But as soon as you buy a specific model and use it closely for a couple of weeks, all sorts of “jambs” and non-obvious shortcomings immediately begin to emerge.
Even the most famous manufacturers have a lot of questions. They may be fine with hand-held flashlights, but not so much in terms of headlamps.
So what should you do to ensure that you have a really good, high-quality flashlight on your head? Let's figure it out.
Metal or plastic?
A headlamp can be either plastic or metal (anodized aluminum).
Mistake #1
Plastic is definitely better because it is lighter. After all, carrying a flashlight on your head is not at all the same as carrying it in your hands.
On the one hand, it seems that plastic is a good choice due to its lighter weight and price.
This is true if you are a professional cycling, running, or you need a headlamp for short-term household work (going down to the basement or climbing into the attic a couple of times a month).
But in all other cases - hunting, fishing, long and short trips outside the city to nature - look first of all at the aluminum body.
In these situations, the disadvantages of plastic products outweigh all its advantages.
The weight of a flashlight is often overestimated. If you listen to some experts, you get the impression that healthy men suddenly became young ladies with swan necks.
Disadvantages of plastic:
Firstly, due to poor heat dissipation from the LED, its service life is reduced. Sometimes the LED simply falls off the substrate.
Secondly, you will not find truly bright and high-quality plastic lanterns.
An honest long-lasting glow mode for them is 150 lumens. The best you can count on is 300Lm.
Where they write much higher values in advertising brochures, this is just a SHORT-TERM turbo mode.
This is due precisely to the poorer heat dissipation of the plastic case.
Add here the fragility of the material. Sometimes you’re even afraid to put a flashlight in your backpack, so as not to accidentally crush it.
The loops where the strap is attached begin to crack and break over time. The plastic headband is noticeably inferior to the silicone one.
These flashlights are powered by either finger-type batteries (AA/AAA) or a built-in battery of our own production.
Very, very rarely – 18650 elements. Hence – shorter battery life.
Therefore, for long-term use of your headlamp, always choose an aluminum body.
In addition, if you look hard enough, you can find excellent miniature models in this format that you can hardly feel on your head (Acebeam H40).
TOP 7 best headlamps
Having studied the market offers today, we have selected the 7 best models of headbands:
- Petzl Tikka;
- Black Diamond Spot 325;
- Bright Beam PANDA 2R;
- Bailong BL-2188B-T6;
- UltraFire W616;
- FENIX HP30R;
- BORUIT HL-720.
We will tell you about each model in more detail: we will describe it, indicate the characteristics, and also name the advantages and disadvantages.
Petzl Tikka
The simplest Tikka headlamp is ideal for tourists, climbers, other outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, fishermen, summer residents, lovers of outdoor trips and just at home. Now you won’t lose it in the dark; the manufacturer took care of this and installed a luminescent reflector. And the red LED will not blind the eyes of others. By the way, the flashlight can be powered either by batteries or by a Core battery (purchased separately).
| Basic modes | high beam, low beam, red light, strobe |
| Maximum illumination range | 60 m |
| Light source | Light-emitting diode |
| Minimum operating time | 60 hours |
| Waterproof | IPX-4 |
Price: 1,935-3,190 rub.
pros
- ease of use;
- Compatible with Core battery;
- Suitable in all weather conditions.
Minuses
- The rubber wears out quite quickly.
It’s a very light item, doesn’t weigh on you when worn for a long time, and is made with high quality. The lantern is waterproof and reliable. The phosphorescent reflector will not allow the device to get lost in the dark and will help you quickly find it. However, I didn’t even know about such a function until I saw with my own eyes that my flashlight was glowing green. I recommend!
headlamp Petzl Tikka
Black Diamond Spot 325
This universal flashlight will perfectly cope with its task on a hiking trip and will be useful in everyday conditions. Seven different modes will allow you to regulate power and save energy. Powerful light output (325 lumens) and completely waterproof design. The flashlight will turn on in the same mode in which it was turned off, and the button lock will help out if it is accidentally pressed. Power Tap function – the touch panel on the side allows you to turn on maximum brightness from any mode with one touch. A 6-stage charge indicator shows the status of the flashlight battery.
| Nutrition | batteries 3 AAA/LR03 |
| Working hours | 4-200 hours |
| Beam type | focused, wide, mixed |
| Range | 8-80 m |
| Operating temperature | from -17C to +43C |
Cost: 4,190-4,390 rubles.
pros
- charge indicator;
- complete dust and water resistance;
- brightness adjustment;
- button lock.
Minuses
- not found.
