Fenix HL20 or PT EOS?

[Awlego]

I've been doing a bit of research on some flashlights and headlamps and had a few questions...

I'm going to be exploring tons of steam tunnels beneath my school and need a flashlight/headlamp (or both).

Two headlamps seem to be the favorite for a budget under $50... the Fenix HL20 and the Princeton Tec EOS. Any recommendations for my specific application? I would also use it for hiking/camping/etc, but the main reason I'm getting it is to explore dark steam tunnels and unlit sub-basements.

I've done a little less research on actual LED flashlights, but if anyone has a suggestion for a good starter LED light (given my applications). Again the budget for a flashlight is around $50, but would be willing to pay $70 if it was really worth it. The flashlight would also have a general use, so both a low mode and hi mode is a must.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[vtunderground]

Just as a heads-up, threads about urban exploration tend to get shut down as soon as they get started, because of the sometimes-questionable legality of what the posters want to do with their flashlights. However, when I was in college I explored the steam tunnels, basements, and pretty much anything else I could crawl into... and I did it without ever breaking the law. I trust that you're not going to be breaking the law either.

That being said... I love the Eos, but I don't think you could go wrong with the HL20 either. The biggest advantage I can see to the HL20 is that it takes an AA battery, so if your flashlight takes AAs you only have to worry about bringing along one size spare battery. Another good option might be the Zebralight H501 for $10 more.

For a flashlight I like the Quark AA Tactical. I EDC a Zebralight SC50w, but I like the Quark Tactical's simple interface better. My caving buddy has a Quark, and it seems to hold up to mud and water very well.