Flashlights vs Headlamps

[Corey]

Ohhhh, only $150
But if it is that bright, I want one.

I was looking a nice bike headlamp that puts out 1200 lumens and you can program it over the Internet, but it turns out it was $600.
http://niterider.com/prod_pro1200.shtml

They say it is as bright as some car systems.
I hope the price drops on it, as it wold make mountain bike riding at night fun.

 

[Redline]

Giving Mr. Hanson a run for his money

Not a big fan of headlamps. Want to more about flashlights than is really healthy? http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/

I have a few. 400 lumens is just getting started :wings:

 

[craig333]

And most of those are highly modded. Stay away. Far far away. A candle will be fine. Trust me. Flashlights can get addicting. STAY away from these websites. For your own good.

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/

http://www.batteryjunction.com/

http://www.lighthound.com/

http://www.brightguy.com/

http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/

http://www.flashlightlens.com/

If you really must know http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172991

Pretty soon you'll know what "mag85" "rop" and other terms mean. Someone will ask you how many lights you "edc" and you'll answer back four not counting the ones in my vehicle. (edc=every day carry). Before long you'll take expeditions at night just to have an excuse to use your lights.

You've been warned:ylsmoke:

 

[CMARJEEP]

I carry a Petzl Tikka headlamp that I use most of the time and then a Fenix TK20 for spotting.

I am going to order this new headlamp from Fenix soon though. 225 lumens for 2.5hours with 3 other setttings. Runs on 4 AA's. Regulated. Waterproof to IPX8. ALL FOR ONLY $65!!!

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewnproduct.asp?id=49

 

[neoseikan]

As a flashlight designer, I hope to compare the headlamp and flashlight.

1- The performance.

A flashlight can have a wider and deeper reflector or optic than headlamp's, otherwise the lamp will be too heavy or big and hard to wear. So that the focus ability of flashlight can be much better than headlamp.

A headlamp can hold more batteries if it has a seperated battery box. That's good, but most headlamps put the batteries with the lamp, so that the runtime*output value can not be very high.

2-


to be continued.

 

[jh504]

I would love to have a headlamp for work because I usually end up putting my compact Maglite in my teeth to have my hands free at night. I would probably get laughed at by my peers but who cares if it works.

 

[Dale]

I have multiple headlamps stashed everywhere and 1 large Maglite in my truck, to keep the word "premeditated" off of my list of charges.

 

[60LCConvert]

I used to purchase all different types of lamps in all configurations whenever I saw a new and briter version. Now I follow one "guiding lite" Surefire all the way, wouldn't even consider purchasing anything else. They all use the same battery type (at least those most commonly purchase(ie not the Hellfighter)) 123A lithium batteries...now with the introduction of the Saint headlamp and it's final release, while a little spendy the have completed the Holy Grail of lites. I like both handheld and headlamps for the money the Saint is like wearing the sun on your head but kinda clashes for a nite out so gotta have the E2 Defender or the Backup on hand.:drool:

 

[Borrego60]

I have used a Streamlight for the past 18 yrs and not a problem. My SL20X I bought in 84 and used it while I was a police officer for 6yrs. Only changed the battery 3 times in 18 yrs.The one I carry in my Tundra is the 20XP a polycarbon light just as tuff. I can charge the lights in either charger 12v of 110v. I still have the SL20X it is beside my bed in a charger and ready to go. About $106.00 each or so but well worth the investment. When I go camping I bring both lights with me,use one while the other sits in the charger and swap them as needed.
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[Big Bear]

And most of those are highly modded. Stay away. Far far away. A candle will be fine. Trust me. Flashlights can get addicting. STAY away from these websites. For your own good.

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/

http://www.batteryjunction.com/

http://www.lighthound.com/

http://www.brightguy.com/

http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/

http://www.flashlightlens.com/

If you really must know http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172991

Pretty soon you'll know what "mag85" "rop" and other terms mean. Someone will ask you how many lights you "edc" and you'll answer back four not counting the ones in my vehicle. (edc=every day carry). Before long you'll take expeditions at night just to have an excuse to use your lights.

You've been warned:ylsmoke:

Well thanks for the warning, but really did you have to provide the links :drool: All ready owning 3 stingers as well as 3 other streamlights is bad enough now I am looking at upgrades for them.

 

[craig333]

I'm sorry about that. I stopped going to candlepowerforums because I can't afford anymore flashlights, and i have enough (well, can you really have enough?) for now.

 

[verdesardog]

For SAR you really need both a head light and several flashlights. The search subjects will probably not have lights.....

New LED technology is making lighting much better than it was even just 5 years ago.

 

[SOFME]

carry both, plain and simple.

as far as brands, doesn't mater. but keep in mind this, your batteries should be the same for all of them. that being said, for my work i carry a surefire hand light BECAUSE my helmet light is a surefire. surefire batteries don't last the longest. but i tell you their flashlights are outstanding.

my personal aid bag has a lenova handlight and petzel headlamp both take AAA batteries.

mag lights are stupid IMHO. they are big and bulky, so are their batteries.

 

[tibfibber]

Headlamp for 90% of my use.
Specifically Zebralight. I've found the H51 to be a beautifully designed, small 90' head single AA headlamp. Rub time on full (rated 200lm) could be longer (~1hr) but that's using standard alkaline AA's. The lowest power level is .2 lumens, which sounds ridiculous, but is actually perfect in the camper when it's the only lightsource.



http://www.zebralight.com/H51-Headlamp-AA-200Lm_p_37.html

lots of proponents over at candlepowerforums, with good reason.



As a theatre/production lighting person, I've gone through a lot of headlamps in the past. Usually Black Diamonds which have worked great. I recently was using a LED Lenser H7 which had some unique features - both the dimming curve and the focus beam are lever operated and the ability to control the beam from tight spot to full flood whilst also having a smooth dimming curve was really handy. Output was enough to punch across a small field. Build quality was decent, but typically lighter duty switches and hinges, but surprisingly with a bit of care I've seen these things go for years.. There is a version marketed by Coast that's basically identical, think it's a cheaper rebadge. I really liked its flexibility, but unfortunately my ex lost it walking the dogs. For ~ $30 I'd buy another.

You know what, I will...

 

[kevint]

I've pretty much abandoned flashlights. I used to think headlamps were dorky but got tired of trying to hold a mini-mag light in my teeth so I picked one up. I cared a lot less about dorky when my light was always automatically pointed where I was looking and my hands were free.

The one I've settled on for general camping is the Black Diamond Spot. 90 - 100 lumens, max, I think. Dimmable. Spot or wide beam. Red light for astronomy.