So I had to buy a headlamp again, because the old flashlight, you won’t believe it, didn’t break, but disappeared without a trace during the hike. I chose Black Diamond again. I like the way they work, and I’m probably used to them. They never let me down, and yet I never got into any troubles.
headlamp Black Diamond Spot 325
Bright Beam PANDA 2R
Bright orange design, domestic build quality, ease of use – this model offers all this. Its main feature is the presence of Boost mode. Its essence lies in a sharp increase in light intensity up to 800 Lm. The flashlight is reliable and waterproof. The bulbs rotate 90° - this allows you to direct the beam in the desired direction.
| Brightness Modes | 3, 35, 120, 450 and 800 lm |
| dimensions | 81 x 31.3 x 35 mm |
| Nutrition | Li-Ion battery 18650 |
| Lighting Modes | high beam, low beam, red light, Boost |
| Light source | two XP-G3 NW LEDs |
Price tag: 2,169-2,685 rub.
pros
- excellent build quality;
- USB charging;
- aluminium case.
Minuses
- It is impossible to form a narrow beam into the distance.
The flashlight is a fire, I took it for work, because before this I had ordinary ones, and you can go broke on batteries. It’s much easier with the Bright Beam - I came home, plugged it in for charging and that’s it. Several modes, the light shines diffusely, which is convenient when working with your hands; I do electrical installation. Take it, you won't regret it!
headlamp Bright Beam PANDA 2R
Bailong BL-2188B-T6
The Bailong BL-2188B-T6 headlamp with a light intensity of 860 lumens “hits” at 320 meters. The model operates in three modes, and in any weather conditions, since it is water and dustproof. The manufacturer has provided the ability to focus the beam, as well as charge the device not only from the network, but also from the car cigarette lighter. The device will appeal to travelers, fishermen, and hunters.
| Moisture protection | IPX-6 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 50 x 44 x 44 mm |
| Range | up to 320 m |
| Light | LED with reflector Cree XM-L T6 |
| Weight | 174 g |
Price: from 999 rub.
pros
- waterproof;
- high range (800 m);
- beam focusing.
Minuses
- Not the best batteries included.
I really love fishing! You understand that you can’t go fishing without a flashlight in the evening, so my friends recommended the Bailong BL-2188B-T6. They just immediately told me to buy other batteries. The ones that come with the kit are no good. And the flashlight is really cool, I like it.
headlamp Bailong BL-2188B-T6
UltraFire W616
Representatives of professions where they constantly have to deal with poor lighting will be especially pleased with this model of flashlight, for example, electricians, plumbers, etc. The device has a bright diffused light that does not irritate the eyes, and has 3 lighting modes. Waterproof. The rectangular plastic case is equipped with a mechanism for smoothly adjusting the lighting angle and rigidly locking the selected position.
| Number of modes | 3 |
| LEDs | XM-L T6 (4 pcs.) |
| Beam range | 1000 m |
| Dimensions | 128 x 58 x 24 mm |
| Power supply | 18650 batteries (3 pcs.) |
Cost: from 1,970 rub.
pros
- signal mode;
- comfort of wearing;
- powerful.
Minuses
- No.
I liked the model for its functionality and build quality. I have been looking for a normal headlamp for a long time, and the UltraFire W616 fully meets my requirements for a device. Many thanks to the manufacturer!
headlamp UltraFire W616
FENIX HP30R
A bright and easy-to-use device made with an external power supply. Moreover, you can charge it via USB, and what’s more, the flashlight itself has the ability to recharge other devices. Stabilization of light brightness is provided, as well as protection against polarity reversal. The body is made of aluminum alloy, which indicates its durability. Suitable for use in all weather conditions.
| Light modes | high beam, low beam, SOS, Boost |
| Frame | aluminum alloy |
| Moisture and dust resistance class | IP-66 |
| Nutrition | 2x Fenix 18650 batteries |
| Light source | Cree XM-L2 and XP-G2 LEDs |
Price tag: 8,900-12,308 rub.
pros
- power bank;
- waterproof.
Minuses
- not found.
I immediately liked the flashlight, it was bright and convenient. I used to have flashlights of different brands, but this one, unlike others, holds a charge for a long time, even though I use it all the time. Very good, I recommend it!
headlamp FENIX HP30R
BORUIT HL-720
The design of the headlamp uses high-quality CREE Q5 LEDs, which makes it possible to obtain a super-bright light effect! There are different lighting modes of varying brightness - you can turn on one lamp or two smaller ones, or all at once. It is possible to adjust the tilt of the spotlight relative to the head. The flashlight body is made of durable aluminum alloy. By the way, the device is equipped with a special red beacon on the back of the headlamp, so you will be visible on the road and from behind.
| Housing material | Aluminium alloy |
| Moisture protection | IPX-6 |
| Glow modes | central LED, side LEDs, all at once, strobe |
| Batteries | 2 Li-ion 18650 5000 mAh |
| Range | 1000 m |
Price: 888-1,090 rub.
pros
- powerful;
- reliable;
- high build quality.
Minuses
- cannot be immersed in water.
I use my headlamp at work every day, so it is important for me that the light is neutral. The BORUIT HL-720 has just the right amount of light, so your eyes don’t get tired. The device is on my head all day, but the elastic band does not press, which suits me. The headlight itself can be tilted to the desired angle. I'm very pleased with the purchase.
headlamp BORUIT HL-720
Monoblock or two blocks?
