a noticeable rattle with the cell. I was able to get the flashlight to cut out under vibration with an unprotected cell.

Performance test

The H50 v2 has good performance overall, with good output, slightly overspec on the high end and slightly below on the very low end. Runtimes are also excellent, but regulation is aggressive and quickly steps down. Note that for most uses where high output is required for a long time, the medium setting will be more optimal. All measurements were taken using my homemade calibrated lumen tube with a Triplet LT68 datalogging lux meter using the Acebeam ARC18650H-310A cell. 

Lumen measurements (for each mode)

All reference all three emitters, except when specified

ModeSpecs@turn on@30 sec@10 minutes
Ultra-Low109.6 lm9.5 lm9.5 lm
Low6075.6 lm75.1 lm76.8 lm
Med450504 lm504 lm475 lm
High10001180 lm1140 lm289 lm
Turbo (All)20002,079 lm2,150 lm488 lm
Turbo (Side)13501,299 lm1,311 lm334 lm
Turbo (Center)650705 lm702 lm230 lm

Battery Life: Runtime graphs

All with all three emitters

ModeSpecified runtimeMeasured runtime ANSITime till shut off
Ultra-Low16 days18*18*
Low30 hours18*18*
Med4 hours3h 17min3h 59 min
High4 hours2h 49 min3h 55 min
Turbo4 hours2h 24 min3h 49 min

*Test aborted at 18 hours due to datalogger overflow

ANSI FL1 standards: The runtime is measured until the light drops to 10% of its initial output (30 seconds after turning on). This does not mean that the flashlight is not usable anymore. The last column shows how long the light actually works till it shuts off. If there is a + symbol, it means that the test was stopped at that particular point, but the light was actually still running. This happens on certain occasions, with certain drivers, firmware, or batteries.

Runtimes are good overall, however they are clearly dependent on the thermal regulation resulting in all modes having similar total runtimes. Greater output at higher levels would be better with shorter total runtimes.

Peak beam intensity and beam distance measurements

All with three emitters

ModeSpecsCandela measured MetersYards
Ultra-Low5643 cd13.1 m14.3 yd
Low192176 cd26.5 m28.9 yd
Medium11161029 cd64 m70 yd
High24762584 cd102 m112 yd
Turbo49685230 cd145 m159 yd

Extra info: Peak beam distance according to ANSI FL1 standards: The calculated value of distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. (0.25 lux is about the brightness of a full moon shining on an object). Columns Meters and Yards show rounded numbers.

Beamshots

Camera settings and distance: FujiFilm X-T3, 1/60, F5.6, ISO8000 at 15 meters

Beamshots of the following flashlights compared:

  • H50 2.0
  • Acebeam E70

Disclaimer: This flashlight was sent to me for review at no cost by Acebeam. I have not been paid to review, nor have I been holding back on problems or defects.

Final Verdict

Pros

  1. Excellent build quality
  2. Lightweight
  3. Good output and beam profile
  4. Very good runtimes

Cons

  1. Using unprotected cells causes cell rattle
  2. Past a couple minutes turbo, high, and medium modes are extremely similar
  3. UI is a little clunky

Explanation on star ratings:

1: Avoid: a match would be a better choice – 2: Poor: significant defect or issues; almost unusable – 3: Average: some defects or issues; but still usable 4: Good: recommended (minor issues) – 5: Great: highly recommended

Reviewer Max
Author: Max

4.5 stars: ★★★★⋆

The Acebeam H50 2.0 is an excellent headlamp which is perfectly suited for outdoor tasks. It is very lightweight and built extremely well, and has very usable runtimes as well. However, the UI is not great to allow it to switch between side and center emitters and after a few minutes the turbo, high, and medium modes wind up being virtually identical. In summary, 4.5/5

Buy your Acebeam H50 v2 here:

Get a whopping 15% off your next order at Acebeam.com with the following discount coupon: AE15. Simply add the coupon code at your checkout.

1lumen selects and reviews products personally. We may earn affiliate commissions through our links, which help support our testing.