Suggestions on my new headlamp?

fenix-store
U

uzapuca

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 1, 2009
Messages
6
Location
Spain
Hi guys,


Two years ago i bought the LED Lenser H5 headlamp


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053H1842/?tag=cpf0b6-20


The optics on this light are great. The variable power output and the zoom are a nice feature. The biggest problem on this light is the angle adjustment for the light. It just flops and breaks quite easily. I have used for some light tasks like works in the garden and nothing extreme like hiking and the light mount angle piece broke in two weeks. Very disappointed the headlight is a bit useless now without the option to move the light at a desired angle. For now though this company is much better at making the light itself than make headlamps. Besides i do not live in the US and dealers here are not easy going on replacing it.

I am stuck with a broken headlamp and would like to change brands for my new headlamp. I would like it to be rechargeable lithium battery pack and which also have a strong mount for the angle adjustment light without buying an industrial headlamp. I heard good things of the

Petzl Tikka R plus
http://www.rei.com/product/860105/petzl-tikka-r-headlamp
$80

and also

Black Diamond Storm
http://www.rei.com/product/866384/black-diamond-storm-headlamp
$50

The Storm model is not rechargeable though.


What do you think? Is there any other model besides those two that you might suggest me? I think $100 is my budget.


Thanks for any help and Best ;)
 
I would go the Petzl. It is one headlamp I'm looking at for myself but it is over $100 here. The reasons, the strap is actually a big improvement on their previous straps, the reactive lighting, programmable, USB recharging, red light. I think Petzl are starting get serious and it is about time. I do wish that they would make it a bit more waterproof though but that could be hard with the USB port.

:welcome:
 
mcnair55 said:
Pop into a cavers supply outdoor centre they are bob on for headlights.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info but how can i take a look at Cavers Supply Outdoor centre? Is that a website or a Seller in the Forum?


Cheers,
 
Hi guys,
this is a great forum with many thing to learn. If i have read all the info about Led Lenser published in this forum i would probably went for another brand and model.

Now that i am looking for a new headlamp i am kind of thinking in a more durable and strong one that could resist outdoors well. Maybe Petzl is a good choice but what do you think about the Zebralight models? I have just seen a video review and they are made from a solid machined aluminium bar. They seems to last for long time and the angle light adjustment even a primitive design seems better than any plastic rotating mechanisms like most modern headlamps.

Have anybody used in close work distance as well as outdoor in the field?

Any thought?

Thanks guys,
 
uzapuca said:
Maybe Petzl is a good choice but what do you think about the Zebralight models? I have just seen a video review and they are made from a solid machined aluminium bar. They seems to last for long time and the angle light adjustment even a primitive design seems better than any plastic rotating mechanisms like most modern headlamps.

Have anybody used in close work distance as well as outdoor in the field?
Click to expand...

Been using Zebralights for a while now and they are a great choice. Haven't got the latest models as the ones I have has served me so well that I would only get them for collecting sake, which means that I probably will get them eventually.
 
thanks for the good info guys ;)

By the way, i wrote to Zebralight about the difference between their headlamp models since the website is not very informative and they reply back:

- The H600w has a typical flashlight like beam profile (hotspot + spill).
- The H602w is a pure flood without any hotspot, intended for closeup range.
- The H600Fw is in between the H600w and H602w, with a diffused hotspot.
H600w is the best fit for you.

I thought the H600Fw was the one that the very best of both worlds but the suggested the H600w. I am not sure about the hotspot. I always thought that Flood were for most uses, right? What do you think?
 
1st - but this is my personal opinion (which I can explain easily, if needed) - Skip all that other CRAP mentionned,
it is Zebralight, or lights that are built similar (= metal body and small)

the H600w offers the most perfect beam and is the most versatile light,
602 is flood only - if Your 100 % use is reading a newspaper, or working in the garden kneeing on the ground, then perhaps the beam suits better
600FW is a bit less flood - if Your illumination range is under 2 meters for 90 % of uses, then again: perhaps
but when You mention hiking and similar uses --> H600w

If You have an actual, typical, led light, the beam of the H600W is about something wider - say 15 degree Zebra to about 8 degree typical - and has a good transition from main beam to flood light around main beam ...
... You will like it.


hints:
* If You dont need high power all the time and/or are not used to the big Lithium-Ion cell, the smaller H52 runs with a standard AA cell
(much less power in cell, shorter runtime, lower output).
Imho it is not that much smaller and lighter, that it is needed to go for this model, the tradeoffs are too big.

