which headlamp for work

[4evrplan]

Which inexpensive headlamp would you recommend for working on electronics and mechanical stuff in the dark? It should take standard alkalines. The brighter the better, but I have no idea how bright is really sufficient. I need to make a recommendation to my boss.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Which inexpensive headlamp would you recommend for working on electronics and mechanical stuff in the dark? It should take standard alkalines. The brighter the better, but I have no idea how bright is really sufficient. I need to make a recommendation to my boss.

If you can't find a satisfying cheap headlamp, it's easy to make an acceptable headband for a flashlight. Description and pictures. Mine works pretty well and doesn't interfere with normal use at all.

 

[spinkid]

I have several headlamps for work at night righ now. I am usually working with telco and and small connections. I started with a MYO XP ($80-ish), then through some trials ended up with a Zebralight 501 (5900ish) awhile back and really love using this for work and hiking. The only drawback to me is the runtime on high being on 1AA (otherwise this is darn near perfect). I had some Silva headlamps a long time ago that I sold off, then found an L1 on eBay for just 29 bucks the other day. Its an older emitter type and has much more of a spot beam, but I figured since my needs had changed why not give it another shot. I just started to experiment with this for work, but I kinda dig it. It works great for connections up close and walking to jobsites (cell towers) from my truck. Its a bit wierd with such a narrow beam, but with 2AA's the runtime on high will easily make a night shift and medium is usually all thats needed. So it depends on your purpose and budget for a light that will work for you, these just work for me and I have all 3 in the truck to choose from at any given time.

 

[Ajay]

Which inexpensive headlamp would you recommend for working on electronics and mechanical stuff in the dark? It should take standard alkalines. The brighter the better, but I have no idea how bright is really sufficient. I need to make a recommendation to my boss.

I recommend this: http://www.light-reviews.com/energizer_hcp_4led_headlight/

Cheap (got mine for $20 from buy.com), long runtime and very bright. I bought mine to do exactly what you do and I am very happy with the light. The diffuser works really well for close up work.

See this thread on the same light: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=263334
My mini review is on the second page of that thread, number 33.


Cheerio and :welcome:

 

[Thermion]

The Streamlight Enduro is what I use at work for a headlight. It uses 2 AAAs and has a removable headband so it can be attached to a hat brim. It has two levels and is very usable inside a small enclosed space. It does have a slight blueish tint, but i find this doesn't bother me. I find the choice of removable headband very handy as I sometimes wear a cap.

Sorry Ajay, this reply was supposed to go on the OP instead of yours.