EDIT on 1.09.21-
Update on my experience with rechargeable batteries in flashlights, lanterns and headlamps.
1) I like the Zebras but have had it turn in in my belt pouch.
2) NOT ALL RECHARGEABLES ARE THE SAME. These batts have an integrated circuit built in that will deplete the charge over time: some good, some not.
Example: the high rated Amazon and Eneloop AA’s. I completely charged them before a hunt in Arizona on December 10. It’s now exactly a month later and those unused batteries when put on the charger only show 54%.
The Samsung 18650 backup for my headlamp was at 98%_good. Some other samsung backups charged 9 months ago show 42,44%
3)The Stuff I Love; the Miboxer charger, the 18650 stuff vs AA, the Fenix lanterns, headlamps , flashlights and their batteries (though some are slightly longer) all of the Fenix stuff really- top quality and the Zebra 18650 high CRI head lamps.
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IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE RECHARGEABLE batt please post.... Im on the lookout for these that hold a charge better.
(The original thread )
I did a little informal headlamp testing. I was recently on hunt and had one of my Princeton Tec headlamps take a dump on me. No worries it was probably 12 years old and I always carry a spare. So I got to thinking instead of just replacing it with the same model.... there so many new and improved versions out there, I started thinking of a "Want list"
Of course the best way to test is to walk around in the dark which I did but I really wanted to have a quantitative measure of how good these lights are so I set up a little test with my light meter to check the locks measurement of each one at 12 feet away.
Everyone is going to have different criteria, my criteria is:
1) Have a red light for close in stuff
2) a good spread beam with multiple brightness levels plus a good high beam
3) since i use my phone for Gps and pics i always have a backup battery charger, i wanted my headlamp rechargeable from that if possible. Plus I can charge from a phone charger or from my truck phone charger....multiple charging options if possible.
4) i dont like the big honking ones that have the BP on the back of your head- so light is better
5) a battery indicator, a must
6) waterproof, a must
7) It locks....lock it so it doesn't turn on in my pack
So my first choice was the BD Storm at REI- decent light but it has an annoying hum- returned before testing Lux.
I picked up a couple more Princeton tec models, the Sync (that was equal to my older models) $30, and the slightly more expensive PT Axis. When I had a chance to examine these PT units I was pretty disappointed. My old PT model used to have a gasket so it was pretty waterproof..... these new models don’t. In fact I wasn’t very impressed with the quality of the units...though I think they are a good option considering price point.
Neither PT units are rechargeable or rated waterproof.
I took advantage of the first buy 20% off at the Fenix store to pick up 2- HL 32R rechargeable headlamps and while I was at it I bought the UC 30 1,000 lm rechargeable flashlight [nice light!]. The headlamps were $54 minus 20%_ not too bad price wise for what i now know after testing is an incredibly well built headlamp. This has a good battery indicator right on the front, it’s light, multiple recharging options, and it has everything I want or need when it comes to red light and powerful multi level beam.
Fenix has a great warranty and like Zebralight is a top mnfr.
EDIT; Fenixstore has a 20% off code coming up on 11/26 "BF20"
t doesnt appears that my pictures are loading so actual lumen info and pictures later.
If you would like to comment on your favorite headlamp and why.........please do.
