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Recommend a good headlamp
#8389558
09/18/21 08:52 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 529
hollidayHunter
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 529 |
I'm headed to Wyoming in about 3 weeks to hunt mule deer. There are so many different kinds of headlamps out there it gets kind of confusing. I would like one that's rechargeable and of course has a good strong beam. Whats been yall's experience with headlamps and what do you recommend? Thanks
That's my $.02. Here's you're change!!
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8389589
09/18/21 09:31 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279 |
Just upgraded myself. Fenix, about $100.00. USB charge, well built, solid lamp.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8393934
09/22/21 03:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 283
Huskerron
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 283 |
Used to buy the cheap Rayovacs at Walmart. They were usually broken by the end of the season. I see Rayovac now makes one called the indestructible. Must’ve been because of so many complaints. I too bought a Black Diamond and have never looked back. Had it for about 5 years now. If you’ve ever field dressed a deer in the dark or holding a bloody flashlight in your mouth, you’ll appreciate a quality headlamp.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8394316
09/22/21 09:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612 |
I'm on my 3rd PETZL, been happy with all of them. One is my primary, one is the backup/yardwork light, the other fell out of my pocket and I found it with a truck tire. This particular model: https://www.rei.com/product/162477/petzl-tactikka-headlamp?CAWELAID=120217890007141220These are NOT rechargeable, though, so they may not meet your criteria, OP.
Last edited by QuitShootinYoungBucks; 09/22/21 09:58 PM.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8395068
09/23/21 05:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,165
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,165 |
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8395095
09/23/21 05:38 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
I'm headed to Wyoming in about 3 weeks to hunt mule deer. There are so many different kinds of headlamps out there it gets kind of confusing. I would like one that's rechargeable and of course has a good strong beam. Whats been yall's experience with headlamps and what do you recommend? Thanks I have zebra, pretzel, black diamond, coast, and fenix My favorite is zebra but it's 18650 battery so it's an expensive start up. My pretzel is the lightest and I use it as a back up in my pack. Best for the money has been Coast. Hope this helps. To me Lithium battery(AA or AAA) are easier then rechargeable.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8395119
09/23/21 06:04 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,493
der Teufel
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,493 |
Normally I don't associate Harbor Freight and quality. In this case however, I've been pretty pleased with a relatively cheap headlamp I got a few years ago. Here's their selection page: https://harborfreight.com/search?q=headlamp The one I've been using is the cheap one for ten bucks. It's not rechargeable. It uses three AAA batteries. In the field it may be easier to just carry extra batteries rather than try to recharge it when it gets too dim. Of course, if you're consistent about recharging that's perhaps not a real problem. I actually have two. I got one for my hunting buddy to use. They've both worked fine since I got them 3-4 years ago and given no trouble. I'm thinking about upgrading to the 500 lumen model though, just to get more brightness. It is rechargeable. As I mentioned I usually hesitate to describe items from Harbor Freight as quality but the headlamps I have are working well for me.
I have two unwritten rules: 1. 2.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8395122
09/23/21 06:08 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,571
Gumbeaux
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,571 |
Black Diamond fan here as well. I have one rechargeable and one that takes AAAs.
Both have been great lights. Bright and durable.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8397174
09/25/21 05:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,846
Greg Z
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,846 |
Performance Tool LED Hat Brim Light
very bright, high and low settings runs up to 4hrs on low setting. clips on to the brim of your hat and you can adjust the aim point.
Greg Ziemer Sewell Lexus 214-597-6006 Life's short... Enjoy the ride!
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#8397444
09/25/21 10:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 462
N.Tx
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 462 |
Definitely another vote for Ledlenser. I've had the H8R for 5 years without a single complaint.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8399389
09/27/21 04:05 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 529
hollidayHunter
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 529 |
Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll check all of them out and go from there.
That's my $.02. Here's you're change!!
