Headlamp for auto/motorcycle works?

[motorcyclist]

Hi all,
I have read as much as I could here but I think I'm sill either confused or undecided. I'd appreciate any inputs/comments/helps you could give.

I need a good headlamp for doing works on my own cars and motorcycles. I like a really bright headlamp to free my hands.

- It has to use either AA or AAA. I already have too many chargers and I don't want to have to add another new type of batteries/charger
- It has to have a range of at least 10-15' (the approx. length of a car so I can see from one end to another if I need to)
- It has to be as bright as possible to see details (at least 100lm?)
- it has to be good enough for close-range work (like doing close-up wiring for example)
- I have a Fenix L2D as a hand held light so anything less white and bright will probably disappoint me. I don't know until I try.

1) I have tried Homedepot's Husky High Def and I don't like it. Too diffuse, too dim, too yellowish and too short of a range
2) I have tried a headstrap with my Fenix L2D but it's a pain as it's not really adjustable (up/down/left/right). If there is a good mount the L2D's light is what I like.
3) I have tried Walmart's Coleman Cree XR-E headlight but it wasn't bright enough for me (suspect that their claim of 105 lumens was way exagerated)
4) I have tried a cheap headlamp I got on eBay that has 9 LEDs. It's ok for extreme close-range work like soldering wires but anything longer than arm's length is useless.

Reading here, it seems that the Zebralight H50-Q5 is an all-time favorite but I haven't seen one. However, looking at the picture, the light source is offset to the side of the center, wouldn't this make the light brighter on 1 side than the other? Can it be adjusted left/right in addition to top/down?
Also, their web site said the high output is 80 lm, is this even dimmer than the Coleman Cree XR-E I tried?

I'd appreciate any comments/helps. Le's say anything less than $60-$70?

Thank you very much in advance.
-mike-

 

[Greg G]

I'm no expert on headlamps, but I've bought two, the Black Diamond Icon, and the Princeton Tec Apex Pro. The Apex would work for you.

 

[motorcyclist]

Thanks Greg, I'll check them out.

Anybody has any other recommendations? I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!
-mike-

 

[hopkins]

The Petzl Myo Xp has a shaped (contured) rear battery pack that feels ok when
on the floor looking up at the underside of a vehicle. Other venders seem to have ridges the grind into the skull when working on your back.

Or its possible to slide the Myo headband to get the battery pack on the side of your head and keep the LED centered on the forehead.

Could also mount a hefty alligator clip to your flashlight to hang it near the work.
Never seems to be enough light and multiple sources keeps shadows to a minimum.

 

[boonsht]

I'll second the PT Apex. I have the AA version which I modded with a Seoul P4 and changed the reflector out to a 20mm Khatod reflector. So much better than the stock Apex!

 

[steveG]

Reading here, it seems that the Zebralight H50-Q5 is an all-time favorite but I haven't seen one. However, looking at the picture, the light source is offset to the side of the center, wouldn't this make the light brighter on 1 side than the other?

The fact that the emitter is offset does not make any difference to the wearer. Keep in mind that the Zebralight beam is very broad. I recently used my H30-Q5 (I realize you would want the AA version) when installing the engine in my Bronco and it worked perfectly for that task. I work at a repair shop that has minimal lighting. Except for a few days out of the year we keep all 10 bay doors open allowing plenty of sunlight into the shop. More lighting isn't really necessary during business hours. However, when I stay late to work on my own car, the under-hood lighting just plain sucks. Wearing the Zebralight allowed me to work without a droplight or flashlight.

Would it be the best light for you? I don't know, but I sure do love mine!

 

[Greg G]

I'll second the PT Apex. I have the AA version which I modded with a Seoul P4 and changed the reflector out to a 20mm Khatod reflector. So much better than the stock Apex!

Mine is an AA model and is modded too (Seoul U2SWOH & IMS20 :naughty. I didn't mention it because in stock form it was good and thought it would serve the OP's needs very well.