Headlamp - What is the Best?

[DIY]

ok I decided I think Im going to buy a zebra light... WHich model now? Id like to use a AA Battery have have the ability to have high output but also dim it down so I can read in a tent. ANy suggestions on the model?

 

[colonel00]

ok I decided I think Im going to buy a zebra light... WHich model now? Id like to use a AA Battery have have the ability to have high output but also dim it down so I can read in a tent. ANy suggestions on the model?

I ordered the H51 as mentioned before because it is a spill + spot beam instead of a flood. Check out the link I posted yesterday that shows the comparison of all of the models. That sheet breaks down which models take AA batteries. The H51 and H51w take AA batteries and have several light levels. The only difference between the two is the temperature (color) of the light being emitted. If you would rather have a flood light then the H51F's or any of the H502's will fit the bill depending on other options you want.

 

[DIY]

I ordered the H51 as mentioned before because it is a spill + spot beam instead of a flood. Check out the link I posted yesterday that shows the comparison of all of the models. That sheet breaks down which models take AA batteries. The H51 and H51w take AA batteries and have several light levels. The only difference between the two is the temperature (color) of the light being emitted. If you would rather have a flood light then the H51F's or any of the H502's will fit the bill depending on other options you want.

Can you educate me on the Spill and spot vs the flood. Im assuming the flood is wider?

 

[colonel00]

This video illustrates it pretty well. There are some other videos of the zebra lights on youtube too. But yes, the flood is going to illuminate a wider area but not reach as far where a spot will reach further but be more focused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol47QOyDynM

 

[DIY]

Im probably going to go with the H51 Also... thanks

 

[slim9300]

Well, looks like there is no reason to recommend Zebralight.

Here are two good threads for you regarding my opinion.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8002

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4558

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Thanks for your input on the Zebralights Slim! I just pulled the trigger on a 502W. I be been running the Cabelas guide series HL for a couple years and its a good lamp and real bright but its heavy takes four AA's and burns through them fast!

Picked up a Petzel e lite for a backup at only one ounce as well. Thinking this should be a good combo.

 

[slim9300]

Thanks for your input on the Zebralights Slim! I just pulled the trigger on a 502W. I be been running the Cabelas guide series HL for a couple years and its a good lamp and real bright but its heavy takes four AA's and burns through them fast!

Picked up a Petzel e lite for a backup at only one ounce as well. Thinking this should be a good combo.

Sounds perfect to me. You will not be disappointed.

 

[slim9300]

quick Question? H502W is a flood... Do u think that is ideal ? or is a spot and spill better for tracking.. Now im confused ha ha

I can certainly understand why it's a confusing decision. There is a reason that I bought the H600w and the H502d and now H502w. I decided that one headlamp wasn't going to do everything I wanted it to do. They both have their advantages and disadvantages but compared to everything I have owned and everything I researched, they are the best. The flood function of the H502w is probably perfect for anyone that doesn't need to see past 10 yards in front of them. Imagine the light illuminating about a 30' by 30' area. In terms of the spot/spill function of the AA powered H51, I have zero experience. The H600w on the other hand illuminates an even brighter 30'x30' area but also projects the beam out to about 100 yards so you can also see 'long range.' I mainly use the H600w when I'm in bad blow down or dangerous terrain with a heavy load. The H502w is more of my go to light for walking on a trail or doing camp chores. I hope this helps! Let me know if you want me to clarify anything.

 

[Jdog]

Fellaz...I used a zebra h51 last year on a AK dall sheep hunt. Took it as a backup to the normal Princeton Tec. On a trek back to camp one night in heavy rain along a creek the for bout 6 miles the zebra was money. I could see way the heck out down the river. Better than any other I have used. Well worth it IMOP.

So I go to take it out on my recent gear check for this years sheep hunt and I left the battery in it. Dang thing corroded something fierce...looked like a mini Chernobyl nuke blast and its shot. I will spend the coin for another soon.

Zebras get my money...crazy bright and small.

 

[DIY]

I just bought the H502W.. I guess I cant get all of them now. I guess this is the best if I had to pick the best all around

 

[JNDEER]

When you guys are going back far in are you taking a spare bulb or chancing it?

I always have two sources of light. I have one of the cheapo Energizer headlamps as my primary and I also have a "pin" flashlight that produces the same power beam as a 4 D cell mag light. They both run on AAA batteries and weigh next to nothing (the pin light is lighter then the energizer).

 

[slim9300]

Fellaz...I used a zebra h51 last year on a AK dall sheep hunt. Took it as a backup to the normal Princeton Tec. On a trek back to camp one night in heavy rain along a creek the for bout 6 miles the zebra was money. I could see way the heck out down the river. Better than any other I have used. Well worth it IMOP.

So I go to take it out on my recent gear check for this years sheep hunt and I left the battery in it. Dang thing corroded something fierce...looked like a mini Chernobyl nuke blast and its shot. I will spend the coin for another soon.

Zebras get my money...crazy bright and small.

They should replace that headlamp free of charge. I believe they are guaranteed to be waterproof for life and should never have leaked. I have submerged mine and none of them leaked.

 

[slim9300]

I just bought the H502W.. I guess I cant get all of them now. I guess this is the best if I had to pick the best all around

You won't be disappointed.

 

[crazy_davey]

They should replace that headlamp free of charge. I believe they are guaranteed to be waterproof for life and should never have leaked. I have submerged mine and none of them leaked.

I think what he is describing is that the battery leaked or exploded inside, don't think it had anything to do with water from the outside. Have seen it happen in the past with other lights and battery powered gizmos. I no longer leave batteries in most things for long periods of time unless they are getting used regularly...

 

[crazy_davey]

I know run the H502C and the H51 thanks to slim9300 and his good reviews on Zebralight. I have used both quite a bit now and will be running the 51 only on most backpack hunts from here on in. The 502C is a great light but it just wont cover all the things I need in a headlamp, great all around camp light but don't think I will be carrying it far because I find it a bit limited in uses.

 

[rodney482]

Just ordered a 51.. Good grief guys your killing my wallet. Lol

 

[slim9300]

I know run the H502C and the H51 thanks to slim9300 and his good reviews on Zebralight. I have used both quite a bit now and will be running the 51 only on most backpack hunts from here on in. The 502C is a great light but it just wont cover all the things I need in a headlamp, great all around camp light but don't think I will be carrying it far because I find it a bit limited in uses.

In terms of flood light output (close range brightness) how does the 51 and 502 compare? I have found that the new W model is noticeably brighter than the C (obviously the difference in lumens is pretty large).

Also, how far does the H51 cast it's spot beam? In other words, how far can you see on a clear night?

 

[colonel00]

In terms of flood light output (close range brightness) how does the 51 and 502 compare? I have found that the new W model is noticeably brighter than the C (obviously the difference in lumens is pretty large).

Also, how far does the H51 cast it's spot beam? In other words, how far can you see on a clear night?

Posted this a few posts up. Basically shows a comparison between the two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol47QOyDynM

 

[Aron Snyder]

I've used them all and the Zebra is by far the best.

It took me a bit of testing to swap from Petzl and Black Diamond, but in the end, the Zebra is more durable, more efficient and will hold up to many more years of use when compared to the competitors.

You will also find that they are less money when comparing the Lumen output to others.