It's very rare to see people test runtime properly. Thank you for that. I find that one of the most important features. Max output regulated for the longest amount of time
A couple points: - The BD Flare is only rated for 40 lumens; because its output is unregulated, the high mode is dependant on the batteries used, which in my case where Energizer-branded 2032 cells. - The secondary LED on the Bindi also serves as a battery indicator, and while MicoUSB is a problem, the port they use is much more solid than usual so there's that - I said there were four brands in the beginning, but there are four lights from three brands. Oops.
Great roundup. I found the Nitecore to be great around camp but too lacking in output for hiking/walking. My go-to for that is still the Zebralight H600 series; half the weight of the Armytek (cell excluded) and the best compromise of weight/output/efficiency/runtimes I've found so far. Stock headband sucks but the Armytek Wizard holder fits and can be fitted on any headband pretty much. Paired with one of the newer 4000mAh cells like the Vapcell N40 the runtimes and sustained output levels with the PID regulation are amazing.
Great comparison. I like the Petzl Bindi. It's perfect for running at night. And so light I put it in the backpack every time I go outdoors just in case. The exposed charging port was never a problem for me while using it in the rain a lot. But I also wish the made a new version with USB C, even though a small Micro USB adapter works fine and doesn't add any weight even to the most ultralight kit. You paying $50 for it is a lot. Here in Germany you can get them for 30€ which is about $30.
$30 is definitely a much more compelling price for that light. If they used a waterproof style USB C port is would probably be my favorite of the bunch.
I love the practicality of headlamps, and their weight isn't usually an issue for me. I prefer headlamps which have a battery at the back of the head. For many years, my headlamp used a 6 V 10 W 30 hrs halogen lightbulb (yes, the one for the microscope), a round vacuum-sputtered aluminium reflector with a thick glass; with either five or ten NiCd AA rechargeable cells at the back. The final upgrade come with five Ni-MH cells, which doubled the battery capacity while keeping the weight low enough. My first LED headlamp used a Seoul LED, as the initial Lux I and Lux III were too weak and had ugly tint. Now I use an headlamp which has the option of adding a second 18650 at back, from Nitecore. Let me say something very important. I find the headlamp very useful for long-winded jobs, usually in cramped places, as a closet or the car boot. Usually, when I wear an headlamp, I'm alone. This because, when a person is part of a group of friend or workers in a dark place, wearing an headlamp changes immediately each one's behaviour, and the entirety of the group interrelationships. When someone from a group of people in the dark begins wearing an headlamp, it changes the perceptions of the other members of the group in a very awkward manner. People with headlamps create disorientation and discomfort in the others, even if they are handling a standard flashlight. This is why I don an headlamp only when I'm by myself. Thank you for the video. Regards, Anthony
Been using a Nitecore NU20 since 2019, it is all the headlamp I need while hiking multi day hiking trips. I really prefer the built in battery models because I am already carrying a battery to charge my phone and Garmin Fenix.
@@joer8386 you mean mid hike? You don’t, you just use a sensible output for the duration needed. If you mean when it dies completely ie the cell is exhausted, recycle and replace. 5-15 year service life for most people depending on their usage
@@donkey1271 There is no way that these head lamps of this size will last 5 -15 years. Maybe, for people that hardly hike. But for hardcore hikers, two years of constant use will degrade faster than the batteries faster than an iPhone. Headlamps that uses regular disposable batteries are perfect for constant use. Espcially, if you get the rechargeable batteries that you can take out and put already charged batteries to replace them. These will last a lifetime.
@@joer8386 A li-ion cell can easily handle 3-500 charge cycles before degrading. If you can kill that in 2 years in a headlamp hiking, then power to you because that’s well over 100+ hiking days per year assuming 1 charge a day. Disposable batteries are fine, but you’ll spend a lot more than the cost of a headlamp like this or similar in batteries over its lifetime, and generate a lot more waste. There are plenty of people who have been using the older NU25, Bindi’s etc for many years and plenty are still going strong. The “perfect” solution is a headlamp with a rechargeable but replaceable battery, but few of those are any good.
