PaulRevere
Well-known member
I buy whatever is on sale. Princeton tec or black diamond have done me well. Check rei outlet online.
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Headlamps for under $100
- Thread starter Dwreckers
- Start date
I've tried a few of the name brands and have settled on this Coast brand from Costco. Think they sell it in a 2 pack for like $20 when they're on sale. Has red and green led, sturdy buttons and a focus on the light. Puts out like 400 lumens, has 3 or 4 levels of output. I use them for plumbing work in attics, under sinks, emergency call outs at night, hunting, anything. Beat the heck out of them in my 40lb tool backpack and they hold up. Have to get them for myself, wife, daughter and anyone that goes with us and they are always disappearing. I think they are a killer deal.
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My favorite headlamp of all time is a Ptezl branded one with the battery pack that is corded, that clips to my belt/pack or optionally to the headstrap. I liked it so much, that I bought a second one after a couple of weeks using the first one. It allows the use of either C or AA batteries with an internal shelf adapter. The setup was pretty heavy with C batteries, so I didn't routinely use it hunting, but it was much lighter with AA's. The C's would provide full strength light to run all day on a dental mission trip, and the light was focusable so that I could see the mouth without shining into the patient's eyes. I have had to break out the soldering iron a couple of times over the years to reattach frayed cords, and the elastic on the headstrap has weakened to the point that there is no more ability to tighten it any smaller.
I have discovered that AAA or C batteries aren't easily found in many parts of the world, while AA's are universally easy to buy.
I have discovered that AAA or C batteries aren't easily found in many parts of the world, while AA's are universally easy to buy.
Nameless Range
Well-known member
I admit to knowing nothing about headlamps, and the ones I use are Costco specials.
But my little brother climbs in caves for fun, and he uses a Fenix HP 25, which is at the upper end of your budget. I had to shoot him a text to ask him, because when he brought it night fishing last winter it was incredible, and literally seemed as bright as a headlight in a car. It lit up the other side of the Missouri River.
But my little brother climbs in caves for fun, and he uses a Fenix HP 25, which is at the upper end of your budget. I had to shoot him a text to ask him, because when he brought it night fishing last winter it was incredible, and literally seemed as bright as a headlight in a car. It lit up the other side of the Missouri River.
JohnCushman
Well-known member
I have one I got at walmart for about $10 I believe 10 years ago that has served me well ever since. I have another I got for around $25 for renewing my NWTF membership a few years ago. What is the big advantage of a $50 lamp over my $10 one that functions perfectly fine?
Mostly, I use my Streamlight headlamp because of the green light option. A set op batteries will last me a couple of seasons with a lot of use. However, I love my Zebralight for some serious bright lights when needed. I wish I had it when I was still duck hunting.
MT.PERCHMAN
Active member
Try Homedepot , Lowes and of course Walmarts. I use them for work all the time .
I hunt with them also . They just work !
Lowes has the 100 , 200, 300 lumens right by the check out lane ! Cant remeber the $$ but I'm headed there today . I will check it out !
MT.PERCHMAN
I hunt with them also . They just work !
Lowes has the 100 , 200, 300 lumens right by the check out lane ! Cant remeber the $$ but I'm headed there today . I will check it out !
MT.PERCHMAN
The cheaper ones work just fine - until you compare them to better ones. See Nameless' post above.
Usually they are tougher, brighter, longer lasting, more functions, more reliable, better buttons, water proof (some), and little stuff like that. Some things (certainly not all things) you get what you pay for.
I have been using Black diamond but still have a 10 year old cheapo in the truck and every time I grab it, it works like it should - but I'd much rather have the better one (or two) on a once-a-year trip on the mountain packing out an elk.
Seems like this same reasoning can be had for a lot of gear - scopes, binos, guns, bows, ammo, arrows, broad heads, packs, boots, tents, stoves, bladders, gps, knives, saddles, slings, phones, chain saws, wiper blades, trucks, tires, appliances, siding...
@John - it's kinda like flip-flops vs crocs
Ajax2744
Well-known member
I love my Fenix headlamp as well as my zebra light.
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Gellar
Well-known member
I have one of these! I think it was made be black diamond or petzl and sold under cabelas name. Mine was 25.00$
I had a black diamond for several years, for the part it’s been ok however the switch has gotten finicky enough that it no longer comes into the back country with me. I switched over to Fenix, bought two model to test out...the hl50 and HL30...they been excellent. I like the hL 50 better. I also bought a petzl bindi as well. I was skeptical about its minimal design however it’s been excellent and when weight is a consideration it my go to.
Frazier
Active member
Walmart special all day long. I have had mine so long I can’t remember and it still turns on every year.
recurveman
Well-known member
https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable...=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&smid=AMCCGH3BJHZB5&th=1
I have been using the Fenix HL60 and have been loving it. It is so bright it is scary, pretty light weight, rechargeable and so far very durable (oh and still worked after I dropped it in a lake while fishing).
I have been using the Fenix HL60 and have been loving it. It is so bright it is scary, pretty light weight, rechargeable and so far very durable (oh and still worked after I dropped it in a lake while fishing).
D
Deleted member 28227
Guest
The USB charging option is pretty sweet.
The Yetti
Well-known member
These are what I use as well. They are bright, tough and cheap. Battery life seems pretty good and as haven’t had an issue with accidental on like on some of the spendier ones I’ve had.
Boarmaster
Well-known member
I just picked up my second Black Diamond Revo.
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