Best Cheap Headlamp

[tje803]

I have three of the Fenix HM23 headlamps stashed in various places. Not sure what your definition of "cheap" is - these run $35. I like the neutral tint (good color rendering). Nice simple user interface - hold down button to turn on, press button to switch between three modes. I'm not a fan of rechargeable headlamps, because I like having spare batteries as a backup. I run eneloop rechargeable nimh AA batteries in them. And I always have lots of alkaline AA batteries around (I make sure not to keep alkaline batteries in the headlamps long-term since most alkaline batteries tend to leak over time).

 

[treillw]

The 2 packs of energizer ones if my focus is cheap they have a pretty decent beam and briteness.
They do not have a lock or red for hunting though.

Campfire ones you have to take the battery's out, came on in my pack and was dead when I needed it.

Is the on button located in a bad spot with the Camofire ones, or something?

 

[BRTreedogs]

Is the on button located in a bad spot with the Camofire ones, or something?

I'm not sure.
This was a few years ago.
If they are rechargeable now they may have been updated.

But imo every camofire product I've tried has some kind of cheap out defect.

 

[Uphills]

If you just want a few to stash and use in a pinch the energizer ones work great and are pretty cheap. I have a streamlight enduro pro headlamp that is a bit more money but lite and bright.

 

[*zap*]

black diamond astro and similar models have worked well for me....be aware that the models with a raised power button will turn on while in a pocket..I have found that recessed power buttons work better for me when I am pocketing a light during the day other wise you can take one battery out and use a good rubber band to attach it to the light body.

those models are around 20-30 bucks.

 

[Bluefish]

i got a nitecore ha13 this year. $22 Seems a good level of brightness and lots of battery life. Can use 3 AAA or a rechargeable pack. I like the option of both. Rechargeable for cost and AAA as backup. may buy a couple more of them to stash

 

[treillw]

Yes. Buy it right from sofirn. See code in screenshot for extra 15% off.

View attachment 654377

Awesome thanks. Gonna order two.

 

[dirtytough]

I'm a fan of the Sofirn. I ordered a few and leave them in different vehicles.

 

[Jethro]

Sofirns bring good luck too. I bought 4 in 2022. Gave 3 to my hunting buds as we drove across the country. We all shot bulls that trip.

 

[ni7ne]

Interesting seeing nobody recommend zebralight.
They were the pinnacle of headlamps back in the day.

A zebralight is the only headlamp I've had that failed in a way that inconvenienced me on the trail.

 

[cowboy]

Any suggestions on an inexpensive headlamp that is good? Is rechargeable better?

I want to buy three or four of them and stash them in various places, so I don't need to play the pack juggling game.

Thanks!

I see you’re from Montana. If you’re close to a Costco pick up one of their 2 or 4 pack - can’t beat the price and their quality is as good as my expensive ones. I must have 20 + or - head lamps stashed in tractors, tool boxes, saddle bags, barns, cabin, shooting bags etc and the Kirkland can’t be beat.

 

[Honyock]

Another vote for the Energizer. I have a Phenix HM50-R but it seems like I'm always using the old Energizer.

 

[rayporter]

had a sofirn for 2 years and so far ----great.

 

[twall13]

Interesting seeing nobody recommend zebralight.
They were the pinnacle of headlamps back in the day.

A zebralight is the only headlamp I've had that failed in a way that inconvenienced me on the trail.

The OP asked for the "best cheap headlamp". I don't count Zebralights in the cheap category.

My Zebralight is still my favorite 18650 headlamp I've tried. That includes a Fenix, a couple Sofirns, and a Camofire/BlackOvis. I like the beam pattern, light color, programming etc.

That said, I own a bunch of Sofirns and that would be my recommendation for an inexpensive light if you're looking for rechargeable. They are a solid light and worth more than the price.

If you don't want rechargeable the Energizer is a good recommendation. My teenage son hasn't been able to break his in several years of use.

Personally, I dislike the Camofire/BlackOvis light. The beam, controls/programming, pretty much everything.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Tater86]

Love my Sofrin with the red light as well. I wish I could find a headlamp in the same size with the same light output in a green light instead of red.

 

[wiarcher]

I've had good luck with nitecore, but I will need to try one of the Sofrin.

 

[CorbLand]

I have a couple Sofirns and have liked them for around the house. Havent had them long enough to get them out on any hunts.

I bought some of the cheap Engergizers and like them but the red light on the ones I have suck and arent useful at all. Great for cheap and if you dont need the red.

 

[Agross]

Did u get the sofirns with the red lights ? I have a couple and the red light is better than the other headlamps I have tried by a good margin. Granted I don’t spend alot on headlamps, but I have been impressed with the red light and regular light on them.

 

[Fatcamp]

I keep two Black Diamond Storms in my pack, and a Sofirn handheld AA in my buno harness.

The Storms have never let me down and have worked well. The Sofirn is a great light. The rechargeable battery allows for 1000 lumen output, which is very useful when navigating rough country. We even use it them for bow fishing, they are great lights. I also have a Sofin bicycle light that I use as a handheld on the water. Great light.

 

[Jethro]

Did u get the sofirns with the red lights ? I have a couple and the red light is better than the other headlamps I have tried by a good margin. Granted I don’t spend alot on headlamps, but I have been impressed with the red light and regular light on them.

The red was reason I initially tried sofirn. Turned out to be the best red headlamp I’ve ever owned.