@@joer8386 There is plenty of evidence to the contrary. Modern Li-ion can handle 3-500 cycles, unless you’re doing 60-90 mountain days a year using a headlamp it’s exceptionally unlikely someone will degrade the battery to that extent in less than 5 years at a minimum. Disposable batteries are fine, but the cost of them stacks up rapidly if you’re using the light a lot. A hybrid headlamp is the best in the middle option.
I've tested dozens of flashlights, and for headlamp, I keep going back to the original NU25. It's one of the slimmest around, so its center of mass is really close to your head, and creates almost no momentum when you move/jump/run.
Cool .. I prefer a good RGB headlamp over a standard headlamp ... with RGB option you get different lighting options which I find handy for Camping etc
Great Review👍👍 one thing I believe you might be wrong on the max output for the nitecore nu 25 is 400 Lumens and Not 600 Lumens. Please confirm this thanks ! The Vermonter
I have an amytek wizard and i used it daily as an engineer, the magnetic base, extreme brightness and 90 Degree light output makes it the best torch i have ever had out of a long list of fenix, olight... Torches. The only downside is it can turn on accidently in the pocket and it will burn though clothing in seconds.
I know it's not super light but you should check out the Ledlenser HF8R Signature. Ledlenser??? I know I know blah blah blah, I'm a Flashalolic too from BLF/CPF but you should seriously check it out.
I never get to see options from Trustfire, I think that it's a good low cost option that is of decent quality. Their E6 flashlight seems pretty good at its price point but I have yet to see it's actual performance up against similar products from a lot of the brands I have seen on this channel... I have been carrying a dual 18650 zoomable as my EDC for years, I dropped it recently and one of the cells had it's protection circuit under the nipple pushed in and the cell no longer works, the flashlight is still fine but I'm having a look around at what is new, the E6 has a two way USB C for charging both ways which my old flashlight is old school and needs batteries to be removed for charging.... I'm thinking that either Trustfire is that bad that no one wants to review it or people just don't know about the brand... They also have a headlight flashlight which looks interesting too.... It's probably the better of the cheap end and could make for a great up and coming video.... Something a bit different than everyone else..... Possibly.....
I just ordered an A5, mainly as a backup light but also to clip onto my hat if I’m still hiking past sunset...then I’d switch to a beanie and my NU-25 headlamp after getting to camp. Tired of having the brim of my hat block some of the light from the headlamp. 😆. Hoping the A5 lives up to all of the hype!
So "backpacking" which implies you need a lot of broad beam light for outdoor use, and potentially using it for long periods of time so you need a substantial battery. I really don't see the point of sacrifices in this case to merely shave a few ounces off your pack weight. If it bothers you that much to save a couple/4/whatever ounces, skip lunch tomorrow and you'll weigh less. ;) Personally, I wouldn't just take along a lamp that uses an 18650, but would also pack a spare battery, or even a solar panel charger if I were to be out camping for several days. Then again, could just pack more batteries instead of the solar charger and not have to fiddle with that. Yeah, better plan. I do realize, some lights had an external battery pack, but then we're back to how much total weight are you really saving and also having to buy yet another light that you don't really need. My main use for one of those would be if it is very shallow, doesn't stick out past my head much so is ideal for poking my head into cramped areas, where due to being so close to everything, don't need much light at all.
I found it provided plenty of light for three nights of use, but I did also carry a backup battery just in case. I always carry a 21700 light with me though for longer-range use, I don't want something like that mounted on my head, it just gets uncomfortable.
Maybe in your region... in the US and where I live they are priced very reasonably. Got the nu25 for 27 dollars which is a great price. Also got a edc33 for I think 65, also amazing price for a light like that.
It's very rare to see people test runtime properly. Thank you for that. I find that one of the most important features. Max output regulated for the longest amount of time
A couple points:
- The BD Flare is only rated for 40 lumens; because its output is unregulated, the high mode is dependant on the batteries used, which in my case where Energizer-branded 2032 cells.
- The secondary LED on the Bindi also serves as a battery indicator, and while MicoUSB is a problem, the port they use is much more solid than usual so there's that
- I said there were four brands in the beginning, but there are four lights from three brands. Oops.
