Topic: Headlamps (Read 8252 times)

harveymt · « **on:** April 29, 2013 »

What's the difference between cheaper and more expensive headlamps? Is it simply brightness? I'm just looking something cheap and cheerful for a few overnights a year.

Decathlon have the Petzl Tikkina 2, I was going to go for that?

Ramblingman · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2013 »

It's more or less just the brightness/battery capacity. The petzl tikkina 2 will do a great job and is an excellent head torch. Light as well.

twentyclicks · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2013 »

Harvey, I researched A LOT about LED headlamps the other month.
There will be differences in build quality, weatherproofness, features, compactness, ergonomics, but the main money goes into the type of LEDs used and the driver circuit (as I see Ramblingman has said already!). The likes of Petzl are also starting custom programmable lamps and top-end auto-reactive lamps like the NAO. Generally, the brighter the light the more it will cost.

Most headtorches are unregulated, which means the light output dims gradually as the batteries discharge. It gives a very long 'life', but a regulated lamp will give guaranteed output for a shorter time (eg. Silva Runner). Even in the regulated camp you have Pulse Modulated or Current Draw regulation. Current draw is higher end.

Newer LEDs are constantly more efficient, giving higher output and longer life so I would always advise buying the latest version of a particular model. Some types of LED also have different colour outputs, with 'high CRI' models giving fuller spectrum with warmer tones which helps colour recognition and depth perception for critical tasks.

I have had a Petzl Tikka for years. It is well made and bright enough to stop trips when walking. I also have an Alpkit Gamma for a few years which is cheap and decent enough - I actually find the main beam not that useful as it is so focused like a search light, but the small LEDs (white, green, red) are all very good. The newer single white led is brighter than the 3 in my old Tikka.
I did splash out on a Zebralight 502w as a warm, wide flood with top drivers, but would consider anything from Petzl or Silva as decent kit. The Silva Ninox looks a really nice bit of kit. Decent spread, power, and has a red LED for night vision/camp duties without getting into too big money.

There are decent lights from Black Diamond (Spot); also Fenix and LED Lenser but they have huge ranges of great and not-so-great, so takes a bit of research which sounds like it might be unnecessary for what you need. The Tikkina 2 will be grand, but just bear in mind it is basic.

harveymt · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2013 »

It's essentially to see my way about in the tent. I'll not need it for walking in the dark just yet. I'll take my eReader up too to catch up on some reading so if it'll illuminate that too.

Ed · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2013 »

For that sort of thing you could get away with a little situ. The headtorches by alpkit are also very decent for occasional use.

I went a bit overboard and got a petzl nao for my birthday back in february, but its been used about 10 or 12 times since so I don't feel so guilty about it

Ed

LandyLiam · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2013 »

Quote

For that sort of thing you could get away with a little situ.

Do you mean the Siju? (currently £12 in cotswolds)

or Energizer do a very similar one for £4
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/for-sale-hire-wanted-user-classifieds-sale-bargains/energizer-head-torch/msg39796/#msg39796

brilliant for use in the tent, you would hardly know you had it on, i fell asleep with mine on

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Author Topic: Headlamps (Read 8252 times)

harveymt

Headlamps

Ramblingman

Re: Headlamps

twentyclicks

Re: Headlamps

harveymt

Re: Headlamps

Ed

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LandyLiam

Re: Headlamps

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