Floody AA headlamp? For use in dark spaces when doing DIY work.

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Squashfan

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Jun 6, 2012
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Was working in my attic yesterday. I had on my Energizer headlamp, I don't remember the model, that is great for outdoors. Has great throw for a $20 head lamp. But no flood or spill so it is watch the hot spot at close range. I want something with a wide flood beam at close range. 2xAA would be nice but I don't think it exists. So I am looking at 1xAA. I like that the Fenix HL50 can take a CR123 when extended but the modes are wrong. I am looking for roughly 18-25 low, 50-60 medium and a 100-120 high. The modes don't have to be laid out exactly like that but it is what I have in mind for a guide. I am looking at a Zebralight H502 but I am thoroughly confused by the modes. I plan to run Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. What would you guys suggest?
 
Try putting a piece of scotch tape over the lens on your current headlamp first. Then if that isn't sufficient, get the. Zebralight.
 
Most of the sports lights (BD, Petzl) are running AAA, for flood I'd recco the BD Gizmo, not stupid bright, variable beam, and a good run time. Most of the AA lights I've seen are for distance. I'd stick with AAA, much lighter and lower profile. The Petzl tikkina is very similar.

For indoor work, I don't like much more than 60, but your mileage may differ. I don't like a two stage light unless I'm outside, in which case I use a BD Spot mostly right now.
 
Yah, I tried it out and the clear didn't diffuse real well.:p I now have 2 layers of tape on my current lamp. I will see how that holds up and whether it difusess the light enough.

Hmm the new gizmo looks interesting but I am not a fan of the 3xAAA. I never know what the do with left over battery! I will look at the tikkina too. Decisions, desisions.
 
What to do with the left over battery? Simple. Get a flashlight that takes a single AAA! An Olight i3 makes a great backup or EDC light for under $20.

Of course it should be mentioned that rechargeable batteries are preferred for higher light output as well as longer run times and reduced operating expense.
 
Check out the Spark SF5, it comes with two lens assemblies. One with a reflector for throw and one without for flood.

googles images pic:

16855759696_d0b558d8c9.jpg
 
I just took a look at the Spark website. Looks like the last update was in 2012. The flashlights appear to be of the same vintage based on their specs.
 
The Spark looks like a regular flashlight. Am I missing something? They do call it a headlamp on there site but I don't see a headband.

I will see how the other headlamp does. Thanks for all the help!!!
 
The solution is easy. Eneloop. The old gizmo was a double, only just saw that the new one is a triple, I like what I see though, as though I need another headlamp.....
 
Fenix, as well other some other companies I would imagine, make adjustable head bands that accommodate various sized small flashlights.

This might give you a bit more flexibility to get the beam you want, as many small EDC lights have a good variety of beam styles...whereas finding a good headlamp might be a bit harder.
 
Been using a Zebralight 1xAA for years now when doing car work and other such activities. Amazing battery life on the lower settings, super durable so far and 100% flood beam. I can't remember the model number, and it wasn't cheap... but it was definitely worth every penny in retrospect.
 
The Zebralight is my favorite option. But I could also look for a coast fl60. It is a couple of years old but, stangely, doesn't seem to be widely available.
 
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