Posted: 9/8/2013 12:07:47 PM EDT
| Headlights or headlamps whatever y'all prefer to call them. Anyone have a preference that works best, comfortable to wear, and easy on the pocket book? I have a mid range/priced one made by Energizer I picked up at Home Depot about 2 years ago that has been pretty good but lately I've been thinking I need to add another one or two to the bags. I have looked at several ranging in prices from $15.00 to $60.00 with pretty good reviews. Right now the Petzl with 60 lumans has got my attention. Thoughts and/or comments. |
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This is what I use. Nothing fancy, no red lens, runs on 3 AAA's, just puts out good white light.
Petzl Tikka 2 |
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I've been trying to standardize my hurricane supplies to AAs... not too many headlights run on AA... a friend recommended a Black Diamond Icon... battery pack rear of headband, and middle strap is very comfortable to wear...... I got one of the older models on sale as they were coming out with the newer model, the older model does not have a red option... on the upper end of your price range... this is the newer model that does have a red LED
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Icon-Headlamp-Alumium/dp/B005FNCPBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378682406&sr=8-1&keywords=black+diamond+icon+headlamp |
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I have also been eliminating all my AAA devices, since AA hold three times the reserve as the AAA.
I have two Fenix HL21 headlights. Three levels of brightness. One switch controls the ON/OFF and brightness levels. Comes with a diffuser that swings out of the way, but is attached to the light so you can't lose it. Uses one AA battery. Best price I found was eBay for $35 shipped. Roy |
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I have also been eliminating all my AAA devices, since AA hold three times the reserve as the AAA. I have two Fenix HL21 headlights. Three levels of brightness. One switch controls the ON/OFF and brightness levels. Comes with a diffuser that swings out of the way, but is attached to the light so you can't lose it. Uses one AA battery. Best price I found was eBay for $35 shipped. Roy I too have recently been trying to do away with AAA devices. I ordered a couple of the HL21's on ebay for $32.50 each shipped. |
Although it's not exactly compact or lightweight, Fenix makes an excellent headband that fits most AA, CR123 and 18650 flashlights -
My flashlight collection includes roughly half a bazillion lights that use AA, CR123 or 18650 cells, any one of which could be used as a headlight with this headband. |
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This is another one of those bought right years ago and haven't had a chance to try any of the newer ones.
What I can tell you is if you buy one with "O" ring seals and LEDs, its going to last years upon years. I haven't lost even a low cost Rayovac 3 in 1 in years of use including the one I have thrown in a tool box. Of the actual light features, there's only two I consider a must have, one white LED and a red LED. Anything else is nice to have but not necessary. A single white LED is enough to walk a trail while saving battery power and a red LED not just for tactical keep your night vision but for around camp where it not only doesn't blind those around you but more importantly doesn't attract bugs. Another feature that one has to look for is how does it do the switch? Too many lights have "O" ring seals as a selling feature then defeat the purpose with a switch leak path. You are better off with a confusing or difficult switch that doesn't leak than one that's convenient as hell and does leak. What I'm saying here is don't get hung up on brand names. You can spend big bucks for a light as cheaply built as an bottom of the line Energizer while the next model up Energizer is as good as most come. Look at the features, apply some commonsense and then make you decision. Don't get hung up on brand names, colors, camo, or gimmicky straps. First and foremost, its a light. Tj |
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Zebralight H51. 1AA, 200 lumen. Yeah, they're pricey, but they're worth every damn penny. There's also a version with a 110 lumen red LED available. I actually have the "F" version, which has a frosted lens to diffuse the light into more of a flood pattern. As a ZL SC-600 v.1 owner, I'll throw in with the ZL proponents, but Fenix makes some nice HLs as well and I've looked at their HL-31, I think it is, for about $44 delivered. ZLs are mostly flood, 80/20 I think it is and they're nifty lights, no doubt. I think that the new ZL HL-52 supports Li-Ion 14500s, which is a nice option. Chris |
Fenix HL20.
Fenix makes some very bright and well made products. I've had this little headlamp for about three years now and love it. It runs on ONE AA cell, 105 lumens max output. Around camp I just cranck it down to 48 lumens which IMO is more than enough to get simple things like cooking or doing dishes done Compact, simple, affordable, reliable and bright. HTR. |
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http://www.zebralight.com/H52w-AA-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_120.html Nothing else comes close! |
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You can get a pretty good rayovac "indestructible" 100 lm headlamp at home depot for about $13. I have a few and really like them: they're well made, bright, take common AAA batteries and are cheap enough that you don't worry about breaking or losing them.
