LED headlamp
- Thread starter jjrbus
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I have 2 of these and one is a few years old:
On high the battery has limited life but on medium it lasts a while. Bought another so I can swap when 1 dies.
I also like Sofirn lights and have a few. They are on Amazon and Ali express as well. There is a headlight for about $30 that looks good and a lot like the slonik but maybe with slightly better LED and a slightly bigger battery.
On high the battery has limited life but on medium it lasts a while. Bought another so I can swap when 1 dies.
I also like Sofirn lights and have a few. They are on Amazon and Ali express as well. There is a headlight for about $30 that looks good and a lot like the slonik but maybe with slightly better LED and a slightly bigger battery.
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My suggestion depends on your needs. For outside/longer distances I really my Wowtac A2. However, they aren't for sale on Amazon right now. It's basically a head strap and an 18650 powered light.
However, for closer work one of the lights with a wide band light similar to these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091XSYW9F/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have a set of these. I don't know if they are that durable but they are cheap so I'm willing to risk it. The wide light source really helps avoid shadows when you are working under a car. I don't like the bright red tail light (headlight and tail light work together). I ended up using my hot air rework soldering station to remove all the red LEDs.
Anyway, if you are doing up close work these headband type lights are really good.
However, for closer work one of the lights with a wide band light similar to these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091XSYW9F/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have a set of these. I don't know if they are that durable but they are cheap so I'm willing to risk it. The wide light source really helps avoid shadows when you are working under a car. I don't like the bright red tail light (headlight and tail light work together). I ended up using my hot air rework soldering station to remove all the red LEDs.
Anyway, if you are doing up close work these headband type lights are really good.
I have some high end headlamps but this one is my "go to". I love that it's a simple interface, wide flood pattern, warm white, rechargeable and so lightweight you don't even know it's there. They are also cheap. Unless you need a narrow/intense beam these are great all around headlamps.
Pen & Wrench
Well-known member
I have one I bought several years ago, don't always use it but it seems to be just fine for me, and its pretty simple, sorry I don't remember what brand it is. I don't even take the batteries out and it hasn't corroded up yet.
like2wheel
Well-known member
If you do any work on a creeper, get one that doesn't have the battery pack in the back.
I like the rechargeable Harbor Freight Quantum 500, but it doesn't last very long, so I have a 2nd one to rotate out.
I like the rechargeable Harbor Freight Quantum 500, but it doesn't last very long, so I have a 2nd one to rotate out.
I have several and some were fairly expensive. The ones I use the most are cheap Bushnell, very simple and nice big on/off button that can be switched with gloves on. I have a bunch of rechargeable AAAs.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324495344390
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324495344390
decableguy2000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2012
- Messages
- 651
I have several Fenix head lamps. Both are rechargeable have several levels but operate on memory of the level you turn it off at. Simple user interface.
sqznby
Well-known member
On Off High Low and flood or straight beam with a twist of the head = Ledlenser MH10
Great headlamp and comfortable to.
Charges pretty quick and lasts a good amount of time.
Great headlamp and comfortable to.
Charges pretty quick and lasts a good amount of time.
Ledlenser MH10
I'm pleased with this one, the beam focus is quite useful:
On High the NiMH Eneloop Pro batteries begin to dim at about 25 minutes so running it on medium to low yield good times. It just eats batteries when set on high. For car stuffs the medium and low yield good run times.
The headlamp may be down while waiting depending on how the unit charges. I carry spare NiMh cells so that if the task runs long it is easy to swap fresh batteries in and keep going.
Maybe the FL85 for more output:
This one will also run on AAA's and a LiON battery pack:
coastportland.com
Coast FL75 435 Lumen Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus 21708 - The Home Depot
This Coast Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus gives you the ability to shine a flood beam and then quickly twist the bezel to a long reaching spot beam.
www.homedepot.com
On High the NiMH Eneloop Pro batteries begin to dim at about 25 minutes so running it on medium to low yield good times. It just eats batteries when set on high. For car stuffs the medium and low yield good run times.
The headlamp may be down while waiting depending on how the unit charges. I carry spare NiMh cells so that if the task runs long it is easy to swap fresh batteries in and keep going.
