Best headlamp <= $200

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RiverRatMatt

RiverRatMatt

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Sep 24, 2010
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Considering output, battery life, waterproofing, and overall quality, what is the best headlamp for $200 or less?

Also, 18650 battery source heavily preferred (:
 
What kind of light profile? Floody? Mule? Throwy? Throw and spot with independent controls? There is no 'best,' only best for a given task.
 
Floody but with a little throw. What is Mule?

Doesn't matter if the battery is in front or back, smaller/lighter is better but sacrifice can be made there.

It will be used in conjunction with a Malkoff Hound Dog if I need a lot of throw. Aside from general around the house and camping use, it will be used for spelunking and general exploring.
 
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I just ordered myself a Zebralight H600w off the Zebralight website. Reviews on the H600 series are all very positive, it seems. It comes in cool or neutral colours, as well as spot with spill or floody variations. Uses single 18650, as per your preference. I bought mine primarily for night hiking, snowshoeing, and camping.
 
I'm not saying its the best, but I really have enjoyed my Surefire Minimus Vision.
 
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mellowhead said:
I just ordered myself a Zebralight H600w off the Zebralight website. Reviews on the H600 series are all very positive, it seems. It comes in cool or neutral colours, as well as spot with spill or floody variations. Uses single 18650, as per your preference. I bought mine primarily for night hiking, snowshoeing, and camping.
Click to expand...
I use my H600w for similar activities...heck, just about good for everything with its wide range of output. Slightly warmer that I would like, but way better that that "cool blue" stuff.
 
vali said:
A mule is a flashlight without reflector. All flood. Keep in mind they will work great for close action, but they have the lowest throw of them all.
Click to expand...

I can reinforce this point. I just got a H502c headlamp that is all flood for home repairs and such. While it's great for close work, and the high CRI LED helps with color recognition, it's irritating to not be able to see very far. It severely limits it's use outdoors, IMO.
 
I've has a Zebralight H600 since they were first introduced, and it is my most used light. I use it for various projects where I don't want to hold a light while I am working. I realize there are some issues with waterproofing on this light, but I have used mine on at least 3 occasions in pouring rain. One of those was during Hurricane Sandy, when I had to bail water from my well pumping pit for several hours during the hardest rain of the storm. The light worked perfectly then, as it has throughout its time with me. It has great brightness for close quarter working and excellent run time.
 
BillD said:
I've has a Zebralight H600 since they were first introduced, and it is my most used light. I use it for various projects where I don't want to hold a light while I am working. I realize there are some issues with waterproofing on this light, but I have used mine on at least 3 occasions in pouring rain. One of those was during Hurricane Sandy, when I had to bail water from my well pumping pit for several hours during the hardest rain of the storm. The light worked perfectly then, as it has throughout its time with me. It has great brightness for close quarter working and excellent run time.
Click to expand...

I agree. I don't always trust what I see online, even from reputable sources and people I trust like most on CPF. Yes there are posts about the H600 leaking, but take another manufacturer and increase their sales to the level of ZL and you may find similar issues. Get one, test it under water and hope for the best before using it in the field. PITA to deal with returns and warranties is it leaks? YES. (not specifically calling out ZL here). Worth going thru the motions to get a great light? YES
 
RiverRatMatt said:
Considering output, battery life, waterproofing, and overall quality, what is the best headlamp for $200 or less?

Also, 18650 battery source heavily preferred (:
Click to expand...

Has anyone considered the simple headband style flashlight holder from NightIze? I use mine all the time , it gives you great versatility in what type light you can choose, from AAA to AA , even 18650 lights will fit inside the elastic holder. I much prefer the small weight of the AAA lights, you hardly know you are wearing it unlike some of the more traditional headlamp styles, I have modified one to hold two lights, I can put one throwy AA light on the left and a floody AAA on the other side for close up work. Its cheap, low-tech and simply works. Blow the <$200.00 on new lights :D Enjoy!


NightIze Light Holder

images







Nightcore makes this sick little setup too!

opplanet-nitecore-headband-hb02-flashlight-head-mount-v2.jpg



Jerry

Check out his post on different headband style holders and how others use them;

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...-to-make-ZebraLight-H51-less-quot-bouncy-quot
 
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