Kontaktscheu
FNG
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2025
- Messages
- 4
I've been legitimately disgusted with current gen headlamps. Regardless of make and model, from $30-$300, it seems they all have the same flaws. I have been through dozens of Black Diamond, Petzel, Milwaukee, Fenix, headlamps. I am looking for a headlamp engineered for reliability above all.
Flaws:
1. Push button momentary switches. Many of these switches are on printed circuit boards and there is an endlessly stupid game of pushing buttons to cycle through features. These buttons are often unusable with gloves, and are prone to failure/breaking.
Solution - A mechanical toggle switch.
2.Poorly engineered clam shell closure. I have had several closure mechanisms fail. They are often designed in a way that stresses the plastic. Fine at room temperature, awful in the cold.
Solution - give me a recessed thumbscrew
3. Fixed Polycarbonate lenses. While durable, these scratch like crazy. Compare your 2 old headlamp with an equivalent brand new one out of the package. The beam is severely degraded when these lenses scratch. There are no replaceable lens protectors, and very few options for a true headlamp with a glass lens.
Solution - a glass lens, replaceable lens covers, a removable cover
I feel that I cannot be the only person pissed off about undependable headlamps. I have found that ice climbers are sometimes using headlamps that are OSHA certified for mining, but these things weigh a full pound or more and require a hardhat or helmet mount with counterweight. For something we depend on for our safety, and even our lives, I really hate the "just carry an extra" philosophy. I don't have a spare sleeping bag, spare jacket, sleeping pad, etc. I ALWAYS keep my headlamp on my head, in my left cargo pocket, or a designated spot (mesh pocket) in the tent.
Curious if anybody has either found "the headlamp" or has toyed with the idea of making their own. I have an engineering background and am a few angry fits from starting to make my own.
Flaws:
1. Push button momentary switches. Many of these switches are on printed circuit boards and there is an endlessly stupid game of pushing buttons to cycle through features. These buttons are often unusable with gloves, and are prone to failure/breaking.
Solution - A mechanical toggle switch.
2.Poorly engineered clam shell closure. I have had several closure mechanisms fail. They are often designed in a way that stresses the plastic. Fine at room temperature, awful in the cold.
Solution - give me a recessed thumbscrew
3. Fixed Polycarbonate lenses. While durable, these scratch like crazy. Compare your 2 old headlamp with an equivalent brand new one out of the package. The beam is severely degraded when these lenses scratch. There are no replaceable lens protectors, and very few options for a true headlamp with a glass lens.
Solution - a glass lens, replaceable lens covers, a removable cover
I feel that I cannot be the only person pissed off about undependable headlamps. I have found that ice climbers are sometimes using headlamps that are OSHA certified for mining, but these things weigh a full pound or more and require a hardhat or helmet mount with counterweight. For something we depend on for our safety, and even our lives, I really hate the "just carry an extra" philosophy. I don't have a spare sleeping bag, spare jacket, sleeping pad, etc. I ALWAYS keep my headlamp on my head, in my left cargo pocket, or a designated spot (mesh pocket) in the tent.
Curious if anybody has either found "the headlamp" or has toyed with the idea of making their own. I have an engineering background and am a few angry fits from starting to make my own.
