H31w or other CR123 headlamp?

[Southpawtact]

I'm in the market for a CR123 powered LED headlamp. I'm highly considering buying the Zebralight H31w. From what I've read around CPF, the beam is considered narrow for a headlamp. I don't mind a bright hot spot as long as there is usable spill.



My questions are:

Is the H31w beam too narrow to be useful as a headlamp?



and



What other CR123 powered LED headlamps would you recommend?

 

[blubricks]

If it's not too late to reply. I just bought one for camping/backpacking. I don't really have anything to compare it to, as far as beams, but it does double as a normal edc light. The pocket clip allows it to attach to your shirt, belt, pocket and it will always shine forward. The UI seems more complicated in it's instructions than it really is. The UI is really easy and seems like it should have been intuitive after you figure it out 😛 LOL As far as beam, I have the Zebralight H31FW so there is no hotspot. It's not going to make you say WOW! but it works well enough especially with 6 total output settings. I am looking now for a comparable throw light to complement it, but I am very happy with it. If they came out with an XM-L version, I would think that would be better without the need for the frosted lens. Compared to dedicated headlamps, they may or may not be better as far as spill, but they don't come close to this light in usefulness. I hope this helps.

 

[MichaelW]

I hope Zebralight keeps the frosted lens and moves to the xm-l.
There is a 'warm' spot, so to speak. I wish that was larger, hence the desire to move from xp-g to xm-l

Then Zebralight can move to the latest and greatest xp-e for a 'throw' model. (without frosted lens)

 

[Fatso]

I have the H31w and like it!
I have the Fenix HL20 and HP10 to compare it to and I think the H31w is my favorit. I know the Fenix Headlights are cool white but The size and how easy it is to use is better for my liking.
Good spill and a good size usable hotspot. out shines the HL20 in my book..
The HP10 is brighter but and can shine farther but the Zebralight holds it's own..
Hope that helped..
I want to try the AA version next!!