Headlamps??

snakelk

WKR
Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
644
Location
Oregon
Like many of you, I've used a lot of different headlamps. My current favorite is the Princeton Tec Remix Pro. I carry two, one for backup.

Why? I prefer one battery vs fumbling with 3 AAA's, and lithiums are inherently lighter and have longer run times than alkalines for the weight. Remix Pro's take a single CR123 ($1.00 ea) and the lights have never failed me. However, after reading this thread my interest in the Zebra h600 has peaked.

So, I researched them and then ran across the relatively hew Nitecore HC30, basically a clone of the Zebra with less advanced features. Now, of course, I want one of these lamps! Preferably the Zebra, but the Nitecore sounds nice for almost half the price, with coupon code. I'm leaning toward the Zebra but with all of the choices of the H600, if I do spring for it I'd like to get input on what model most backcountry hunters prefer. Flood, neutral, cool white? What do you Zebralight guys prefer?

Yes, I see someone else asked the same question, but I didn't see any replies on the thread. Any input out there? If I'm going to spend over $100 for a head lamp plus batteries and charger then I want to make it count the first time. Thanks in advance for any input. If anyone has the Nitecore HC30, user reviews on that head lamp might be helpful also.

Thanks again
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2012
Messages
3,234
Location
Some wilderness area, somewhere
Like many of you, I've used a lot of different headlamps. My current favorite is the Princeton Tec Remix Pro. I carry two, one for backup.

Why? I prefer one battery vs fumbling with 3 AAA's, and lithiums are inherently lighter and have longer run times than alkalines for the weight. Remix Pro's take a single CR123 ($1.00 ea) and the lights have never failed me. However, after reading this thread my interest in the Zebra h600 has peaked.

So, I researched them and then ran across the relatively hew Nitecore HC30, basically a clone of the Zebra with less advanced features. Now, of course, I want one of these lamps! Preferably the Zebra, but the Nitecore sounds nice for almost half the price, with coupon code. I'm leaning toward the Zebra but with all of the choices of the H600, if I do spring for it I'd like to get input on what model most backcountry hunters prefer. Flood, neutral, cool white? What do you Zebralight guys prefer?

Yes, I see someone else asked the same question, but I didn't see any replies on the thread. Any input out there? If I'm going to spend over $100 for a head lamp plus batteries and charger then I want to make it count the first time. Thanks in advance for any input. If anyone has the Nitecore HC30, user reviews on that head lamp might be helpful also.

Thanks again

I have the H600 in cool white. The color works for me.
I owned the Nitecore HC50 and can say it worked fine until it didn't. It stopped going thru its various light functions and would only light on "low" and "mid", no one wanted to exchange it here in the US, and Nitecore wanted me to send it to them in China which seemed like a hassle so I took it back to REI for a refund. They very well may have exchanged it if I sent it to China, but I did not give them that chance.
 

BrentH

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Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
901
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WA
Been eyeing the H600 for a while now and may just have to pull the trigger. Do you guys prefer the "Floody" or the other beam for all around hunting/back country use?
 
Joined
Jun 4, 2014
Messages
1,168
Location
North Dakota
I usually carry the H52fw and the H600w MkII. I like the H52fw for use around camp and morning hikes. The H600w MkII is nice for hauling at night and when you want to see a ways up in front of you. Had a bear roaming around camp this season, and with the H600w I was able to pick him out from around 100 yards away. I'm glad that big SOB stayed away.

If you go with the H600, make sure you don't skimp on the batteries. I have had good luck with the nitecord i2 charger and orbtronics 3400 or 3500 MAH batteries.
 

LaHunter

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Joined
Mar 9, 2013
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N.E. LA
I use the PT Vizz. This light is pretty bright and simple to use with a reliable lock out feature. Also, this light is listed as waterproof.
I tried the BD Spot and could not open the thing to save my life to swap out batteries, so I returned it.
 

