So, I just got an HS10 which is a beautiful light. It looked sufficient on paper but the light doesnt last long enough :')
Can you guys recommend a good long lasting headlamp for around $30-50?
I would LOVE a 4-5000k headlamp that lasts for 5+ hours on 250-500 lumens!
I don't really need 5000 lumens or whatever, just something thatll put out 300-500 lumens for hours. And maybe a boost mode would be great too!
Thank you!
Edit: thank you everyone! What a great community, appreciate all the recommendations!!
Fenix hm65r-t and olight prerun3 are the longest lasting and brightest. I'm an overnight aircraft mechanic and I've tried every brand over 20 years.
Second Fenix and olight. Been using this Fenix HM61rV2 and very pleased. Also Fenix customer service is top notch.
Love my perrun mini
I am also an aircraft mechanic and use the hm70r! It's on my head all day
400 lumens output of warm 4000-5000K light, especially high CRI, means you are limited to roughly 3-4 hours with an 18650 4000mAh battery... Larger 21700 battery based lights will likely exceed your $50 budget.
Extreme runtime headlamps like the Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Max Warm can give you about 4000K light at that 350-400 lumens range output for over 7 hours straight from a single battery charge. But you're looking at a huge light, and it'll cost ~$100.
Take a look at the Sofirn HS21 if you're okay with the size/ergonomics of the light. Flood mode is probably where you'll use the light more often on. But with 18650s, total runtime on a single battery will still fall short of 5 hours.
Convoy H4.
Wow that headlamp looks really cool... With those 21700 headlamps, do they feel really heavy? Ill need to wear these for approximately 2 hours at a time.
They are heavy but ok as task headlamps. For active use they are too front heavy.
Based of what you describe I’d suggest an 18650 light and an extra battery. Swap out the battery when you take a break. Keep the extra battery in a case because it could short out if rolling around loose somewhere.
Great idea with the extra battery... I'll definitely need to get a case and a charger. Should I try those usb rechargeable batteries? Or get a dedicated charger?
I think the chargers are generally better. You can get better batteries for less money. An Xtar charger is pretty inexpensive and can run from usb-c.
Gotcha, thanks!
If you're not worried about it being waterproof, they sell silicone cases that are handy to keep spare cells in reserve. Having spare cells is more convenient than trying to find a spot to recharge a battery during the day.
A multi-bay charger is nice to recharge them, and I second the Xtar recommendation, but it's entirely possible to keep backups topped off via built-in chargers.
I wear a firefly 21700 headlamp at work for hours no problem. I do normally put it on a hat that I have a bump cap insert in though, which I think makes if a little more comfortable by spreading the weight out.
HD20 and HD50 are cheap Wurkkos options on sale with 21700 batteries. I have HD20 and it works well, but I don’t like right angle lamps.
I like hs21 better, but if the focus is on longevity, the larger battery helps.
If you're stationary and working, they aren't too bad. Where you see them become an issue is if you're in work or activities involving motility. Then you'll likely favor smaller, more lightweight solutions. But for what you're describing using it for, you shouldn't find it to be a nuisance to use it.
You could always swap out batteries in smaller lights if you wish. The only reason some people don't want to go that route is if carrying extra batteries isn't an option, or they may be looking at suboptimal conditions for swapping batteries in-situ, i.e. wet conditions or dust exposure.
I really like my sorting hs21
I find the different brightnesses saved in different modes supper handy and the rotation function super useful.
Have gone many fishing at night many times either it and camping it’s been nice.
C2 Pro Max do not have high CRI, since you mention CRI.
I got one of them
I got one Armytec that isn't in production anymore with high CRI and it is amazing. But do not last long on 18650 anyways.
OP just mentioned the light being on the warm side, I didn't see them asking for hCRI, otherwise I would have recommended the Wizard Nichia or gone with the Skilhunt H04RC.
Sofirn hs43
Just be aware Armytek customer service is basically…. Nonexistent. I tried emailing them multiple times about my C2 pro and I gave up and threw the damn thing away because they wouldn’t even answer a single email
Hence why I listed to Killzone, as they are much better to work with if you should encounter issues with an Armytek light if you bought it from them....
