I asked for headlamp recommendations for a 24 hour skating event in another thread and am still thinking the Zebralight H600(W) is the best option for me because it seems to give the best balance of weight/lumens/cost. Now I'm wondering if I should go for the cool or neutral white version. I read a lot about that in the archives and that only made me more confused. I read experience from one person who said that the neutral white version was too dim for running and that he much preffered the cool white, even with the same lumens. I found this video and from that small segment I thought the cool white version definitely was brighter, but I'm still not sure if that trumps the other benefits of the W version.
Here's what I think I learned:
Cool White
- appears brighter. This appeals to me. The whole reason I'm buying an expensive-for-me headlamp is that I want brightness, I want to be able to skate safely and see my surroundings and not be afraid I'll miss something.
Neutral White
- better color rendering. This is nice, but not essential for me.
- easier to distinguish animals in nature. I would like to see it if a rabbit is sitting in the grass right next to my bicycle road.
- easier on the eyes. I'm skating for 24 hours, 7 of which will be in the dark. Easy on the eyes sounds great.
- better depth perception. I'm unclear about this, but it came up quite a few times in the discussions I read.
I'm unclear about contrast. Some people say neutrals offer better contrast, other people say that that's why they prefer cools. One issue I need a headlamp for is pebbles and twigs and slugs on the road. One pebble can mean a fall if it comes between the wheels the wrong way. Seeing what is on the road is the most important thing I need a headlamp for.
I know the cool white/neutral white divide is basically just preference, but also a lot of "what do you do with it". I totally see the case for neutral whites, but I wonder if there is any consensus on whether cool whites might be better specifically for running/trail cycling when you go somewhat fast and need to see well? I feel like my night vision is below average. I wish there were a way to try these lamps and see for myself, but alas, I don't live in a country where I can just return the lamp if I don't like it, so I'd love your opinions.
Here's what I think I learned:
Cool White
- appears brighter. This appeals to me. The whole reason I'm buying an expensive-for-me headlamp is that I want brightness, I want to be able to skate safely and see my surroundings and not be afraid I'll miss something.
Neutral White
- better color rendering. This is nice, but not essential for me.
- easier to distinguish animals in nature. I would like to see it if a rabbit is sitting in the grass right next to my bicycle road.
- easier on the eyes. I'm skating for 24 hours, 7 of which will be in the dark. Easy on the eyes sounds great.
- better depth perception. I'm unclear about this, but it came up quite a few times in the discussions I read.
I'm unclear about contrast. Some people say neutrals offer better contrast, other people say that that's why they prefer cools. One issue I need a headlamp for is pebbles and twigs and slugs on the road. One pebble can mean a fall if it comes between the wheels the wrong way. Seeing what is on the road is the most important thing I need a headlamp for.
I know the cool white/neutral white divide is basically just preference, but also a lot of "what do you do with it". I totally see the case for neutral whites, but I wonder if there is any consensus on whether cool whites might be better specifically for running/trail cycling when you go somewhat fast and need to see well? I feel like my night vision is below average. I wish there were a way to try these lamps and see for myself, but alas, I don't live in a country where I can just return the lamp if I don't like it, so I'd love your opinions.