Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Wolf_Larson on November 15, 2012
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I need info on head torches, i got one in portrush for £7 but it failed me after the moyle way. So i need a new one.
many thanks wolf AKA Dave
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Petzl make a great range and black diamond. Both could be found on eBay.
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The Alpkit Gamma is popular. I have one and didn't think it was terribly bright but I've never yet found a head torch that I liked.
http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16345&category_id=253
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I've quite a few head torches, my main one is the Energizer Extreme Headlight Cree LED, a good all rounder, quite bright at 70 lumens, has red led which is handy in groups so you don't blind everyone, and best of all it takes a single AA battery, so it doesn't cost a fortune to put a new battery in regularly to keep it nice and bright, and 1 battery is easy to change on the move, alos the gps uses same batteries so no need to carry a spare. (note: i also carry a hand torch (led lenser L5) that takes a single AA battery)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Energizer-Extreme-Headlight-Cree-LED/dp/B0022NHN4Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353064365&sr=8-3
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XO3rXuDmL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Then i have the bad boy, a led lenser H7, at 140 lumens its very bright, you can adjust it between spot and wide beam easily, also the dimming function is an easy to use slider. I tend to use this one for night navigation exercises, but as it uses 3 AAA batteries it means i need to carry 3 spares :( so i tend not to use it that often
http://www.amazon.co.uk/H7-Head-Torch-Gift-7497/dp/B001JZIE3A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353064473&sr=8-1
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tkA-JmOFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Most people don't actually require a bright head torch (i often walk at night with just my red led on) and it just blinds people when in a group, so go for something with the features you want and is comfortable to wear. I find the cheap ones are more than bright enough for most uses, they are just a bit too bulky.
(http://uk.farnell.com/productimages/farnell/standard/LA0306407-40.jpg)
I once bought a few of the above cheap ones from ebay, got them for £2 each, one never worked at all, one soon after, and the other 3 are still going strong with regular use by the kids bouncing them off the walls! but at the cheap price i was taking a chance with build quality, would have cost more than it was worth to send the faulty ones back but i still have 3 good torches for a tenner ;D
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The Alpkit Gamma is popular. I have one and didn't think it was terribly bright but I've never yet found a head torch that I liked.
My problem with the gamma is that the main LED is so focussed that it isn't really practical for anything. I find the small white LED very good though for most things, and like having the colours. Maybe I could rig a diffuser for the main LED?
Liam, what is the beam like on the Energizer? My housemates have taken to borrowing my headtorch, so maybe I can get another secret one that won't have used batteries when I lift it :D
The Lenser reviews say that even on the flood there is a sharp circle of light that cuts off... I like a nice blend into the darkness so your vision isn't so isolated. My Lezyne bike light has a nice spot with spread, but is not head-mountable.
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Thats some nice info there, never thought about blinding people even know ive been on the end of it.
Thanks again everyone.
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what is the beam like on the Energizer?
a sort of not too wide spot beam with a reasonably defined edge, if you get my drift, it has a dimming optin but its a bit fiddly as you have to hold the on button and resets to full power when switched on and off again, that is its only downfall.
never thought about blinding people even know ive been on the end of it.
try going on a night walk with 100 cubs with headtorches :o make sure you walk at the back ;D
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That would be like waking up on a motor way lol
Some nice head lights on line, i think the more hours from battrie the better with a nice light as i dont want to see a mile in front of me. I also would not like a narrow light, rounded is better. A red light on it is a must now also.
Cheers again peeps
PS this one looks a good all rounded..........http://www.theheadtorchstore.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=20&product_id=66
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what about this, less than £2 (including postage!), red and white leds :)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/One-Bright-LED-Headlamp-HeadLight-Head-Torch-Black-New-/270793009836?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item3f0c856aac
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Tisco has a 25% closing down sale ;-)
http://outdoor.tiso.com/search?w=SILVA+NINOX+-+CAMO
If the Belfast one has that head light, im getting it.
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Tisco has a 25% closing down sale ;-)
http://outdoor.tiso.com/search?w=SILVA+NINOX+-+CAMO
If the Belfast one has that head light, im getting it.
It doesn't Wolf... I was in on Sunday and they only had Black Diamond Storm & Petzl Tikka XP Core.
I was thinking I'd pick up a Ninox myself to try as it looks really good, but none there.
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Dam twenty, if you see them anywhere at a good price, can you post here as i'm going to get one from some where mate. Thanks wolf
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I got this head light today
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=5234&gclid=CKuqzt3f4LMCFSnJtAodbE8A_g
What does this mean.......Degree of protection: IP X4 (water-resistant) ???
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I got this head light today
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=5234&gclid=CKuqzt3f4LMCFSnJtAodbE8A_g
What does this mean.......Degree of protection: IP X4 (water-resistant) ???
That's a grand wee head torch, it just means don't be wearing it underwater, ;D will cope with rain etc no probs wolf!
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I got this head light today
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=5234&gclid=CKuqzt3f4LMCFSnJtAodbE8A_g
What does this mean.......Degree of protection: IP X4 (water-resistant) ???
http://www.gps-home.com/waterproof-rating.aspx (http://www.gps-home.com/waterproof-rating.aspx)
That's a much better explanation! Lol
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;D
Thanks lads