Headlamps

[krick3tt]

Just got my newest headlamp, rechargeable, tired of those little batteries that corrode and don't last long anyway.

Fenix HM50R Rechargeable Headlamp | REI Co-op

With a compact, waterproof aluminum body, the easy-to-operate Fenix HM50R rechargeable headlamp pierces the night with 4 brightness levels and a 500-lumen maximum beam that reaches up to 80 meters.

www.rei.com

 

[outdoornate65]

Nice. Really like Fenix stuff.
I'd like to get a rechargeable model.

 

[Beat Mumenthaler]

Try this one https://www.headspinoutdoors.com/

 

[mikeyb1976]

Just got my newest headlamp, rechargeable, tired of those little batteries that corrode and don't last long anyway.

Why is that such an issue? We don't overuse our headlamps, imo, or have them exposed to high humidity. I leave the batteries in mine & the wife's for emergency use, too, so storing them w/ batteries is a requirement. Yet we're replacing them because of the corrosion. Is it the cheap (Costco) batteries? Moisture trapping from being in the tent, or being used in the damp part of the day?

Maybe I should look into the rechargeables... but how well do they last?

 

[krick3tt]

Perhaps replacing batteries isn't an issue for you. I charge the lamp on the way to a camp spot and it lasts for the season. All batteries will eventually corrode, just my opinion and I am sure someone will chime in and say they have never seen it. Some folks like to shop at Costco and spend money on batteries, I don't, it is a personal choice. Needing the lamp and discovering the batteries have died is very annoying.

 

[pluton]

Yet we're replacing them because of the corrosion. Is it the cheap (Costco) batteries? Moisture trapping from being in the tent, or being used in the damp part of the day?

Maybe I should look into the rechargeables... but how well do they last?

Modern alkaline batteries are almost guaranteed to leak and corrode. I've had Duracells that leaked IN THE PACKAGE, a year before the use by date!
Eliminate them from your life to the greatest extant possible.
The expensive lithium AA's don't leak, but aren't rechargeable.
The rechargeable NiMH's are very good now if you get Panasonic Eneloop batteries, or equivalent. They hold the charge for a long time, like alkalines, and can be recharged many times.
CR123 batteries are somewhat expensive ($2 each when bought 20 at a time), they don't leak.... but aren't rechargeable.
I got one of these headlamps that has a big, permanent LiIon batt pack that never runs down:https://princetontec.com/product/apex-rechargeable/

 

[TNExplorer]

Try this one https://www.headspinoutdoors.com/

That's some expensive lighting right there.

 

[Mgyver1]

I have a PrincetonTec that uses a CR123 and I’ve never had it leak. The 123 batteries apparently work better in extremely cold environments compared to the AAA version. And yes, I have found Kirkland batteries leak way more than the average near. I’ve had much better luck getting the Duracell’s at Costco.

They do make rechargeable CR123 batteries if you really wanted to recharge them, but they have a little less capacity. Another bonus is that PrincetonTec lights are made in the USA (or at least assembled).

I’m sure you can find it cheaper through Amazon or some retailers

https://princetontec.com/product/remix-pro/

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

I got some simple USB rechargeable ones off of Amazon and they work fine, easy and fast charging, cheap enough that I have a few of them that I keep in different vehicles.

What I don't like about most headlamps is that they all seem to want to be the brightest and be able to bounce off the moon. Yes, they will have different levels, but it's still a bright beam. I'd like to find something with a wide diffused output that I can have on around the campsite and not blind everyone as I look at them.

 

[hour]

I got some simple USB rechargeable ones off of Amazon and they work fine, easy and fast charging, cheap enough that I have a few of them that I keep in different vehicles.

What I don't like about most headlamps is that they all seem to want to be the brightest and be able to bounce off the moon. Yes, they will have different levels, but it's still a bright beam. I'd like to find something with a wide diffused output that I can have on around the campsite and not blind everyone as I look at them.

You can get ones with adjustable beam but they do seem to be bulkier. I don't know what's up with the trend of making headlamps look like some Batman gadget though.

18650 battery headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns are all where it's at. Better if you get one with USB charging port for convenience, but still usable if you spend $15 on a 4-bay intelligent battery charger. Lots of those chargers come with a cigarette lighter adapter too. I run a Liito-Kala Lii-500 in my truck for charging my eneloops and 18650 cells for lamps and e-cig. Can charge at 1 amp per bay which is likely 2-4x as fast as the onboard charging port of a headlamp. I've capacity tested a lot of the cells that come with these lights. You know, "7000 MAH BRIGHTEST BEST BUY" bull crap. I'm yet to find a no-name battery with a tested capacity less than 2100mah, which is very respectable.

