Headlamp recommendations for mine exploration

[mudking82]

I am currently looking to buy a couple of the Streamlight 3aa Haz-Lo headlamps. Found here: http://streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=126 We are already using a bunch of them in the business I work for, and I am VERY impressed with them. This is the best headlamp that Streamlight makes that meets my specifications, so I am looking for recommendations on different brands, just because I am wondering if there could be a different one that is better. I will be using them mostly for mine exploration, and a little around camp.(I know all the dangers, so don't anyone dare counsel me on mines!)

My requirements are this: must be bright and stay bright pretty long.(must stay above 75% of full lumen output for at least 1.5 hours since that is what the Streamlight does) The Streamlight is 34 lumens, and I have used it and am happy with it, so I need something around that or better. Must use alkaline batteries because they are easy and cheap. Rechargeables are probably out since it is hard to recharge them in the middle of the woods. I am open to ideas though, as you all know more about this then me. And it has to be affordable, I really don't want to spend much more then $50 each. I can get the above one for $48 shipped. Durability would be great too. The above one is drop tested from 30 feet. And water resistant too.

My only complaint about the Streamlight above is that it only has one setting-on. A high and low would be nice.

So if anyone can make any recommendations, please do so. Thanks in advance.

 

[TorchBoy]

It's good that it has the official approvals. What is a "Class 1, Div 1 hazardous location"? Wouldn't just about any sealed switch make for an intrinsically safe headlamp? (Assuming it has a battery cover that's not going to let the batteries fall out unexpectedly.)

 

[cy]

I'd go with a Stenlight, but those are $300+

it's totally new so no one has feedback yet. but check out new coleman 4x AA Cree headlamp for $40
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39298191&memberId=12500226

 

[glockboy]

it's totally new so no one has feedback yet. but check out new coleman 4x AA Cree headlamp for $40
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39298191&memberId=12500226

It's say "1-Watt White Luxeon® LED."

 

[mudking82]

Yeah, I am not sure either what the requirements are to be intrinsically safe. As for the Coleman one, I haven't really seen any good specs on it yet, or really any useful specs for that matter. And I love the look of that Stenlight, but yeah, its too much for me right now, can't justify that kind of money. By the way, Streamlight customer service is one of the best I have ever dealt with. The chief engineer answered all my questions. Props to them:twothumbs.

 

[cy]

they changed it... ad said Cree a day ago.

new version has cree.. which is what you want

It's say "1-Watt White Luxeon® LED."

 

[uk_caver]

For most mines, lamp safety probably isn't an issue.

I can see the point having spark-proof lighting where there could be methane around, but apart from coal mines, is methane ever an issue, and do people often explore old coal mines?

 

[TorchBoy]

... which raises the question - MudKing82, do you have a particular reason to go for safety rated headlamps? Does your business have to comply with health and safety rules?

 

[pec50]

Petzl Tikka XP HAZLOC will meet your specifications. You might want to check some vendors that allow you to search on the safety rating, BrightGuy.com comes to mind.

 

[cedarcreek]

... which raises the question - MudKing82, do you have a particular reason to go for safety rated headlamps?

You mean other than the fact he's exploring old mines?

 

[TorchBoy]

You mean other than the fact he's exploring old mines?

What sort of mines? Depending on the type I'd be more concerned about CO2 buildup than methane. Even then I'd be more concerned about me breathing it than a non-sparking rating-free headlamp setting it off.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

What sort of mines? Depending on the type I'd be more concerned about CO2 buildup than methane. Even then I'd be more concerned about me breathing it than a non-sparking rating-free headlamp setting it off.

Well said.

 

[mudking82]

The business I currently use them in is for confined space rescue, so they must be intrinsically safe, as the Streamlight one is. The only reason I like that one so much is that I have used it, and I know it meets my specifications for what I need, in terms of the specs I printed in my first post. However the intrinsically safe part is not one of my needs, just an added benefit. As someone stated, I would be more worried about breathing the bad air. So yes, the business needs those lights with the safety rating, but I don't need that safety requirement for my personal use. I just need one to meet my qualifications, and non-sparking etc. isn't one of them. Basically I just need it bright, stays bright for a long time, and takes alkaline batteries. And preferably a couple of power settings instead of just on. Thanks to all for the replies.

 

[ringzero]

Basically I just need it bright, stays bright for a long time, and takes alkaline batteries. And preferably a couple of power settings instead of just on. Thanks to all for the replies.

Check out the headllamps at Brightguy.com which has a huge variety from low price to more expensive. Streamlight, Princeton Tec, Petzl, Pelican and a few others. Most will run fine on alkalines.

Even if you buy elsewhere, Brightguy is a good place to see what's available. But, Brightguy is a great place to buy lights. The owner is knowledgable and happy to answer questions and shipping is very fast.

For more expensive options consider FoxFury which makes a whole line of AA and C cell models that will run on alkaline cells.

.

 

[Blacklight]

It's say "1-Watt White Luxeon® LED."

.The new part number is 2000000265 which is a CREE XRE LED.

 

[mudking82]

Well I ended up spending a little more and going for the Princeton Tec Apex headlamp. I liked all the specs, and it can take rechargeables or lithium batteries instead of the alkalines, most other companies don't recommend them. Two others I considered and would still buy, is the Princeton Tec Corona and the Pelican 2630. And if anyone else needs a PT Apex, the best price on the net that I could find was here: http://www.basegear.com/princetonapex.html $63 with free shipping! I can't wait to get it.

 

[Beaker]

PT Apex is a really nice light, I've been using it as my main caving light for a year. Some people have reported issues with it not being as waterproof as claimed, but I haven't had an issue with it.

 

[cy]

here's what you really need...
http://www.li-ion-battery.com/Head_lamp.htm

 

[crislight01]

Some people have reported issues with it not being as waterproof as claimed, but I haven't had an issue with it.

you're lucky

 

[glockboy]

.The new part number is 2000000265 which is a CREE XRE LED.

Still can't find it, any link?