SHTF

WKR
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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
5,097
Location
Colorado
https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/hl50-fenix-headlamp/

Greg, check this little baby out. I cannot say enough good about it. Superbly small and lightweight, super bright, can use it as a handheld or a headlamp and it uses both cr123a or AA batteries. I carry two of them and I use the cr123a batteries.

Randy

Thanks Randy,

When I thought I had everything I Wanted. sigh ok thats pretty darn cool litte light. Adding it to my list of wants for 2016 /grumbles about Randy making me spend more money.

I have the Zebra Flood H502 works great but I do find myself wanting a spotter at times so definitely need to check that one out.
 

SHTF

WKR
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Feb 4, 2013
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5,097
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Colorado
where do you guys buy your zebralights?

from Zebralight website. You can find them on Ebay also. Not sure of any other retailers that carry them though. Ohh I got 1 of them from here on Rokslide also. Zebralight is a great website and they ship fast also. When I snagged the wife's after she tried to take mine i ordered one for her birthday and it got here in 3 days after ordering.
 
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
1,008
Once you start using 18650 batteries, it's tough to stop. They work excellent, especially in the cold. I have 6 or 7 various headlamps I have used down to -47° and the 18650's have performed beyond my expectations. They're all I'll use anymore for my hunting headlamps.
 
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
709
Location
Western CO
Zebrlight 52 H . I bought my first one last year and another as a backup this fall and they are all I carry now. A single lithium AA battery will last me days in the field.

Same as Shrek! It fits nicely in the side pocket of my ACG bino pack. I switched all my electronics to AA like most guys. I run it on Med and is plenty of light for bushwhacking. Keep it simple
 

oenanthe

WKR
Joined
Aug 21, 2014
Messages
417
Location
Fbks, AK
I'm leaning toward the Zebra but with all of the choices of the H600, if I do spring for it I'd like to get input on what model most backcountry hunters prefer. Flood, neutral, cool white? What do you Zebralight guys prefer?

After a lot of research last year, I ended up with a H52w. I like the neutral as opposed to the cool white. You get about 10% less light, but it's more usable and not as harshly blue. I considered the flood, but there are times in hunting when you want to see a little further and the standard spot beam gives you a little more distance. The standard beam is still plenty floody for camp chores, butchering and the like.

The H600 is a great light and I'd really like to have one in addition to the H52w, but I can't quite justify the cost when I already have the H52w a box full of other headlights. I went with the H52 because it is slightly lighter than the H600 (for sheep hunting) and can take any AA battery as well as a 14500 lithium-ion cell. Either one, H52 or H600, is a great light. I've had my H52w for almost a year now; for the first time in my life I'm not really looking for another headlamp (my H600 lust excepted). Bought it from a place called E2 Field Gear - good price, good service, and fast shipping. I'm not affiliated with them, just want to give credit to a small outfit that's easy to deal with.
 

GKPrice

Banned
Joined
Sep 27, 2014
Messages
2,442
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Western Oregon
I work as a carpenter a lot of the time and find myself doing finish repairs or completions in dimly lit areas - I started buying headlamps at Home Depot one day and that led to trying different models from there - I've found that the $20-$25 models that take 3 AAA's work as well as I've needed while hunting as well - There's myriad choices, most with at least some LED's - I know there are a lot of high tech lights "out there" but I thought I'd throw it on the table ....
 

Lawnboi

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Joined
Mar 2, 2012
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North Central Wi
I still can't fault my petzl myo.

The thing is super bright, runs on 3 aa batteries forever, and has a built in diffuser that can be flipped up or down depending if you want a flood or a spot light. It's water resistant enough, iv gotten it soaked and it's been fine. Backpacking, hunting and fishing it has made me happy. Usually my buddies are swearing trying to see with their cheap little lights.

The main reason I initially got it is the aa batteries. My gps runs on aa batteries and I wanted to make all my stuff run on the same battery.

A few other cool features is the on off switch protector. No more spent batteries because your light turned on in your pack. It also has a battery level light that let's you know where the batteries are at. It also has 4 different intensities.
 
