Need help finding a head lamp with good throw

[matjok]

I need a headlamp to be used in the woods. What I am looking for is a zoomable lamp with good light output. Power source can be any, even a separate battery pack. The most important thing is it must have a tight beam with very good throw. I am not that concerned about how bright the flood setting is, but if it is good it is an added bonus. Would like to keep it under $ 50, but can go higher if needed. Thank you in advance.

 

[robostudent5000]

what's your intended use and runtime requirement?

 

[Gregozedobe]

And preferred batteries ? - rechargeable/primaries ? AAA/AA/CR123 ? (assuming 18650 headlamps will be out of your price range)

To be used in very cold conditions ? (lithiuum primaries are best)

Have you looked at the very useful threads here ? http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?316057-Headlamps-forum-Threads-of-Interest


PS Welcome to CPF

 

[ryguy24000]

Waterproof? if not try the Lenser H7

 

[Pacecar]

An inexpensive zoomable 5W Q5 headlamp can be purchased on ebay. The seller huah268 has one that can accept either a 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or it can accept 3 AAA batteries with its included battery carrier. These headlamps are a favorite scanning light of coyote/fox predator hunters.
18650 ZOOMABLE ZOOM 5W CREE Q5 LED HEADLAMP.

 

[Jeffa]

I was also looking for the same type of light. I would use it outside for searches of lost/missing hunters, outdoor enthusiats etc. While driving an ATV or snowmobile a powerful directional light would be very helpful when on the go rather than always having to completely stop and go.

Pacecar, I checked out your above link but am not sure if it would be the same quality as perhaps the Fenix HP11. Also not sure how it would compare to the HP11. Any ideas?

 

[psychbeat]

On "super" my Spark ST6-460 NW throws surprisingly well
for a small reflector-ed XM-L light.

 

[Jeffa]

Thanks psychbeat but I have a ST6-460NW and I agree it does throw quite well, but I would like one more thrower. I think there has got to be one that really throws a bit further. That would give me a flood SD6-460, medium thrower ST6-460 and then a long thrower.

 

[psychbeat]

One of Member Ahortons customs aspheric headlamps would throw like crazy.
Or member KevinMs p60 headlamp host with an EZ900 XR-E dropin @1.8a with smooth reflector.
Or 4.2a XM-L smooth.
The higher amp XM-L in smooth throws ALOT further than the spark.

Both might be out of yer price range.

 

[subwoofer]

Might be slightly out of budget, but the Fenix HP11 has good throw, but is a fixed beam.

 

[heartagramm]

Heh, already though that I'd suggest an XM-L T6 headlamp that you can buy off eBay or DX for way less than $50 USD but then I saw that the need is for zoomable headlamp. The throw is awesome though, and the battery lasts for solid 3 (high power)/9 (low power) hours on one charge. It's amazing how the headlamps have advanced throughout the years. Imagine 10 years earlier from now, and 10 years ahead.

If the zoom isn't an absolute necessarity, I'd recommend something with a T6.

 

[Jeffa]

Heh, already though that I'd suggest an XM-L T6 headlamp that you can buy off eBay or DX for way less than $50 USD but then I saw that the need is for zoomable headlamp. The throw is awesome though, and the battery lasts for solid 3 (high power)/9 (low power) hours on one charge. It's amazing how the headlamps have advanced throughout the years. Imagine 10 years earlier from now, and 10 years ahead.

If the zoom isn't an absolute necessarity, I'd recommend something with a T6.

Do you know if the inexpensive one from DX out throws the Fenix HP11 and how durable do you think it is. I'm big on durability and construction materials. Thanks.

 

[ryguy24000]

You might check out the Streamlight Argo HP. It has a great amount of throw with it's tight beam and a very usable amount of spill. Around $30 and uses 2 cr123 batteries. I have one and I like it.

 

[matjok]

Thank you for the responses. (My second post did not show up for some strange reason! I probably did something wrong).

 

[Jeffa]

I'm talking myself into a Spike V3. Not sure of the price but I know it will be up there.

 

[Jeffa]

matjok, what did you finally decide on?

 

[f2f46]

Mammut x-zoom is not a bad light to consider. Also, depending on if CRI is important to you, the zebra H51c has a decent spot in the middle and is 85 CRI.

 

[psychbeat]

Used my new p60 HL host for the first time last night w a 3.6a XML
Smooth reflector has nice throw!

An XRE or XPC @1.8a would throw better still but I need the larger spot of XML etc.