Maybe the FL85 for more output:
Coast FL85 615 Lumen Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus FL85 - The Home Depot
Replace your daily flashlight with this Coast FL Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus.
www.homedepot.com
This one will also run on AAA's and a LiON battery pack:
FL78R
<p><meta charset=utf-8;utf-8"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW133456886 BCX0" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133456886...
coastportland.com
I have the Coast FL70R on my hard hat. It has a rechargeable battery, but can also use 3 AAA's as well. It also can be adjusted to spot or spread beam. Has 3 brightness levels, got it for ~$40 at Walmart.I'm pleased with this one, the beam focus is quite useful:
Coast FL75 435 Lumen Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus 21708 - The Home Depot
This Coast Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus gives you the ability to shine a flood beam and then quickly twist the bezel to a long reaching spot beam.www.homedepot.com
On High the NiMH Eneloop Pro batteries begin to dim at about 25 minutes so running it on medium to low yield good times. It just eats batteries when set on high. For car stuffs the medium and low yield good run times.
The headlamp may be down while waiting depending on how the unit charges. I carry spare NiMh cells so that if the task runs long it is easy to swap fresh batteries in and keep going.
Maybe the FL85 for more output:
Coast FL85 615 Lumen Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus FL85 - The Home Depot
Replace your daily flashlight with this Coast FL Dual Color LED Headlamp with Twist Focus.www.homedepot.com
This one will also run on AAA's and a LiON battery pack:
FL78R
<p><meta charset=utf-8;utf-8"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW133456886 BCX0" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW133456886...
Really like it, and the rechargeable battery lasts a long time even on the brightest setting. The battery just has a micro-usb port that you plug a usb cable into, so no special chargers or anything.
Nicklx
Member
I hate having a million modes to go thru and the strobes too. I love the Petzl Tikkina below. Has Low, Medium and High. Super simple and not too expensive and I run rechargeable batteries in it. Takes 3 triple A's. I have bought 4 of them at this point.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T1FDP7Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T1FDP7Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20
JRC3
Well-known member
How about a neck light? Love this thing. On/off only, to dim you have to hold the button. Zoomable. Rechargeable usb-c. https://www.harborfreight.com/290-l...798WgvwPHnLdIetB06lAf_8UjAtPb1rhoChdMQAvD_BwE
WWheeler
Well-known member
I use these clip on LEDs that clip on my hat and can swivel down.
They were ~$15 or so on Amazon. EDIT: $17 here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PKNTHQ7/?tag=atomicindus08-20
They have a USB micro port for charging.
The button with a circle on it is high, low, and off.
The other button, with a dash on it, turns on an infrared sensor that lets me turn on and off the light by moving my hand in front of it.
They were ~$15 or so on Amazon. EDIT: $17 here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PKNTHQ7/?tag=atomicindus08-20
They have a USB micro port for charging.
The button with a circle on it is high, low, and off.
The other button, with a dash on it, turns on an infrared sensor that lets me turn on and off the light by moving my hand in front of it.
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mslim
Well-known member
I've got about 4 Black Diamond Astro 250 headlamps. I've got 'em in the house, the RV, the cars, and the motorcycle.
The most I've paid for them is about $18. Oddly enough on amazon, they often have different prices for different colors of the same item. I always get red or some bright color that helps to find them if they get misplaced.
The most I've paid for them is about $18. Oddly enough on amazon, they often have different prices for different colors of the same item. I always get red or some bright color that helps to find them if they get misplaced.
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Fenix HM50R
Chance
Well-known member
+1
I just got one of these this fall. I find myself throwing it around my neck even when I'm not sure I'll need it. And it doesn't interfere with face mask or ear protection, either. 15% off until 1/16 with coupon.
Wurkkos HD20 is a solid choice. The Aliexpress link does not work, just search for it in the search bar. It's a right angle light that can be mounted on the head band. Its got a wonderful UI - one click to turn on, one click to turn off.
Only if you want to, it has plenty of settings too. You can cycle through different brightness modes by long-pressing the button when it's on. It remembers the last one so when you set the desired one you can just single-click to turn off, and single click to turn back on in the same mode. If you long press when it's off, you get into moonligh-mode (lowest setting). If you double-click it (when on or off) it goes into turbo mode with max brightness.
