Headlight to keep in vehicle + yardwork around the property ect.

[Lights and Guns]

Hey guys,

Looking for a headlamp to keep in my vehicle, in the event I have to pull over on the side of road at night in a dark area and change a tire (as an example) I can go ahead and have light with both my hands being free. ---> I would also like to use this headlamp for tasks around my property in the evening hours when it gets dark, whether it be piling firewood, doing some work in my un-lit shed or check on things on my property but wanting to have my hand free of anything (or because I'm already carrying items or tools ect)

1) Cost is no issue here as I think it will be an important and welcome addition in to my life.

2) Battery source will ideally be - 18350, 18650 or 21700 since I'm heavily invested in those cells currently - I don't want to buy different cells, and I absolutely hate proprietary battery packs... so that's a HUGE no for me.

3) Whether resistant / waterproof would be a big plus as it will be used outdoors.

I am looking to order something as soon as possible so please let me know what you recommend.
I've been in a few situations already that I absolutely wished I had a good headlamp for but didn't.

I am partial to Fenix lights and stream light but am open to any suggestions. Preferably a well known company with a decent warranty policy, as opposed to a cheaper light. -- I'd rather buy quality once, and be done with it. I dislike buying cheaper stuff and having it fail or break on me when I need it most.

Thank you all!

 

[Fuzzywuzzies]

Well, no one else is chiming in, so I guess I shall!

As soon as you say "cost is no object" and "headlamp" in the same sentence, someone will yell "Zebralight!" And they'll probably be right. Zebralights are potted (electronics set inside resin, effectively indestructible) excellent quality, and have a good user interface. And that's coming from someone who thinks all torches should have single-purpose controls (on/off)…. They put out really good quality, steady light and can be bought in a bunch of different configurations.

They're waterproof, submersible (ask me how I know) have fantastic LED drivers, great headbands, and just plain do everything really well.

In my opinion they are in a better class in some ways that Fenix and Streamlight - sacrilege! come the shouts - but whatever your opinion you won't regret owning one. Or several. You'll see.
Have a look at the Zebralight H600Fc Mk IV High CRI in 4000K. (18650 battery)

For a decent cheaper options, you could also look at Skilhunt, I have some and would grudgingly rate them pretty highly for what they are. Something like the Skilhunt H200 with a 4500k Nichia 519a LED (18650 battery) in it would be a winner for you for sure at that price point.

YMMV and DYOR and all that though. Have fun, and shoot back any questions you like!

Fuzzy

 

[Brokenarrow]

I have the Fenix HM75R and would highly recommend it for around the farm and camping. Super comfortable band with easy on/off.

 

[Monocrom]

I think headlamp, I think Petzl.
18650?.... Petzl NAO Plus 750 lumens headlamp.

 

[DaveTheDude]

Here are two recommendations, both of which respect your battery choices, and both of which are superb with regard to reliability.

First the inexpensive recommendation: JetBeam HR10. This is a compact headlamp with a nicely focused beam shape. Color temp is about 5000K. Used with an 18350 or 16340 cell. Good mode spacing. About $40.

Now the buy once cry once recommendation: any of the Lucifer models that use an 18650 cell; several are available, with varying performance metrics, depending on budget and need. Color temp is 4500K. Perfect beam shape for general use purposes. Prices vary from $150-$200, more or less. Solid milled aluminum billet housing the light engine, making it an excellent heat sink, capable of sustained high output levels.

You won't go wrong with either. You may also, like many on this forum have before me, buy both. (You know you want to...😈)

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Nitecore HC65 UHE- $65, 1600 lumens, comes with 4 amp 18650 battery (highest capacity available).