So I've been running a Manker E03 for about a year now, and the switch is starting to fart out on me. That means I get to start shopping for a new lamp! I very curious to hear what you all are using out in the woods. Use case is going to everything from winter shovelling to SAR work and summer camping. I'm not married to any brand, but definitely need it to be completely weatherproof, and I'd prefer if it ran on 18650's so that I only need to carry one type of spare battery. I'd also prioritize run time and comfort well before insane brightness. Help!
I've been reading a bunch and I'm confused as ever. So far a couple streamlight options are in the lead. I have training tomorrow so I'll be polling some of the guys and gals on the team.
The only headlamp I've owned and used is a Fenix HL60R. It's a rechargeable LED headlamp. I really enjoy it. The body is o-ring sealed (IPX8 rated) and I never run it on the higher settings. I use the 50 lumen setting which lists a 29 hr runtime. But it has settings for high or turbo listed as 400 or 950, respectively, at the expense of battery life. Mine came with one 18650 but two CR123's can be used as well. My main uses for it are kayaking and primative camping. It's a little pricey in my book but it's been a reliable, rugged, and solid performer. Good luck with your search. Here it is among some other gear that I had stowed away and then rediscovered in one of my gear bags. It was like Christmas that day. Edit: lol! @Reno Lewis took the words out of my mouth. He must've posted while I was pecking slowly on my keys.
Easy replacement in the field. Everybody carries AA's, doesn't matter if I get air dropped with members from another squad on the side of a mountain in the middle of nowhere, someone has AA's.
Alright guys, I went with the Fenix HL60R! I chatted with their warranty manager and he was extremely informative. Also just an fyi for you guys, I asked if they offered first responder discounts with a gov ID and was given a code for 30% off the total. So it ended being a great deal! Of course I just used that discount to splurge on batteries and a case.
No kiddin'? That's a nice discount. I'll be checking with them to see if they do the same for DoD. Thanks Kevo!
I'd almost guarantee they will. He said they don't have a set policy on it so I'm sure they'll be passing out more codes to anyone that asks.
I run a AceBeam H30 with the IMR 21700 - 5100 mAh li-ions (20 amps) . The are same length as the 18650's but fatter with much more capacity . red led mode, green led mode, low, med, high, turbo, ultra-turbo (4000 lumens). Waterproof USB-C charging port. Spare batts dont weigh that much and are compatible with my AceBeam L30 v2 searchlight.
What AA headlamp do you use? I’ve needed a lamp for awhile, but I also need a starting point to avoid buying junk. Research on my own ends up being overwhelming. Like you say - AA’s are available everywhere, so I’d like to start there.
I've had an older style Black Diamond Icon (4x AA) on my helmet for four years (2014 model I think), and I've been fairly happy with it. Unfortunately not digitally regulated, so it starts to dim when the batteries get low, which is my only complaint. Otherwise, I've been very happy with the overall run times (I've never had to change cells in the field). With that said, I am looking to upgrade, but perhaps just to the newer model Icon, as I haven't found anything quite on par for my uses without switching to 18650 primaries. For general task lighting/around the house/in a day pack etc, I've been really happy with my Fenix HM23 (1x AA), running an Eneloop Pro primary. Light, small, durable, good run times, and easy enough to carry a couple of spare cells.