My lights have had the batteries upgraded to old vape batteries that I replaced assuming they had cycled a bazillion times, prior to having the means of capacity testing (with above charger). In short, all of my lights are running 2850mah tested LG HG2 batteries.. and they kick ass. I have two that charge by USB and 4 that use tiny barrel jacks that I promptly lost the cord for. Charge the USB ones by usb, charge the cells individually for the others.

I would take a single 18650 headlamp over a 3xAAA one all damn day.

 

[Victory_Overland]

Why is that such an issue? We don't overuse our headlamps, imo, or have them exposed to high humidity. I leave the batteries in mine & the wife's for emergency use, too, so storing them w/ batteries is a requirement. Yet we're replacing them because of the corrosion. Is it the cheap (Costco) batteries? Moisture trapping from being in the tent, or being used in the damp part of the day?

Maybe I should look into the rechargeables... but how well do they last?

Modern rechargeable are lithium; designed to be charged and depleted and recharged; maximum battery life comes from full cycle use and not recharging over and over. Alkaline leak, just by design they are meant to be temporary and throwaway as they are sealed but significantly degrade with change in temp and humidity and various other atmospherics causing cells to swell and take the casing with them. You could buy lithium AA and AAA; a bit more expensive but lithium does not leak and far more efficient outside of extreme cold temps. I have two headlamps in my emergency kit with 2 x sets of batteries stored and taped outside the headlamp; a battery that is not cycled or connected is not under the same lifespan considerations so you can store like this and get maximum life for emergency breakout; my daily use is rechargeable lithium sealed headlamp(s) similar to @krick3tt.

Perhaps replacing batteries isn't an issue for you. I charge the lamp on the way to a camp spot and it lasts for the season. All batteries will eventually corrode, just my opinion and I am sure someone will chime in and say they have never seen it. Some folks like to shop at Costco and spend money on batteries, I don't, it is a personal choice. Needing the lamp and discovering the batteries have died is very annoying.

Agreed; all my headlamps and even my watches are rechargeable and it used to be a big talking point on a rechargeable watch working in a tactical or operational environment; all debunked and far more efficient with the proper experience and knowledge. Battery technology is progressing so fast these days in every area except standard alkaline; personal opinion is lithium rechargeable AA or AAA or sealed unit designed to be recharged. Does take some planning but once we engrain it, no issues IMO.

 

[mikeyb1976]

Modern rechargeable are lithium; designed to be charged and depleted and recharged; maximum battery life comes from full cycle use and not recharging over and over. Alkaline leak, just by design they are meant to be temporary and throwaway as they are sealed but significantly degrade with change in temp and humidity and various other atmospherics causing cells to swell and take the casing with them. You could buy lithium AA and AAA; a bit more expensive but lithium does not leak and far more efficient outside of extreme cold temps. I have two headlamps in my emergency kit with 2 x sets of batteries stored and taped outside the headlamp; a battery that is not cycled or connected is not under the same lifespan considerations so you can store like this and get maximum life for emergency breakout; my daily use is rechargeable lithium sealed headlamp(s) similar to @krick3tt.



Agreed; all my headlamps and even my watches are rechargeable and it used to be a big talking point on a rechargeable watch working in a tactical or operational environment; all debunked and far more efficient with the proper experience and knowledge. Battery technology is progressing so fast these days in every area except standard alkaline; personal opinion is lithium rechargeable AA or AAA or sealed unit designed to be recharged. Does take some planning but once we engrain it, no issues IMO.

I dug my new headlamp out of the truck and discovered it's a Petzl, like my wife's. Ordered two rechargeable batteries for them. Nice the two different models can use the same battery. Our older headlamps will be backups.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Probably kinda dorky but I use a Streamlight penlight daily. As in like every day at work and around the farm, I have had it 5 years and it goes pretty much wherever I go. I just use generic (name brand but nothing really special) AAA's in it, I get about 3-6mo out of batteries and I must have a fast enough turnover to not have an issue with batteries leaking knocking on wood.

While working under my truck I had a revelation a few years ago, I moved the clip to the middle and turned it around backwards, then I can stick it on my hat bill. Instant headlamp, works great. Clipping it on the top or bottom of the hat bill adjusts the angle slightly. I am always wearing a hat so that is a nonissue.

Got it from the Snap-On tool truck, lifetime warranty.

 

[pluton]

Probably kinda dorky but I use a Streamlight penlight daily. ... I just use generic (name brand but nothing really special) AA's in it, I get about 3-6mo out of batteries...

These take AAA batteries, no?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

These take AAA batteries, no?

Yup, good catch. Fixed it.