Anybody have a badass headlamp they could recommend? General use, gutting, cleaning up game at night, etc. Thanks.

Love my Gemini Olympus (or maybe it's Olympia). Ain't cheap but it's a beast

The rechargeable Petzl is awesome. I like the model where you don't have to open it to get to the rechargeable battery. They make a few different ones. I use it for hunting and night fishing. The batters last a VERY long time one one charge and I've been using the same one for years. I've probably saved myself from buying hundreds of batteries.

I like Black diamond brand

I'm cheap, but for headlamps I just look at the lumens on the package and pick one of the higher ones with a decent price. Head lamps i typically max out around $20 for one, but for a hand-held ive been really happy with my streamlights.

I've had two different Petzls (ran over the first, long story) and they were both excellent. I'm interested in the rechargeable that AdvTX mentioned above.

Led Lenser MH10. Super impressive amount of light.

I don’t think you can go wrong with Black Diamond or Petzl.
My BD Storm 350 is amazing. The available brightness keeps going up every year on new models.

I really like zebra light and 18650 batteries but its pricey up front. Now a budget side Coast is hard to beat.

I have a Streamlight ProTack HL headlamp. It has 3 brightness settings with 635 lumens as the brightest.

I have just spent the last 3 days researching this same topic. My headlamp is the last item in my bag that can’t run on a rechargeable battery. You want the best, here is what I have found in no particular order, except for the first one.

Zebralights - anything that is a MK IV model is their newer stuff. Hands down the best on the market. Even made in TX. A huge cult following. Their website is terrible but after you spend some time with it you’ll understand it.

Fenix headlamps. Many like the HL32R, HM 65R

Nitecore headlamps - I like the HC65

You should also specify if you want something compact and wearable vs a big ole ding a ling on your head

Some sizes are dumb big

I appreciate all of the responses, and I specified what I'd use it for in the OP. I've sort of narrowed it down to the BD Spot 325, one of the Nitecore of Fenix models listed. I think I want one with the red light as well.

Candlepower.com will have more feedback on headlamps & flashlights than a good majority of any other places. It’s a great resource.

I think a cheap energizer would serve you fine. The highest price Energizer headlamp should still be under $30 and extremely bright, with optins for red or white. If you drop it in the river, it will float but p it won't last much longer.

I have a petzl that I have used for a couple of years. Has been to hell and back, afghanistan, rivers frog gigging and fishing, seen it's fair share of rain storms too. And probably been lost a half dozen times, somehow I always seem to get it back. It has oxidation inside, not sure if caused by the lithium batteries I like or the water or both. But it keeps on ticking. Petzl starts at $50 or $60 at the bottom end though, and your $30 energizer will shine brighter than the bottom end petzl.

I have used this Nitecore for a few years now. They have some other similar models...that also run on 18650 batteries, which is really nice.

The main complaint I get about this light is that it is too bright (not a complaint I make...as the user).

Fenix HL60R is a good'un.

I have a petzl.

Coast HL5 is my go to headlamp. Put new lithium batteries in it at the beginning of deer season and I’m good to go all season.

Sniper Hog Lights!

I’m not sure what best means in this context, but I’ve got a couple of Petzl with which I am very happy. As another has said, new batteries at the beginning of the season and no worries.

Black Diamond storm
Coast FL85

I run a headlamp a lot during duck season. Black diamond is solid with good battery life. Putting the coast to the test this year, it’s probably two-three times as bright as the BD. We’ll see how it holds up

Have had this for several years, really BRIGHT and well made.

NightEyes headlamp

bought a cap clip-on from Tractor Supply that had 6-8 LED and is rechargeable with USB. This is the brightest lamp i have found and i think it was only $10.

black diamond