Headlamps...

N

n8swag

Joined
Feb 4, 2012
Messages
687
... Which one do you like? I'm liking at a fenix 200 lumen one. There
Are lots of 400 lumen
Chinese ones but I don't know a about those.
 
Check out youtube for reviews on Princeton Tec, Spark, Petzl, and Zebralight.
 
Check out the iTP H01. Good value, 3 speeds, comfortable, light weight, weather proof, etc.
 
I'd go with a zebralight h51. 200ish lumens from one AA battery, good throw with decent flood, excellent fit and finish, its just a good all around headlamp that can be used just as easily as a standard AA flashlight with a nice deep carry pocket clip.
 
I like a god old petzl tikka, not very bright but batts last forever. I use headlamps for close up work that I need both hands for, like setting up a tent at night. Too bright and all you do is blind yourself.
 
I use a Surefire Minimus Vision (got it second hand, but almost unworn from another forums BST)

Power is adjustable from barely on (perfect for close up work with dark adapted eyes) to 100 lumens.
It's a nice wide flood beam, maybe 80 or 90 degrees wide (just guessing) so it doesn't throw too far but it does show everything.

The tint is a nice neutral creamy white, a bit whiter than an Incandescent being slightly overdriven
It has great colour rendition

Runtime is good (2hrs on high, much longer on low) its comfortable for long periods of time, and has Surefires great warranty if there are any issues.


My standard test is "if I lost it would I replace it or try something different"
I would replace it straight away, even if I had to pay full MSRP
 
I got a Princton Tec EOS Tactical, for less than $40. It uses 3 AAA's, has 4 modes, and a red, blue and green lens covers. On low the batteries last for 121 hours, and on high you can see all around your camp, without blinding yourself. Use one of the lens covers, and you can retain your nightvision, and read maps without reflective glare.
It's waterproof enough to deal with rain, is so comfortable I forget I'm wearing it, and one of those lens covers can just slide in place to protect the clear lens. I'm sure there are equal or better options out there, but for my needs too many lumens in a headlamp is unnecessary. If I were rock climbing or biking at night, I'd get something much brighter.
 
Rayovac SPHLTLED-BB Sportsman LED Headlight, I will go no other way. I had one 5 years ago and it lasted 3 solid years before it got crushed. 3 light functions (red, white and krypton, but I take the krypton out and put in a MagLight LED). I know a few hunters who only buy this light because it has the brightest red light within reasonable prices.
 
n8swag said:
... Which one do you like? I'm liking at a fenix 200 lumen one. There
Are lots of 400 lumen
Chinese ones but I don't know a about those.
Click to expand...
What I like best and trust most are two different things . I like practically everything about Zebralights with floody beams and neutral emitters, but have had several failures, so I no longer recommend or rely on them. When I know for sure I'll be hiking at night, I use a SF Minimus Vision backed up by a Malkoff handheld. I like those a lot, too, but they're heavier and bulkier than the Zebralights.
 
Big fan of the SF Minimus, it has become my primary work lamp. I found a nite ize belt pouch that fits it and have regulated my other lights to tool bag back ups.
 
I own a Spark st6-500cw since almost 2 years and I really love this light. Very reliable, not too heavy, great balance between the different modes and A LOT of light :) . I gave one to my father as well, he is equally enthusiastic about it.
 
I own a Princeton Tec EOS Tactical as well. What's nice about their tactical models is that they turn on in low mode, so your night vision doesn't get blasted. The regular P-Techs turn on in high mode. Comfortable, rugged, can handle being dunked in water, bright enough for work around the house and camp use. One day when I decide to splurge, I'm going to buy a Surefire Minimus.
 
I own the surefire maximus. Great light. My only gripe about it is that it is only rechargeable with an integrated NON-REMOVEABLE cell . Once it dies in the field, it's dead until you can recharge it. I use it 5+ days a week for hours at a time and haven't had a problem with it.
 
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