Other sweet things - it uses standard 21700 lithium ion cells but will work with 18650 too (these are the most common type, slightly thinner). On moonlight brightness, if you keep it on constantly it'll shine for two months. On some mid-setting, it will constantly shine for at least a day. In practice for most people that means they'll recharge it once every 3-6 months or even just once a year. With a 18650 it will last a bit less, probably about 10 days on moonlight mode - like the FC11 does (their most popular 18650 flashlight).
It's all aluminium and a right angle light. If you don't want to wear a geadband, you can keep it in your top jacket pocket too.
It has built in USB C charging for the 21700 and 18650 cells, so it can be charged like a phone.
It's got a magnetic tailcap so you can snap it to the car or the lift and position it so it can shine on what you're working.
It's rated to 2m water resistance and 1m impact resistance.
And if the battery ever dies, you just swap it out. You can even get another cell (they're 5-8€ for a quality one) and keep it in the toolcart, and just swap it out if it dies mid-work. The flashlight is not disposable like the sealed ones are. I always search for stuff with user-replaceable lithium ion cells - like, you can find radios that use them too. Sadly most manufacturers sold the damn things in to make it more disposable.
For flashlights, the typical prejudice against Chinese stuff is wrong. Their flashlights at the moment are really awesome quality. At least the enthusiast-grade stuff like Wurkkos or Sofirn. They use much better LED emitters and controllers than what you find in generic supermarkets, yet they cost the same. For example, ledlenser is more expensive for kind of outdated tech at the moment.
Top grade stuff is made by a Chinese guy called Hank. [Hank's lights](https://intl-outdoor.com/led-flashlights.html) are really cool, he fits whatever you want inside and even machines them out of all kinds of materials like copper or brass or titanium for the housing. He'll even do totally unique stuff if you contact him via email.
Only if you want to, it has plenty of settings too. You can cycle through different brightness modes by long-pressing the button when it's on. It remembers the last one so when you set the desired one you can just single-click to turn off, and single click to turn back on in the same mode. If you long press when it's off, you get into moonligh-mode (lowest setting). If you double-click it (when on or off) it goes into turbo mode with max brightness.
Other sweet things - it uses standard 21700 lithium ion cells but will work with 18650 too (these are the most common type, slightly thinner). On moonlight brightness, if you keep it on constantly it'll shine for two months. On some mid-setting, it will constantly shine for at least a day. In practice for most people that means they'll recharge it once every 3-6 months or even just once a year. With a 18650 it will last a bit less, probably about 10 days on moonlight mode - like the FC11 does (their most popular 18650 flashlight).
It's all aluminium and a right angle light. If you don't want to wear a geadband, you can keep it in your top jacket pocket too.
It has built in USB C charging for the 21700 and 18650 cells, so it can be charged like a phone.
It's got a magnetic tailcap so you can snap it to the car or the lift and position it so it can shine on what you're working.
It's rated to 2m water resistance and 1m impact resistance.
And if the battery ever dies, you just swap it out. You can even get another cell (they're 5-8€ for a quality one) and keep it in the toolcart, and just swap it out if it dies mid-work. The flashlight is not disposable like the sealed ones are. I always search for stuff with user-replaceable lithium ion cells - like, you can find radios that use them too. Sadly most manufacturers sold the damn things in to make it more disposable.
For flashlights, the typical prejudice against Chinese stuff is wrong. Their flashlights at the moment are really awesome quality. At least the enthusiast-grade stuff like Wurkkos or Sofirn. They use much better LED emitters and controllers than what you find in generic supermarkets, yet they cost the same. For example, ledlenser is more expensive for kind of outdated tech at the moment.
Top grade stuff is made by a Chinese guy called Hank. [Hank's lights](https://intl-outdoor.com/led-flashlights.html) are really cool, he fits whatever you want inside and even machines them out of all kinds of materials like copper or brass or titanium for the housing. He'll even do totally unique stuff if you contact him via email.
Muckin_Slusher
Well-known member
Fenix HM61R is what you want.
uses 18650 batteries
uses 18650 batteries
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Forget the alkaline batteries, get the lithium 18650 batteries as they are so much better performing. Get a brand type such as Fenix or Petzl, while these brands are generally not found in common big box stores they provide much better features than those lower priced ones are are stocked in the big-box store. Don’t be afraid to pay a bit more for quality and performance, it is well worth it when it comes to headlamps.Fenix HM61R is what you want.
uses 18650 batteries
Too heavy and over-priced, if you're going to spend that kind of money Zebralight is on a whole other level compared to Fenix.
