Getting tired of holding a flashlight with my teeth, so I'm looking for a good LED headlamp, maybe something that's rechargeable so I don't have to worry about swapping out batteries constantly. Do you guys have any suggestions? I was recently looking at one of the Milwaukee headlamps, anyone have an opinion on them? I appreciate any advice you guys can give me. Thanks!
Can you recommend a good headlamp.
- Thread starter jgelack
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JAYoung
Well-known member
I like those clip-on models that go on the bill of a ball cap, with rechargeable AAAs, and have a red light option. Not an option for those who wear their cap backwards.
Gets rid of the stupid harnesses of most headlamps.
Gets rid of the stupid harnesses of most headlamps.
glend123
Well-known member
Milwaukee rechargeable. I think its made for hardhats so its a little bigger than most.
I use it ALL the time.
https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-2111-21-usb-rechargeable-hard-hat-headlamp.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL1fw2NBXAWh4dfHpL1CWOd2gN1Pm-J9nXmU2oBnYH1N2p2v2NFf7UQaAub0EALw_wcB
I use it ALL the time.
https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-2111-21-usb-rechargeable-hard-hat-headlamp.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL1fw2NBXAWh4dfHpL1CWOd2gN1Pm-J9nXmU2oBnYH1N2p2v2NFf7UQaAub0EALw_wcB
scubadoober
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- Aug 15, 2017
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PETZL Tikkina, Tikka, or Taktikka. Pick the one that tickles your pickle. They are all around the same price, and don't get wrapped up in lumens since you will rarely use it on the highest setting. I wouldn't get too hung up on rechargeable either. Even when I use mine regularly I change the batteries once a month. Lightweight, comfortable, and not too expensive so if you run over it or drop it in the lake you don't scream curse words. I have had most of the major brands and like the PETZL so far. Previous was a black diamond previously and liked it until it stopped working.
I've been using Zebralights for years. They are tough and well built. Lots of battery and bulb options to choose from. Highly recommended.
http://www.zebralight.com/Headlamp_c_7.html
http://www.zebralight.com/Headlamp_c_7.html
I keep one of these in every car and tool box:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hig...986.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dpXX2mB
AAAs last a long time in a head lamp. It isn't a good application for a rechargeable in my view.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hig...986.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dpXX2mB
AAAs last a long time in a head lamp. It isn't a good application for a rechargeable in my view.
^^^What he said. I'd get the neutral white/floody with 18650 rechargeable battery.
AE2
Well-known member
I have two Coast headlamps. One has focus and dimmable. Other has multiple leds but just basic. I really like them, fairly inexpensive at Menards and clip onto a hardhat if needed.
rlitman
Well-known member
I have that one. The light is excellent, but the rubber part that goes on your forehead if you're not using it with a hardhat gets sticky and painful. I stitched a piece of fabric cut out of an old shirt over it that makes it much more comfortable. But otherwise, I'll second that recommendation.
redmondjp
Well-known member
Maybe in yours; I have several Coast brand headlamps (Costco, $20-25 for a two-pack when on sale), and they burn through batteries like no tomorrow, even on the low setting. I've switched over to using the Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable batteries (also from Costco, only when on sale) in them because I got tired of buying the Costco-sized brick of AAA cells a few times a year.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I buy the energizers that are at the checkout at HD. Must own 8 of them.
I make sure to get them with red led's and one-touch shutoff
I make sure to get them with red led's and one-touch shutoff
The worst I've ever used, a cheap AA "flashlight" that sticks out like a **** from a single band on your forehead, clumsy to turn on and off, was still not bad and way better than not having anything hands free. Not comfortable to wear for long, not much light, still worked.
My best is still a cheapo $5 type from ebay, but its flat and a bit more comfortable and easy to use, has ok output with a COB. My other $5 has a couple modes including a red LED for not losing your night vision or bothering others, but output is a bit weaker and battery connection is flakey at times.
Upgrade plans would be a better quality, maybe with the battery at the back of my head instead of one piece types. The option of lower level red only output is very handy, but not a deal killer on a new one since I have my old one that does that part fine.
My advice, buy a good one if its work related, buy a cheap one and see what you do or don't like before jumping into a $50 light.
My best is still a cheapo $5 type from ebay, but its flat and a bit more comfortable and easy to use, has ok output with a COB. My other $5 has a couple modes including a red LED for not losing your night vision or bothering others, but output is a bit weaker and battery connection is flakey at times.
Upgrade plans would be a better quality, maybe with the battery at the back of my head instead of one piece types. The option of lower level red only output is very handy, but not a deal killer on a new one since I have my old one that does that part fine.
My advice, buy a good one if its work related, buy a cheap one and see what you do or don't like before jumping into a $50 light.
DGersic
Well-known member
Dingleburry
Well-known member
I like the coast dimmable, and adjustable spot/flood.
