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K.T.N
1264
Apr 27, 2017
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I received mine.
I think headlamps from flashlight manufacturers are a not fully mature product category.
First off, it's a really well made light. The aluminum is really solid, and the way it's been manufactured and the way it functions seems very solid and very high quality.
But it really feels like a reconfigured handheld flashlight.
The beam is a fairly intense spot with decent, usable falloff spill. But it feels too focused and not diffused enough for close range work where you are looking at a bunch of small objects spread across your field of view, like cleaning up camp at night.
Also, the brightness levels don't include a mode that's dim enough for inside a tent when others are sleeping. Or for when one takes a bathroom break at night and needs just enough light to get around without disturbing others in respective their tents.
It has the standard three level brightness settings that one might find in a handheld flashlight. But no moonlight mode. I feel the lowest setting is just too bright for those things that require some sensitivity.
It's also fairly heavy. Very solid, granted, but heavy. I wouldn't necessarily want this on my head for a sustained period of time. Especially if I were trying to do some other intense activity, like climbing.
It feels better suited to repairing your truck at night, or other short activities, than to wearing on your head all night for sustained use.
In this way, I feel like this type of headlamp is just a reconfigured handheld flashlight, and not a purpose built headlamp.
I feel the traditional headlamp manufacturers, like Petzl, Princeton Tec, Black Diamond, etc., have a leg up on headlamp design.
They have really thought out the use case for headlamps (primarily for hiking, climbing, and camping, but useful for other practical tasks), and have built their headlamps accordingly (i.e., lightweight but durable plastic, diffuser screen or filter for wide and even light dispersion at close range, low level candlelight mode, low level red LED for night use in many cases, etc.). Their headlamps feel like they have the right mix of features for a headlamp.
That said, this is a well built product, and a good light. I like mine.
It just seems that this product was designed folks who know handheld flashlights, but don't necessarily use or know headlamps that much.
If you are looking for the most practical, usable, well thought out headlamp, I would look to Petzl, Princeton Tec, etc.
But if you are a flashlight aficionado who likes a solid aluminum body, tightly focused beam, and solid industrial design, this headlamp will float your boat.
Apr 27, 2017
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