Iโve used a ton of headlamps in my day, and the majority of them have suffered from the same problem: discomfort. Sometimes, itโs the strap design, but often, itโs the weight. With the time change shifting to an earlier sunset, I started using the Nebo Mycro 550+ Headlamp and Cap Light, and Iโm convinced Pros, DIYers, and outdoor enthusiasts can all benefit from it.
However, thereโs some give and take to the design, so Iโm going to share my experience to help you decide if itโs right for you.
Nebo Mycro 550+ Comfort
Since comfort has been my biggest pain point with headlamps, it was the first thing I considered once I got my hands on it.
For starters, the Mycro 550+ is super-compact and ridiculously lightweight. Physically, itโs just under 2 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall, and 1.3 inches thick. The light weighs just 1.2 ounces with the clip, or 1.7 ounces if youโre using the strap.
The strap has plenty of adjustment range to fit nearly any head size. It doesnโt pull your hair like some straps and is comfortable against your skin.
If youโre like me and wear a ball cap most of the time, you can skip the strap and use the hat clip instead.
Swapping between the two isnโt terribly difficult once you find the release for the clip. Behind the clip, thereโs a piece that looks like you need to press, but you actually use your fingernail to pull up. Once you do that, the clip easily slides off, and you thread the strap on.
Nebo Mycro 550+ Output and Runtime
You can operate in flood or spot modes, and thereโs a red light flood mode for helping you maintain your night vision.
As you may have guessed from the name, the Mycro 550+ can produce up to 550 lumens. Itโs not going to live in that mode, though. With such a small form factor, thereโs not a lot of room for a battery, so this model doesnโt have the runtime that larger, heavier models have. Hereโs a breakdown of what you can expect in each mode:
| Mode | Output | Runtime | Throw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Turbo | 550 lumens | 30 seconds | 82 yards |
| Spot High | 200 lumens | 30 minutes | 55 yards |
| Spot Medium | 100 lumens | 60 minutes | 41 yards |
| Spot Low | 25 lumens | 140 minutes | 20 yards |
| Flood High | 200 lumens | 25 minutes | 26 yards |
| Flood Low | 50 lumens | 50 minutes | 12 yards |
| Flood Red | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
As I used the Mycro 550+, I found that the Turbo and High modes are best for outdoor use when youโre looking to keep your path illuminated. The Medium and Low modes work great for interior light or when youโre working on something in close quarters, like the plumbing under a cabinet or checking the breaker panel.
One quick point of clarificationโthe light doesnโt use up its entire battery in 30 seconds when you have it in Turbo mode. It kicks back down to the previous mode you were in to preserve the battery.
To get into the Turbo mode, turn on any Spot mode and then press and hold the Spot mode button for a few seconds. Thereโs also a Direct-to-Low mode. Press the Spot mode button for a few seconds while the light is off, and it will start in Spot Low no matter what setting you used last time.
Itโs a similar operation for Red mode. The difference is that you press and hold the Flood mode button to enter it. Thereโs a Direct-to-Red mode that works from the off position as well.
Additional Highlights
- IPX4 Ingress Rating: Protects against rain
- Adjustable Tilt: Six stop allow for 130ยฐ of tilt to direct the light
- Mode Memory: The light returns to the mode you previously used
- Reflective Headband Accents: Makes you easier to see
- USB-C Charging: Go from dead to full charge in about 30 minutes
- PowerSave Lockout: Prevents accidental powering in your bag or toolbox
- Durable Design: Built from impact-resistant ABS plastic and aircraft-grade aluminum
Should You Buy It?
While the Nebo Mycro 550+ solves the pain point of headlamp discomfort, it does so by exchanging it for lower output and runtime compared to other models you may be considering. Thatโs not a surprise. Itโs exactly what we would expect to be the case.
So, if your needs include high lumens or several hours of runtime, this model isnโt for you. That might include Pros working on commercial construction jobs, endurance athletes who start their runs long before the sun comes up, or night fishermen.
However, itโs a great fit for people who only need light for shorter durations. Residential electricians and plumbers come to mind, along with DIYers, campers who might need to take a short stroll from the tent at night, and fishermen prepping their boat for launch just before sunrise.
If this sounds like the right fit for your lifestyle, or a good supplement to your larger, heavier headlamp, you can pick it up for $39.99. Itโs backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
