Let's talk Headlamps

[rileybassman]

I have the HC90 and like it better than my Zebras for the multi-color options along with a bright white light. The built in USB charger is very handy too. I absolutely hate the HC90 switch and have to remove the battery to prevent it from being switched on when packed. I still use it more than my Zebras though.

Kind of what I was worried about... am thinking I may go with the HC 50 and pick this up:
https://www.fasttech.com/product/11...rsal-usb-smart-charger-version#ProductDetails
or this
http://www.amazon.com/XTAR-Universal-charger-26650-Battery/dp/B00HEBQH3M

Still come out cheaper and close to the same weight.

 

[drake7]

I use Zebras and love them! I have one that's runs on a AA and one that runs on 18650. I am not sure of the exact model numbers but am very happy with both. Have a couple Black Diamonds but never use them since I purchased the Zebras.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Anyone use a Nitecore HC50 or HC90?

I ran the Nitecore HC50 for about a year. No real complaints, always had to loosen the cap to keep it from turning on, but I do the same thing with my Zebra. After about a year the light stopped allowing me to toggle thru the different brightness settings. I returned it to REI instead of shipping it overseas for warranty. I don't think I ever used the red light.

 

[rileybassman]

I ran the Nitecore HC50 for about a year. No real complaints, always had to loosen the cap to keep it from turning on, but I do the same thing with my Zebra. After about a year the light stopped allowing me to toggle thru the different brightness settings. I returned it to REI instead of shipping it overseas for warranty. I don't think I ever used the red light.

Nice... second person I heard who had the switch go out... I ended up getting 15% off of a Black Diamond Revolt... will gave that a shot this year

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm not talking bad about them, stuff happens and they were willing to warranty it if I shipped it overseas. The shipping seemed like a hassle to me so I just returned it to REI, and went a different route.

 

[rileybassman]

No worries I have a P12 I think it's called and love it!

 

[snowcamoman]

I store my batteries in a small camera case with a ziplock. They stay protected from shocks and bumps and are waterproofed. I've used handwarmers in the camera case when I'm on multi-day winter trips to keep them from getting a solid -30 or colder cold soak.

 

[greyghostnw]

i prefer a surefire minimus with a petzl e lite for back up. i also have a surefire e2d defender with me that is small and uses same batteries. comfort goes a long way when wearing a head lamp for long walks in the dark. from all the talk of zebras i ordered one and to be honest it was the most uncomfortable head lamp i have worn. just an opinion but the rubber needs to have a backing to it so it feels smooth rather than two vertical rubber pieces pushing into ones forehead. was a nice beam but had zero comfort so i sent it back.

 

[slim9300]

I have the H600w for when I need a serious headlamp, but it also works well for around camp when it is set on a low setting. But I also have the H302w flood, which is tiny and runs on CR123 batteries. I have rechargeable CR123, but I usually just throw in Energizer CR123 lithium. These are not very expensive and I can find them anywhere. The H302w has better specs than the H52 or H502. The batteries last longer, it is a smaller headlamp, and it has brighter settings.
For both headlamps I seem to be getting much longer battery life than what the specs say. I run my projected use times when going on a backpack trip and bring enough batteries for what I anticipate. But I always seem to not need the extra batteries, not needing even close to what I anticipate. Maybe it is my imagination since I have not actually timed it?

H302w:
Light Output (runtimes)
High: H1 446 Lm (PID, approx 1.4 hr) or H2 245 Lm (1.6 hrs) / 100 Lm (4.1 hrs)
Medium: M1 50 Lm (11 hrs) or M2 22 Lm (26 hrs) / 8.5 Lm (70 hrs)
Low: L1 2.5 Lm (8 days) or L2 0.37 Lm (38 days) / 0.05 Lm (2.5 months) / 0.01 Lm (3 months)

H502w:
Light Output
High: H1 260 Lm (0.9 hrs) or H2 160 Lm (1.9 hrs) / 100 Lm (3.3 hrs)
Medium: M1 50 Lm (7.5 hrs) or M2 25 Lm (12 hrs) / 12 Lm (27 hrs)
Low: L1 2.7 Lm (4 days) or L2 0.34 Lm (3 weeks) / 0.06 Lm (2 months) / 0.01 Lm (3 months)

I think I'm going to give the CR123 style headlamp a try. I had a H502w for years but realized that the spill was just too wide and much of the light was lost/wasted on the outer edges in most situations. I prefer the H52w now since my H600w only comes out when I'm picking meat in the dark and need full 'daylight'. The H52 gives you more of multi-purpose light that is better suited for walking on trails/off trail in the dark. It's not as good inside of the shelter but that's less important for me. I'm going to pickup the H32w and see what I think.