I received my
Zebralight H501, Yesturday afternoon. Last night I equipt it for my nightly 3 mile walk. WOW!
My walk consists of gravel/dirt roads and some paved roads in very poor condition. The last 1/4 mile total is "trail", ending with a small open meadow (for parking at the true trailhead).
I played with all the setting of course
I was very very happily suprised to discover that for 90% of my walk, only the LOW setting was neccessary. Granted, I was walking on familiar grounds (I do it nightly, lol). On the dirt trails I liked using the MEDIUM setting to better spot mud puddles (It rains a LOT on the SW Oregon Coast!). The HIGH setting is bright enough to afford a very comfortable perimeter view of your location/campsite.
Notes:
If I were walking on/in unfamilier grounds, I would most definitely be using the MEDIUM setting: 18 Lumens ~ 19hrs. Especially if were are talking about hiking trails and other trails for that matter (I hike along deer trails sometimes).
The 80 degree is great! Wonderful! I think I would have prefered a 90 degree; if I was given the option. But the 80 degrees is enough to cover 90%+ of your "natural" plain-of-view.
The button is fairly sensitive. Enough so, that if you're wearing anything but "thin form-fitting deerskin gloves", it may be a little fustrating for some. (This is one more reason to invest in some of those fingerless wool gloves that have the fold-over mitten ends on them.) However; the sensitive button is very nice in keeping your H501 from changing position on your head! The minimal-pressure-needed clicky makes it a true one-handed operation = BIG PLUS!!!
This headlamp is
LITE!!! Oh my, oh my! This is my first from Zebralight; and WOW! You keep wondering where this lightsource is coming from, lol. I wore a benie/cap last night and didn't have a single problem with slipping, slidding; nor needed to readjust my hat or light at any time during my walk (another BIG PLUS)! It stashes away small, into a pocket of your choise (not one that is "big enough to cram it into).
This headlamp is
LIGHT!!! Truely truely, I tell you. The only accompaniment that would fall into the classification of "need", would be a 150+ Lumen "flamethrower". There are 2-3 (according to reviews I've read and some limited experience) that are at the top of the heap in the 2xAA arena for "punch factor".
For several years now; I have been kicking stones about the over abundance of 3xAAA headlamp configurations. I know it's cheapest for the manufactures this way, but that's no excuse! I have always thought that a single AA with a good quality "regulator" would be hands-down 100% better in every way imaginable! The financial cost difference will pay for itself in no time at all (with regular use). The cost benefit in other areas pays for itself immediately!