Great roundup. I found the Nitecore to be great around camp but too lacking in output for hiking/walking. My go-to for that is still the Zebralight H600 series; half the weight of the Armytek (cell excluded) and the best compromise of weight/output/efficiency/runtimes I've found so far. Stock headband sucks but the Armytek Wizard holder fits and can be fitted on any headband pretty much. Paired with one of the newer 4000mAh cells like the Vapcell N40 the runtimes and sustained output levels with the PID regulation are amazing.
Great review, very thorough and sold me on the nitecore flashlight for my ultralight backpacking rig
Never thought I would see a TH-cam channel dedicated go flashlights
Great comparison. I like the Petzl Bindi. It's perfect for running at night. And so light I put it in the backpack every time I go outdoors just in case. The exposed charging port was never a problem for me while using it in the rain a lot. But I also wish the made a new version with USB C, even though a small Micro USB adapter works fine and doesn't add any weight even to the most ultralight kit. You paying $50 for it is a lot. Here in Germany you can get them for 30€ which is about $30.
$30 is definitely a much more compelling price for that light. If they used a waterproof style USB C port is would probably be my favorite of the bunch.
I love the practicality of headlamps, and their weight isn't usually an issue for me. I prefer headlamps which have a battery at the back of the head. For many years, my headlamp used a 6 V 10 W 30 hrs halogen lightbulb (yes, the one for the microscope), a round vacuum-sputtered aluminium reflector with a thick glass; with either five or ten NiCd AA rechargeable cells at the back. The final upgrade come with five Ni-MH cells, which doubled the battery capacity while keeping the weight low enough. My first LED headlamp used a Seoul LED, as the initial Lux I and Lux III were too weak and had ugly tint.
Now I use an headlamp which has the option of adding a second 18650 at back, from Nitecore.
Let me say something very important. I find the headlamp very useful for long-winded jobs, usually in cramped places, as a closet or the car boot. Usually, when I wear an headlamp, I'm alone. This because, when a person is part of a group of friend or workers in a dark place, wearing an headlamp changes immediately each one's behaviour, and the entirety of the group interrelationships.
When someone from a group of people in the dark begins wearing an headlamp, it changes the perceptions of the other members of the group in a very awkward manner. People with headlamps create disorientation and discomfort in the others, even if they are handling a standard flashlight.
This is why I don an headlamp only when I'm by myself.
Thank you for the video.
Regards,
Anthony
Been using a Nitecore NU20 since 2019, it is all the headlamp I need while hiking multi day hiking trips. I really prefer the built in battery models because I am already carrying a battery to charge my phone and Garmin Fenix.
But if the batteries of the built in models die, how do you replace them?
@@joer8386 you mean mid hike? You don’t, you just use a sensible output for the duration needed.
If you mean when it dies completely ie the cell is exhausted, recycle and replace. 5-15 year service life for most people depending on their usage
@@donkey1271 There is no way that these head lamps of this size will last 5 -15 years. Maybe, for people that hardly hike. But for hardcore hikers, two years of constant use will degrade faster than the batteries faster than an iPhone.
Headlamps that uses regular disposable batteries are perfect for constant use. Espcially, if you get the rechargeable batteries that you can take out and put already charged batteries to replace them. These will last a lifetime.
@@joer8386 A li-ion cell can easily handle 3-500 charge cycles before degrading. If you can kill that in 2 years in a headlamp hiking, then power to you because that’s well over 100+ hiking days per year assuming 1 charge a day.
Disposable batteries are fine, but you’ll spend a lot more than the cost of a headlamp like this or similar in batteries over its lifetime, and generate a lot more waste.
There are plenty of people who have been using the older NU25, Bindi’s etc for many years and plenty are still going strong.
The “perfect” solution is a headlamp with a rechargeable but replaceable battery, but few of those are any good.
@@joer8386 There is plenty of evidence to the contrary.
Modern Li-ion can handle 3-500 cycles, unless you’re doing 60-90 mountain days a year using a headlamp it’s exceptionally unlikely someone will degrade the battery to that extent in less than 5 years at a minimum.
Disposable batteries are fine, but the cost of them stacks up rapidly if you’re using the light a lot. A hybrid headlamp is the best in the middle option.
I've tested dozens of flashlights, and for headlamp, I keep going back to the original NU25. It's one of the slimmest around, so its center of mass is really close to your head, and creates almost no momentum when you move/jump/run.
