Best headlamp under $50
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srfreddy
Enlightened
Do you want AA or CR123?
robostudent5000
Enlightened
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Would you prefer to use alkalines or rechargeables?
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robostudent5000
Enlightened
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if you want to just use alkalines, I think the Princeton Tec EOS is your best bet under $50. it has a nice, smooth beam that's great for the outdoors. it's reliable, is regulated, and has reasonable runtimes on alkalines. should be able to find the latest 70 lumen model for around $35 on brightguy.com.
if you want to use 123s, there aren't that many options for under $50. Streamlight Argo HP uses 2 123s, is built like a tank, and costs about $30, but the beam's tiny hotspot limits its usefulness. Princeton Tec Remix Pro uses a single 123 and costs about $50, but if you're gonna spend $50 for a Remix Pro, you might as well spend $14 more and get a Zebra H31w. the Zebra is very nice and very versatile
if you want to use 123s, there aren't that many options for under $50. Streamlight Argo HP uses 2 123s, is built like a tank, and costs about $30, but the beam's tiny hotspot limits its usefulness. Princeton Tec Remix Pro uses a single 123 and costs about $50, but if you're gonna spend $50 for a Remix Pro, you might as well spend $14 more and get a Zebra H31w. the Zebra is very nice and very versatile
gcbryan
Flashlight Enthusiast
I think the Black Diamond Spot which is $40 at REI is fine for camping. If you want an even flood with no hotspot (and therefore no throw) it may not be for you but it's what I use for most things outdoors (hiking, climbing,camping). It runs on 3 AAA's.
vtunderground
Enlightened
+1 on the Princeton Tec Eos.
If you catch the modding bug... it's also pretty easy to modify for more brightness.
If you catch the modding bug... it's also pretty easy to modify for more brightness.
Blindasabat
Flashlight Enthusiast
Zebralight has the H31w on sale now for $49 with free shipping. Best deal on a great single cell HL anywhere. It's already neutral too, so no need to mod it for best outdoor depth perception.
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srfreddy
Enlightened
Yes, thats why I asked. Very good headlamp. The H31Fw throws less, but is better for camp,and hiking in general if you carry a throw light.
ryguy24000
Enlightened
My vote is for the Streamlight Arrgo HP. Good throw. Small hotpot, but very useful spill.
carrot
Flashaholic
Definitely the EOS. I love this headlamp... it is technically extremely well-executed and also a joy to use.
http://www.gearcarrot.com/blog/2010/10/princeton-tec-eos-review/
http://www.gearcarrot.com/blog/2010/10/princeton-tec-eos-review/
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Blindasabat
Flashlight Enthusiast
I like the EOS, but would like it better if it was not 3AAA and came on low first instead of high. Every turn on is a triple click to get to low. I still have mine and use it often because it have upgraded it to high CRI SSC P4 and a medium optic - a combination perfect for camping, but I see 3AAA as a less reliable or convenient power source. But thankfully it is not PWM, the downfall of many cheap HLs with low levels. The EOS is a great first 'good' HL with repectable performance and CPF cred.
carrot
Flashaholic
I don't mind the 3AAA aspect too much. What I like about the EOS, you nailed it: excellent regulation, good performance, no PWM (a big issue for me) and well-balanced for the outdoors. It's also been reliable and waterproof for me. I do agree that starting on high is a weak point on the EOS but the rest of it is so good I'm willing to forgive it.
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