Headlamps anyone?

[DaktariEd]

Has anyone really used some of the new LED and hybrid LED/incandescent headlamps? Not just tried them out at the store, but really put them to work.
I am considering them to free up my hands while at a campsite, looking around the Cruiser in the dark, etc. But do they really offer significant advantages?
Your thoughts? Pros and cons?

Ed :)

[Jonathan Hanson]

I don't like hybrid LED/incandescent lights. They work fine when the batteries are brand new, but the LEDs produce full illumination on far lower voltage than the incandescent bulb. So for most of the battery life the incandescent bulb is practically worthless.

Petzl and Black Diamond both make high-quality headlamps.

I've been meaning to do a short post on flashlights, based on reviewing probably several hundred over the years. Maybe I'll get to work on it.

[Scott Brady]

Nice post :campfire:

I am totally converted to LED now. I have four units; a cheap 3-led princeton in the Jeep, a Petzl in the Trooper (Tika), and two new Black Diamonds in the Tacoma.

I really like the Black Diamond units:

This is the unit I use- Black Diamond Night Ray
http://www.bdel.com/images/gear/620577_nightray_orange.jpg
I have owned it for nearly a year now, and it is a fantastic tool

On the passenger seat, I keep this one.
http://www.bdel.com/images/gear/620575_ion.jpg


Bill Burke showed me the coolest place to keep a head lamp. I just loop it over the head rest and they stay there all the time now. Easy to grab.

[offroad_nomad]

I've been using headlamps for years for hunting and backpacking. Freeing up your hands is a big plus.

I recently added the Black Diamond Gemini (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=226&memberId=12500226&productId=32218187) to my SAR helmet:
http://www.campmor.com/images/lights/larger/82590_l.jpg

I've been using the Petzl Tikkina (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39163452&memberId=12500226) while getting to my early morning hunting spots. It's a nice small, light headlamp. I even use the little Petzl during my night runs on the golf course. It provides plenty of illumination up close, but dosen't project light too far.
http://www.campmor.com/images/lights/larger/37764_l.jpg

[Life_in_4Lo]

I like that Black Diamond Gemini, does it put out alot of light?
I have used a couple of the LED style ones and the convienence is great but I have never been impressed by the light output.

[BajaTaco]

A great resource for Headlamp and flashlight reviews and education is FlashlightReviews.com (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/)

I have been using the Petzl Tikka for an ultra-lightweight lamp that can go on even the lightest of hikes for a long time. It's a nice little light but output is low (which I actually like in a lot of cases). But I wanted a more powerful, waterproof lamp for 4wd camping, wet sports (paddling canyoneering, snorkeling) and caving/mines. I just got a Princeton Tec Matrix 2 (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_matrix2.htm) because I was able to get one for only 12 bucks through a recent REI Outlet sale. I went to flashlightreviews.com for a quick education prior to my purchase, and found out that it uses a single "Luxeon I" side emitting Luxeon Star LED which is VERY bright and rivals a halogen or xenon bulb for a fraction of the power consumption. It uses 2 AA batteries (I plan to use my rechargeables) and weighs in at a hefty 5.9 ounces with batteries. Since I just got it, I don't have any long term feedback, but I just used it last night helping Scott with his Tacoma mods, and it worked GREAT. I am really impressed with how bright this particular side-emitting LED bulb is.

[The BN Guy]

Okay maybe a corny question but what about the ones advertised on TV that are battery-less? Simply shake and turn on. I've seen them in Discovery store but do not have any long-term experience with it.

Hmmm, maybe someone needs to create one for your head. Simply talk to your wife while wearing it - it'll never run out of juice then! :D

[flyingwil]

A great resource for Headlamp and flashlight reviews and education is FlashlightReviews.com (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/)

Chris you beat me to it! FlashLightReviews.com is a great resource for information rearding anything to do with a flashlight or headlamp.

Wil

[GeoRoss]

I will second a vote for the Black Diamond Night Ray. I used one this summer in Tibet, running it about 1-3 hours a day (mostly on low). I changed the batteries 3 times over 6 weeks.