Note that this is very different from the 30 lumen one at walmart which is crap. These are nice. rayovac 100 lm headlamp 
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Battery Junction has the Fenix HL-21 for about $28 until 9/15. Coupon "WARRIOR22" gets you an extra 5% off. 3/43/90 Lumens, Single AA battery, IPX8/submersible, 1.75 Oz Link Manufacturer's page |
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You can get a pretty good rayovac "indestructible" 100 lm headlamp at home depot for about $13. I have a few and really like them: they're well made, bright, take common AAA batteries and are cheap enough that you don't worry about breaking or losing them. Note that this is very different from the 30 lumen one at walmart which is crap. These are nice. rayovac 100 lm headlamp http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/e8/e8836f6f-9b10-4ce4-88f1-59fe8f2a5d6c_300.jpg This... These are great headlights! (the ones from home depot.) I got one to test out for a bit, then went back and got several more for spares. Tough as heck and been in my EDC pack now for almost a year and still on the original set of batteries as it has two settings high and low... No red light though... Get this one if you want a bright one with a low mode. For something a little dimmer and with a red light the energizer line has some good ones for the money. |
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http://www.zebralight.com/H52w-AA-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_120.html Nothing else comes close! Goddamnit..... now I have to buy one of these... this website is starting to cost me some serious money.. |
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Some Energizer units are labeled weatherproof--whatever that means-- but only one, as per their site, is labeled waterproof.
Energizer makes a much wider array of headlights--and caplights--than I suspected. The Energizer headlight I have has a gasketed batt compartment and rubberized switch assy http://www.energizer.com/flashlights-lighting/flashlights/headlight/Pages/7-led-headlight.aspx. They call it weatherproof, I think, and probably good for anything but a long-term soaking. I don't think I would bet my life--or even safety--on a "weather-proof" light. I say this as an owner of a couple or three different Energizer headlamps which have given good service, but none of which have had any significant exposure to the elements. Maybe I'll spray one with a hose, or dunk it to find out. |
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Reading this thread made me realize I needed (wanted?) a head lamp.
Since all of my flashlights/weapon lights are CR123's, I wanted to stay with that format. Decided on the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II for its versatility. Will post up a review when I receive it. |
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Goddamnit..... now I have to buy one of these... this website is starting to cost me some serious money.. Quoted:
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http://www.zebralight.com/H52w-AA-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_120.html Nothing else comes close! Goddamnit..... now I have to buy one of these... this website is starting to cost me some serious money.. Well the ups guy showed up with my new Zebra light.. Ill throw in another vote for the Zebra light.. I went with the h502d.. The daylight tint is awesome.. I cant wait to see how it works for following blood trails at night during bow season... |
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Don't mean to highjack the thread, but wanted to add something about what has been mentioned with red light and nightvison.
Red light saving your nightvision is only a half truth. The intensity of the light is more important. IE a high lumen red light wont save your night vision anymore then a high lumen white light. The Navy has done research for subs. While red light has technical advantage in a lab setting, in practical real world use subdued white light is just as effective as red light. White light also causes less eye strain. Im not advising to dump your gear if it has a red light, just saying don't get caught in a manufacturers marketing. |
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Pay attention to the light pattern also.
I bought a Petzl Tikka 2 Plus the white led has a reflector. Turns out I use headlamps more close up digging in ice chest, bags and filling the generator. I should have got the Tikka 2 not the plus so now I have both. Althoug the Tikka 2 Plus comes in handy when riding ATV or something like that. |
| Zebralight are some of the best if you don't require red/blue/IR and are willing to mess around with the headband to get the light to sit just right. It's hard to beat IPX8 waterproofing, warm tint, and run time options for the price. It's also a great survival option, as the battery will last almost 3 months on "moon mode," which is enough to read. |
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Quoted: SWMBO uses a Princeton tec Byte. I have no complaints about either one of them. The Princeton tec is Made in the USA!! The Byte has a really bad parasitic drain and isn't a really good choice since you have to take the batteries out when it's not in use. Mine burned through a fresh set of rechargeables in a week and ruined one of the cells. It's now relegated to a backup for emergency use. |
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The Byte has a really bad parasitic drain and isn't a really good choice since you have to take the batteries out when it's not in use. Mine burned through a fresh set of rechargeables in a week and ruined one of the cells. It's now relegated to a backup for emergency use. Quoted:
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SWMBO uses a Princeton tec Byte. I have no complaints about either one of them. The Princeton tec is Made in the USA!! The Byte has a really bad parasitic drain and isn't a really good choice since you have to take the batteries out when it's not in use. Mine burned through a fresh set of rechargeables in a week and ruined one of the cells. It's now relegated to a backup for emergency use. Not really a Princeton Tec fan. I've seen more of them go bad in the field than any brand (other than engergizer or rayovac). All their consumer models except the EOS seem to get water in them and quit sooner or later. The kinds with single latch battery door are the worst. |
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Don't mean to highjack the thread, but wanted to add something about what has been mentioned with red light and nightvison. Red light saving your nightvision is only a half truth. The intensity of the light is more important. IE a high lumen red light wont save your night vision anymore then a high lumen white light. The Navy has done research for subs. While red light has technical advantage in a lab setting, in practical real world use subdued white light is just as effective as red light. White light also causes less eye strain. Im not advising to dump your gear if it has a red light, just saying don't get caught in a manufacturers marketing. I find this funny about the Navy test. Why do they need low light on subs? no one can see them. they can rock out to a 1000 watts of light if they want. |
