Neutral tint AA or 18650 powered options?

[fixitman]

So, what are the current options for a neutral tint headlamp that uses 1 or 2 AA batteries? How about 18650?
I need a wide hotspot, lots of spill. But not all flood like the H501w, which I already have.

Headlamp would mostly be used in a factory setting, performing maintenance work on machines. Occasional use camping or caving.

The body needs to be sturdy, and I am not a big fan of having a battery pack under my head when working on my back under a machine.

I need at least 2 modes, 30-60 lumens on general, 100+ on high
a low mode would be ok. I would want the light to come on in the general mode. Flipping through a bunch of modes while working is a pain in the buttocks.

I am ok with doing mods, and my budget is no more than $100, or $150 if I can get it on ebay (have gift card). As usual, cheaper is better.

Does a 2AA headlamp even exist? seems like most headlamps are 3AAA.

My battery choices are:
AA lithium, eneloop, alkaline, 14500, or the new NiZn 1.6v,
18650

I am really tempted to take a Preon or quark mini head and build a headlamp around it.

I see that Zebralight is coming out the the H51, but I am not sure I want to wait for the neutral version.

 

[yowzer]

I think the Zebralight H60w and H501w are the only options short of modding or custom.

 

[Egsise]

Fenix HL20, I taped the lens of my HL20 with scotch "satin" tape to get more spill and wider hotspot.
Single AA, it has three modes, 4-50-100 lumens or so and it remembers the last used mode.
My favorite when I fix car, computers and big laser printers.

Good host for XP-G neutral mod?

 

[B0wz3r]

I'm in the same boat right now, looking for my first good quality LED headlamp.

After looking around, I've decided to get an h501w.

But for your needs, how about this one?

http://www.zebralight.com/H31w-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_29.html

Smaller and lighter than any Fenix model, and just as powerful. Also comes with a pocket clip.

 

[Egsise]

That ZebraLight model is CR123/RCR123 powered, not AA or 18650.

 

[fixitman]

After spending about 16 hours of research over the last few days, Ive come to the conclusion I will have to wait for the H51w, mod a HL20, or build my own.

thanks for all the replies, and if you have any more ideas, keep em coming!

 

[pobox1475]

What about the H60w? http://www.zebralight.com/H60w-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_12.html

I know it is all flood, but 91 lm with option to output 157 for up to ten minutes will do some serious illuminating in my book. Run times look good as well.

 

[fixitman]

What about the H60w? http://www.zebralight.com/H60w-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_12.html

I know it is all flood, but 91 lm with option to output 157 for up to ten minutes will do some serious illuminating in my book. Run times look good as well.

I need something with at least a bit of a spot. I already have an H501w, and its great for close up stuff, but I need something more general purpose. Thanks for the input though.

 

[Ian2381]

Maybe you should wait for the Zebralight H51 headlamp.

It will be available in August.:twothumbs