Ross

[BajaTaco]

...I used one this summer in Tibet

Ooohh, nice! :jumping:


BN, I haven't tried one of those, but I like the concept and wouldn't mind having one. Either that or the crank-up ones are cool too. I have seen one of those and I was impressed with how bright it was.

[DesertRose]

I love headlamps. Absolutely fantastic for all manner of expedition uses. But before I'm actually seen in public in one, I'm waiting for someone to design a headlamp so that the wearer doesn't look like an uber-outdoor-nerd. :xxrotflma

Meantime, I let my dear Jonathan be "Flashlight Man" so I don't have to! You know, it messes up my hair so much!

[DaktariEd]

Ah, yes...the hair issue. I will have to factor that into my equation.
:rolleyes:

Thanks for the info. I have some good ideas now what to consider...

Ed :)

[Scott Brady]

What hair issue? :)


Chris and I did an impromptu lamp test this evening while working on the trucks. His Princeton ROCKS!

[dieck]

Has anyone really used some of the new LED and hybrid LED/incandescent headlamps? Not just tried them out at the store, but really put them to work.
I am considering them to free up my hands while at a campsite, looking around the Cruiser in the dark, etc. But do they really offer significant advantages?
Your thoughts? Pros and cons?

Ed :)

I run the Princton Tec Yukon HL
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_yukonhl.htm
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/img/princetontec_yukonhl/princetontec_yukonhl_glamour.jpg

I prefer the LED only headlamps. I've used them for the Texas Water Safari when our primary lights got trashed. They lasted for 3 nights on one set of batteries although they were a bit dimmer at the end. The provided substantial light and thankfully were waterproof. We litterally used these all night for three nights since this is a non-stop race. They worked a lot better than my sleep deprived brain on night 3.

Don't like the incandescent lights because of thier high battery drain.

[Nullifier]

I have several head lamp as well. But what I love the most in my light collection is the Lazer Brite. It can be used as a head lamp, or better hang from you neck on a lanyard for camp use so you don't blind everyone! It can be used in it's tube for a glow stick, or spot lamp. It is LED and it has Blue, Red, White, or Green heads. Runs on your basic watch battery.

Lazer Brite (http://www.lazerbrite.com/)

We always laugh at the million uses for this light. I carry 3 in evey vehicle we own. Great for road flares, I also find the White one hung fro the top of the tent is jsut right for reading etc.


[ fixed link - BT]

[BajaTaco]

Those look really neat. Good find!

[Scott Brady]

Just a reminder to replace your batteries with some frequency. I was having major headlamp envy the other night; now that I have changed the batteries in the Black Diamond, I CAN SEE! LED are deceptive, as they dont get the yellowing / dimming effect of the standard bulbs. They just loose brightness.

[Ursidae69]

I bought my first generation Petzl Duo with the external 4-c battery pack back in 1997 and it has finally died after countless miles and hours of night-time work, hikes, drunken parties, etc.

I'm replacing it with the newest Duo (http://www.backcountry.com/store/PTZ0186/c3/s22/Petzl-Duobelt-LED-14-Headlamp.html?id=Gcv6YXLF) that uses 14 leds as well as a high output halogen. I like this model because of the extended battery life with the 4-c batteries.

I also picked up small, lightweight Black Diamond for light use and back-packing trips.

[BigAl]

I bought my first generation Petzl Duo with the external 4-c battery pack back in 1997 and it has finally died after countless miles and hours of night-time work, hikes, drunken parties, etc.



Petzl makes some good lamps, I have a Zoom from ~1991, that has been severly abused, submerged, dropped many times and its still going strong. I bought the tikka when they were first released. I've never had it in water but it's still going strong too. I have a Princton tec that acta a little fussy sometimes.

[tdesanto]

A great resource for Headlamp and flashlight reviews and education is FlashlightReviews.com (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/)

x3 on Flashlightreviews.com. This is an outstanding site.

After using several headlamps over the years, from the dimmer, older LED style to the halogen/ Xenon bulb styles, I finally found a great lamp for me that serves 2 purposes: 1) provides a nice even, wide spill around camp, which makes it easier to see without having to turn my head every time I want to look at something (as with my other, more focussed beam lamps), and 2) provides a very bright spot light (3-watt luxeon LED) for the times when you need more distance (hiking, kayaking back to land at night, spotting stuff on the trail, etc).