Headband housings come in two types:
- in the form of a monoblock (LED + power in one housing)
- in the form of two blocks (LED separately + power supply separately (on the back of the head or a long cord in the pocket)
Which one is better? Monoblock is different from monoblock.
The one that is made in an L-shaped case is more universal. You can remove it from your forehead at any time, take it in your hand and use it as a hand-held flashlight.
Of course, there are also intricate Chinese designs in which you need to unscrew the “head” from the front of the case, and then screw it onto the rear cylindrical block for the battery.
But as you understand, this is very inconvenient.
The L-shaped one often has a magnet at the bottom. When you are repairing a car or something in the garage, this place allows you to easily attach the flashlight to any piece of hardware.
On a hike, I stuck a knife into a tree and magnetized a flashlight to it without any problems - convenient!
However, the classic T-shaped monoblock has a much shorter length and better heat dissipation.
It's easier to integrate charging into it. Don't forget that the first thing you buy is a HEADLIGHT. Therefore, classic is the best choice in this situation.
Summarizing
We have compiled a review of the best headlamps in 2021 for you. Before you buy one of them, decide on the purpose of the device. If you need a lighting device for occasional use to illuminate your way in the dark, choose a budget Chinese model from AliExpress, without many additional options. If you need a headlight for frequent use, for many years, take a closer look at the quality; you should not save, it is better to give preference to branded equipment with a high degree of protection from water and shock, which will last at least five years.
Remote block
Models with a remote block significantly reduce the weight of the structure that will hang on your forehead.
In addition, in the remote part you can place not one, but two, three or more batteries at once.
Mistake #2
Just don't think that this will increase the brightness in MAX mode.
Due to its much smaller size, a block with an LED on the forehead alone cannot cope with the increased heat generation. No matter how many batteries you connect.
In winter, it is convenient to hide the external unit in a jacket pocket, thereby increasing the operating time of the device.
Here we mean models with a long cord, and not those with batteries on the back of the head.
Unfortunately, it is in this segment (battery on the back of the head) that low-quality flashlights are most common. Especially on Ali Express.
In addition to poor lighting performance, this also applies to the assembly. First of all, the wire from the external unit fails.
The lid fastening gradually becomes loose and begins to close poorly.
Mistake #3
And in many cases (monoblocks too) you simply cannot insert unprotected 18650 batteries (without a plug).
You don't have enough length for the positive contact to reach its plate.
We bought a flashlight, inserted batteries, but it didn’t work. What to do?
You will have to place round neodymium magnets. Without this light you will not receive.
Mistake #4
To all other problems, add the voltage loss on the wire from the batteries of the external unit to the LED.
For clarity, this is the voltage that can leave the battery pack (look at the multimeter display):
And this is how it gets to its head
And these are still measurements in medium brightness mode! When the batteries are already low, every tenth of a volt counts (0.1V).
In general, the universal rule of any product applies here - the fewer components, the more reliable the device.
Good flashlight models with separate blocks are much more difficult to find (Nitecore HC70, Olight Array).
Comparison of models
For ease of choice, we suggest you look at the comparative table of characteristics of the above models.
| Model | Lighting range, max., m | Luminous flux, min./max., lm | Operating time, max., hours. | Number of operating modes | Weight, g |
| Petzl Tikka | 60 | 5/200 | 240 | 5 | 86 |
| Black Diamond Spot 325 | 80 | 6/325 | 200 | 6 | 86 |
| Bright Beam PANDA 2R | 45 | 3/800 | 450 | 5 | 60 (without battery) |
| Bailong BL-2188B-T6 | 320 | up to 860 | 12 | 3 | 174 |
| UltraFire W616 | 1000 | up to 6000 | 17 | 3 | 162 |
| FENIX HP30R | 202 | before 1750 | 400 | 9 | 285 |
| BORUIT HL-720 | 1000 | up to 3000 | 14.5 | 4 | 205 |
Brightness
Mistake #5
It is this parameter that is emphasized first when choosing.
The maximum brightness of a typical classic headlamp with one battery is 18650 - 1000 Lumens. This mode will be enough for any needs, both amateur and professional.
At the same time, these same 1000 Lumens will shine for only a couple of minutes. All due to increased heat generation.
After this, due to the heating of the case, the thermal cutoff should work. There are truths and exceptions, for example Armytek Wizard Pro (holds 900 lm) or Acebeam H30 (quietly holds 1000 lm without resetting the brightness).
Which is not at all surprising given their size.
If you have a cheap Chinese flashlight, then most likely there is no thermal cutoff in it at all. The LED will begin to degrade due to overheating.
Therefore, you need to focus not on 1000Lm, but on the brightness value in continuous mode - 400-500Lm.
In 90% of cases, you don’t need anything more from a flashlight on your forehead.
Don’t believe about the characteristics of 1000-2000Lm and so on. Most often, you are blatantly deceived.
It is possible to achieve such light, but for this you need to place a real chandelier on your forehead
