Headlamps: A few contenders but no clear winner

[Pavius]

Hello, CPF regulars and lurkers. I'm in awe from the sheer amount of information and passion towards flashlights hosted in this forum. :thumbsup: Here's my long-winded question.

We're planning a big hiking oriented trip for the first time in many years and i'd like to be prepared as possible in the light department. I've read a LOT of information regarding headlamps (and handheld torches as well) and have hit a wall.

There is no heavy night hiking planned but we still want to have hands free lighting during the night - for going about business should there be no ambient lights about (so the headlamp should have good flood). The headlamp should have some throw as i don't like pure flood lights. I prefer the headlamp to be AA for convenience.

Here are my options as i see it:

:: The zebralight h501/h501w
+ One AA battery
+ Nice build quality as opposed to plasticy rivals
+ detachable from headband with clip
- has no throw whatsoever

:: The princeton tec EOS
+ Lightweight
? Does it have any throw? I can't find a beam picture
- Confused with all the versions. There is a luxeon version, a rebel version, eos-ii, eos, eosr 😕 Some places claim 2009 maxbright version (the rebel?) but then in specs show luxeon
- AAA batteries
- i have read many complaints of support requests going unanswered

:: Fenix HP10
+ Very bright
+ Seems to have good throw (at the expense of flood)
- Too big (4 AA + headband that has a top piece, which the woman won't like)

Are there any models i missed? Can anyone clear up the EOS question about beam and versions? The H51 is supposed to come out soon - will it solve my H501 throw problem (the H501 is my current favorite)?

 

[Daniel_sk]

My brother uses the EOS and he is happy with it. Another advantage is the low price - you can get a new one on eBay for about 30$ I guess. I think the Rebel version is advertised as "50 lumen", most stores sell only the newer Rebel version.
The difference between EOS and EOS II is only the user interface. EOS has low/medium/high/sos(?) and EOS II has only low/high.
I would describe the beam pattern as a good mix of flood and throw, good for most tasks.

I would pick EOS if I had to choose from the three headlamps (HP10 and Zebralight cost more, HP10 is definitely too big for casual hiking, and Zebralight is good for work around the camp but lacks throw - I had to use a flashlight to look in front of me).

 

[jch79]

:welcome:

The PT EOS is tried and true headlamp used and trusted by a LOT of people. I love it for night hiking. The beam rocks IMHO - especially if you swap out the optic with a reflector. For in the tent, I like the PT Quad since it's pure flood.

BTW, there's a headlamp forum on CPF which this would be best suited for.

:thumbsup: john

 

[Pavius]

Ha! A dedicated headlamp forum. I'm browsing it now, looking for relevant info, thanks! If any mods want to move this thread, be my guest.

Daniel_sk - The EOS does seem to be the best fit (albeit far from perfect), but i'm looking for beam shots first. Any pointers appreciated.

 

[JasonC]

I've had the same dilema with picking a headlight, there does not seem to be a perfect one as of yet, but after seeing the new Quark Prism kit I think you can get pretty close.

You have the option of using pretty much any light you like as long as the size is suitable, you also have the option of removing it and using it as a normal flashlight. I'm just ordering one anyway so we'll see how it goes!

 

[zemmo]

Hello, CPF regulars and lurkers. I'm in awe from the sheer amount of information and passion towards flashlights hosted in this forum. :thumbsup: Here's my long-winded question.

We're planning a big hiking oriented trip for the first time in many years and i'd like to be prepared as possible in the light department. I've read a LOT of information regarding headlamps (and handheld torches as well) and have hit a wall.

There is no heavy night hiking planned but we still want to have hands free lighting during the night - for going about business should there be no ambient lights about (so the headlamp should have good flood). The headlamp should have some throw as i don't like pure flood lights. I prefer the headlamp to be AA for convenience.

Here are my options as i see it:

:: The zebralight h501/h501w
+ One AA battery
+ Nice build quality as opposed to plasticy rivals
+ detachable from headband with clip
- has no throw whatsoever

:: The princeton tec EOS
+ Lightweight
? Does it have any throw? I can't find a beam picture
- Confused with all the versions. There is a luxeon version, a rebel version, eos-ii, eos, eosr 😕 Some places claim 2009 maxbright version (the rebel?) but then in specs show luxeon
- AAA batteries
- i have read many complaints of support requests going unanswered

:: Fenix HP10
+ Very bright
+ Seems to have good throw (at the expense of flood)
- Too big (4 AA + headband that has a top piece, which the woman won't like)

Are there any models i missed? Can anyone clear up the EOS question about beam and versions? The H51 is supposed to come out soon - will it solve my H501 throw problem (the H501 is my current favorite)?

I don't think you can beat the EOS for the money. It has a usable amount of throw, much more than the Surefire Minimus. My only real gripe is that the switch is too easy to knock on unintentionally when in a pack. Another similar light that I like is the Petzl Tikka XP (now replaced by the XP2, but you can probably still find the old one, which I prefer). The boost mode is useful at times on the Tikka, and so is the diffuser.

If you wanted to step up in power w/o gaining much weight or bulk, you could go with the PT Apex Pro, but you'd have to use RCR's or CR123's. Good luck.

 

[Christoph]

:welcome: Pavius i think you will find experienced answers to all your questions here.I carry something else for throw or if my need starts with throw I have an old BD icon that has a decent throw for a luxIII and an optic.mostly I use my h501.
Chris

 

[drmaxx]

The H51 is supposed to come out soon - will it solve my H501 throw problem (the H501 is my current favorite)?

The H501 is an excellent headlamp for around the camp.
It works on hikes, if the terrain is somewhat easy. Together with a thrower (Nightcore D10 in my case) you get things covered. There is also a headband for the D10, just in case.