Princeton Tec Apex: http://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?id=2

I chose the AA model due to the fact that I like to use rechargeable NiMH batteries; however, you can also get this in a lighter 3volt lithium style now too.

Efficiency on the new lamps is outstanding, and there's just nothing like being hands-free. With such a bright headlamp, I no longer race against the falling sun in the evening when I need to do things outside.

[BajaTaco]

I just got a Princeton Tec Matrix 2 (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_matrix2.htm) because I was able to get one for only 12 bucks through a recent REI Outlet sale.

...Since I just got it, I don't have any long term feedback, but I just used it last night helping Scott with his Tacoma mods, and it worked GREAT. I am really impressed with how bright this particular side-emitting LED bulb is.

Well, about a year and a half later, and I can say the light isn't holding up. It frequently loses contact and the light goes out. I have to smack it with my hand or push on the bezel and it comes back on. Bummer!

I picked up a new Petzl Tikka plus just before the arctic trip for ten bucks and it has been working great, even at -30F. It also is much brighter than the 1st gen tikkas with three power levels to choose from. Nice.

[Willman]

I use the crap out of my Petzl headlamp!!!..4 LEDs...Does the trick!

Great tool!!!!

:elkgrin:

[1leglance]

I have traveled all over the world with my princeton-tec headlights and used them hiking, backpacking, settin up camp, working on vehicles, bikes, packing backpacks in hostels, jungles of costa rica & peru....on and on
I second the comment to change batt's before they go dead, I usually will replace them before any trip, then as soon as I feel I am not getting the output I want.
My current light is the aurora but I am gonna get a petzl zippa with retractable headband since it will fit in packs better or velcro over the rearview mirror.
I love LED's...
best keychain light is the arc since it uses 1 AAA not a pricey watch battery
enjoy
1leglance

[PhulesAU]

www.brightguy.com

[NothingClever]

I couldn't find either my Princeton Tec or my Petzl headlamps as I packed up last week for a weekend moto-camping trip. I thought, "No problem, I'll pick one up at a outdoor store in any one of the small towns on the way." Long story short, I got more interested in my ride than stopping in any of the towns with quality stores and ended up in Lake City, CO (which, if you haven't been there, is really western Texas although many Coloradoans think it's a town in Hinsdale County, Colorado :ylsmoke: ). Their selection of stores is extremely limited and headlamps even moreso.
-
I was forced into buying a Pelican Versabrite for $28. Given that Lake City is a small mountain town and things always cost more in small mountain towns, I'm sure it can be purchased for less in other areas. I thought it would be at least decent enough given the reputation of Pelican products.
-
Not so much...
-
1) The headband is cheap elastic and neither is it adjustable. When you slip it under the provided clip on the battery compartment, you'd better get it right the first time as the velcro hook patch underneath the clip (??) is industrial strength and it immediately pulls the threads out of the fabric headband if you try to center the seam of the elastic band.
-
2) The plastic case is strong enough as a Pelican material would be expected to be but the battery compartment isn't waterproof. In fact, it doesn't even really appear water-resistant. I expected some sort of o-ring, but nope.
-
3) On top of that, the swivel isn't really as positive as I expected in each indexed stop.
-
4) On a positive note, the headlamp comes with a red lens and a green lens. I opted to install the green lens since it's better to read the DeLorme Gazeteer (red highways) while still preserving night vision. The red lens stores in the battery compartment if not used. No particular way, just drop it in beside one of the 2 x AA batteries (provided). When you pull the lens housing off, there is a high quality o-ring in place to prevent water intrusion.
-
5) The Xenon lamp is bright and provides adequate light for tasks close at hand. I wouldn't use it for trail running, cycling, etc.
-
OPINION: If you're in the market for a good quality headlamp, I'd move on. However, if you want to stick some velcro on the back of the battery case and use it on your dashboard as a more intense, adjustable maplight (with different color filter options) which can also be removed for tasks in and around the cab, it's not a bad purchase.
-
Some manufacturer photos...
http://www.pelican.com/lights/2250/v1.jpg
-
http://www.pelican.com/lights/2250/v2.jpg
-
http://www.pelican.com/lights/2250/v3.jpg

[JamesDowning]

Glad you brought this back, good review!