The good thing with Armytek is, outside of the atypical lemons, they're usually excellent out of the box and reliable. But as you alluded to, the bad thing is if you did get one of those lemons or something comes up, you're unable to communicate with them.
https://preview.redd.it/3hzy3ljhwn6g1.jpeg?width=1990&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0d16a155778fa104ebe5ea3fa6c98ace78ad418
Convoy H4 Nichia 519a 4000K, 4500K or 5000K… your choice. Constant current driver for long run times. I have one in 3000K with Anduril 1.0 for close range & a 4000K constant current on the way.
I was going to suggest this H4. I have two, both direct current B35AM, 2700k and 4500k. Extremely practical form factor when used outside the headband. Also the magnet is totally worth it, very strong.
This in 3000k is honestly my favorite headlamp. The light is so pleasant.
Is it comfortable? Heard some mixed reviews about it being too heavy?
I find it to be surprisingly comfortable. It’s 5.3oz with a Wurkkos 21700 battery installed & 6.7oz total with the headband. For a 21700 battery it’s pretty light. The Fenix HM71R & HM70R are 7.3oz for comparison. I like the rubber holder as it’s infinitely adjustable & feels good on my forehead. Plastic ones get uncomfortable quickly. I did not expect much especially for the asking price but the 45 degree beaded TIR with the 519a is perfect combo. It also fits in the new black Emisar headband which is the Olight Perun 2 mini rebranded. Plus it will run off a power bank via usb c. It’s a pretty cool light. It beats out my old favorite HD10 4000K even though it’s heavier.
I had a 18650 headlamp which became indispensable for work, but it never lasted all day so I just ended up buying 2 of them. Changing the batteries out in a harsh environment with dirty hands seemed like a bad idea considering the super-fine aluminum threads and gaskets etc.
I have so many headlamps and I always go back to my Zebra light H600d Mk IV, its 5000K. I know it’s a little more then double your budget but its last 5hrs on 300 Lm, very water resistant, and is very light. It will be the last headlamp you need 🔦 🦓 🔦
I know a lot people will recommend the Sofirn HS21, but I think the HS22 would be a better fit for you. It has tint ramping, so you can go from 2700k to 6500k. Also comes with a 4000mAh 18650 battery which will give you the runtimes that you are looking for. It's also on sale right now.
Sofirn HS22 affiliate link
https://youtu.be/g_YtzuXsDeI?si=9wp_5z1C7vZMuuIb
Good call, HS22 seems better if one does not need a red light
new FFL L50 EDC - but its around 60 USD
And my use case would be
Basement plumbing, DIY stuff, needing more light to see behind things, and outdoor snow shoveling at night.
I originally got this light because 1) it was cheap 2) it was bright 3) it was light...
But now I think i need a heavier longer lasting light. Please provide suggestions! Ideally between $30-50 :)
Another option is to just get a few extra batteries and swap them out from time to time. But I say that as someone that hates wearing heavy headlamps.
Agreed. I have 3 HS10s @ work, & just swap/charge. HD10 is an awesome option as well. I like the HD12 as well, however the actual holder is horrible. Will be replacing that w/ the HD10 holder whenever they stop selling out.
So it turns out that the Sofirn SP40 does 450 for 4-5 hours and 90 for 15 hours which is where I use it mostly at closer ranges.
But like I said they are so cheap right now just buy 2!
I purchased a H600FC and it's a great product and IMHO worth the stretch to invest in because it is a buy-it-for-life product. The light is pretty solid in terms of output--4000k and mostly neutral. Runtimes are great as it is a Cree XHP emitter. It's an older design but a well-proven one, and the UI works very well for it's intended purpose. The headband design is also great.
In the case of headlamps, I think a fully potted design has some benefits given headlamps may be more likely to take nasty falls and a light you carry on your head will potentially fall from a higher height than a light you carry in a pocket. The H600FC is fully potted and the battery is fully supported, to avoid damaging the positive terminal of the battery in the event of a bad drop on the light's head.
All that's to say the H600 family is an exceptional design.
I've been using the Fenix hm70r for years without fail in extreme conditions. I've dropped it off ladders onto concrete, used it for hours outside in -40, and have got all sorts of chemicals on it. Still holding strong.
