Flying Turtle
Flashaholic
Just in case you don't already know about it, the Tracer headlamp is a small (1.8 oz.), two LED, one AAA, ten hour run light made by CMG. The package also states 40 hours usable light and water resistance.
This is my first headlamp, but I have checked out most of the others available locally. First impression was that it is really small and light, probably half that of a other AAA powered lamps. Next I noticed the battery door, which is connected to the tilt hinge and strap, seemed flimsy and hardly water resistant. There's no gasket. The battery loaded okay, but there's no polarity marking. Thankfully the instructions said to put the positive to the right.
Firing it up brought no great surprises. It produces a nice even light that's also mostly white. There's a bit of hot spot and good spill. Comparing it other familiar lights, I'd say it's about equal in intensity to the AAA and AA Arcs and Dorcys and also the Derringer at full brightness. Spill is a little wider than the others. The sanoprene clickie needs a serious push and gives a good click. It is not likely to accidentally activate. The strap is comfortable and fully adjustable, with a removable over-the-head strap. The tilt hinge has a screw for tightening and, I suppose, removal of the plate and strap for pocket carry. Because the light is so light weight, I think it would hold up to some drops. Just don't throw it around much.
Not a bad little light. Not great, but it'll keep you from bumping into things. To me the size and use of one cell are big pluses. If you don't need to "pierce the night" it's probably bright enough. I hesitated buying this for it's normal $25, but for $16.95 I think it's worth it.
This is my first headlamp, but I have checked out most of the others available locally. First impression was that it is really small and light, probably half that of a other AAA powered lamps. Next I noticed the battery door, which is connected to the tilt hinge and strap, seemed flimsy and hardly water resistant. There's no gasket. The battery loaded okay, but there's no polarity marking. Thankfully the instructions said to put the positive to the right.
Firing it up brought no great surprises. It produces a nice even light that's also mostly white. There's a bit of hot spot and good spill. Comparing it other familiar lights, I'd say it's about equal in intensity to the AAA and AA Arcs and Dorcys and also the Derringer at full brightness. Spill is a little wider than the others. The sanoprene clickie needs a serious push and gives a good click. It is not likely to accidentally activate. The strap is comfortable and fully adjustable, with a removable over-the-head strap. The tilt hinge has a screw for tightening and, I suppose, removal of the plate and strap for pocket carry. Because the light is so light weight, I think it would hold up to some drops. Just don't throw it around much.
Not a bad little light. Not great, but it'll keep you from bumping into things. To me the size and use of one cell are big pluses. If you don't need to "pierce the night" it's probably bright enough. I hesitated buying this for it's normal $25, but for $16.95 I think it's worth it.