My headlamp doesn't have a fancy name, but the 6 LED Energizer headlamp I use really impressed me.

It has 4 light modes: red light, flood, spot, flood + spot. 50 hour runtime on the floods or spots only.

I use it all the time working on the truck and at camp. Very comfortable, I forget it's there. Only downside is that it isn't waterproof, but appears to be lightly resistant. Apparently there is a 7 LED model that is waterproof.

http://www.energizer.com/SiteCollectionImages/products/lighting/outdoor/energizer/medium/HDL33A2E.jpg

[Black_ZJ]

I have 2 of the Energizer headlamps and one made by Streamlight, all use multiple LED's with and I can get about 18 hours from a battery change, which equates to about 5 or 6 weekend trips. The Energizer models also have the red light option.

[tony_h]

I went for the 7 LED Energizer. I got it off of Amazon for under $20. Great so far, but I've only had it one season.

The wife washed it after one trip. I thought it was gone for sure. I took the batteries out and let it dry for a couple of days. No problems.

[ssssnake529]

I rely on my headlamps for alpine climbing. After using headlamps from Petzl, Black Diamond, and others, I have settled on the Mammut Lucido TX1 as the best headlamp I've ever used. It's really really bright (spot is good to about 80meters), durable, lightweight, the lens rotates under the band to protect it from being scratched when in your pack, battery life is excellent (all LED bulbs) and it's water resistant. For me, it is the perfect headlamp.

http://www.rei.com/product/775033/mammut-lucido-tx1-headlamp

[nwoods]

My whole family rocks the Petzl headlamps, except that I find depth perception to be an issue with any LED only light. THe blueish light is just too flat to provide enough contrast in foot stumbling conditions. I have taken to using a North Face lamp that has LED's but also a large bulb that is either a mega LED or maybe a halogen, but whatever it is, it is a yellower, warmer light and provides more contrast for night hiking. I prefer it for exploring mines as well.

[SteveG]

I love headlamps. Absolutely fantastic for all manner of expedition uses. But before I'm actually seen in public in one, I'm waiting for someone to design a headlamp so that the wearer doesn't look like an uber-outdoor-nerd. :xxrotflma

Meantime, I let my dear Jonathan be "Flashlight Man" so I don't have to! You know, it messes up my hair so much!

Just embrace your inner nerd! I got over looking like a kook and just roll with it now. I still can't convince my wife to wear one, though.


I have and use the hell out of a Zebralight headlamp. I just came in from working on the truck for a few hours in the garage and had the light on the entire time... love it.

zebralight.com

[SteveG]

My whole family rocks the Petzl headlamps, except that I find depth perception to be an issue with any LED only light. THe blueish light is just too flat to provide enough contrast in foot stumbling conditions.

Look for headlamps with "warm" LED's. They're much closer to the incandescent light we're all used to.

[Black_ZJ]

Just embrace your inner nerd! I got over looking like a kook and just roll with it now. I still can't convince my wife to wear one, though.


I have and use the hell out of a Zebralight headlamp. I just came in from working on the truck for a few hours in the garage and had the light on the entire time... love it.

zebralight.com

Funny thing is that I wear one more for working on my Jeep and other projects after dark at home than I do out playing.

[ETAV8R]

I use several headlamps and other lights. Pilots love lights for some reason. In my flight bag I have a Petzl Tactikka Plus and also a Tactikka XP. For camping I have two more of the XPs, two Joby gorilla torches and just recently picked up the gorilla torch flare. All of these lights work great for my uses, even in a couple mines here in the southwest.

I'm interested in knowing more about those lazerbrite lights. Hard to tell about what they do viewing the site on my phone.

[JamesDowning]

They look cool as a flashlight, but I don't like that they use special batteries.

I can't see how they could be used as a headlamp though.

