Looking for a headlamp with certain features

[speedsix]

I am looking for a good headlamp for hiking and backpacking. I have the features that I need narrowed down but I am just overwhelmed by the number of lights out there.

Here is what I need out of one.

1. Must have spot beam and flood. I need a spot for night hiking and a flood for camp chores.

2. Must be all LED.

3. Waterproof and shock proof.

4. Light and compact. I prefer a light that has the batteries mounted behind the light as opposed to at the back of the head. The ones with the remote battery compartment that you put on your belt or whatnot are off the table.

5. Uses common AAA or AA batteries. I want to be able to get batteries at a gas station in BFE if need be.

6. Must be current regulated.

7. Price, less than $75.

Right now, the Dlack Diamond Spot is on my list but I would like a few others to compare it to that are similar. Maybe something from Steamlight, Princton Tec and Petzl.

I know that every light has upsides and downsides. I have heard that Princeton Tec's current regulation is better than Petzls for example. I want the most modern light as buying old tecnology doesn't make any sense.

 

[likeguymontag]

I know that every light has upsides and downsides. I have heard that Princeton Tec's current regulation is better than Petzls for example. I want the most modern light as buying old tecnology doesn't make any sense.

Petzl lights don't have current regulation except for the new Myo RXP. The BD Spot isn't regulated either.

The PT Apex meets your requirements, but I'd suggest you take a look at the PT Eos Rebel. It has a mix of spot and flood that's quite appropriate for hiking, camp chores, and reading in the tent. If you're backpacking, the weight savings will be meaningful. Most PT lights are lithium-compatible so you can gain runtime and save another few grams there.

Oh yeah, I guess the Eos doesn't do so well in high mode on alkaline cells; too much current draw for those poor little things. The runtime is cut short to ~1 hour regulated.

 

[nzbazza]

I had a long post ready but for some reason when I went to submit it I was logged out and the post was :poof: :mecry::shakehead :( :scowl: :mad: :banghead: :hairpull:

Anyway the short version is:

PT Eos: Almost perfect match to your requirements, the beam is an compromise between flood and throw. My personal favourite and go-to headlamp for hiking. Low works well for camp/tasks, med is bright enough for night hiking over unfamiliar rough routes/trails at night in the bush with occasional use of high for long distance spotting of markers etc.

BD Spot: The Spot IMO is a close second, let down by lack of waterproofness and toughness, no regulation, and low frequency PWM on med and lo levels that turns fast movement into a night out at a dance club. Very nice beam though, more throw than the Eos.

Petzl Tikka XP: Nice headlamp especially the sliding diffuser (why can't every headlamp have one of these?), but no regulation, no lithium batts (Petzl Advisory) and the big kicker, an old-gen Lux 1 LED. You can do a mod with a Seoul P4 Led.

 

[Marduke]

Most headlamps are not regulated, but you can get some decent pseudo regulation if you use lithium primaries, or NiMH rechargables. The light will still work with alkaline, but you will notice a performance hit usually.

 

[speedsix]

Looks like the PT Eos is the one. There seem to be a few different models. I see an Eos and an Eos II and the word "Rebel" is sometimes used but not always.

I saw one on E-bay for $26.99 that is 50 lumens. Is that the one I want or is there a different model that I should look for?

 

[likeguymontag]

Looks like the PT Eos is the one. There seem to be a few different models. I see an Eos and an Eos II and the word "Rebel" is sometimes used but not always.

I saw one on E-bay for $26.99 that is 50 lumens. Is that the one I want or is there a different model that I should look for?

That's the one you want. The older Eos used a Lumileds Luxeon led and produced 25 lumens. The new one uses a Lumileds Rebel led, produces 50 lumens, and has a nicer beam pattern. The packaging states the lumen rating, so it should be easy to ensure that you get the new model. PT calls them both "maxbright leds" but that's just their marketing dept. The new and old models have the same runtimes, for what it's worth. The difference is a more efficient emitter and a slightly different optic.

The Eos II is just a regular Eos aimed toward industrial users. It only has two modes, high and low, and it's rated as safe for certain hazardous environments. I think the only actual difference is the firmware.

 

[hopkins]

speedsix - situational awareness when night Hiking in the wilderness is a good thing. An unregulated headlamp that dims with time lets you constantly monitor the state of charge in the batteries unlike a regulated type.

Without competing light sources to ruin the eyes dark adaptation you'll be able to hike on low output and have many hours( or days) to think about changing batteries rather than seconds.

If your hike will allow a solar charge system for your headlamp
(unlike the overhanging thick forests of the AT)
here's a headlamp that's been favorably reviewed.

Everlite EL8 Solar Headlamp

 

[likeguymontag]

speedsix - situational awareness when night Hiking in the wilderness is a good thing. An unregulated headlamp that dims with time lets you constantly monitor the state of charge in the batteries unlike a regulated type.

Eh, I guess. I'd never hike with a headlamp that suddenly quit on me like the Rayovac 1xAA, but PT headlamps have circuitry that gives regulated runtime followed by dozens of hours of dimming, unregulated output. I'd never worry about being left in the darkness with no warning.

 

[speedsix]

Just an update, I bought a new PT EOS from the E-bay seller above.

I have used it a few times now and want to give a mini review. I took it to Puerto Rico and used it on the beach at night as well as in the jungle. I used it at hoime while working on my car in my dim garage. I also used it last night while working on my new elipitcal machine.

I am very happy with it for the most part. It does the job just fine.

Pros: Nice beam. Waterproof. Bright. Small and compact.

Cons: Plastic body feels kind of cheap. Not much flood light, more beam than flood. Moves around a bit on my head. Not sure why but it feels like it bouncing around more than my other headlamps. It is not actually moving but it wobbles on my forhead if I am moving fast. I wouldn't use this for running at night unless I tightend the strap.