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I just got a Princeton Tec EOSR
Have not had a chance to really try it out yet! Got it off Amazon. It uses three AAA. It has four sttings. And it was under $30.00 with free shipping (I got another $10.00 off for filling out a form for an Amazon card!) If anyone else has one of these I would like to know if I did good or not. I did not see this one listed. PITA45 
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I just got a Princeton Tec EOSR Have not had a chance to really try it out yet! Got it off Amazon. It uses three AAA. It has four sttings. And it was under $30.00 with free shipping (I got another $10.00 off for filling out a form for an Amazon card!) If anyone else has one of these I would like to know if I did good or not. I did not see this one listed. PITA45 I used to have one and have seen a lot of the subdued version with sliding red filter in use. They are one of the best AAA headlamps. |
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I used to have one and have seen a lot of the subdued version with sliding red filter in use. They are one of the best AAA headlamps. Quoted:
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I just got a Princeton Tec EOSR Have not had a chance to really try it out yet! Got it off Amazon. It uses three AAA. It has four sttings. And it was under $30.00 with free shipping (I got another $10.00 off for filling out a form for an Amazon card!) If anyone else has one of these I would like to know if I did good or not. I did not see this one listed. PITA45 I used to have one and have seen a lot of the subdued version with sliding red filter in use. They are one of the best AAA headlamps. Mine did not come with a sliding red filter! But did not care at this time. Maybe I will in the future??? One thing that I have noticed, a lot of these electrical devices, (not just headlights) Seem to take three batteries. Does not seem to matter whether it is AA ,AAA, D&C or some of the smaller batteries! But they are sold in four packs(and larger). It hit me, the same as a pack of hotdogs and a package of buns! 
PITA45
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I find this funny about the Navy test. Why do they need low light on subs? no one can see them. they can rock out to a 1000 watts of light if they want. Quoted:
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Don't mean to highjack the thread, but wanted to add something about what has been mentioned with red light and nightvison. Red light saving your nightvision is only a half truth. The intensity of the light is more important. IE a high lumen red light wont save your night vision anymore then a high lumen white light. The Navy has done research for subs. While red light has technical advantage in a lab setting, in practical real world use subdued white light is just as effective as red light. White light also causes less eye strain. Im not advising to dump your gear if it has a red light, just saying don't get caught in a manufacturers marketing. I find this funny about the Navy test. Why do they need low light on subs? no one can see them. they can rock out to a 1000 watts of light if they want. Maybe they want to be prepared with lights that won't ruin dark vision of the sailors when they must conserve energy by running with minimum lights throughout the sub? |
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Maybe they want to be prepared with lights that won't ruin dark vision of the sailors when they must conserve energy by running with minimum lights throughout the sub? Quoted:
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:[/span] I find this funny about the Navy test. Why do they need low light on subs? no one can see them. they can rock out to a 1000 watts of light if they want. Maybe they want to be prepared with lights that won't ruin dark vision of the sailors when they must conserve energy by running with minimum lights throughout the sub? The guy who looks out the periscope must be able to make out ship silhouettes on the horizon at night. The study was done in 1985 so IDK how relevant it is to current navy usage. http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA156271&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf I know everyone always says red light "saves" your night vision but it actually works in reverse. Red light damages night vision the same as any other color light of the same intensity, your eyes recover its natural night vision the fastest after being exposed to red light vs other colors. You still lose initial sensitivity, just returns to normal sooner. |
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http://www.energizer.com/flashlights-lighting/headlight/Pages/intrinsically-safe-3aa-headlight.aspx
i have these, although they were branded under energizer's "Hard Case" line. Absolutely love them. use them all the time, batteries go for 1-2 years. I actually thought they had been discontinued, but now that I;ve found them under a different line, I'll be getting more ETA: this one (for some reason its way cheaper than the one above) http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Hard-Professional-Headlight-Black/dp/B0018KS364/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380909086&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=energizer+hard+case |
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I had to spend the better part of an evening/night recabling somebody's shitty job of a network rack this past week. This thing is over in a corner, and behind it is pretty dark. I carry a Quark Pro QP2L-X in my laptop bag along w/ a prism kit. I had the thing on medium (~60 some lumens) and it both provided plenty of light and was pretty comfortable. I know it's a little pricier than your initial target range OP, but it is a great flashlight to boot - not just a headlamp. I normally just use this thing for a flashlight to get into places where it's hard to see, but as a headlamp it worked surprisingly well. As far as multitaskers go, it may be worth a look. |
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I use these for stuff around the house, and have a few in the family cars and storm shelter. Great little light for the money. It's cheap, but works well for what it is.
http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Pro-3-LED-Headlamp/dp/B00081GATG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1384336036&sr=8-3&keywords=Energizer+Headlamp I use this for backpacking and climbing in Colorado. It's a great light, good output, bombproof. Oh and it includes a rape whistle built into the headband clip 
http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E99-Tikka-Headlamp-Graphite/dp/B0027GXC96/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1384336353&sr=1-1&keywords=tikka+xp+2 |