[theksmith]

i wouldn't be without my petzl zipka plus 2 (http://www.rei.com/product/793268/petzl-zipka-plus-2-led-headlamp) around camp. its compact, bright, and it will wrap to your head, arm, backpack strap, tree branch, roof rack, whatever. now i wouldn't use it as a primary caving light or anything, but for camp it's perfect.

http://www.rei.com/zoom/ii/45614999-9b69-4f1c-8175-d44a40c1f1b8.jpg/440

trying to do anything at camp while holding a flashlight is just silly when there are good cheap headlamps available. i've used the zipka line since it first came out, and i keep upgrading when they release a newer brighter one - never worn one out, i just give them to a friend when an upgrade is available. and i don't think any of my hand-me-downs have worn out yet either in several years of use.

[K2ZJ]

I have an energizer, the one I bought has a switch and not a button. I like it more because I can go straight to the red with out messing up my night vision. When you have to click through the others you get a blast of light that defeats the purpose of the red.

[ETAV8R]

The Tactikka XP has a slideable red filter/diffuser for night vision therefore no button to mess with either. Most of Petzl's products have easy flippable filters.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JJeVxx%2BbL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[Spikepretorius]

I initially bought one of these several years ago as a stop-gap till I got spare funds to buy a better one. Then later I got around to hunting hi and low for the best head lamp I could find. Best meaning a good beam of light combined with reasonable battery life. After testing everything I could lay my hands on, and also asking for advice on this forum, I ended up just buying another Energiser as back up.

On SAR call outs I sometimes get guys asking me about what headlamp do I have cos it works so well blah blah and they're really unimpressed when they find out my lamp cost a fraction of the price of their big name brand lamp. :sombrero:
Here in South Africa they cost less than half the price of the entry level lamps of the big name brands.

It gives very good light and the batteries last me for several SAR nights on the mountain before needing replacement.
The only irritation is having to click through to the red each time. It would be nice to have the red first in the sequence.


Glad you brought this back, good review!

My headlamp doesn't have a fancy name, but the 6 LED Energizer headlamp I use really impressed me.

It has 4 light modes: red light, flood, spot, flood + spot. 50 hour runtime on the floods or spots only.

I use it all the time working on the truck and at camp. Very comfortable, I forget it's there. Only downside is that it isn't waterproof, but appears to be lightly resistant. Apparently there is a 7 LED model that is waterproof.

http://www.energizer.com/SiteCollectionImages/products/lighting/outdoor/energizer/medium/HDL33A2E.jpg

[Beowulf]

Anyone using the surefire headlamp?

[SteveG]

Anyone using the surefire headlamp?

I've been wanting one since they came out but it's hard to justify the expense when I can buy several Zebralights (which are great) for the cost on one Saint.

That said, I own several Surefires and use and love the heck out of them.

I'm sure I'll cave and get one eventually.

[Sleeping Dog]

Glad you brought this back, good review!

My headlamp doesn't have a fancy name, but the 6 LED Energizer headlamp I use really impressed me.

It has 4 light modes: red light, flood, spot, flood + spot. 50 hour runtime on the floods or spots only.

I use it all the time working on the truck and at camp. Very comfortable, I forget it's there. Only downside is that it isn't waterproof, but appears to be lightly resistant. Apparently there is a 7 LED model that is waterproof.

http://www.energizer.com/SiteCollectionImages/products/lighting/outdoor/energizer/medium/HDL33A2E.jpg

Recently I left on a trip without my LED headlamp and remembered seeing the energizer model at Home Depot so stopped at the first one I passed and found the 7 led, 4 mode version for $14. While it may have deficiencies compared to the camping store versions, for the price difference I can live with them.

Jim

[spressomon]

Yes...almost 2-years now with the Saint. Worth every penny.

[SteveG]

Yes...almost 2-years now with the Saint. Worth every penny.

Stop it. I don't need help spending money on Surefire lights!

[orangeTJ]

I was forced into buying a Pelican Versabrite for $28.

I had one of these, until the clip that holds the battery door closed broke off, then it became useless.

