Description and rating of headlamps
Modern headlamps make many tasks easier for craftsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and explorers. They are distinguished by convenience, reliability and the ability to free your hands when illuminating an object. Devices have a number of features that it is desirable to consider even before purchase.
Headlamp Features
Now you can find a large number of different headlamps, among which LED models are considered the most popular. It is they who can boast of the largest resource and relatively low cost. Moreover, often a strobe mode is built into them, which makes it easy to mark your position in the dark.
Diode devices guarantee a bright directional beam that can be seen at a great distance. Almost all LED flashlights can last up to 50,000 hours.
In such models, several diodes are installed at once. The brightness and efficiency of the backlight will depend on the specific amount. Often, diodes are combined to obtain the desired shade of glow.
Incandescent or halogen sources are no longer used in headlamps. This is due to their high power consumption compared to LEDs and significant heating during operation. However, you can find hybrid models that combine xenon and LED emitters.
Read also: What LEDs are used for flashlights.
How to choose
To choose the right headlamp, it is recommended to study the characteristics:
- Power. The indicator is indicated on the package in lumens and affects the brightness of the flashlight.
- Beam range. According to this parameter, flashlights of near, far and mixed types are divided. The dipped beam is suitable for simple camping, cooking or viewing any objects. Cyclists and joggers should pay attention to headlights with high beams. The mixed type is considered universal and allows you to see well at any distance.
- The weight. Since devices are worn on the head, weight seems to be a major factor influencing comfort. Typically, flashlights weigh about 50-150 g, but there are also heavier models. Weight will be affected by power, functionality and additional body kit.
- Protection level. It is determined by a special IPXX index and shows the degree of protection of internal components from moisture and dust. If after "IP" there is one digit, then the model is protected only from moisture.
- Material. To facilitate the design, the main component is made of polymers. The head strap is most often an elastic band that securely fixes the flashlight on the user's head.
- autonomy. For headlamps, long battery life is essential. Usually there is a direct relationship between the brightness of the glow and energy consumption. Some devices specifically provide for setting modes.
- Number of modes. The most budget devices can only work in one mode, which turns on after startup. The more advanced ones provide four: economical power consumption, standard, maximum brightness and strobe. If the model has a red LED, it can additionally be switched on separately.
- Food. Headlamps are usually powered by a battery or battery. In any case, it will not be superfluous to have a spare battery.
Attention should be paid to additional functionality. The presence of an emergency beacon, rescue signal, stroboscope, charge indicator or other useful options can significantly increase the usability of the device.
It is necessary to choose a headlamp in accordance with the tasks that are solved with its help. For a runner or cyclist, small models with limited functionality that are not designed to work in extreme conditions are quite suitable. But for lovers of fishing, hunting or tourism, it is better to pay attention to waterproof models.
Watch the video: TOP-7. The best headlamps of 2020. Final rating
Top best headlamps
On the market you can find a lot of offers of headlamps for a variety of purposes.The top suggested below will help you get an idea of the devices and choose the best headlamp for specific conditions.
For hunting and fishing
Petzl Pixa 3R
Price: from 11,300 rubles.
Pros:
- Good level of water protection;
- 3 built-in operating modes;
- Battery charge indicator;
- Helmet mounting plate included.
Minuses:
- Price.
LED headlamp projector providing illumination at a distance of 90 m with a luminous flux of 900 lm. The model has high-quality protection against moisture and is perfect for use while fishing or hunting. A full charge of the battery is enough for about 3.5 hours of continuous operation. The weight of 145 g is felt on the head, but does not create any problems during operation.
Nitecore HC33
Price: from 5200 rubles.
Pros:
- High performance flashlight;
- Convenient one-button control;
- Strap made of elastic nylon;
- Possibility of immersion under water to a depth of 2 m.
Minuses:
- The beam is not focused.
Reliable flashlight made of aerospace aluminum alloy, which provides high-quality protection against any mechanical impact. The device easily withstands drops on a hard surface from a height of about 1.5 m. Ultra-thin mineral glass with anti-reflective coating guarantees the transmission of light from the diodes without any distortion.
Fenix HL55 XM-L2 U2
Price: from 4900 rubles.
Pros:
- Bright LEDs;
- Ease of switching modes;
- Long battery life;
- Compactness;
- Moisture protection.
Minuses:
- Perceptible weight.
A solid device with an IPX-8 protection class, which allows it to be used in places with high humidity.The body is made of aluminum, resistant to mechanical damage. Specific indicators of autonomy will depend on the battery purchased, however, in terms of power consumption, the model is considered one of the most economical.
For indoor work
Phoenix HL12R
Price: from 3000 rubles.
Pros:
- Light weight;
- Many preset modes;
- autonomy;
- Impact-resistant case;
- Availability.
Minuses:
- Unreliable USB port.
Headlamp weighing only 73 g, which is easily held on the head with a strap. The case is made of aluminum and plastic, which provide reliable protection against shock and moisture. A luminous flux of 400 lm allows you to illuminate 64 meters ahead. Such an indicator may not be enough for the street, but for indoors this is quite enough.
Petzl Tikka
Price: from 2800 rubles.
Pros:
- Comfortable strap that does not put pressure on the head even when worn for a long time;
- Build quality;
- Ease;
- Versatility of application.
Minuses:
- Runs on batteries.
Flashlight with three lighting modes: low beam, traffic light and high beam. A special red LED allows you to illuminate everything you need and at the same time does not blind people's eyes. Finding even a turned off flashlight in the dark is easy thanks to the built-in reflector.
With maximum power
Police 6633-T6+2XPE/RJ-3000
Price: from 800 rubles.
Pros:
- Rugged housing;
- 4 operating modes;
- Adjustable tilt angle;
- Convenient fastening.
Minuses:
- Small resource.
A powerful device that includes 4 LEDs, among which there are white and yellow crystals. Combined, the radiation of the diodes provides comfortable lighting. The package includes two 18650 batteries.
Black Diamond Storm 375
Price: from 5500 rubles.
Pros:
- 3 power levels;
- Setting the hue of the glow;
- High-quality protection against moisture and dust.
Minuses:
- Significant weight;
- Battery powered.
The rating of powerful headlamps is closed by an ergonomic device with a convenient mode switch and thoughtful IPX-67 protection against moisture and dust. It can work in three power modes, one of which allows you to easily see objects at a distance of up to 100 m. In this case, the battery life will be about 5 hours, while in the minimum power mode the device can work for almost 150 hours.
Read also: Disassembly and repair of the LED flashlight.
A headlamp can come in handy for a lot of people: from professional athletes to outdoor enthusiasts. A well-thought-out choice of the device will ensure its high-quality and efficient operation for a long time.