Head Lamps

DMD08 mentioned the Saint from Surefire. I dont have one but I want one.
Its aluminum bodied and just as tough as other Surefire lights.
The big selling point for me is the battery compartment.
It accepts 3 CR123s or 2 AAs or it can be removed and the light will run with a single CR123 using a different cap on the lamp itself.
Lumens are adjustable from 0-100 and it has an SOS mode.
Yes its expensive, buy once and forget it.
I have called and spoke with customer service at Surefire before.
I needed a new pocket clip for my E1L first generation.
While talking to them I asked about the new generations that have the two modes of output. They told me that they thought the electronics for that was built into the head or the lamp which is not interchangable. Just to check it out they sent me a tailcap along with the pocket clip at no charge for either. I like that kind of service.
So you asked about headlamps as tough as ESEE blades, these are, and they have the customer service too.

JMHO, YMMV
 
I like the Petzl Tac-Tikka pretty well. The red filter makes it nice when you need to untangle a fishing line or go from the tent to a pee spot without ruining your night vision or shining a beacon to the entire western hemisphere. I keep one in my everyday 'crap bag'. If I need something a little more substantial I'll use the Princeton Tec Apex. 4 levels of bright, good battery life, good water resistance, and pretty tough. Both have been through some pretty hellacious stuff and keep shining.
 
You can't go wrong with Petzl. I've got a couple of Petzl Zooms, Tikkas, E+, and Tac-Tikka, I use the Tac Tikka most of the time, the red filter is great for maintaining night vision, although I find it not quite bright enough for night searches (where I normally end up using my hand-held flashlight; a Fenix LD20 or Surfire 6P/Outdoorsman).

I've got a 225 lumen Fenix HP10 coming soon, it looks very promising and the price is right.



.
 
I've found that the red filters are great when group camping. I have one of the petzl headlamps, and really liked how getting a faceful of red headlamp doesn't dazzle you like the white tends to do, which seems to be pretty common when you're with a bunch of other people
 
I have a all Petzls
A Tikka plus I'm waiting ( 5yrs now and It doesn't look good) for it to break so I can replace it with a Xp.
A Tak tikka I use at cadets.
Three E-lites One general use ( more often as the "check on the boy in the middle of the night red led" light) one in a belt mounted PSK and the other in a BOB where the cadet taktikka lives normally.
E-lites are the size of my thumb generous light for the size and price. and I can take the thin strap off and clip it onto the brim of my ( Surefire) cap. People laugh until they want to borrow it.
The little carry pouch is big enough to carry spare batteries if you want. I used to have a traser type kit marker on an E-light. so I could find it in the dead of night.
I carry a Surefire G2 Led but it is not often it gets turned on.
Oh yeah I picked a Zipka up at the right price it is still in the package.
Carl
 
A Tikka xp is easily the most useful I have used over a period of about 25 years. The Myo xp is better for mountaineering when on a helmet but for most stuff the Tikka is great. The only thing I have found with new generation LED type lights is that they are not that flash in a white out, mind you not much is! The old yellow tint incadesant bulbs seemed to have a bit more penetration in the 'murk', about the only thing the Zoom was better for, otherwise it was just an expensive battery eater.
 
Zebralight H501w. I''m surprised I only saw one other ZL recommendation so far. They make really nice headlamps. Metal body instead of plastic, small, regulated constant output, good battery life, available in neutral white tints that result in better color rendition than the usual cool blueish LEDs, very nice flood beam for area illumination. I haven't touched my old Petzl or Black Diamond headlamps since getting one because the ZL line is so much better, quality and function wise.
 
+1 on the Surefire Saint. I bought the Saint and a ESEE 4 at the same time:)
I can't say enough about the quality of the Saint....but then I'm a Surefire nut myself.:eek::)
 
An alternative to headlamps is a ball cap, and a good tactical flashlight with a tip-up clip. Might want to consider this option, especially if you already carry a light and cap

TK-10c.jpg
 
adaman04 said:
Petzl and Princeton seem to be the big ones.

I have one of the $25 Energizers from the Wal-store. Weatherproof, multiple modes, etc. Not overly fancy but when it craps out I won't feel too bad.
Click to expand...

I have 2 of those ones too, I was going to get a surefire version, but its a bit pricey :(:barf::foot::(
 
I use a Streamlight Septor LED headlamp and have been very happy with it. I use it around the house and while out camping.
 
Saw the Saint Minimus at Blade Atlanta this past June but the guy wasn't discounting for the show so I went on line and found it for $120 with no tax and free shipping.

Liked it so much I ordered another.

Using mine for kayak fishing and fly fishing. It's extremely durable, water resistant to 3' for 30 minutes and comes with outstanding customer service.
 
Headlamp = Petzl Tikka XP2
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Flashlight = Energizer Hardcase Tactical (1st gen); Mini Maglight (w/LED conversion)
Energizer_Hardcase_Tactical_Flashlight_xk9Detail.jpg


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randomlooker said:
Zebralight H501w. I''m surprised I only saw one other ZL recommendation so far. They make really nice headlamps. Metal body instead of plastic, small, regulated constant output, good battery life, available in neutral white tints that result in better color rendition than the usual cool blueish LEDs, very nice flood beam for area illumination. I haven't touched my old Petzl or Black Diamond headlamps since getting one because the ZL line is so much better, quality and function wise.
Click to expand...

+1 for the Zebralight offerings. I am also surprised there are more suggestions for these lights. Much brighter and tougher than any Petzl or Prinston tec I have ever seen.
 
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