[dippitydoo]

I have the first version of the Fenix headlamp. Hands down the best headlamp I have ever owned. I've used that thing everywhere. My main hobby is mineshafts so having something bright (and water proof) is essential. I picked up a small fenix pen style light that runs on 1 aaa battery. I use that around the office and truck all the time. It has a permanent residence in my pocket. I want to get another Fenix headlamp so I have 2... Just because :)

[nwoods]

I have the first version of the Fenix headlamp. Hands down the best headlamp I have ever owned. I've used that thing everywhere. My main hobby is mineshafts so having something bright (and water proof) is essential. I picked up a small fenix pen style light that runs on 1 aaa battery. I use that around the office and truck all the time. It has a permanent residence in my pocket. I want to get another Fenix headlamp so I have 2... Just because :)

This one?
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_418&products_id=2418

https://www.fenix-store.com/images/HP20_4.jpg

[larcie]

I've had a few over the years. The brand or the dollar doesn't seem to make much difference. I've allways had one in my toolbag for engine room work, when you need both hands. That followed me offroad and I have at least two permanently in my vehicle, one in my pack, plus a small LED torch, one in the kitchen box, and another in the spares draw. Most are $10.00 cheapies, The Cree, which was about $25.00 has the best light I've ever seen in a small package....!
My wifes vehicle is similarly equipped with hands free lighting!

[Wildcat]

Zebralight is my favorite.

[trail-explorer]

I've been using a similar one to this, I think it must be an earlier version before the addition of the little LEDs for night vision.


LED Headlight (http://www.ledtrailerlights.com/other/eg/hl200.htm)

http://www.ledtrailerlights.com/images/accessories/eg/hl-200/hl200.jpg

[Toolman]

Lifetime warranty on these lights. I own 2 And I'm very happy with them.

http://www.amazon.com/Coast-Lenser-7497-Focusing-Headlamp/dp/B001BU92R0

[dippitydoo]

This one?
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_418&products_id=2418

https://www.fenix-store.com/images/HP20_4.jpg

Nope, the HP10. not sure if they sell it anymore.

[AA1PR]

I have several and prefer the black Diamond brand for some odd reason

great power output that I can set as either high or low and long battery life, compared to another brand I tried

excellent for camp chores or under a vehicle by yourself & need a light

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4383952

[RandomAbstract]

Glad you brought this back, good review!

My headlamp doesn't have a fancy name, but the 6 LED Energizer headlamp I use really impressed me.

It has 4 light modes: red light, flood, spot, flood + spot. 50 hour runtime on the floods or spots only.

I use it all the time working on the truck and at camp. Very comfortable, I forget it's there. Only downside is that it isn't waterproof, but appears to be lightly resistant. Apparently there is a 7 LED model that is waterproof.

http://www.energizer.com/SiteCollectionImages/products/lighting/outdoor/energizer/medium/HDL33A2E.jpg

I am happy with mine. And the price is right!

[Joanne]

I have the first version of the Fenix headlamp. Hands down the best headlamp I have ever owned. I've used that thing everywhere. My main hobby is mineshafts so having something bright (and water proof) is essential. I picked up a small fenix pen style light that runs on 1 aaa battery. I use that around the office and truck all the time. It has a permanent residence in my pocket. I want to get another Fenix headlamp so I have 2... Just because :)

I'm a mine explorer too. I have a Princeton Tec Apex Pro mounted on my helmet for mine exploring. I like having the option of flood or throw. I won't way it's the "best", but it currently meets my needs.

You really want a reliable headlamp when a light becomes part of your life-support equipment. I carry at least two backup lights whenever I go underground.

http://asolidfoundation.com/mines/Delamar/DelamarTP_003a.jpg

Good thing we didn't rely on the ladder to get to the bottom! It's about 250' to the bottom but the last 30' has collapsed and is a free hang.

http://asolidfoundation.com/mines/Delamar/Delamar_031a.jpg

I may mod my Apex to use a 18650 x 4 battery pack to seriously extend the run time.

Joanne

[K2ZJ]

Good thing we didn't rely on the ladder to get to the bottom! It's about 250' to the bottom but the last 30' has collapsed and is a free hang.

LOL, I was going to point out the ladder and say you should have used that! Good thing you didn't