quality headlamps

[Black Rat]

can anyone give me some advice on what to look for in a good quality LED head lamp. There are literally thousands on the market   all ranging in price from little to laughable. just looking for a quality middle of the range lamp so I don't stumble over guy ropes eskies at night time. Happy to hear all views as I am currently "in the dark" hehe.

[Mace]

I use a "cap" lamp.

Various versions can be found, or you can just buy the clip on attachment:

http://www.ozstock.com.au/200/2-x-Easy-Clip-On-LED-Cap-Lights.html

[evolution]

I have one of the bunnings caps with the leds in the brim. Only a cheapie but it works a treat for around the camp site at night.

Cheers
Evo

[D4D]

I needed one in a hurry so I bought a 'Varta' from Bunnings for $20 and so far it has been great. Also has a red LED mode for night fishing...

http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_torch-headlight-varta-4led-whitered-3aaa17631412121_P4410412.aspx

[Jason B]

Can't go wrong with Led Lenser.

I have the H14 and its awesome. Their little ones are great also and they last unlike some others.

Jas

[no address]

I'm agree with Jason B, led lenser are the best I've come across but at $100.00 mark it's a bit hexy but value for money. Mick

[kiva]

We use a couple of ZebraLight H51's. They run off a single AA and the brightness can be controlled from super bright down to very, very dim.

[RWS]

I bought a couple of these Led Senser H3's off Koolas in the showroom section early last year...I can't fault them...very economical, haven't had the need to change the batteries in them yet.

[Carlisle Rogers]

Finally, something I'm an expert in! 

We used to buy a couple of these every trip we went on to test them out. My favourites and not favourites:

Petzl Tikka Plus 2 $70 

Good light, water resistant, OK with batteries, lightweight, good strap. Perfect all-rounder.

Energizer headlight $34 

Best value light out there. It's the one in your grocery store battery section. Cheap, seems to work on one set of batteries longer than any other, red LED for night vision retention. Strap is OK. Not sure about water resistance, but this is probably my favourite light.

LED Lenser H7 $80 

Bright! But LED adjustment doesn't work that well. Batteries on the back of the head makes sense, but feels weird. Heavy, no battery life and mine broke pretty quickly. The wiring inside is very brittle.

Black Diamond Spot $70 

Water resistant, lightweight, everything the Energizer one is except a bit smaller and more expensive.

Seriously, a few grams makes a difference when it is perched on your forehead for hours at night...but then, so do a few dollars when there aren't many around...

that's my 2 cents.

Carlisle

[GanG]

I use a spark ST6 for serious use, its made of aluminium, fully water proof and lasts forever on low power, and the 500 lumen max output is sensational!! it uses rechargable 18650 battery and is near on indestructible with no moving parts.

I also have a ledlenser H7 and while the variable focus and output work well, the hinge etc is crap and I have had 1 replaced under warranty already.

the cheap chinese stuff works ok for a few weeks, but if using often or need to depend on it, you get what you pay for.

These guys sell good gear, and are where I have bought my last few quality LED torches from https://www.ledtorchshop.com.au/product/420/spark-st6-500cw--500-lumen-

[kiva]

I bought a couple of these Led Lenser H3's off Koolas in the showroom section early last year...I can't fault them...very economical, haven't had the need to change the batteries in them yet.

Try putting some new batteries in - you should notice the difference.

The problem with Led Lenser is that most of their flashlights aren't "regulated". Meaning that as the battery loses charge, the light output gets dimmer. A regulated flashlight will run bright all the way to a cut off voltage and then run "half bright" or whatever the next dim setting might be. You'll notice that straight away and is a good hint to replace the batteries.

The "pros" on candlepowerforum don't typically hold Led Lenser in high regard, such as this response.

[Bird]

How much do you want to spend?

[SAX]

We use a couple of ZebraLight H51's. They run off a single AA and the brightness can be controlled from super bright down to very, very dim.

I have the same & they are awesome!  The best thing is the spread of the light.  Because it covers nearly 180 degrees, you don't need to move your head to shine light on the object you are looking at / for.  Everything in your peripheral version is lit.

Cheers,
Scott.

[Red Dog 4x4]

Ok even with a head lamp I still trip over the bloody guy ropes any way.....But I have the LED lenser H14 and love it extremely bright on high power ( easy see out 200m on spot beam ) and you can dim it to half power and its still brighter than others I have seen, It also has a variable dim to set it at a brightness you want.

Link - http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=679_853_854&products_id=9293

[Black Rat]

cheers all for your replies. thanks for narrowing down the decision for me. appreciate the expert opinions on a few choice lights. time to go and part with some hard earned!!!!!

[evolution]

I just got a catalogue from rays and they have 40% off headlamps this sale 

Cheers
Evo

[crykies]

Love my blackdiamond icon.