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Headlamp recommendations

Westdesign03

Westdesign03

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2019
Messages
1,920
Location
Ohio
Was looking around here and the last thread I found on headlamp recommendations was from 2018. I’m in the market for one and wanted to see what everyone’s recommendations are now.

Things I’m looking for:
- must have a good red light mode.
- don’t want cheap quality.
- very much prefer that it is rechargeable.
- reasonably light weight.
- cost less than $100, preferably below $50-60 or so.

I know about the Black Diamonds and how popular they are. I tried one from bass pro but was convinced there was something wrong with it electronically, so turned right back around and returned it before leaving the parking lot. If this is a good one and it’s your recommendation, let me know. Maybe I just got a bad one. Otherwise what else ya got?
 
I really like this one. Petzl tactikka+. Good lumens, red light., and you can buy the core rechargeable battery for it. But it can also use 3A batteries as well. Reasonably light weight. I think light plus battery would be just over the target of $60.

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www.moosejaw.com


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Headlamp

So ever hunt and every season I try to fix anything that is problematic with the hunt system/gear and this year I've been plagued with the dang headlamp turning on while it is stored. I carry extra batteries so it's not the end of the world but it bothers me....minus taking the batteries out...
saddlehunter.com

Favorite headlamp?

I am looking for a new head lamp for this season. I am looking for one mainly for tracking deer and I want it to be bright enough to start a fire should I leave it in one place for too long. I would prefer to stay south of $30 as I am hard on stuff and ill likely replace it or buy a couple...
saddlehunter.com

Headlamp

What is a good head lamp you guys are using. Preferably one that has the green or red light plus your regular light. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
saddlehunter.com

Need headlamp recommendations...

I am looking for a really good, RED headlamp for hunting. I am not too picky on battery type, but definitely want red, and very good power. It seems there’s all kinds of lights on the market right now, but they only advertise how bright the main white light is. There seems to be very little...
saddlehunter.com

Basic red/white bright headlamp

There are other threads but not specific to what I’m looking for. I have a black diamond that works fine but all the bells and whistles irritate me when I’m in the deer woods. 3 button presses for this, 2 for that, hold down this long to switch, strobe function for when you’re at the club...
saddlehunter.com
 
This is the best red headlamp I have ever found. The red is actually usable for navigation and not just reading a map.

77outdoor LED Rechargeable Red Headlamp, D25LR Powerful Lightweight Head Flashlight with 90 High CRI Bright White Light and 660nm Deep Red Light, USB Charging for Camping, Hiking, Hunting https://a.co/d/bJCc2HH
 
Westdesign03 said:
Was looking around here and the last thread I found on headlamp recommendations was from 2018. I’m in the market for one and wanted to see what everyone’s recommendations are now.

Things I’m looking for:
- must have a good red light mode.
- don’t want cheap quality.
- very much prefer that it is rechargeable.
- reasonably light weight.
- cost less than $100, preferably below $50-60 or so.

I know about the Black Diamonds and how popular they are. I tried one from bass pro but was convinced there was something wrong with it electronically, so turned right back around and returned it before leaving the parking lot. If this is a good one and it’s your recommendation, let me know. Maybe I just got a bad one. Otherwise what else ya got?
Click to expand...
Why do you prefer rechargeable? I actually prefer a headlamp that takes the same replaceable batteries as my other devices. Keeps things easy. Carry one set of spares. Don’t have to remember to recharge it, just replace they batteries when they die. (Having a rechargeable would seem to be just another thing to have to remember to do throughout the season. Knowing how Murphy’s Law works, I’d forget to recharge it and then remember I haven’t charged it in awhile as the light from the beam slowly dies when I’m a couple miles back in the marsh/woods, or as I’m attempting to track an animal…..)
 
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Bratch said:
This is the best red headlamp I have ever found. The red is actually usable for navigation and not just reading a map.

77outdoor LED Rechargeable Red Headlamp, D25LR Powerful Lightweight Head Flashlight with 90 High CRI Bright White Light and 660nm Deep Red Light, USB Charging for Camping, Hiking, Hunting https://a.co/d/bJCc2HH
Click to expand...

That’s what I bought this year. The red light modes are great, from a moonlight mode to very bright. The lockout works. And the ability to charge the battery by loosening the cap and plugging in is great. I carry a battery bank with me, in my inner layers if it’s cold, to charge cell, Garmin messenger, and headlamp if needed.
 
The black diamond spot has what I consider to be the best user interface. It’s not rechargeable, it’s the not the fanciest, it’s not the most expensive. But I’ve used a lot of headlamps over the years, and the way the buttons work on the spot makes me happy.
 
Maverick1 said:
Why do you prefer rechargeable? I actually prefer a headlamp that takes the same replaceable batteries as my other devices. Keeps things easy. Carry one set of spares. Don’t have to remember to recharge it, just replace they batteries when they die. (Having a rechargeable would seem to be just another thing to have to remember to do throughout the season. Knowing how Murphy’s Law works, I’d forget to recharge it and the. remember I haven’t charged it in awhile as the light from the beam slowly dies when I’m a couple miles back in the marsh/woods, or as I’m attempting to track an animal…..)
Click to expand...
I have a rechargeable headlight with an internal battery pack and it‘s great, but I feel you on this one as well. So my backup light takes regular batteries, which can also be rechargeable ones, but if I get in a bind for power I can just buy some regular batteries off the shelf.