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GKPrice

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Sep 27, 2014
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Western Oregon
I still can't fault my petzl myo.

The thing is super bright, runs on 3 aa batteries forever, and has a built in diffuser that can be flipped up or down depending if you want a flood or a spot light. It's water resistant enough, iv gotten it soaked and it's been fine. Backpacking, hunting and fishing it has made me happy. Usually my buddies are swearing trying to see with their cheap little lights.

The main reason I initially got it is the aa batteries. My gps runs on aa batteries and I wanted to make all my stuff run on the same battery.

A few other cool features is the on off switch protector. No more spent batteries because your light turned on in your pack. It also has a battery level light that let's you know where the batteries are at. It also has 4 different intensities.

the standardized battery plan is a darn good one !
 

wawhitey

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Messages
191
https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/hl50-fenix-headlamp/

Greg, check this little baby out. I cannot say enough good about it. Superbly small and lightweight, super bright, can use it as a handheld or a headlamp and it uses both cr123a or AA batteries. I carry two of them and I use the cr123a batteries.

Randy

Just ordered one. Ive tried so many damn headlamps and ive hated all of them for one reason or another. Hopefully this one will be the end of my headlamp retirement home in my closet
 

tenth1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 5, 2012
Messages
113
Location
Alaska
I found myself on a windswept ridge at dusk on a stalk last September. Set the tent up, hunkered down for the night thinking I found a great place out of the prevailing wind..... Wind changed and snow started, threatening to blow me off of the mountain. All I could think about listening to the tent trying to rip the stakes out was how I was going to see through the shit to get off of the mountain if it got worse with my mediocre Petzl headlamp.

Recently received a Zebralight H52W. Damn, I'm impressed and now only have to use AA batteries.
 

alukban

FNG
Joined
Dec 24, 2013
Messages
84
I really like my Petzl Strix VL because the head tilts so that it can be worn on your forehead, the side of your head or around your neck. I think it's the only one that can be worn all 3 ways.

It is not the brightest out there but the knob/switch that locks out and works extremely well with mittens on is great. It has white, red, green and blue.

I actually prefer to not use lights at night in camp but I like wearing it around my neck so it is always there. It feels less silly and comfortable than having a lamp on my head all evening. It can be tilted to point forward for walking or down towards what you are cooking. You can only really do that with this design of head lamp.

The side of head mounting was an interesting option for me. I did not understand why in the heck anyone would need to mount the light on the side of their head until I tried it... while carrying a rifle. A light on your forehead + shouldered rifle = a big shadow on the thing your are aiming at --> like that porcupine coming towards your campfire to snuggle next to you ;). With the side mounted head lamp, you can see your sights and the target.

http://petzl-tactical.com/en/strix-headlamps-military-operations
 

bbell

WKR
Joined
Apr 8, 2013
Messages
372
So I have looked at some of these fenix and zebra lights and could never imagine spending that much money on a head lamp.

And then a couple weeks ago I went on a cow elk hunt in NE Oregon and had to pack half of it down the canyon in the dark. It is not a good feeling getting cliffed out repeatedly with 80lbs on your back! I had a princeton tec fuel headlamp. Great for walking logging roads on the coast range but not sufficient that night!

I am looking at the fenix hl55 but heard one review where it can get turned on burst mode accidentally. Has any of you had issues with that?
Brandon
 
OP
AK Troutbum
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
7,576
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Chugiak, Alaska
That's the lamp I bought and although I haven't used it a ton, I just bought it a few months ago, I have used it a fair amount and so far so good. I haven't had any issues with it turning on accidentally (in burst mode or any other mode), but I suppose anything is possible. I don't think I'll be packing any of my other lamps up the mountain, even though they are a fair amount lighter, and I'm pretty anal about counting ounces.
 
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ozyclint

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Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
1,978
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Queensland, Downunder
another vote for the fenix HL50. i've been very impressed with it and i love the standardisation of all my electronic gear to AA's. i can poach batteries from other items to feed the headlight if needed. i also made my own head band for it with is half the weight of the stock one.
 
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