Headlamp for night time running

[Johan ES]

I am looking for a LED-headlamp for (trail)running in pitch black.


Preferably with a "head/back of head"-mounted battery pack. Separate battery pack is ok.


Power source: 1-2 18650 or 2-4 CR123.


Lumen: At least 4-500.


Runtime (at 4-500 lumen): At least 70 min.


Light pattern: I only need flood. As much light as possible up to max 30 ft/10 m.


I bought a cheap, chinese headlamp Ebay 1800LM CREE XML T6 LED ZOOMABLE Headlamp Headlight Torch 2* 18650 Battery+Ch which runs on two 18650 and it actually works quite well. It is possible to zoom the light to adjust from "close and wide"-beam to "small and long throw". However I do not trust the stated 1800 lumen max output :)

/Johan

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[alpg88]

it has been noted by skiers\runners that train at night, that a light with sharp hotsopt\spill borders, drives human brain crazy after a short while. it has been disscused on skiers website, our former member vaska (rip) used to build lights sepcificly for them, and was a skier himself. the lens\beam pattern needed has to have hotspot that fades into spill gradually, no sharp transitions.
the light you linked is unsutable for your purpose, i mean it will illuminate but it will also drive you nuts. also i doubt it makes otf even 600lm, 1800 number is pure lie.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?253055-Best-Current-Running-Headlamp/page3

 

[markr6]

it has been noted by skiers\runners that train at night, that a light with sharp hotsopt\spill borders, drives human brain crazy after a short while. it has been disscused on skiers website, our former member vaska (rip) used to build lights sepcificly for them, and was a skier himself. the lens\beam pattern needed has to have hotspot that fades into spill gradually, no sharp transitions.

I agree 100%! That's why I use d-c-fix diffuser film on all my headlamps. Works like a charm!

If you can deal with a front-mount battery, the Zebralight H600F or H600Fw (or H600/H600w with diffuser film) is a great choice. I use it almost every night. My H51w doesn't always last long enough and even if it does it needs a recharged battery every day.

 

[yellow]

in short:
when small size / little weight is of concern ...
... NOTHING beats the Zebralights - in not any single application.

the H600w neutral white... You will simply not believe the small size and the little weight,
perfect for running
(ps: the reflector version, its beam is wide enough. The special flood model makes no sense)


if You must deal with the H52w (runtime/brightness wise), it is a bit smaller - but not enough not to get the H600w when it is ok.

 

[tonkem]

If money is not an issue, consider the Lupine line of lights. The Piko series is 1200 lumens and runs almost 3 hrs on max. It also has an eco mode that allows for 3 hrs at a bit lower brightness of 940 lumens. Be prepared to spend about $400 US. Lights are made in Germany, so depending on where you are, it may be a bit cheaper. You can also add a diffuser to the Piko that will spread the beam even more.

I also have a Zebralight H600 CW and it is a great light as well, but the Piko is much more comfortable to me.