Headlamp for clueless guy?

[Agent Iron]

What a great forum! I have been pouring over many pages of great stuff here. My knife addiction is now translating into a flashlight addiction. My lights have been cheap crap. I have 4 cheap Harbor freight headlights. I realize they are junk, but are helpful. I know I will be in awe of pretty much any decent headlamp by comparison.

I am looking for all purpose headlights for work around my home/mini farm. I work out doors in the dark a great deal. Most of my work is not detail work but on occasion it is. I don't think I need a spot light, but some of my machinery does not have headlights, so a bit of throw would be nice. I probably could see getting two lights of different characteristics.

Anyway I am looking at the Princeton EOS as a solid pretty good at everything light. I also like the water resistance as I work in the elements from time to time.

The Zebra looks interesting, but seems to be for up close work only.

The Petzel Tikka looks interesting as well.

I am leaning toward the EOS.

Any help for a novice would be great!
Thanks
AI

 

[speedsix]

I am like you, I am far from a light expert. I did buy an EOS after asking around on this forum and I have been very pleased.

I bought mine for night hiking and camping but have used it for working on the car, in the attic, in the yard at night, riding a bike at night, and everything I used to use a hand held for.

The main thing you want to ask yourself is how much of a spot light you need and how much flood. Each light will have different levels of spot/flood so you want to pick the light that fits what you need.

You may not think you need a spot light but having the ability to throw a beam of light at night is always good.

The EOS is a good compromise light because it has a good beam but also has some flood. It works great for my uses. I think it would work for what you want it for as well.

Pros:
Compact
Light weight
Water proof
Simple
Good beam
Good battery life
Low cost.
Uses AAA batteries that you can get anywhere.
Does not turn on unless you want it to. Some lights will activate when bumped but the EOS is well protect from this.

Cons:
Not a real spot light. Throw is shorter than some spot lights.
Not a flood light. If you need to light up more than a few feet around you at once, you will need a more floodier light.
Hard to activate with gloves on.

 

[senorsam21]

I'd go for the Petzl Tikka. But that's cause I have it, know it and love it. :twothumbs
But I'm a new guy like you so maybe listen to the pros.

-Sam
http://ledheadlamp.org/

 

[Agent Iron]

I am like you, I am far from a light expert. I did buy an EOS after asking around on this forum and I have been very pleased.

I bought mine for night hiking and camping but have used it for working on the car, in the attic, in the yard at night, riding a bike at night, and everything I used to use a hand held for.

The main thing you want to ask yourself is how much of a spot light you need and how much flood. Each light will have different levels of spot/flood so you want to pick the light that fits what you need.

You may not think you need a spot light but having the ability to throw a beam of light at night is always good.

The EOS is a good compromise light because it has a good beam but also has some flood. It works great for my uses. I think it would work for what you want it for as well.

Pros:
Compact
Light weight
Water proof
Simple
Good beam
Good battery life
Low cost.
Uses AAA batteries that you can get anywhere.
Does not turn on unless you want it to. Some lights will activate when bumped but the EOS is well protect from this.

Cons:
Not a real spot light. Throw is shorter than some spot lights.
Not a flood light. If you need to light up more than a few feet around you at once, you will need a more floodier light.
Hard to activate with gloves on.

I just used my EOS for an hour and a half today and was very pleased. It is a compromise of sorts, but was very effective for me. I was doing all sorts of stuff, and with the low beam on, it gave me plenty of light in the small area. I think it would be great for hikes and riding at night. I am intrigued by the complete flood of the Zebra. I can see getting one of those, and a Petzl with the boost in the future.

Thanks
AI

 

[Rexlion]

I enjoy the Coast Lenser H7 for its ability to adjust from flood to throw and full control over brightness.

 

[Agent Iron]

Rexlion
Where do you buy the Coast? Sound interesting!

 

[NYCaver]

If you are going with Princton Tec the EOS will be very spotty, the Quad very floody, and the Apex will give you both on demand. The Apex, however has a large battery compartment and more straps + is more expensive than the others so maybe that's not your style. As far as water resistance goes the Quad and EOS will actually outperform the Apex in this area, although for a splash here and there the Apex would be fine.

The Petzl Tikka XP may be a good option being compact and having the optional diffuser to switch to more floody light. It also has a boost mode for extra, but temporary, lumens.