newbie: Best value AA HL?

[jrtf83]

Hey guys,
Newbie to the headlamps here. I'm sure you're all very sick of this but I need some help choosing a relatively inexpensive, preferably single AA headlamp. (we really oughta get a good sticky going with advice for the newbs)

I'm looking to ideally spend less than 30 bucks, and I'm thinking single AA is best because i don't need massive battery life, and i've got quite a few rechargeable AA's sitting around the house from my flashlight addiction... (thanks CPF...)

Thanks in advance for all your advice,
Ross

 

[woodentsick]

I've not personally tried out these lamps, but have heard much good praise about them

The Rayovac Sportsman Xtreme Headlamp meets you criteria and is probably the best in this price and form factor as it has a high output LED (45 lumens) and 3 additional 5mm LEDs in red or blue! AND it has a rotating diffuser! This thing's even better than I thought!

Click Here for product description

BatteryJunction has a sale on them, $19.95, Click Here

Hope this helps and :welcome: Headlamps!

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I agree with woodentsick, the sportsman xtreme is a great little headlamp. It's not cutting edge, but it is plenty bright for most uses.

If you could bump your budget up to $49, I'd recommend the Zebralight H50 which is one of the finest 1xAA headlamps anywhere, especially if a clean flood beam is desirable.

 

[chenko]

I'd save some and get a Fenix HL-20. It's not that expensive and a really good light. Works with just one AA. :twothumbs

EDIT: I have a Zebralight H501w which is awesome, best 1xAA headlamp period, but the Fenix is cheaper and still very good! It should have some more throw, which you may like or not.

 

[Flying Turtle]

I agree with woodentsick, the sportsman xtreme is a great little headlamp. It's not cutting edge, but it is plenty bright for most uses.

If you could bump your budget up to $49, I'd recommend the Zebralight H50 which is one of the finest 1xAA headlamps anywhere, especially if a clean flood beam is desirable.

What he says. My only gripe with the Rayovac is that the main light will die suddenly when the battery gets down. At least you can use the reds or blue for a while at this point while searching for a new battery.

Geoff

 

[jirik_cz]

I vote for Fenix HL20. It is really bright with nice throw. Included diffuser is pretty useful too.

 

[jrtf83]

Thanks so much guys. I was just researching each one of these and reading reviews and stuff. Then I realized they all came highly recommended and something tells me I can't make a bad purchase of any of these three.

I think i'll start w/ the Rayovac and see if i have desire for more light afterwards. Something tells me my headlamp habit will end up being as expensive as my torch habit!

haha,
Thanks again,
Ross

lovecpf

 

[Buck91]

Purchased the Zebralight H50b about a month ago and have been extremely happy. The "b" version has the 80 degree optic as opposed to the 120 degree resulting in what I consider to be a PERFECT headlamp beam. Pure flood, but a controlled flood- works great for jogging unlit parks, dirt roads and the like. On low and medium is perfect for reading on doing random chores.

Granted, the price is higher which is why it took me so long to pick one up, but its worth every penny (so far)!

 

[MojaveMoon07]

Purchased the Zebralight H50b about a month ago and have been extremely happy. The "b" version has the 80 degree optic as opposed to the 120 degree resulting in what I consider to be a PERFECT headlamp beam. Pure flood, but a controlled flood- works great for jogging unlit parks, dirt roads and the like. On low and medium is perfect for reading on doing random chores.

Granted, the price is higher which is why it took me so long to pick one up, but its worth every penny (so far)!

May I ask you what drew you to the H50b over the H501 ?

 

[Buck91]

Increased h20 resistance and simpler UI. I subscribe to the KISS principle in devices like torches.