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8399550
09/27/21 06:29 PM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,200
Theringworm
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,200 |
I carry two headlamps. The one I use nightly is the Petzl Actik Core https://www.rei.com/product/163701/petzl-actik-core-headlamp?color=RED It’s a rechargeable that puts out plenty of light for both field care and getting to and from destinations. At 2.8 ounces you don’t even know it’s on. The other I carry in my hip pouch as a back up is the black Diamond Storm (it’s an older model so maybe a 350 not sure). Both have been excellent. I also have a Surefire Maximus that is way more lamp that one would ever need. If I were to upgrade it would be a Zebra 1st and the a Felix 2nd. One thing to be cognizant of if the weight of these. If you are just stand hunting walking to and from the truck a short distance then it’s a mute point. But if you are actually hunting/hiking some distance (several miles) back to camp I.e. Western hunt (elk, mule deer, sheep etc) the amount of weight begins to take a toll on your neck muscles. That’s why I run lighter weight lamps. Typically the more likens it puts out the greater battery it requires and the more it weights.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: Theringworm]
#8399736
09/27/21 09:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
I carry two headlamps. The one I use nightly is the Petzl Actik Core https://www.rei.com/product/163701/petzl-actik-core-headlamp?color=RED It’s a rechargeable that puts out plenty of light for both field care and getting to and from destinations. At 2.8 ounces you don’t even know it’s on. The other I carry in my hip pouch as a back up is the black Diamond Storm (it’s an older model so maybe a 350 not sure). Both have been excellent. I also have a Surefire Maximus that is way more lamp that one would ever need. If I were to upgrade it would be a Zebra 1st and the a Felix 2nd. One thing to be cognizant of if the weight of these. If you are just stand hunting walking to and from the truck a short distance then it’s a mute point. But if you are actually hunting/hiking some distance (several miles) back to camp I.e. Western hunt (elk, mule deer, sheep etc) the amount of weight begins to take a toll on your neck muscles. That’s why I run lighter weight lamps. Typically the more likens it puts out the greater battery it requires and the more it weights. For days 10 days use(evening and nights) I can take an extra 18640 and probably not need it with the zebra. With that said when you do want to light up the sky, that little zebra is crazy bright
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8399743
09/27/21 09:28 PM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,200
Theringworm
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,200 |
Yea…..I have come close many times at buying a Zebra. Maybe once these two peter out I’ll upgrade.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8401132
09/29/21 09:56 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212 |
I’ve used a Petzl for more than a decade.
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8432616
10/28/21 08:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 86
COFF (TFF)
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 86 |
Two things have always bothered me with head lamps: the elastic band and the weight. I like this one from amazon. It clips on your hat, does not block your vision at all, and is so light it you can wear it all day and never know its there. amazon cyclops microThis is NOT a bright light. You won't be spotting game with it, or tracking a blood trail. But it is plenty to get you in and out of your stand, and you could dress a deer with it if you had to.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: Theringworm]
#8442115
11/08/21 03:24 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
I carry two headlamps. The one I use nightly is the Petzl Actik Core https://www.rei.com/product/163701/petzl-actik-core-headlamp?color=RED It’s a rechargeable that puts out plenty of light for both field care and getting to and from destinations. At 2.8 ounces you don’t even know it’s on. The other I carry in my hip pouch as a back up is the black Diamond Storm (it’s an older model so maybe a 350 not sure). Both have been excellent. I also have a Surefire Maximus that is way more lamp that one would ever need. If I were to upgrade it would be a Zebra 1st and the a Felix 2nd. One thing to be cognizant of if the weight of these. If you are just stand hunting walking to and from the truck a short distance then it’s a mute point. But if you are actually hunting/hiking some distance (several miles) back to camp I.e. Western hunt (elk, mule deer, sheep etc) the amount of weight begins to take a toll on your neck muscles. That’s why I run lighter weight lamps. Typically the more likens it puts out the greater battery it requires and the more it weights. I picked up a Fenix HM61R Rechargeable Headlamp. It will be replacing my zebra. It fixes my only complaint on the zebra and that’s charging 18650 batteries. Pretty slick
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8451121
11/17/21 12:17 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279 |
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: kry226]
#8451509
11/17/21 06:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 71
Baldpate
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 71 |
I can second this - great light and tough.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: onlysmith&wesson]
#8454334
11/20/21 10:36 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279 |
I used it for about 7-8 days recently, it's the HM65R. It's a great headlamp. Operates easy with good sized soft touch buttons that you can manipulate easily. It's a 30 minute UTV ride each way to my stand, and since going to a half windshield it's on for the whole ride, and walk to the stand. It has yet to get below 50% charge, and that's on the highest setting during usage. It's good enough that I'm not in as big of a hurry as I once was to put a light bar on my Ranger since it throws a bright, big beam where I need it when driving.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8454517
11/20/21 03:26 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,799
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,799 |
FWIW, look at the Steam light line of head lamps. 423 battery (never seen a plug in the woods) two brightness's, One will blind you its so strong. I was walking next to my buddy looking for his deer in the dark. He had on his REI special (Petzel) . When I turned mine on his disappeared. VERY good light, great adjustable , strap and will fit in a small backpack pocket.
