Posted: 10/27/2025 9:58:23 AM EDT
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My headlamp crapped out on my last trip so I'm looking for a replacement. I'm looking at Princeton tec and Petzl but there are LOTS of options. I need high/low/red/flood (not necessarily in that order. Any suggestions on a durable waterproof model? https://princetontec.com/product/vizz-550-rgb/ https://www.backcountry.com/petzl-actik-headlamp?skid=PTZZ29M-RED |
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Nitecore HC33 Nitecore HC33 Your welcome ETA: You need red HC65 |
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I might order one tonight as I already have a bunch of 18650 batteries. I have a rechargeable Streamlight headlamp, but it's not super bright. |
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Originally Posted By Pennsilfaanisch: I might order one tonight as I already have a bunch of 18650 batteries. I have a rechargeable Streamlight headlamp, but it's not super bright. Not to throw shade (heh) but both of my HC33s crapped out in less than a year of moderate use, and I had an HC60 die in a month. Nitecore is also known to use terribly-binned LEDs that are harsh color tones for the sake of maximum output specs. Just make sure you buy from Amazon in case you hate it you can easily return it. Won't help you if it dies though. Maybe I just got unlucky. I only buy Fenix/ZL now. My ZL is my favorite illumination tool of all time. Elegant, simple, high CRI with a beautifully specced XHP50.2 NW 4000k LED. |
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Not to throw shade (heh) but both of my HC33s crapped out in less than a year of moderate use, and I had an HC60 die in a month. Nitecore is also known to use terribly-binned LEDs that are harsh color tones for the sake of maximum output specs. Just make sure you buy from Amazon in case you hate it you can easily return it. Won't help you if it dies though. Maybe I just got unlucky. I only buy Fenix/ZL now. My ZL is my favorite illumination tool of all time. Elegant, simple, high CRI with a beautifully specced XHP50.2 NW 4000k LED. I have several HC33's and never had a problem, I use one for work and one for the house, some co-workers even bought them and have never had any problems that they've complained to me about. Either way, I'll never buy a plastic/polymer housed headlamp again, aluminum body is the way to go for durability. ETA: I bought my first one in 2018, still going strong. |
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Originally Posted By amprecon: I have several HC33's and never had a problem, I use one for work and one for the house, some co-workers even bought them and have never had any problems that they've complained to me about. Either way, I'll never buy a plastic/polymer housed headlamp again, aluminum body is the way to go for durability. ETA: I bought my first one in 2018, still going strong. Fair enough. Mine were all bought in 2017. Bought them all at once, the three I had. Also bought two chargers and six batteries total. One of the chargers also died pretty quick, but all the batteries lasted great. In fact I still use them all today in various lights. Sample size of 3 so obviously not representative but I certainly won't be buying any more of them. More for you I guess. 
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I just went through a couple of months trying to find the best trail running/camping headlamp and after buying HLs from Petzl, Black Diamond, Fenix, Nitecore, Princeton-Tech and Coast, I settled on the Fenix HM65R-T V2.0. It does everything except red. I'd look at the Fenix HM55R as it is pretty much a slightly scaled down version of what I ended up going with. Attached File Attached File Edit: Here is a budget option from a brand that gets a lot of praise on flashlight nerd forums:  
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Joined:
Nov 2022
Posts:
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EE: 100% (2)
NC, USA
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https://www.scheels.com/p/85003074208/?store=&msclkid=d16431a4ce56144b5b7e595b5c2614d1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20Shopping&utm_term=4584826058015545&utm_content=Bing%20Shopping_07%20-%20Camping This is what you seek,I've had one 2+ years and is top notch,Pricey but thus far has been worth it!!! Long battery life and recharges fairly quickly,used mine 5 days on recent Elk hunt,was still working when we packed out. |
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Peax Duo This has been my favorite I've ever had and I've had many. It has the brightest red I've experienced. The battery lasts a long time and its rechargeable. Looks like they are out of stock but you can find them elsewhere. |
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Originally Posted By majg1234: https://www.scheels.com/p/85003074208/?store=&msclkid=d16431a4ce56144b5b7e595b5c2614d1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20Shopping&utm_term=4584826058015545&utm_content=Bing%20Shopping_07%20-%20Camping This is what you seek,I've had one 2+ years and is top notch,Pricey but thus far has been worth it!!! Long battery life and recharges fairly quickly,used mine 5 days on recent Elk hunt,was still working when we packed out. This looks great! I don't see the IPX rating anywhere so digging around to find that info. |
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: This looks great! I don't see the IPX rating anywhere so digging around to find that info. IPX6 (not waterproof) https://www.peaxequipment.com/products/backcountry-duo |
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Originally Posted By JT43: Black Diamond Spot or Storm gets my vote. I’ve used BD Storm and ReVolt (rechargeable) for years now and one thing I can say is single buttons suck balls. You have to press it varying numbers of times and durations to change modes, and unless you use it all the time you probably won’t remember. If I wasn't a nice guy who didn’t want to inflict someone else with these ridiculous things I’d have given them away and bought something sensible years ago. I don’t know what brand my next one will be but it’s going to have 2 buttons and change brightness by sequential pushes. |
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A little big being an 18650 headlamp, but it's an extremely robust headlamp. White and red LED options: https://armytek.com/flashlights/models/wizard/armytek-wizard-c2-wr-magnet-usb/ ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
| Since OP mentioned Petzl, I’m very pleased with my Petzl Tikka Core. Same lumen rating as the Petzl Aktic, and has red light. A Petzl Core USB-rechargeable battery pack is included, and it can also be powered with 3 AAA batteries. If you decide to buy a Petzl, I recommend getting one of their Core battery packs- I’ve been pleased with the performance, and it will pay for itself with regular use. IPX4 water resistant. It looks like there are numerous great options already mentioned, and there might be better choices. It does have only one button, but that hasn’t been an issue for me. |
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Smedley D. Butler, Maj.-Gen., USMC