Headlamps - seek advice

Mark W

Mark W

Well-known member
I read through some old posts on the subject and when searching google, could not find some of the recommendations. I already have a couple of different cap lights that work great for up close illumination. I have a nice Ray O Vac, or is it Energizer that is red with a clear lens - very nice. A couple of other under cap LED's lights powered by coin batteries as well. I need something new. Here is what I am looking for.

Something that has a strap and not a clip. I will be using this for ice fishing in addition to floating down early morning streams and late season duck hunting - times when I do not wear a cap with a brim. Simpler is always better.

It would be nice to have something that can illuminate 20-25 yards away and also have a setting where you can get less illumination and a wider area.

Simple switching. Will be operating with gloves on.

Have a built in tilt mechanism.

Rechargeable or not doesn't matter. It would be nice to get at least 20 hours out of regular batteries.

Other color LED's make no difference to me. Red would be OK but not mandatory.

Thoughts? Anything I miss for requirements?

Mark W
 
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I have the Cabelas Alaskan Guide headlamp with the white bulb. Really like it, bright, great distance and adjustable.
 
There are a ton on the market now. I have 3 maybe 4 I think. My two current favorites are both Black Diamond. Had a new Princetec last year but the switch broke so bought another Black Diamond. All the ones I have had have multiple settings with the lowest light lasting in the neighborhood of 200 hours and maybe 12 at the high setting. None that I have had with switches could be operated with gloves on. The screw cap type can be operated with gloves but the lights themselves are substantially bigger. Get one that takes 2 or 3 AAA batteries. There is a huge price gap with these lights and it mainly boils down to how bright (number of lumens) you want it on high. About 90 or more is good IMO.
 
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Mark,
I've been using the Cabela's Alaskan Guide model, which is made by Princeton Tech as the Yukon HL. 2 light settings...3 LEDs for low light and long burn time, and a 1 watt high power that reaches out nicely.
Easy to hit power button on lens with light gloves on. Takes 3AA's.
I have one with green low light LEDs for walking to deer stand. Has been a good performer for years. Approx. $50. (although I may have paid $40) I love the hands free operation of headlamps!!!
Louie
 
Mark,
I've been using the Cabela's Alaskan Guide model, which is made by Princeton Tech as the Yukon HL. 2 light settings...3 LEDs for low light and long burn time, and a 1 watt high power that reaches out nicely.
Easy to hit power button on lens with light gloves on. Takes 3AA's.
I have one with green low light LEDs for walking to deer stand. Has been a good performer for years. Approx. $50. (although I may have paid $40) I love the hands free operation of headlamps!!!
Louie
Click to expand...

I have the Princeton tech version of this headlamp and think it is a great headlamp, actually have 2. In the neighborhood of 200 lumens with the single led and looooong life on the lower settings. Easy to turn on and only 3 modes. Heavy but not a problem deer or duck hunting,
 
I bought a surefire, because I got a great deal on one....worth every penny. I actually bought additional ones as backups for surgery lights at the clinic. The best light I have ever purchased hands down.
 
About once a year I go to the store and get the one with the highest lumens I can find for under $40. Then sometime during the season just before legal I end up stuffing it in my coat pocket and either wading or dropping my coat into saltwater, thus requiring the yearly purchase!

I sure hate using one without a brim, seems the light blinds ya pretty good without that block.
 
I don't mean to steal the thread but thought it would be nice to know how far we've come. Many years ago I had a coon hound. Lots of fun , running into trees in the middle of the night. Anyway ,I looked into getting some good night hunting equipment.
The standard head lamp was a carbide lamp. It is what miners used. You placed carbide powder in the tank behind the lamp and added water. This produced accetaline gas which, when lit, gave off a very bright light.
They also sold, AS AN OPTIONAL PURCHASE, a special wire to clean the orifice. This was recommended to prevent explosions. Mind you this was strapped to your forehead........I bought a good flashlight........battery powered.
 
Petzl, take your pick on what model features you prefer-yes they make them with camo straps and an olive drab body, mine has a flip-up red filter on it to enable me to do detailed work and not lose my night vision. I simply slide it down around my neck when daylight arrives, it is that light weight. Petzl makes most of the Cabelas branded strap-style headlights. Streamlight also makes an excellent light, I used to XC-ski with one until me installed lights on 6K of the trails at the facility near me-very good battery life in cold temperatures.
 
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