Headlamp - What is the Best?

[Daniel_M]

Perfect. Don't forget the beer.

Sailor Jerry's and Pendletons.

Though to save weight we use the Platypus liquor bags.

 

[slim9300]

Sailor Jerry's and Pendletons.

Though to save weight we use the Platypus liquor bags.

Good lookin' out!

 

[Chad44]

My wife order me the H51 for an anniversary present. Should get it tomorrow. I'm pumped. AA batteries for everything now.

 

[LostArra]

I've got two headlamps:
the zebra h51 and Fenix HL30. I like them both.
Similar light output.
Fenix has red led option.
Fenix will run longer on higher output level but it has two batteries.
Fenix weighs more and zebra is a more compact unit (one battery vs two)
In cold weather with thicker gloves I always use the Fenix. Bigger buttons and easier to change levels. Zebra's long clicks, short clicks, double clicks, light levels and sub levels are a little much sometimes. If I only need one level Zebra is fine. If I'm in an unfamiliar area I use the Fenix because it's easier to jump to different levels.
Zebra is easier to change a battery with cold hands but I've rarely had to change batteries in either while in the field.
One suggestion for the Zebra. Loosen the battery cap a half twist when storing in your pack. On multiple occasions I've had the zebra accidently switched on while in the pack. Definitely a bummer on battery life.

 

[DIY]

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.

Did you ever try the fenix HL30? if so how did that compare to the zebra light? Is your opinion simliar to lostarra?

 

[slim9300]

One suggestion for the Zebra. Loosen the battery cap a half twist when storing in your pack. On multiple occasions I've had the zebra accidently switched on while in the pack. Definitely a bummer on battery life.

This is important with any headlamp in my opinion (ie. lock out the power button). I always do this with my ZL too because it's easy. Now it's second nature. One tiny 1-2 turn of the end cap is all it takes.

 

[rodney482]

Got my 51

Only dislike is all the short and long clicks, double clicks.. Blah

How about high, med, low and nothing else.

 

[slim9300]

Got my 51

Only dislike is all the short and long clicks, double clicks.. Blah

How about high, med, low and nothing else.

It's really easy. Just click slow and you are gtg. It's actually kind of difficult to use the fast clicks unless you are really trying to. That's what I do. I totally ignore the sub settings and simply use, high, medium and low.

Keep in mind the headlamp can also be programmed however you want. It's too complex for me, but just an FYI.

 

[Elkohalic]

http://www.amazon.com/Forehead-Bonf...8&qid=1373642887&sr=8-3&keywords=bright+medic

This fella has done well for me the past 2 seasons. And it is BRIGHT!! The beam focuses down and and 80-100 yrds you can see the animal, not just its eyes.

 

[JNDEER]

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

Good stuff on the zebra light. Reading the prior posts and checking it out the run times seem very short (it was mentioned in one of the threads too)? If on a high or medium setting with a AA lithium battery, is the run times posted on their websites fairly accurate?

I was running numbers in my head and on a given trip I would have to bring like 3 batteries just for that one trip. not to say they are heavy, just very $$ to have to use each time.

 

[slim9300]

Good stuff on the zebra light. Reading the prior posts and checking it out the run times seem very short (it was mentioned in one of the threads too)? If on a high or medium setting with a AA lithium battery, is the run times posted on their websites fairly accurate?

I was running numbers in my head and on a given trip I would have to bring like 3 batteries just for that one trip. not to say they are heavy, just very $$ to have to use each time.

Well, the average headlamp runs on 2 or three batteries. The point is to have a bombproof, waterproof, bright as possible headlamp that is also as light as possible on your head. If that means changing batteries sooner but carrying the same number of batteries in the grand scheme of things, I'm all for it. Also, changing the battery is easier/faster with a ZL than any other headlamp I have used.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

My BD Storm runs on 4 AAA batteries and weighs in at 4oz. I change the batteries out every 40hrs or so.
Not going to say its the best out there, but it puts out 100 lumens, has several useable functions, and doesn't let me down. I just couldn't bring myself to the expense of buying several batteries plus the charger for the Zebra light, then carrying them around and changing them out as needed. Seemed much more streamlined going the other way.

 

[slim9300]

My BD Storm runs on 4 AAA batteries and weighs in at 4oz. I change the batteries out every 40hrs or so.
Not going to say its the best out there, but it puts out 100 lumens, has several useable functions, and doesn't let me down. I just couldn't bring myself to the expense of buying several batteries plus the charger for the Zebra light, then carrying them around and changing them out as needed. Seemed much more streamlined going the other way.

The H51w and H502w make 172 lumens and 260 lumens respectively off of a single AA battery. You don't need rechargeable batteries and the headlamps are even brighter (and lighter) than listed with Energizer Ultimate lithiums.

Maybe you are thinking of the 700+ lumen H600?

 

[trk3263]

I run the H502 and use rechargeable batteries in it. I love the light but sometimes I do wish it had a further beam like the H51.
To answer the question about batteries running dead I have ran my light on a 7 day pack and although I normally just used headlamp when heading back to camp and around camp on this trip I used it on a 1.5 hour pack to a new camp and after 6 days I still did not have to change the battery. I will say I normally use the medium setting and not full power.
Also for all the clicks. Basically at home get familiar with your gear and set it up with the sub settings you like and than you won't have to worry about any special clicks while your out at camp.
The press and hold works best for me to pick my setting.
When it is in your pack just loosen the battery cap half a turn and it won't turn on in your pack.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The H51w and H502w make 172 lumens and 260 lumens respectively off of a single AA battery. You don't need rechargeable batteries and the headlamps are even brighter (and lighter) than listed with Energizer Ultimate lithiums.

Maybe you are thinking of the 700+ lumen H600?

It's a good possibility. I was looking at them a couple months back, and you directed me towards a couple....I just can't remember which.
It just seemed that with the run time, the rechargeable batteries, and the charger I would be spending quite a bit for a bit more bulk and a little more work....although I do remember the output was a lot better.

 

[slim9300]

It's a good possibility. I was looking at them a couple months back, and you directed me towards a couple....I just can't remember which.
It just seemed that with the run time, the rechargeable batteries, and the charger I would be spending quite a bit for a bit more bulk and a little more work....although I do remember the output was a lot better.

But you realize there is no charger or rechargeable batteries needed through right?

 

[Backpack Hunter]

But you realize there is no charger or rechargeable batteries needed through right?

Just looked up the old thread. Guess I was referring to the H600w....your saying this does not require a rechargeable battery?

 

[slim9300]

Just looked up the old thread. Guess I was referring to the H600w....your saying this does not require a rechargeable battery?

Yes for H600w. No for H51w or H502w.

 

[Sunspot]

Tactikka XL has served me well. I like the looks of Zebra stuff but haven't used it yet. I like the ability to change colors on lighting and the red is not too dim.

 

[Jay03]

Petzl Tactikka XP has been very nice. Has lenses for red, green, blue, or flood white. Its light, small and has long run time. Has lots of brightness levels and modes. I like it. The zebras look very nice and I may try one someday but probably wont hunt with it as much as the tactikka XP. Its only white... and thats it. I like the red and green options. The lenses carry in the headband, you can go back and forth between the lense of choice and white by sliding it out of the way.