LED headlamps?

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

Joined
Sep 28, 2005
Messages
4,527
What LED headlamps do you guys use? I really like them and always have one in the car but will want to upgrade to a newer one. Probably more for area lighting than spotlight. Anybody use a light with a battery pack on the back of the head? I don't think that it will be too comfortable but am looking for user reports.
Thanks
 
I own numerous headlamps including a BlackDiamond model with the pack at the back like you describe but my favourite is a Petzl Tikka XP....amazing little lamp !
xp.jpg
 
I use the Tikka Plus and I'm very happy with it. It lights up a decent size area and has 3 power levels.
 
another vote for the Petzl Tikka, I've had mine for about three years, it's had lots of hard use and never given me any hassels
 
Princeton Tec Eos. The tactical version is slightly better than the normal one. Uses 3 AAAs, is waterproof and has 3 power levels.

The Princeton Tec Apex is larger, brighter and runs on 4 AAs, 2CR123s or 8 AAs depending on what version you are buying.
Batteries on this one is either on the back of your head or on you body (8AA).

Unlike Petzl Princeton Tec's lights are waterproof not "a bit of rain" proof:D

I have both brands.

Sverre
 
I EDC a Petzl E+Lite with extra batteries in my lower left cargo pocket. I can't believe what an amazing little piece of kit it is. I'm going to have to pick up some more for the vehicle kits.
 
I've got one of the small Garrity hear lamps that is tough as nails.It has survived knocking about in the bottom of my Kayak and the floor of my Jeep, and always works. I have a Brinkman that has a red LED option that I really like.
 
I have a Petzl Myo XP, and i like it a lot. They've made a new version of it, with more powerful led. The new one got a grey body and green buttons, while the old one has a blue body with yellow buttons. So one can easily recognize the different versions.
 
I use a little Garrity I got from Wally world. It costs about $10, but weighs absolutely nothing. It's rubber armored with one covered button, and two brightness settings. It's been really worth the little money it costs.

0007419600679_215X215.jpg
 
+1 on the Petzl Tikka XP. But, I haven't used it in any hard rainstorms.
 
I am still stuck with one of the old Tikkas... I guess I will need to replace it soon because the case is cracked in a spot and it might just burst open any time!
Mikel
 
CUTS LIKE A KRIS said:
What LED headlamps do you guys use? I really like them and always have one in the car but will want to upgrade to a newer one. Probably more for area lighting than spotlight. Anybody use a light with a battery pack on the back of the head? I don't think that it will be too comfortable but am looking for user reports.
Thanks
Click to expand...

I have one. As a matter of fact I wore it for about 8 hrs satuday night. Love it. It was over a bandanna though, I always wear one to keep bugs off me melon.
 
pitdog said:
I own numerous headlamps including a BlackDiamond model with the pack at the back like you describe but my favourite is a Petzl Tikka XP....amazing little lamp !
xp.jpg
Click to expand...

wife's bday is coming up and she specifically asked for a headlamp. She got me the black diamond in question and I love it. But if you've had both and like this one, I think I'll pick one up for her this weekend.
 
amiga said:
I have a Petzl Myo XP, and i like it a lot. They've made a new version of it, with more powerful led. The new one got a grey body and green buttons, while the old one has a blue body with yellow buttons. So one can easily recognize the different versions.
Click to expand...

I have one of the new Myo XPs, and it is awesome. I used to just recommend a cheap Target headlamp whenever someone asked, because the more expensive headlamps just weren't that much better. The new Myo XP is impressive though. The spotlight can reach plenty far and then you can flip down the diffuser for a flood type light that floods the area in front of you with quite a bit of light. There is a turbo mode as well with ~150 lumens if you need more light than the regular settings.

After we got some in at work, I have also started carrying the new Coleman Mini Headlamp with a CREE LED. The thing weighs something like 2 oz and puts out as much light as the Myo XP. It is crazy. It does take a CR2 battery though, so I stocked up on CR2s from an online source along with a couple of rechargeable ones so I do not get raped at the store with their ridiculous CR2 prices.
 
I use a 6 LED Energizer Professional. It has two wide, two spot, and two red LED’s. You can run just the wide or spot lamps, or all four for maximum coverage. The red mode is great for maintaining your night vision. Runs on 3 AAA cells. Got my for less then $20 at Home Depot.
 
Petzl makes a good headlamp - any of the Tikkas work well as a basic version. I have one of the originals - minuses are the light level isn't adjustable and you can't tilt the beam, but I think the XP addresses those issues.

Princeton Tec is also good - tend to be waterproof and American made. My fancy headlamp is an Apex - very bright beam with many different settings.

In general, if you have more than 3 batteries, I prefer the battery pack on the back of the head. It balances things out a bit better.
 
I like the black diamond Helion. It has both a 3-led array, and a high power Xenon. It's nice to be able to pick.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top