Fenix HM61R is what you want.
uses 18650 batteries
I've got a similar Wowtac A2 and an Energizer 18650 light. While I like this style of light, what does this one bring to the table vs the cheaper models?
jrsavoie
Well-known member
I only wear lighted caps.
Sometimes I attach a clip on or ******** light with them.
I've seen safety glasses with LEDs on the temples.
Do they make LED temple attachments for prescription glasses?
I would try something like that out, if available.
rx-safety.com
www.panthervision.com
Sometimes I attach a clip on or ******** light with them.
I've seen safety glasses with LEDs on the temples.
Do they make LED temple attachments for prescription glasses?
I would try something like that out, if available.
LED Clip-On Light (Pair) - Rx Prescription Safety Glasses
The LED Clip-On Light is a useful tool to have when you're working in tight corners and need to light up a dark area. Easy to use!
rx-safety.com
POWERCAP LED Hats & Beanies
Looking for a hat with light? Shop POWERCAP's rechargeable LED cap collection. Hands-free lighting for camping, hunting, fishing & more. Shop today!
www.panthervision.com
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I have some high end headlamps but this one is my "go to". I love that it's a simple interface, wide flood pattern, warm white, rechargeable and so lightweight you don't even know it's there. They are also cheap. Unless you need a narrow/intense beam these are great all around headlamps.
I picked up one of those a couple weeks ago and so far I'm liking it. Only used it a couple times but if it holds up I might get a couple more for the boys. I mentioned in my other post about the weight, for some reason the headlamps with the larger batteries really bug me after so long.
rshadd
Well-known member
Petzl makes great gear
Muckin_Slusher
Well-known member
I'm happy with the runtime and the 5 different brightness settings. Also happy with the on button and battery life indicator LED. I really like the red light options as it's useful light at night without bothering others or wrecking your nightvision. I would much prefer that I could turn on the red without first turning on the white light. As it is I have to turn on the white light while covering the light while switching to red.
The charger is magnetic and very quick charge. Nice because it's water and dust proof.
Also like being able to remove the light for use as a regular flashlight.
18650s are just awesome because they're so common and have so much stored energy.
I'm not really familiar with any cheaper models that use 18650s.
I'm also happy with the harness, it's got good rubber grip and is comfortable.
Not sure what else to say, but I am going to look at those Zebralights someone mentioned.
I have a couple of Harbor Freight's Quantum 310. I am a building inspector and sometimes I crawl through some nasty areas and even up on cat walks. If it gets knocked off and falls I'm out $12 bucks. They seem to last for a fair amount of time with Lithium batteries.
For me and my use they work great.
For me and my use they work great.
Chance
Well-known member
+1 on that one too. Its what I used before I stepped up to the necklight. Surprisingly good for the price.
The best headlamp for mechanics | Helping you work smarter not harder
Using a headlamp while working on cars is like growing an extra arm. All of a sudden you can see what you're working on clearly, and both hands are free to tackle the problem. My choice for the best headlamp is based on practicality and fact, and although everything can be argued to be subjective,
rtstools.com
The best headlamp for mechanics | Helping you work smarter not harder
Using a headlamp while working on cars is like growing an extra arm. All of a sudden you can see what you're working on clearly, and both hands are free to tackle the problem. My choice for the best headlamp is based on practicality and fact, and although everything can be argued to be subjective,
I read the article. I didn't see anything that separates that headlamp from countless others like it.
One thing not mentioned was High CRI. High CRI is pretty great in automotive work, like when under a dash and trying to distinguish between a blue and a black wire.
I wonder if he even tried a Zebralight? The Zebralight H600Fc Mk IV is the same price, offers higher output, longer runtime, has 3 simple modes (high, med, low), and high CRI (93-95).
Indexmill
Well-known member
Nonsense. Fenix and Nitecore are awesome Chinese flashlights/headlights. They are indestructible and last forever.
Do NOT buy some POS that uses throw-away batteries; makes no sense.
Use only 18650 cells.
End of subject.
Not a big fan of offset 'dual purpose' headlamps.
Biggest functional difference is probably the angle retention system; one clicks into different angles, the other is just held by rubber tension.
For those who care, its also got a red light.
Indexmill
Well-known member
I never said that the Zebralight didn't use 18650s.