Best headlamp under $150, Soliras opinion

[Dutch08]

I'm kind of a newbie to much of the tech aspects of evaluating flashlights. I was wondering what some of those more knowledgeable might recommend for the top headlamp for general use (hiking/hunting/biking) for a moderate price, say under$150 (not a hard cut off price but just a idea and excluding of course the very expensive units.)

Part of my reason is because I have the opportunity to purchase a new Black Diamond Soliras from a guy I know for about $50. From what I can tell a big plus is the lithium ion battery pack included with the unit but doesn't seem to have the best light output, especially with the older LED technology. Should I bite and get the soliras or look to another model. You input is greatly appreciated.

 

[yellow]

why should a proprietary battery should be any good? :thinking:
better to stay with "standard" cells one can use with other gear, too.

Princeton Tech Apex - when AA nimh is what You want to use,
Streamlight Argo HP - when Cr123a is what You want to use,
Zebralight - whatever battery size/chemistry You like
... PS: no biking with the Zebra, thats all flood

PS: seems the Soliras still uses Halogen Bulb, I would not get something any more.
In that low power class it makes no sense.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

For about $70 you can get a Fenix HP10 or a Princeton Tec Apex that would simply blow away that old headlamp. Both of these run very well on NiMH AA batteries.

edit: HP10 instead of HP20 oops!

 

[zemmo]

For about $70 you can get a Fenix HP20 or a Princeton Tec Apex that would simply blow away that old headlamp. Both of these run very well on NiMH AA batteries.

I have one, and personally never liked it that much. I don't like that much weight on my head, and I thought it was poorly balanced. I was never really that impressed by the high incan beam either, it's not nearly as bright as a current hi-wattage led, like the P7, SST-50, MC-E, et al.

In fact I'm giving it away in our gift exchange on Xmas eve. :naughty:

I would look at the PT Apex line, Petzl MYO RXP, the Magicshine P7, the Fenix HP 10 or one of the others just coming out, maybe even the BD Icon. Between those I'll bet you can find something you'll like a LOT more than the Soliras.

 

[xcandrew]

I remember my first post ever in CPF as a total newcomer in November 2003 was to ask about the Soliras. That makes it really ancient in terms of light technology. I don't know when it was last sold, but it wouldn't surprise me, considering my experience with laptop Li-ion batteries, that the battery is no good anymore.

Check out the best running headlamp thread for discussion about the Magicshine headlamp. It might not be the best choice for you, but is probably at least 3 times brighter than any other commercially available headlamp for under $100 (and probably the brightest under about $300 too).

 

[liketotallyrandom]

Hmmm. There was a battery recall:

http://www.fire.state.mn.us/recalls/BlackDiamondHeadlampBatteries.htm

 

[ntalbot]

Check out the Primus Primelite Race:

http://www.gearforcamping.com/Primus-Primelite-Race-Headlamp-p/p-366001.htm

Four AA's. Fully regulated. More throwy than most. Great beam, even on white walls. Great UI. Very good build quality. Great tint.

 

[zemmo]

Hmmm. There was a battery recall:

http://www.fire.state.mn.us/recalls/BlackDiamondHeadlampBatteries.htm

I just noticed that yesterday. I emailed BD to see if they have any batteries left, mine was one of the recall dates. It's still more or less working, though has lost some capacity. Hasn't burned me up or down, though...

 

[KarstGhost]

I would recommend looking at the Fenix HP10 for about 15 or 20 more dollars than the Black Diamond. I got mine last month and have been very pleased with it. It is almost 4 times as bright as my old Princeton Tec Apex (probably about twice as bright as the new Apex models) with a great runtime off of regular AA batteries.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Petzl Myo RXP, hands down.

 

[electrothump]

Other than run time on the Soliras, I haven't been overly impressed with mine either. It does have a long run time though. I'm glad mine wasn't in the recall bunch.