SPACE FOR RENT
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: Buzzsaw]
#8454559
11/20/21 04:27 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,582
68rustbucket
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,582 |
FWIW, look at the Steam light line of head lamps. 423 battery (never seen a plug in the woods) two brightness's, One will blind you its so strong. I was walking next to my buddy looking for his deer in the dark. He had on his REI special (Petzel) . When I turned mine on his disappeared. VERY good light, great adjustable , strap and will fit in a small backpack pocket. Which model? Website shows 20+ models.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: Buzzsaw]
#8455552
11/21/21 08:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
FWIW, look at the Steam light line of head lamps. 423 battery (never seen a plug in the woods) two brightness's, One will blind you its so strong. I was walking next to my buddy looking for his deer in the dark. He had on his REI special (Petzel) . When I turned mine on his disappeared. VERY good light, great adjustable , strap and will fit in a small backpack pocket. Plenty of plugs in the woods if you are use to being off grid. Non rechargeable speciality batteries are a train wreck in the woods or middle of no where. Go recharge or AA/AAA. My biggest issue with recharging 18650 was the chargers. Felix built in charger is game changer. Gone down this hole before with stream light and batteries. Great lights up until you no longer have batteries in your center console or pack
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8462891
11/30/21 06:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,416
TLew
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,416 |
FWIW, look at the Steam light line of head lamps. 423 battery (never seen a plug in the woods) two brightness's, One will blind you its so strong. I was walking next to my buddy looking for his deer in the dark. He had on his REI special (Petzel) . When I turned mine on his disappeared. VERY good light, great adjustable , strap and will fit in a small backpack pocket. Plenty of plugs in the woods if you are use to being off grid. Non rechargeable speciality batteries are a train wreck in the woods or middle of no where. Go recharge or AA/AAA. My biggest issue with recharging 18650 was the chargers. Felix built in charger is game changer. Gone down this hole before with stream light and batteries. Great lights up until you no longer have batteries in your center console or pack Need a spare 18650 charger? I have plenty and would be happy to paint one orange for ya
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: der Teufel]
#8463593
12/01/21 03:32 PM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 924
GNTX
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 924 |
Normally I don't associate Harbor Freight and quality. In this case however, I've been pretty pleased with a relatively cheap headlamp I got a few years ago. Here's their selection page: https://harborfreight.com/search?q=headlamp The one I've been using is the cheap one for ten bucks. It's not rechargeable. It uses three AAA batteries. In the field it may be easier to just carry extra batteries rather than try to recharge it when it gets too dim. Of course, if you're consistent about recharging that's perhaps not a real problem. I actually have two. I got one for my hunting buddy to use. They've both worked fine since I got them 3-4 years ago and given no trouble. I'm thinking about upgrading to the 500 lumen model though, just to get more brightness. It is rechargeable. As I mentioned I usually hesitate to describe items from Harbor Freight as quality but the headlamps I have are working well for me. I have that one too and it is working fine for me. I also have a nice headlight for my bicycle that came with a head mounted conversion. It runs off of a separate lithium ion pack but man is that sucker bright when on high beam.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8464786
12/02/21 08:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 954
TonyLama
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 954 |
I use a rechargeable one from amazon called boruit it has a high/low and red setting. Lasts me all weekend on one charge.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: TLew]
#8465330
12/03/21 02:07 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
|
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
FWIW, look at the Steam light line of head lamps. 423 battery (never seen a plug in the woods) two brightness's, One will blind you its so strong. I was walking next to my buddy looking for his deer in the dark. He had on his REI special (Petzel) . When I turned mine on his disappeared. VERY good light, great adjustable , strap and will fit in a small backpack pocket. Plenty of plugs in the woods if you are use to being off grid. Non rechargeable speciality batteries are a train wreck in the woods or middle of no where. Go recharge or AA/AAA. My biggest issue with recharging 18650 was the chargers. Felix built in charger is game changer. Gone down this hole before with stream light and batteries. Great lights up until you no longer have batteries in your center console or pack Need a spare 18650 charger? I have plenty and would be happy to paint one orange for ya Lol, no I keep one in my desk. But they are to big to pack on a backpack hunt(not that you need too, battery lady's an eternity). New fenix has a magnetic USB. It's handy and nothing to pack
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8501461
01/11/22 11:04 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,496
Halfadozen
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,496 |
O'light Baton - Pro Pocket
Freedom is a fragile thing ...Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again. -- Ronald Reagan
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8502410
01/13/22 01:43 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,025
jetdad
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,025 |
I got a Fenix HM61R and man that thing is bright when you have it on turbo. It has the magnetic USB charger cable which is nice also. Got 20% off so price wasn't toobad. Great light.
Last edited by jetdad; 01/13/22 01:43 AM.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: jetdad]
#8503671
01/14/22 03:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
I got a Fenix HM61R and man that thing is bright when you have it on turbo. It has the magnetic USB charger cable which is nice also. Got 20% off so price wasn't toobad. Great light. I ran mine for 5 days about hour each day and had a lot left in the tank. Also in sub freezing weather. I was impressed
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8503857
01/14/22 07:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,025
jetdad
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,025 |
I liked the headlamp enough that I bought a flashlight from them as well. Fenix puts out a good product. They had some pretty good specials running around Xmas time.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: hollidayHunter]
#8507146
01/18/22 04:50 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212 |
Wow!!! That’s pretty cool! Thanks for the heads up!
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: Recommend a good headlamp
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8507182
01/18/22 05:52 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279 |
I got a Fenix HM61R and man that thing is bright when you have it on turbo. It has the magnetic USB charger cable which is nice also. Got 20% off so price wasn't toobad. Great light. I ran mine for 5 days about hour each day and had a lot left in the tank. Also in sub freezing weather. I was impressed I have a full season behind mine. Zero complaints. Holds a charge well.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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