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Looking for new headlamp

Homebrew454

Homebrew454

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2017
Messages
1,496
Location
Wisconsin
The flashlight thread got my attention that I should be looking for a new headlamp that is lighter weight but yet rechargeable for a pack in elk hunt. I would prefer an option for red or green light function for when bright light isn't needed.

My current one is broke but I have it fixed that it works ok. Battery housing was plastic and broke so I need a new more reliable one.

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
 
I have two seasons in the books with this one.

Can charge with battery in it, or pull tha battery to charge externally.

I carry a second flashlight with 3 of these batteries in it in my truck or on bike. I have yet to need the backup light for tracking or any other activity - this headlamp does it all so far.

www.nitecorestore.com

NITECORE HC65 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp, with Red light

The NITECORE HC65 USB rechargeable headlamp adds even more power to the popular HC60 headlamp by adding secondary red & high CRI LEDs. Equipped with a primary CREE XM-L2 US LED producing a 1000 lumen wide-angle output beam capable of a 120 yard throw.
www.nitecorestore.com

I run it on low 90% of the time walking and climbing. I can typically use ultra low for walking open roads and packing up at base of tree and getting set up once at height.

riding bike I typically run medium, which is really bright.

according to the battery run times, I should get 3-4 days with my usage rates. My experience reflects that - I typically go a whole weekend hunt Without swapping battery. I can’t think of a time I’ve had to hunting only two days.
 
I actually bought a backup after I used it for a season. Rather than just carry a spare battery, I sacrifice an extra ounce and carry the spare lamp. Haven’t used it yet. It basically acts as battery storage, but I like to be prepared.
 
This was a timely thread. My green light gave up the ghost recently and I've been looking for a new light.
 
Nitecore NU25

I went through this process a few years ago and did hours of research to find the best balance of lightweight, useful functions and hours/charge.

This was the winner and I have been very happy with it.

www.litesmith.com

Nitecore® NU25 Triple Output USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Nitecore® NU25 is a triple output USB rechargeable headlamp with 360 lumen, high CRI, and red LEDs. Featherlight at just 1.17 oz (33.0 g) with our exclusive ultralight headband, perfect for backpacking.
www.litesmith.com www.litesmith.com
 
I've been pretty happy with a $30 coast walmart was carrying this year. Runs on a rechargeable or 3 triple A's. Bright with a good flood and isn't heavy on the head. Only complaint is it doesn't have a good spot beam which i miss.
 
All I've ever used is cyclops ?ranger? (Can't remember model, camo and non camo version available) bright spot hi-low and seizure and flood in white, green, and red...3 AAA batteries... I have 4 and all haven't given me any problems for over 3 years now
 

I have been using this light (no longer available, but a Gen II has been released) in conjunction with a red or green Cyclops Micro cap light for the past few years and I love it. This light has Red, Green, White, and has a focus-to-flood beam. I oftentimes use the red flood walking in and getting set up to preserve some night vision. One AA battery for the light lasts a long time. I can carry a spare AA or two without any worries. The clip for the Chameleon can be used as a pocket or pack clip, but also it is reversed to be used on the bill of your hat!
 
Homebrew454 said:
The flashlight thread got my attention that I should be looking for a new headlamp that is lighter weight but yet rechargeable for a pack in elk hunt. I would prefer an option for red or green light function for when bright light isn't needed.

My current one is broke but I have it fixed that it works ok. Battery housing was plastic and broke so I need a new more reliable one.

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

www.fenixlighting.com

Headlamps

Shop incredibly bright headlamps. Fenix headlamps are all LED headlamps and most are USB rechargeable. A great headlamp can help you at any task.
www.fenixlighting.com www.fenixlighting.com

Every Fenix product I've touched is very good.

I have 2 of the non-rechargeables on that webpage (actually probably only one, as I just noticed one of mine was discontinued).

My suggestion would be to get one with removable batteries and then get rechargeable versions of those and a Nite Core charger. This allows you to have some spare normal batteries for emergency, etc. I'd never buy a light with an internal battery, like iPhone.
 
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Think I am going to upgrade to the Fenix HM65R this year. Saw they came out with the new T version that looks pretty nice. Of the research I've done Fenix seems to take the cake for me, other brands I checked out were Zebra lights & the Nitecore stuff.
 
SoILslocker said:
Think I am going to upgrade to the Fenix HM65R this year. Saw they came out with the new T version that looks pretty nice. Of the research I've done Fenix seems to take the cake for me, other brands I checked out were Zebra lights & the Nitecore stuff.
Click to expand...

The models with the over the head strap are very comfortable because they don't slide down when walking. Also, for the larger ones, the ones that put the battery in back are bulkier but very well balanced. The one I have was discontinued it seems (single, rechargeable 18650 lithium ion on the back).
 
I'll definitely check out the Fenix. I think I can get a discount through work. I'll have to look into that. I definitely would like something that has removable rechargeable batteries that are interchangable with other lights.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
 
Homebrew454 said:
I'll definitely check out the Fenix. I think I can get a discount through work. I'll have to look into that. I definitely would like something that has removable rechargeable batteries that are interchangable with other lights.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I would try to go with 18650 lithiums. The AA and AAA rechargeables that are nickel based do not store nearly as much energy and they also self-drain (test them a month after storage but no use and they will be much lower than expected....but you might be able to get these smaller ones as lithium also). Lithium ions you can charge and store for much longer (are also brighter). You can keep 2 CR123as (not rechargeable) as backups (they are not rechargeable but 2 work in place of a single 18650).
 
Whatever you do get a good one, theres just no going back once you have experienced a real flash light, I bought 2 zebralights a couple years ago and the only regret I have is why did I wait so long
 
Topdog said:
Whatever you do get a good one, theres just no going back once you have experienced a real flash light, I bought 2 zebralights a couple years ago and the only regret I have is why did I wait so long
Click to expand...
I have a lot of nice flashlights (streamlights) that I use for work. They have lasted for the last 15 years but are large by today's standards. Still very bright but obviously technology has passed them by.

I really liked my current headlamp too it was this one...https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-by-princeton-tec-alaskan-guide-xp-green-headlamp.


I am just not happy that Cabela's doesn't stand behind their name brand like prior to bass pro buyout. Plus I was never really happy with the AA batteries. Although lithiums usually last me (3-4) years.

I'll definitely get the 18650 or larger 21700. A lot of lights to look at.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
 
I have two zebra lights and a Fenix...I prefer my zebra light I've had them for probably about 5 years pretty much bomb proof.
 
baz77 said:
I have two zebra lights and a Fenix...I prefer my zebra light I've had them for probably about 5 years pretty much bomb proof.
Click to expand...

^ This. I bought my first this year after a ton of research. Totally satisfied. Coming from petzle’s and ledlenser. You will not be disappointed.
 
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