LED Head Lights - Which one to get?

[Robmacca]

Guys.... (not sure if this is in the right section)

My old LED Headlamp has failed and I'm in the market for a new one.... Wanting one that puts out a excellent light but also has settings that dull the light output. Also having the option for a RED LED to keep the bugs away would also be good....

What are some of the good ones to look at getting and where can u buy them?

cheers...
Rob

[ramblingboy42]

Robmacca, I just responded to Aaron 11A's thread about LED light temperatures.

I am interested in your query about a light with settings that dull the light output .

Is this achieved simply by voltage drop?

Obviously you know something I ....and Aaron are unsure about.

Dennis

[p38arover]

I am assuming you want a lamp to go on your head, not headlights for a car.

[ramblingboy42]

hahahaha, the penny drops......

[Ranga]

My Black Diamond Spot head lamp is pretty good - adjustable light output, quick touch button to change between to outputs, and red map light. Pretty bright also.

A bit old now, but this is good - http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Best-Headlamp

[rrturboD]

Rob,
I've had a couple of very expensive LedLenser lights, and both have failed outside the warranty etc ...
Now I use a light designed as a bicycle headlight. Only issue is remote battery, but you quickly get used to it and cope with the wire. Fantastic light, and good battery life. Cost $29 & $7 for 5yr warranty. Bought 2 so I have 2 batteries.
Well worth a look...
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/cree-t6-led-bicycle-light-head-lamp-kit/

[p38arover]

I use a cheapie, about $8. Three light settings (but no red). They only get tossed when the elastic fails. I have one in the car and another in the bike's
top box.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/02/386.jpg

I haven't used my exxy incandescent Petzl Zoom in many years (it has belt clip battery pack).

[Robmacca]

I am assuming you want a lamp to go on your head, not headlights for a car.

Correct :)

[Robmacca]

Rob,
I've had a couple of very expensive LedLenser lights, and both have failed outside the warranty etc ...
Now I use a light designed as a bicycle headlight. Only issue is remote battery, but you quickly get used to it and cope with the wire. Fantastic light, and good battery life. Cost $29 & $7 for 5yr warranty. Bought 2 so I have 2 batteries.
Well worth a look...
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/cree-t6-led-bicycle-light-head-lamp-kit/

Interesting.... I assume the battery pack attaches to your belt or something?

I also mentioned about recharging which could be an issue when camping unless u have a Inverter

[Robmacca]

My Black Diamond Spot head lamp is pretty good - adjustable light output, quick touch button to change between to outputs, and red map light. Pretty bright also.

A bit old now, but this is good - The Hunt for the Best Headlamp | OutdoorGearLab (http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Best-Headlamp)


Is this something similar to what u have ?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/02/380.jpg

[Robmacca]

Looks like most of the ones that put out really good light have teh separate battery pack that attaches to the headstrap and the back.... Not sure if this would be annoying or not and I assume the whole thing is heavy in comparsion to the ones with inbuilt AAA batteries?

[ozscott]

Peitzel Zipka is good. For huge output a $30 or so special from Ali. 3 cree LED with lithium batteries in separate batt pack on the backbof the head...awesome light. Cheers

[Don 130]

This sort of thing?

Red Light 5000LM Headlamp Headlight 1*CREE XML T6 + 2*CREE XML R5 + 2*18650 Battery + AC Charger + DC Car Charger-in LED Headlamps from Lights & Lighting on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Red-Light-5000LM-Headlamp-Headlight-1-CREE-XML-T6-2-CREE-XML-R5-2-18650-Battery/32548583127.html'spm=2114.01010208.3.166.rM4gHH&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_1,searchweb201644_2_505 _506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_100 05_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008,searchweb20 1560_5,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6449&btsid=11fc5d01-d680-4b5c-905a-44d92fe5806e)

Don.

[Ranga]

Is this something similar to what u have ?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/02/380.jpg

Yep - works fine for around the camp site and in and around maintaining the Defender

[weeds]

Had no issues with my LED Lensers.......they started. Out as recharger but I have ditch the battery packs and use disposable batteries....good light output which related to battery life.

Just about every helmet at work has a LED Lenser hanging of it.......30+ units.

[ozscott]

Don i got this sucker

http://m.aliexpress.com/item/32507554192.html

Fantastic.

Cheers

[ozscott]

A little stronger light power than ayup australian made ones a mate has. They are very expensive.

