Help Choosing a Head Lamp

[dunamis]

Hi there, I've had a troll around previous threads which are getting a tad old so thought I'd post a new one.

I've misplaced my Black Diamond (weep) so I'm in the market for a new head lamp.

I'd like one for camping/bushwalking/night fishing. Don't need too much throw. Would prefer to run AAA's with the battery pack at the back of the head and a strap that goes over the head.

Would like something that's going to be fairly waterproof and not too fragile.

Any suggestions?
What are you using?
Where can I buy online (I'm a bit remote and the shops here are a bit limited)?

thanks for the help.

[Nuts]

I was going to rave about my zebra light but they use AA or coin cells. It also doesnt have a strap over or a rear battery box...

For anyone else, you'll need morse code to work them but they really are pretty amazing. I wasnt expecting much but they are like having a spotight/candle (or a bunch of settings in between if you can use morse code) in a bulletproof case not much bigger than the battery... It would fit in the battery pack of my old petzl zoom lol...


http://www.zebralight.com/Headlamp_c_7.html

[adventurescape]

I recently got a zebralight h51. It's waterPROOF and tough (i.e. not made from plastic). I bought it online through the manufacturer's website.

I really can't fault it. I have quite taken to night walking since getting it. Battery life is AMAZING. Believe the quoted figures on the website. Most walking at night and tasks around camp is achieved with second lowest setting.

This lamp replaced a Princeton tec fuel, which broke and I had no idea how... I am very careful with my gear. This should not be a problem with the new light, no moving parts and no plastic. It weighs 4 or 5 grams more (with batteries) than the flimsy p.t. headlamp.

[adventurescape]

Looks like I was in a raving mood whilst you weren't, nuts

Did I mention 200 lumens from 1 x aa battery :):)

[dunamis]

I was going to rave about my zebra light ..... they really are pretty amazing. ...
http://www.zebralight.com/Headlamp_c_7.html

Yeah I had a look at these, they look pretty interesting and heard good things.

Anyone had any experience with the Kathmandu Cree LED style headlamp?

[MartyGwynne]

Have not looked back since I got one of these from Katmandude http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories ... 1_LED.html
It is a bit basic on/off/flash modes but light weight and water resistant (O-Ring seal).
and so cheap $19:00 and order on line from Katmandude.
I now have two of them and battery lasts for a long time, it takes 2 CR2032 (or thereabouts) and I use mine regularly around home (I live in the country with no streetlights) just replaced the batteries in my first one after about 3 years of use.
Downside is you cant dim it down like others which have more than one led.
Upside it is quite bright and very lightweight and it would withstand a shower of rain or dunking in water.

Marty

[Singe]

I was going to rave about my zebra light ..... they really are pretty amazing. ...
http://www.zebralight.com/Headlamp_c_7.html

Yeah I had a look at these, they look pretty interesting and heard good things.

Anyone had any experience with the Kathmandu Cree LED style headlamp?

Yep - I have one of those. Nice light except that the clips that hold the battery compartment closed are totally inadequate - very thin plastic which is loaded by the battery contact springs so will break regardless of how careful you are (mine lasted about six months).

[gayet]

I have an alternative KMD light
http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories/Lighting_&_Optical_/Headtorches/60850/Head_Torch_-_Coupled_0.5W.html
It has been fine, good battery life (haven't replaced them yet) although only used on about 2 weeks worth of o'night trips. Dual LEDs with some control over direction of light etc.

[SteveJ]

For the last 8 years I have used a Petzl E+lite, I do exactly what you do (walking, camp, night fishing etc) I do a lot of packrafting so it gets wet occasionly without a problem.

http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/signal-and-elite/elite

The batteries last for ever, they are light on your head, pack down to nothing and the red light setting is perfect for night fishing. Variable setting allow for adaptable use. Great bit of gear.

Steve

[sailfish]

I have a LedLenser H7 has a dimmer and adjustable wide to spot beam. http://www.ledlenser.com.au/2009/ENG/pr ... .php?id=h7
Uses 3 AAA in pack on back of head strap. This is what I use for bushwalking, camping and night fishing. It uses a single LED extremely bright (170 lumens) LED and unbelievably accurately focused. You will not need a standard torch for long range. You can dim down and go wide angle to repair tackle at night. You may wish for a slightly dimmer glow but then you really should have 2 lights for operating at night so you can change batteries at least.

It is plastic and very light weight. I had some problems with the “O” ring on my 1st one but the company replaced it no worries.

Regards,
Ken

[dunamis]

Have not looked back since I got one of these from Katmandude http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories ... 1_LED.html it takes 2 CR2032 (or thereabouts) and I use mine regularly. Marty

Thanks Marty, I think the CR2032 will put me off. I'm hoping to use rechargeable AAA's or AA's

For the last 8 years I have used a Petzl E+lite, Great bit of gear. Steve

Steve, do you know where you bought the Petzl? Any thoughts on being able to get it online?

