All this fitzing around.....

[lightcycle1]

Searching for the "best" headlamp, high outputs etc. Etc. Etc.

Usually translates into something expensive.
Ive been a headlamp user for years. Its part of my daily around the house attire.
My SO and I have a small RV camper. Its set up at a seasonal campsite so I do A LOT of camping and living at a campsite with minimal lighting. A headlamp is my lifeblood when we're up there.

Anyway I've been through a few. I've retired a Black Diamond Icon, A Black Diamond Gemini, and completely burned up a Primus Primelight over the years before discovering Zebralight. I have a Black Diamond Spot that I turn to when the Zebralights fail, and fail they did. I might add also that the three Black Diamond lights Ive owned never let me down once.
No switch problems, no functional issues whatsoever.

Ive had two ZL's, and an XTAR AA Commander is on the way. I have a Niteize strap that holds an AA sized flashligh to the side of your head in a pinch. It sucks but was the only way to get Mini Mag hands free at the time.

Today I got this really cool Nitecore headstrap in the mail, I promptly adjusted it and popped my XENO E03 in the two top retaining straps.

7.50 for the strap
33 bucks for the E03 and let me tell you for 40 bucks this combo is damn near a perfect headlamp rig solution IMO and I have the versatility of pocket carry of the Xeno to boot. I have pocket carried the Zebralights but to me the 90° angled head is not my cup of tea for pocket carry.

I hate the Niteize side-retentiom strap. The Fenix strap looks like a bad idea with a high price tag and I certainly dont need to carry spare batteries on my head.

I like my headlight centered on my head for even lighting. This Nitecore strap is perfect and allows you to use a powerful small 1 AA flashlight of your choice.

This thing was the best 7 bucks I've spent in a long time. I love the XENO E03 also,I think its an amazing little 1AA light for 30 bucks and a very good bang foe the buck.

I think this XTAR will the last dedicated headlamp I'll buy. This Nitecore strap has opened up a bunch of options for headlamp users.

A MUST BUY ACCESSORY if you are a heavy headlamp user IMO.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

 

[beamon]

You make a good point. A really good head strap can make all the difference, regardless of what's shining out of your head. I'm surprised that headlamp manufacturers don't pay more attention to this.

 

[reppans]

That Nitecore is also my favorite of the aftermarket headbands and helped turned me from a headlamp guy (rarely bought flashlights) to a flashlight guy (now rarely buy headlamps) - I just found the portability, versatility, and especial selection, of flashlights to be so much better. I have the Fenix headband too but I wear eyeglasses and the side spill catches the side of the glasses, and it is far bulkier. That said, I've gone completely minimalist and now just use my DIY wallet-EDC, lantern diffuser and "necklamp" cord, with a 1xAA/14500 flashlight for my camping needs (I have a Class B).

I collected Black Diamond and Petzl headlamps and lanterns prior to discovering the real online flashlight market... course I don't like them anymore (broken plastic, PWM, lows too high, red filters/LEDs to compensate, highs too low, always start out on high, inefficient w/power and cell configs, etc). Also have developed a particular distaste for Zebralight's marketing and product/customer support policies.

Looking forward to the new Armytek offerings though.

 

[lightcycle1]

I'm going to buy about 4 more of them just to have them and put away for the future. I can see putting my Eagletac D25LC2 in one for more low options and to have an absolute blaster if you need it. I really lile the idea of having the light mounted vertically rather than a big transverse light running sideways like my new XTAR H1 or a ZL H600.
Like you said the strap gives you great variety options to use some of your flashlights as headlamp options.

Im sure the ZL SC52 owners would find this strap particularly useful, and the Quark, and smaller Fenix owners too. It's really a well thought out band and I like the anti-slip silicone beads also, keeps it secure when using with a bicycle helmet.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

 

[reppans]

LOL... I bought about 4 too, but to include with gift lights. Keep in mind that elastic goes bad over time, so if you intend to use them one after the other as they wear out.... The Nitecore band sizing is bit tight, I'm usually between M and L hat sizes and mine's as set as loose as it will go - fits me well, but might be uncomfortable for someone with a big head. Certainly wouldn't stretch one over a bike helmet though, you'll ruin it - I use a Twofish Lockblock threaded though the helmet vents for my lights.