Cheers

[kogvos]

I have used Zebralight headlamps for years. I find them a bit thirsty on batteries but they are compact and rock solid. They also use a single AA battery which is very handy (they have various other models which take other battery types but I don't find them as practical for easy replacement on the road).

[m.i.k.e]

Yep - works fine for around the camp site and in and around maintaining the Defender
We have used loads of headlamps.

Currently have one of these black diamonds (as per above) - an okay lamp, but I find the charger finicky and its annoying that it won't accept just any rechargeable AAAs, only the supplied ones (but will take any alkalines).

Much more impressed with the LedLenser Seo 7R I have - bloody brilliant. Rechargeable, waterproof, battery pack lasts ages, battery pack can be swapped for regular alkalines/rechargeable. Pack can be removed for charging which is a feature I particularly like.

[Don 130]

I use this type myself given I don't need to burn the tops off distant trees with it. Fits in a pocket, there's one in each glovebox, well balanced on the head, lightweight, the batteries last reasonable time and I got them for $5.00 each delivered. I just can't find that particular add just now.

800lm Waterproof CREE XM L Q5 2 Modes Brightness LED AAA Headlamp Headlight Head Lamp Light for Outdoor Sport-in LED Headlamps from Lights & Lighting on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ultra-Bright-500-Lumen-CREE-Q5-LED-headlamp-lantern-Headlight-Zoomable-Head-Light-Lamp/32476710329.html'spm=2114.30010308.3.19.8mnDR9&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_1,searchweb201644_2_505 _506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_100 05_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008,searchweb20 1560_5,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6449&btsid=bad65f33-2f06-4051-a8cd-babd9d3cd702)

Don.

[Robmacca]

We have used loads of headlamps.

Currently have one of these black diamonds (as per above) - an okay lamp, but I find the charger finicky and its annoying that it won't accept just any rechargeable AAAs, only the supplied ones (but will take any alkalines).

Much more impressed with the LedLenser Seo 7R I have - bloody brilliant. Rechargeable, waterproof, battery pack lasts ages, battery pack can be swapped for regular alkalines/rechargeable. Pack can be removed for charging which is a feature I particularly like.

I was looking at the SEO5 & I thought it might suit my needs..... might have to look atthe SOE7 as well :)

[m.i.k.e]

I was looking at the SEO5 & I thought it might suit my needs..... might have to look atthe SOE7 as well :)
Yeah the 7 is great. Design is a bit clunky but otherwise I like it a lot.

[TeamFA]

I've had nothing but good experiences with Led Lenser head torches. Had 2 x A41 models for a few years that lasted very well, only broken after a lot of rough use, and now using 2 x H7 units, and very happy with them.

[p38arover]

Tonight I noticed that I'm getting LED headlamps in the banner adverts at the top of the AULRO webpage.

[stewie110]

The problem with many of these head torches is that it's easy to knock the button on and have no battery charge when you need it. Look for one with a protected button. I personally use my petzl myo head torch at least weekly and it's protected button has saved my arse before. They are currently redoing their product lines and you can find the old range online cheap. I just bought my son one for under half price landed in Australia.

[m.i.k.e]

Both the black diamond revolt and the ledlenser seo7 discussed above have a lockout mode that allows you to disable the button. Works fine :)

[stewie110]

Both the black diamond revolt and the ledlenser seo7 discussed above have a lockout mode that allows you to disable the button. Works fine :)
My experience with the revolt is contradictory.

Holding the button down for six seconds has proven to be flawed for me. It's an easy task when the light is packed up tight. I've had it happen multiple times, hiking, motorcycle riding in the panniers and in a random box of crap in the back of the 110.
I can't speak for the other product. if you don't pack tight then the likelihood is low.

[Robmacca]

Looks like SuperCheapAuto has a special on for this weekend only, so for $20, I bought one of these:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/02/269.jpg

Specs:
Light Output: 240 Lumens
120m beam distance
Modes: High > Mid > Low > Slow Flashing > OFF
Run Times: Main-LED - 8h (High), 20h (Mid), 160h (Low)



Not sure about having the battery at the back of the head as I thought this might be annoying, but @ $20 its worth giving it a go :)

[stewie110]

The battery pack at the back of the head makes sense when you have a large battery weight because it balances the weight.
On all my caving gear the battery is either on the back of the helmet or attached somewhere else via a long cable.