Needless to say I agree. I am glad you like yours. My first pixa is 6 or 7 years old and has mostly been retired from professional work. It still works fine but the headband is stretched too much. Probably due to washing it at too high temperature. I thought it was expensive when I bought it - man was I wrong. Best money I ever spent. It's given me several thousands of hours of service and outlasted several pairs of good quality NIMH batteries.
Since I use my headlight so much when I am working I would never consider rechargeable light. Well perhaps but then I would buy two. It's frustrating to grab the light and discover it's out of batteries and then have to wait for it to recharge. I have charger at work and there is always extra pair ready to switch.
Our shop has been buying these lights for the guys. I think this "Scangrip" brand is primarily European but perhaps they are sold under different names in the US.
This is rather nice worklight for repair work. It's light and sits well on the head, not bulky at all and gives a nice even flood. I am not sure but I think they shine for 4-5 hours on the charge. Don't know how long they last or such but at least few months in daily use.
I mention this one because some people don't like the bulk and weight of the Petzl Pixa 3 I highly recommend.
This is rather nice worklight for repair work. It's light and sits well on the head, not bulky at all and gives a nice even flood. I am not sure but I think they shine for 4-5 hours on the charge. Don't know how long they last or such but at least few months in daily use.
I mention this one because some people don't like the bulk and weight of the Petzl Pixa 3 I highly recommend.
I use many headlights. For most of them, the headband wears out first.
Some were heavy, bulky.
The only one I use now is a Nitecore running light, usb rechargeable with built li-ion, something like this.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32958478290.html
Some were heavy, bulky.
The only one I use now is a Nitecore running light, usb rechargeable with built li-ion, something like this.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32958478290.html
Double J
Well-known member
I use a Nitecore 18650 powered headlamp. It can start to get warm on the higher settings, but it sure pumps out the lumens.
boat2230
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I will say the coast products have been awesome. I use one on the boat in a marine environment and it is over three years old change batteries dropped in water oil and on the deck still ticking and two for hunting. Just got a rechargeable will see how that goes looks to be of the same great quality and I think a good bang for the buck
https://coastportland.com/collections/headlamps
https://coastportland.com/collections/headlamps
sweet victory
Well-known member
The Olight H1R has been my go to ever since I got it. Insanely bright at 600 lumens, super compact profile, and great magnetic charger design.
98ssuck
Well-known member
Im assuming you’re looking for a headlamp for work. I’ve had good luck with black diamond headlamps but I’ve only ever looked in the double and triple a battery range. For almost two years I used a petzl vairo rechargeable pack unit. It worked very well the setting were quick and easy to use with gloved hands. It’s a little bulky and heavy but it stood up to two plus years of daily abuse before I lost it. It looks like it been replaced by the duo which looks like a nice but pricey unit.
DGersic
Well-known member
Yep, thanks for the recommendation. I’ve considered getting a couple sets of rechargeable AAs for lights, but a box of Duracells is easier.
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rk_tek
Well-known member
I have a Black Diamond ReVolt. Waterproof. It has 2 rechargeable AAA that charge in the lamp with a micro usb. You can also use regular AAA, but i’ve Never needed to. Every few months I plug it in and it’s always ready to go. You can go from dim to full bright by tapping the side. And it has a red LED too
It looks like Petzl Pixa Z1 would be my choice today. Very similar to the pixa 3 but with with approx 4x the burn time 
Well, burn time isn't a problem I have with the pixa3 but four times better can't hurt.
https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Professional/Compact--durable-headlamps/PIXA-Z1
BTW these are professional headlights and even if they work fine for great many things they are not optimal for all kinds of activity (jogging for example). But for their intended use I think they are rather hard to beat.
Well, burn time isn't a problem I have with the pixa3 but four times better can't hurt.
https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Professional/Compact--durable-headlamps/PIXA-Z1
BTW these are professional headlights and even if they work fine for great many things they are not optimal for all kinds of activity (jogging for example). But for their intended use I think they are rather hard to beat.
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SilverDeck
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- Jun 7, 2016
- Messages
- 481
Been using a Petzl Tikka XP for quite a few years now. Love it!
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Rarified27
Well-known member
ll of my headlamps are Streamlight and the worst issue I've had is some corroded batteries. They're all at least 7yrs old.
Turbski
New member
I’ve got three of the Foxelli mx-200s. Well, two and my wife hijacked one to use when she puts together jigsaw puzzles. (Don’t ask..... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
My first one is two years old and gets used pretty heavily. Can’t beat it for $12 off amazon.
They’re lightweight, comfortable, and put out good light.
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My first one is two years old and gets used pretty heavily. Can’t beat it for $12 off amazon.
They’re lightweight, comfortable, and put out good light.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk