Which Headlamp to Choose: Selection Criteria - Setafi

Headlamps are conveniently attached to the head and do not restrict freedom of movement in any way. At the same time, they completely fulfill their task, take up little space and are practically not felt during operation. However, not all models are really high quality. Therefore, before buying, you should figure out which headlamp to choose. Basic tips for choosing and rating the best models can be found in the material presented.

Selection Tips

At first glance, it seems that the device is quite simple, and therefore it is not difficult to deal with its characteristics. But modern models differ in a large number of functions. Instructions on how to choose a headlamp look like this.

Power

This is the most important indicator, since the intensity of illumination depends on it. In fact, we are talking about the strength of the light flux, which is measured in lumens (lm). One of the best ways to choose a headlamp has to do with power ratings:

• a flux of 200-400 lm can be estimated as average - it may not be enough in very dark places and rooms;
• a stream of 500-700 lm is bright enough, it will be enough for any purpose;
• the intensity of 700-1000 lm is very high - such devices are more expensive, but they provide very bright light.

If you think about how to choose a flashlight, it is better to focus on devices with a light intensity of 500-700 lm. They are optimal in terms of value for money. In addition, more powerful models get very hot and discharge faster.

Housing material

According to this parameter, the choice of a headlamp can be associated with 2 types - aluminum and plastic. The latter option is more convenient, including during outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, long walks). In addition, devices in a plastic case are lighter in weight - they are practically not felt on the head. But it should be borne in mind that such flashlights are not as powerful as aluminum ones.

As for the metal case, we can say that these are professional models. They are often used in extreme conditions, for example by climbers. It is advisable to choose a headlamp in an aluminum case for long hikes in difficult conditions. It should be borne in mind that they are more expensive than plastic ones.

Type of shell

The choice of a flashlight is also connected with the study of the type of housing, since the usability directly depends on this. Today there are 2 main types:

1. Monoblock - all elements are a common design. This is the most common type.
2. Remote unit - there is a main structure with a lamp, and the battery is placed, for example, in a pocket and connected via a cable. This keeps the design lightweight.

Nutrition

The choice of a headlamp necessarily takes into account the peculiarities of nutrition. Some devices run on batteries, but it is better to purchase a battery-powered model. Moreover, its capacity should be sufficient for continuous operation. It is optimal if one charge is enough for a period of 2-8 hours.

Operating modes

Most devices operate in 3-4 modes:

• powerful lighting;
• average;
• muted;
• flashing.

There are also simpler models that illuminate in only one mode. They are inexpensive and are often used at home. But they are not suitable for professional tasks.

Lighting range

A rechargeable forehead flashlight is generally more powerful than battery powered devices. The intensity of the flow can be estimated from the range of illumination:

• passing light;
• further;
• combined.

The latter type is considered optimal, since these are inexpensive models that solve all the main tasks. They provide an illumination range of 200-300 m. Devices with low beams only work up to 100-150 m. The most powerful flashlights illuminate up to 1000-1500 m, i.e. actually more than a kilometer. They are ideal for mountain hiking.

Rating of the best models

After reading the buying tips, you can figure out which headlamp to choose. If you evaluate the technical parameters, as well as user reviews, you get such a rating.

Fenix ​​HM61R

This is one of the best models. Equipped with a Luminus SST40 LED that delivers up to 1200 lumens of brightness. If you consider how to choose a powerful rechargeable LED headlamp at a reasonable price, you should pay attention to this particular device. It will help both at home and on a hike. The lighting range is within 145 m.

Main characteristics;

• battery powered;
• duration up to 12 hours;
• 8 operating modes;
• range up to 140 m;
• weight 100 g.

ZOOM Beeling

LED device with a very powerful lens. Gives a neutral and fairly bright white light. The main parameters are:

• flow intensity 220 lm;

• range up to 400 m;
• number of operating modes: 4;
• impact-resistant housing made of plastic and metal;
• duration up to 5 hours;
• weight 300 g;
• battery power.

If you figure out how to choose a headlamp for a hike, it becomes obvious that this model will not work. The fact is that the battery is not capacious enough, so the maximum duration of work on a single charge is only 5 hours.

Bright Beam LH-500 "ENOT"

On the one hand, you can design a headlamp with your own hands. But the handicraft assembly will still not be of high quality. In terms of reliability, the ENOT model stands out. The device is produced in an aluminum case. Elastic material is lined around the head, which makes the use more comfortable.

The main characteristics are:

• brightness up to 500 lm;
• range up to 50 m;
• number of modes: 3;
• work on one charge up to 3 hours;
• battery powered.

Xiaomi NexTool NE20002

This is not the most powerful headlamp, the flux is only 170 ohms. However, thanks to a capacious battery, the operating time reaches 18 hours. The device is suitable for domestic use due to the relevant characteristics:

• source LED;
• intensity 170 lm;
• range up to 30 m;
• operating modes: 4;
• body plastic;
• operating time on a single charge up to 17 hours;
• weight 42 g.

ERA GB-601

One of the best models in the budget segment. Powered by LED lamp in 3 modes. The main parameters are:

• intensity 150 lm;
• range up to 25 m;
• plastic body;
• duration of work on one charge up to 8 hours;
• weight 87 g.

Flashlights on the forehead are compact and easy to mount. Almost all models weigh within 100 g and at the same time can work continuously up to 4-12 hours. But it should be borne in mind that low-power devices with a luminous flux of up to 500 lm are only suitable for domestic use. Professional models should create a flow of 500-700 lm or more.