* of You are already into led lights and appreciate neutral/warm tints, then go for the neutral option
(H600w Mk II 18650 XM-L2 Headlamp Neutral White),
because then Your headlamp gives a comparable output.
 
uzapuca said:
thanks for the good info guys ;)

By the way, i wrote to Zebralight about the difference between their headlamp models since the website is not very informative and they reply back:

- The H600w has a typical flashlight like beam profile (hotspot + spill).
- The H602w is a pure flood without any hotspot, intended for closeup range.
- The H600Fw is in between the H600w and H602w, with a diffused hotspot.
H600w is the best fit for you.

I thought the H600Fw was the one that the very best of both worlds but the suggested the H600w. I am not sure about the hotspot. I always thought that Flood were for most uses, right? What do you think?
Click to expand...

You know, that seems to be the conventional wisdom, but I find that the all flood is effectively worthless and the spot/flood is perfect for everything. That probably puts me in the minority, but I got the h502 based on info like this, and I was incredibly disappointed. Never could get any real use out of it. I had to go back to my h51. Most of my usage is closer than arms length and all the h502 did for me was irritate me.

I used my h51 for both up close and far away, and it was great. I used it since 2010 for probably a couple of hours/day on average and it still works flawlessly. I just got my h52 last week and it's all kinds of awesome. Fantastic upgrade. The only minor issue I have is that I prefer the switch on the h51 more.

I might feel different if I had the 18650. Maybe then it would be so bright that a total flood would be fine. But then I would have a big honking weight on my head and I would need a pair of 18650s, etc., etc.

I also have no first hand experience of the 'f' versions. At no point have I thought that diffusing my light would be easier than just switching to a lower level if I wanted less light.

 
I have a 600F. It lights up the tops of trees thirty feet away. The idea that it can't throw beyond two meters is simply wrong. I love the fact that it has no discernible hotspot. I use it (among other uses) for mountain biking in wooded areas, where I need to be able to see well in front of me and don't want to be distracted by the "bouncing ball" of a hotspot.

The H600 is hardly a "big honking weight" -- it weighs 40 grams. Add another 45 grams for the battery and the total is roughly 85 grams -- 3 ounces. It is quite easy to carry on your head. Just my opinion, but I don't think there are many headlamps comparable to the H600. Maybe the Armytek, but I can't think of any others.

Unless you need to see things far away from you and don't care about the bouncing ball (I dislike that effect in all lights, frankly), the H600F might be perfect for you. It is for me.
 
uzapuca said:
Maybe Petzl is a good choice but what do you think about the Zebralight models?
Click to expand...

Zebralights come with some issues. Some people love them and swear buy them. Some people hate them and would never buy them again. Do your research and make sure you know what you're getting into.
 
Rojos, I hear you. I wouldn't be a Zebralight admirer if I had received a defective one, like more than a few people seem to have. I have four ZL's, all of which work perfectly, and which in terms of performance put my other lights to shame. I did look at the Petzl, Black Diamond and Coast headlamps but was not impressed. I may regret the choice to buy a ZL if mine craps out, but so far so good :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

bickford
Throw headlamp ?
Replies
4
Views
581
bickford
bickford
A
Headlamp war brewing for me..
Replies
0
Views
79
AMD64Brunette
A
D
(Honkin') big headlamp
Replies
3
Views
619
Hooked on Fenix
H
V
Seeking Recommendations for Upgrading My Headlamp: ZebraLight or other???
Replies
4
Views
2K
3L3M3NT
3
J
Ozark Trail 500 lumen headlamp
Replies
1
Views
882
Hooked on Fenix
H

Latest posts

Top