I have a LedLenser H7 has a dimmer and adjustable wide to spot beam.
Regards,
Ken

Hey ken, I think the Led Lenser is probably spot on for me. Looks like I should be able to land one from Singapore for $35 or so off Ebay

[SteveJ]

I get a lot of gear from these guys as I am in the same boat as you (country dweller) , free postage for purchses over $80. Good service and prices. I originally got the torch as a gift, thought it was too lightweight but time has proven me to be wrong as it has had a hell of a life and is still going strong.

http://www.kellysbasecamp.com.au/c/2427 ... rches.html

Steve

[sailfish]

[quote="dunamis

Hey ken, I think the Led Lenser is probably spot on for me. Looks like I should be able to land one from Singapore for $35 or so off Ebay[/quote]

The ones from Singapore are the older 140 lumens version. The later 170 lumens model are about $75 on ebay. This is about 20% more power but maybe 10% in perceived brightness. My 1st one (140) was about $90 at the time. It was stolen and the replacement was a little over $100, no deals available on ebay then. So these prices are a real bargain. Good luck.

Regards,
Ken

[leithel]

I love my Princeton Tec EOS. 70 lumen and waterproof too. Buy from the US to save over 50%
http://www.campsaver.com/eos-headlamp

[flatfoot]

I've misplaced my Black Diamond (weep) so I'm in the market for a new head lamp.

I misplaced my headtorch at New Pelion last year. I spent 5 minutes looking for it. It was on my head! I guess I was feeling lightheaded at the time.

On a serious note, just check out eBay. You can usually secure these from US-based eBay stores for a pretty good price. I'm too lazy to bid so just go for buy-it-now.

[DaveNoble]

I recently bought a new Petzl Tikka XP2 with a core battery - and it has been very good. Having a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery where you set the brightness/battery life (2 settings - a bright mode and an economic mode) is something that should be considered. I bought mine online (Moontrail?) - and didn't buy the charger - I just charge the core battery using USB on my computer.

Dave

[ninjapuppet]

Hi David, I'm also looking at the XP2.

Is the Petzl Tikka XP2 CORE basically a standard XP2 but with the additional core battery set?
The standard XP2 is $55 while the XP2 CORE is double at $110 and I was just wondering if its really worth the $55 extra.

do you find the CORE battery last as long anywhere near as the energiser lithium batteries?
Thanks

[pok]

Interesting thread, as I'm waiting for Mountain Equipment to get back to me in regards to my BD Icon with a dead switch. I got it because of the rechargeable li-ion batteries that also fit the Apollo lantern, and the dual LEDs.

I've become a bit interested in the Petzl system though.

Firstly, the programmable functions look nifty. My pet hate is how headlamps seem to always turn on to the brightest setting first, then ramp down through modes to the dimmer settings. Pitch black to FULL BRIGHT hurts my eyeballs.
Secondly, being able to recharge from USB is nifty, as there are any number of innovative ways to power USB- Flexible solar panels strapped to the outside of your pack, anyone? Sure, it may not be at all necessary given the great battery life, but it would be techno-bushwalking heaven!

I was going to rave about my zebra light but they use AA or coin cells. It also doesnt have a strap over or a rear battery box...

For anyone else, you'll need morse code to work them but they really are pretty amazing.

No kidding! From their website:

The second sub-level of the High can be configured after 6 double clicks. Double click (startng with the 7th) to cycle and select different brightness levels or strobes. Short click to turn off the light when finishing configurations. The selections for the second sub-level of the High are memorized after the light is turned off and through battery changes.

-Pok

[Nuts]

Yes... clicking mindlessly until you find the right settings works too Brilliant headtorch otherwise. Ive been through several of the new model petzls and they are a let down tbh. The last was the zipka(?), waterproof with drain holes

[recurveron]

Another vote for Princeton Tec EOS , had one for a few years now and can't fault it , a good spot for walking back to camp at night and also good on low settings for cooking around camp.

[north-north-west]

... good on low settings for cooking around camp.

Now, that is one powerful torch.

[savenger]

I also have a zebra H51, though mine is the neutral white version which is a little less bright but has better colour rendering. What can I say... It's waterproof, runs for weeks on a single AA, extremely bright, tiny and very very well designed/built... I've come to appreciate all the insignificant features like the fact that it stands up by itself, comes with a removable pocket clip and a glow in the dark headband, a 'moonmode' setting, and that you can intuitively access every setting straight away from the off mode with a single button without ruining your night vision. Couldn't recommend it more.

If you can get over your need for AAA's then it's your best bet - $60 is a small price to pay for something that'll probably never need to be replaced... to me it seems light years ahead of princetons, petzls, black diamonds, etc in terms of usability, reliability, efficiency and durability... they all seem like toys in comparison.... but maybe a surefire or a ledlenser would be pretty good too.

My mate has the H501... it's great too if you don't need a hotspot... it's actually more efficient at lower settings but doesn't go as bright.

[dannnnn]

... good on low settings for cooking around camp.

Now, that is one powerful torch.

lol

i have a couple of princeton tec byte's and i would not recommend them. they is well constructed and well priced, but even with fresh batteries it'll often go into "low battery mode" and flash continuously at low strength until you 'reset' it and take the batteries out.... which means i don't trust it.

[mattyc25]

I have used almost all of them, streamlight, LED Lenser, black diamond, princeton tec, various petzls.

I currently have 4 headlamps but the only one I use is the fairly new Petzl XP2, hands down the brightest and best light I have ever used.

Petzl XP2 first daylight second. Pun intended.

[recurveron]

... good on low settings for cooking around camp.

Now, that is one powerful torch.