Wurkkos HD10 Headlamp - First Impressions (not a full review).

DaveTheDude

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Oct 26, 2009
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Location
Columbus, Ohio
Tonight I had the chance to use my two Wurkkos HD10 headlamps in real world applications, and thought I'd briefly share my experience and impressions as to this headlamp's performance and best uses. (I unexpectedly needed to perform some unscheduled outdoor work, so I decided I'd give these two lights a workout.)

Color temperatures and useful range. I bought both the 6000k and 4000k versions. The two color temperatures made no meaningful difference in application, so choose your favorite and ignore any thought of buyer's remorse. Both versions produce a medium width beam pattern without any shadowing or irregularities. I found the beam pattern to be really useful for distances out to about 20-25 feet (6-8 meters), but beyond that the beam pattern spreads too broadly and the lux becomes too faint to be useful in anything other than an emergency scenario.

Runtimes. With regard to performance against advertised specifications, I found that my two headlamp's runtimes at higher output levels are almost exactly half of the claimed performance levels. Once the cell is depleted the light automatically drops to a low output level, so you have enough light to retrieve one of your backup cells and switch to a fresh one without too much heartburn. (The light uses 14500 li-ion cells exclusively, so no realistic chance of salvaging AA's in the wild. You do carry spare cells, don't you? With this light running at higher output levels you'll need to.)

I also had to perform a few hours of close quarters work, at lower output levels. In my opinion this is where this headlamp really shines. (The pun was unavoidable; just get over it. 😁) At lower output levels the beam pattern for close-in work is excellent, and lower level runtimes can last 6-8 hours, without dimming. As a reading headlamp the HD10 is superb, delivering smooth, even illumination to the page.

So, if you need a lightweight headlamp for close up work, or for use in the house or shop, the HD10 might be a good choice for you. But I recommend that you look elsewhere if your primary application will be in an outdoor environment.
 
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Shortly after the TS10 was introduced, I posted (on another forum) a challenge to Wurkkos to develop a headlamp designed around the TS10 concept. The original (v1) TS10's exceptional emitter qualities (CSP2323) and diminutive size combined with the attributes of Anduril firmware were close to perfection (IMO) in a value packed compact light duty pocket torch. Where it really 'shined' for me was as an impromptu BBQ grilling light when clipped to a hat brim. The superior color rendering of those original batches of CSP emitters (esp. 4000K) provide a truly natural light source for illuminating the cooking surface and food prep. A headlamp version seemed like a natural progression in the lineup.
Fast forward to today, and although the HD10 has finally made the scene, I've been reluctant to take a chance. Over time the quality of CSP emitters Wurkkos has been installing in subsequent versions of the TS10 exhibit degraded binning, tint shifts, and the overall product QC has suffered and been well documented. Granted, it's a budget light and one can't expect perfection, but it would be more attractive to me if it didn't come with all the baggage of recent deficiencies. TBS, I'll probably jump the shark and try the HD10 hoping for a good working sample.
 
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