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Joined: Feb 2009
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Petzl for me for most of my headlamps. I really like their lineup for runners that are distance sensitive. Look close and they dim, look far out and they go to full power (and anything in between). The tech isn’t cheap but the function is fantastic. Plus, they are USB rechargeable and also have a 3xAAA battery pack.

My garage headlamp is now 9 years old Petzl and still kicking strong on rechargeable AA’s.

My favorite “new” headlamp is by Fenix. Their HM50r is fantastic and super lightweight. Perfect for walking the dogs at night. Sure, it’s a rechargeable CR123 battery but you can also get rechargeable CR123’s these days.

In the end what I want is something light enough to wear without that “3rd” headband (the one over the top of the head) and balanced such that it won’t fall forward, USB charging plus the ability to use a standard battery in a pinch. Oh, and a balanced light beam, slightly floody, slightly spotty - balanced for all around use.


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My needs in a headlamp are relatively specific because my primary use is for getting back to camp in the dark on backcountry elk hunts. A headlamp has save me from a cold night out more than once, too.

The light source must be an LED for efficiency.

I've experimented with plastic housings, but had trouble with durability. Now, I stick to metal housings for my headlamps.

Rechargable batteries make sense back home, but won't work on these trips because there is no place to recharge them. I always carry a few extra sets of batteries, so if the first set dies, I can easily be back up and running with a simple battery change. A relatively fresh set of batteries in the headlamp, and an extra set of batteries in my pack can easily get me through a whole night of hiking, if need be.

Also, I want two CR123 batteries to power the headlamp for long service life on a set of batteries. CR123 typically have higher energy density than AA or AAA batteries, and two CR123s doubles that. That's a lot of light energy in a small package.

I also want a simple switch that selects between 3 to 4 power settings. This allows me to conserve batteries by running the light at its lowest usable setting for the circumstances.

While not perfect, the headlamp closest to the above criteria that I have found is a Streamlight "ProTac HL."

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]

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that might work OK for you. Phuuuk the top straps. on ANY of them...

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Happy birthday Don!! Are ya gonna put on your birthday suit and go down to the diner, like last year??



A wise man is frequently humbled.

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I have a Browning headlamp that's close to 20 years old and works like new. My Petzl is newer, lighter, and has been solid for the 6 or 7 years I've had it.

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Zebralight here. H600w II.

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I like this Black Diamond a lot. Took it to Alaska on a remote hunt - worked perfectly even in a somewhat dicey grizzly standoff.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/BLACK-DIAMOND-EQUIP-STORM-HEADLAMP/3308560.uts?slotId=1

Last edited by GF1; 05/06/20.
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Originally Posted by huntsman22
Phuuuk the top straps. on ANY of them...


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

And, agreed.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

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Originally Posted by Ackleyfan
Zebra light



yep. have 3 and very good lights

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I just switched to Fenix. Rechargeable battery and bright!

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This is the model I was referring to earlier in this threadAPEX
This is the 4 AA model but they also have the rechargeable model. have used this on average of 12 hours per week for 10 years....Awesome no complaints.
It does have a top strap that Khhuntsman does not like but suits me just fine.

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It NEEDS that top strap with all the weight of those extra batteries and that big ol' wad of chit hanging off the back of it. Else wise, it would work down around your chin. And what fun is that?.....

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My criteria is as follows.

LED Red light/ variable power settings.
Normal batteries/rechargeable
Batteries in the the lamp, not in the back. Had more than one wire go bad.
Do not need the top strap.

My latest is a Petzal actik and have been really happy with it. Has both rechargeable and regular batteries.

I do not spend a lot of time hiking in the dark any more.


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