I’d really be interested in hearing how folks that go out of state and are car camping keep not only their headlight, but all of their rechargeable gear charged with no outlet access.
 
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2Sloe said:
I have a rechargeable headlight with an internal battery pack and it‘s great, but I feel you on this one as well. So my backup light takes regular batteries, which can also be rechargeable ones, but if I get in a bind for power I can just buy some regular batteries off the shelf.

I’d really be interested in hearing how folks that go out of state and are car camping keep not only their headlight, but all of their rechargeable charged with no outlet access.
Click to expand...

car camping is manageable cause i have a 12v plug that does lightning and micro-b at the same time. charge time for these lights are very quick cause they are led. an hour will recharge from 50 to 90%. if i dont use on a blood trail, then i can go wo charge for 1/2 dozen hunts np.

its the backpack camping that forces me to use my batt operated headlamps, but then i just use the light ones that shine white.
 
All the headlamps with a red filter or red bulb I have seen have been very dim with the red bulb

I've heard that predator hunter gear is where the brighter red lights can be found, I had a link at one time but can't remember/find it

As far as best bang for the buck, I say Fenix

I have several of their lights and headlamps and they are phenomenal
 
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The Fenix HM60R fits all my needs. The UI is great. Once you go to the 18650 platforms I guarantee you'll pitch all your AAA. The red mode might not cut it for you though. I'll use it for climbing some. I use it more night fishing to preserve my night vision. I wouldn't want to go on a hike in red mode.

I don't personally believe white lights scare deer much if at all, but for those that do, is a red filter sufficient to alleviate your concerns, or is that somehow different?
 
I've used a Petzl with a Core rechargeable battery for a few years now, but wanted more brightness and robustness. After much research, went with a Peax Backcountry Duo and love it. One button operation, which is nice. Bit heavier, but built like a tank and works well.

www.peaxequipment.com

Backcountry Duo Headlamp by PEAX, The Best Hunting Headlamp

Breakthrough lumen output armored in a machined aluminum housing, the BACKCOUNTRY DUO is the brightest, most durable hunting headlamp ever designed. Never get left in the dark with run times up to 69 hrs. Engineered to endure any mountain adventure. Get yours now.
www.peaxequipment.com www.peaxequipment.com
 
Primary: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/spot-400-r/?colorid=12854
Backup, carried in addition: https://shop.gohunt.com/products/pe...z6UodDIA1y0I8WyCfUT26BXPsXg-OJUhoCyW4QAvD_BwE
Additional backup, stored at home, used to be primary (somewhat complicated mode cycle switching): https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/storm-450/?colorid=12844
Most intriguing for possible future purchase: https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hm61r-v2-rechargeable-headlamp

Additional carry for scanning: Elusive Wildlife XLR 100 flashlight in red.
Additional carry for blood tracking: Elusive Wildlife Blood Track-R flashlight.

I don't typically utilize red, except possibly a minimal amount during setups or removal.
 
I'm a petzel fan. I've had a couple black diamonds and with each one I had an issue with what i assume was water damage. The batteries would always corrode and I'd have to replace the light every 2 or 3 years. I've had none such issues with the petzel.
 
bushnell light at wally world is rechargeable or aaa. The red is bright. its only $30. Def had it turn on in my bag before though. I do like the twist on lights with the rechargeable 18650 batteries too. they are gonna last longer or much brighter and you can keep a backup battery. My bikelight detaches if i need something with crazy lumens for a bloodtrail etc.
headlamp is only for sneaky side missions and at the base of my tree on red mode.
 
elk yinzer said:
The Fenix HM60R fits all my needs. The UI is great. Once you go to the 18650 platforms I guarantee you'll pitch all your AAA. The red mode might not cut it for you though. I'll use it for climbing some. I use it more night fishing to preserve my night vision. I wouldn't want to go on a hike in red mode.

I don't personally believe white lights scare deer much if at all, but for those that do, is a red filter sufficient to alleviate your concerns, or is that somehow different?
Click to expand...

I use my 500+ lumen lights to try to scare deer out of fields so they run from a light versus something they know is human (seems better to me)

Anyways, I've shined 1,000 lumen white light straight in a deer's eyes and they continue feeding. I've resorted to waving the light or using a strobe to get them to run. So, I'm not sure if white light affects them that much.
 
Bratch said:
This is the best red headlamp I have ever found. The red is actually usable for navigation and not just reading a map.

77outdoor LED Rechargeable Red Headlamp, D25LR Powerful Lightweight Head Flashlight with 90 High CRI Bright White Light and 660nm Deep Red Light, USB Charging for Camping, Hiking, Hunting https://a.co/d/bJCc2HH
Click to expand...

Light shots from testing this headlamp last year


 
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