Just bought the Klarus HM1 can't fault it for what I want,nice flood light too.
Cool .. I prefer a good RGB headlamp over a standard headlamp ... with RGB option you get different lighting options which I find handy for Camping etc
Is the red light on the nu25 as bright as the model it replaced? Anyone know?
Great Review👍👍 one thing I believe you might be wrong on the max output for the nitecore nu 25 is 400 Lumens and Not 600 Lumens. Please confirm this thanks !
The Vermonter
All the outputs in the video are my test results
I have some cheap headlamp that was gifted to me and I find the red LED a vital feature
I have an amytek wizard and i used it daily as an engineer, the magnetic base, extreme brightness and 90 Degree light output makes it the best torch i have ever had out of a long list of fenix, olight... Torches. The only downside is it can turn on accidently in the pocket and it will burn though clothing in seconds.
Great presentation as usual 👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I know it's not super light but you should check out the Ledlenser HF8R Signature. Ledlenser??? I know I know blah blah blah, I'm a Flashalolic too from BLF/CPF but you should seriously check it out.
I never get to see options from Trustfire, I think that it's a good low cost option that is of decent quality. Their E6 flashlight seems pretty good at its price point but I have yet to see it's actual performance up against similar products from a lot of the brands I have seen on this channel...
I have been carrying a dual 18650 zoomable as my EDC for years, I dropped it recently and one of the cells had it's protection circuit under the nipple pushed in and the cell no longer works, the flashlight is still fine but I'm having a look around at what is new, the E6 has a two way USB C for charging both ways which my old flashlight is old school and needs batteries to be removed for charging....
I'm thinking that either Trustfire is that bad that no one wants to review it or people just don't know about the brand...
They also have a headlight flashlight which looks interesting too.... It's probably the better of the cheap end and could make for a great up and coming video.... Something a bit different than everyone else..... Possibly.....
What is the farthest throwing LEP for $300 or less
at ~300$ the Weltool W3Plus LEP can’t be beat wrt throw
In my opinion, the armytek wizard c1 pro perfectly solves the problem of a light headlamp)))
You want a real life test then I'll bring them all ice fishing for a couple weekends.
If you wear a Hat, try the Rovyvon Aurora A8 USB-C . Clip it to the Brim. A5 or A7, cheaper with less features
I just ordered an A5, mainly as a backup light but also to clip onto my hat if I’m still hiking past sunset...then I’d switch to a beanie and my NU-25 headlamp after getting to camp. Tired of having the brim of my hat block some of the light from the headlamp. 😆. Hoping the A5 lives up to all of the hype!
Hi, what happened to the guy before you? I apologize for bad english
Am I the only one that's incredibly annoyed when the emitter is not at the center of a headlight? Especially for closeup work
You are handsome bro ❤
👍
So "backpacking" which implies you need a lot of broad beam light for outdoor use, and potentially using it for long periods of time so you need a substantial battery. I really don't see the point of sacrifices in this case to merely shave a few ounces off your pack weight. If it bothers you that much to save a couple/4/whatever ounces, skip lunch tomorrow and you'll weigh less. ;)
Personally, I wouldn't just take along a lamp that uses an 18650, but would also pack a spare battery, or even a solar panel charger if I were to be out camping for several days. Then again, could just pack more batteries instead of the solar charger and not have to fiddle with that. Yeah, better plan. I do realize, some lights had an external battery pack, but then we're back to how much total weight are you really saving and also having to buy yet another light that you don't really need.
My main use for one of those would be if it is very shallow, doesn't stick out past my head much so is ideal for poking my head into cramped areas, where due to being so close to everything, don't need much light at all.
I found it provided plenty of light for three nights of use, but I did also carry a backup battery just in case. I always carry a 21700 light with me though for longer-range use, I don't want something like that mounted on my head, it just gets uncomfortable.
Yawn 🥱
i can hear just fine lol also NITECORE PRODUCTS SUCK FOR THE MONEY
Maybe in your region... in the US and where I live they are priced very reasonably. Got the nu25 for 27 dollars which is a great price. Also got a edc33 for I think 65, also amazing price for a light like that.
No sound ? @lumencraft