For more demanding hikes at night I would not recommend the H501. I use the Apex - but also the Fenix looks like a decent choice.

So, my analysis would be: It depends... The H501 is perfect if you only plan to use it for emergency night hikes. If there is a real chance for a demanding night expedition, then get something better.

 

[Egsise]

I use ZebraLight H50 for campsite tasks and Fenix TK20 in nightly hikes.

Try it, use any flashlight, or headlamp at your waist height.
Then do the same thing keeping the light on your head.

When the light is at your waist height, you see the trail shape so much better, if you use your headlamp everything is very flat.

 

[MY]

Having used all types of headlamps for years for all kinds of adventures, I have come to the conclusion that AAA batteries are a liability due to their lack of energy density. I think one of the best headlights going is the ZL H60 with a 18650 battery. Add a small thrower like the Quark Mini and you have things covered. If you want to stay with AA, then the H501 and D10 combo is great.

Regards.

 

[jch79]

I don't think you can beat the EOS for the money. It has a usable amount of throw, much more than the Surefier Minimus.

I bought a Minimus, excited at what it offered, but I promptly returned it. While it purposely has a different beam than the EOS, I still prefer the EOS for an all-around headlamp - especially modified with a warmer LED and a reflector.

My only real gripe is that the switch is too easy to knock on unintentionally when in a pack.

Really?? :thinking: I've taken my EOS backpacking all around the world, and it's never once turned on... I would actually say the opposite - that my only gripe is that it can be too difficult to turn on when you're wearing mittens. I guess YMMV!

Another similar light that I like is the Petzl Tikka XP (now replaced by the XP2, but you can probably still find the old one, which I prefer). The boost mode is useful at times on the Tikka, and so is the diffuser.

FWIW, the Tikka XP is not regulated, whereas the EOS is. That's a big advantage for the EOS in my opinion. :shrug: Although when it's out, it's out! So always carry backup batteries. 🙂

:thumbsup: john

 

[yellow]

often overlooked: Streamlight Argo HP

can run on a single 17650 Li-Ion and thus can be charged with same charger as the real lights (= 18650 powered).

... sure, it does not feature the lastest led, but modding is a breeze.
Just put an XP-G in ...

 

[sol-leks]

Fenix MC-10 might be worth looking at too.

 

[Cataract]

I fixed 90% of my headlamp problems with the Fenix headband: you can put two flashlights on it (size matters, as there is a range of sizes that will fit). I made my own diffusing lens that I inserted in the fenix red filter instead of the red lens. Works great. On top of it, you can combine it with the HP10 and have 3 major blinding spots coming out of your head! The Fenix diffuser kinda sucks for a diffuser if you need to see more than a few feet ahead. I'm hoping that the 4sevens RGB will do better at that
and fit in the fenix headband, or at least to as good a job with the quark prism kit, but IMHO the fenix headband seems a lot more stable, especially for biking.

 

[zemmo]

"Really?? :thinking: I've taken my EOS backpacking all around the world, and it's never once turned on... I would actually say the opposite - that my only gripe is that it can be too difficult to turn on when you're wearing mittens. I guess YMMV!"

Yeah, I've had it happen a couple of times, carrying the light in the top flap of my pack. My particular light requires little pressure to trigger.

often overlooked: Streamlight Argo HP

can run on a single 17650 Li-Ion and thus can be charged with same charger as the real lights (= 18650 powered).

... sure, it does not feature the lastest led, but modding is a breeze.
Just put an XP-G in ...

I haven't used this light, but I like the idea of a 17670.

 

[DM51]

there's a headlamp forum on CPF which this would be best suited for.

Ha! A dedicated headlamp forum.

Yep! Moving it there now.

 

[Hack On Wheels]

I believe that there is a diffuser for the Fenix HP10, so that would get rid of any concerns about not having a floody light.

I have NO personal experience with the HP10, but on paper it would be my top choice. Great max output, decent throw, the option of flood with a diffuser, good runtime with 4AAs, a solid headband to support the weight well and keep the light from moving around...

Granted, my preferences could easily differ from yours (and those of the other people on this trip), but I don't mind carrying a bit of extra weight if the gains include performance, versatility, and reliability. When I'm out where I won't be seeing anyone else (apart from my hiking buddy) for days, I like to be over-prepared if anything.

 

[vtunderground]

:: The princeton tec EOS
- i have read many complaints of support requests going unanswered

From what I've read, most of the complaints come from people who've e-mailed Princeton Tec. People who call them on the phone have much better luck.

Personally, I've had great luck with Princeton Tec customer service. They even replaced my Apex after I broke it in a modding attempt... no questions asked.

 

[jar3ds]

i need to send 2 headlamps back to PT... one because the racket (angle adjustment) part sucks and has always been too loose on an old quad...

and my trusty EOS has a small crack around the screw area and my friends EOS had its button snap on the inside... :-(

 

[Turbo DV8]

"Really?? :thinking: I've taken my EOS backpacking all around the world, and it's never once turned on... I would actually say the opposite - that my only gripe is that it can be too difficult to turn on ...

Yeah, I've had it happen a couple of times, carrying the light in the top flap of my pack. My particular light requires little pressure to trigger.

I've owned three of the PT EOS Reb's, and always felt the switch was unnecessarily difficult to activate, requiring an inordinate amount of pressure. I believe yours may be the exception. There is no way mine would get turned on in a pack unless the corner of a brick were touching the switch and I jumped! Now that you've mentioned it, I can see this as a positive thing, as I know what drag it is to feel the need to "lock out" a battery or remove it completely for fear of accidentally activating it in transit.