If the L70 Helios with it's efficient Lume X1 driver is any clue, you're going 21700 for that. Lets math it out though.
Figure an average of 100 lumen per watt. We'll go with 300 lumens for simple math. That's 3W. It'll take 15 Watt-hours of battery to do that.
14500 batteries run around 3-4 Wh. A decent 18650 run around 11 Wh, though some high-mAh/low-CDR ones are closer to 14. For 21700, we're talking 15-16 Wh average and 20-21 Wh for the "Runtime is our gawd!" Vapcells. 3-4 is a lot less than 15. 11-14 is a bit less too. So by process of elimination....
Yes, 21700 lights are heavier than the 18650 lights many are recommending. Given the choice between a heavier light and coming up well short of your output/runtime goal though, which would you rather? Many peopel still oppose swapping batteries, to I'll continue with 21700 lights.
As much as I like my L70, I think a DW4K with optional Lume X1 (the same driver that comes stock in an L70) is a better bet.
Fenix HM61R V2 headlamp. I've had it for two months and it's great for everything!
Sofirn SP40 has been my goto for a few years also in dark basements and crawls and attics a lot.
A few tints and just solid all around in an 18650 not sure it will do 250 for 5 but just carry a spare.
Also on sale cheap right now!
SP40? I use mine with the 18350 tube and it lasts about twice as long as my HS10 with a 16340. The newer HS40 has some improvements though for only a couple bucks more.
Yes the SP40 but Ive only used 18650 tubes on mine and I have several of them.
Just looked in a box and damn if there isnt a short tube in there too!
But Im only interested in long runtimes and I never paid attention to the short tube and probably never will!
I had the exact same problem as you when i got a HS10. I bought a Sofirn HS21 in January and it works perfectly. I wont last 5+ hours at 250-500 lumens, but will last 3 hours at 400 lumens according to https://1lumen.com/review/sofirn-hs21/, so about 3-4 times longer than the HS10. Swapping the battery is easier than carrying the extra weight of a 21700 on your head, in my opinion.
The floodlight great, it has nice tint and good cri. I like the ui too.
I see quite a few people suggesting carrying more batteries. Sounds good to me... Ill need to buy a charger!
Also, the HS21 does seem to have great reviews, its a top choice for me right now. Thanks!
I really like my Skilhunt H200 519a 4500k and H300r 50.3 6500k. Both last over 3 hours on high. I've gifted a Wurkkos HD50 and Sofirn HS21 and they're both great too. The HD50 being 21700, you could use a 6000mah F60 battery.
I've recently purchased an armytek elf c1, warm led , usb c. Its a work light, I replaced my old and trusty fenix ld15r with it.
It feels solid, I really like the UI for my job enviroment, the led is ok and runtimes are nice too.
3-4 hours at aprox 200 lumen. You can het a bit more as there are 18350's with a bit more capacity.
If you need better runtimes you should jump into the 18650 world.
perun 3 mini with charging case
Like others have mentioned, you'll need to go with at least a 18650 powered headlamp to get the battery life you're after and the brightness.
Some of these are either within your budget or just a little bit beyond, so it's up to you to decide if it's worth spending the extra money on a better headlamp.
Here are the 18650 headlamps that I would recommend you check out:
Firefly L50 Sol
Mateminco G02
Skilhunt H300
Emisar DW4 Mule
Emisar DW4 Work Headlamp
Emisar DW4 Dual Channel Headlamp
To guarantee you get the battery life you're after and brightness, you could step up to a 21700 headlamp. Here are the ones that I would recommend for you. Again, some are slightly over your $50 budget, but they're usually well worth it.
Sofirn HS41vn
Emisar DW4K
Emisar DW4K Dual Channel
Emisar DW4K Mule
Emisar DW4K Triple Channel
Firefly L60 Mu Aura
Firefly L70 Helios
Hopefully that helps you out and good luck with your decision. 👍
I’ll echo shouts for the Sofrin HS21. My favorite headlamp by far. Very easy to use with the rotary selection, and with flood, spot, and red modes it checks all of my boxes. I use it for ultra distance bike racing mounted to bike helmet with a custom 3d printed mount, and just bring 2x extra 18650 cells to run it on medium riding through the night.
Grab the Sofirn HS22 - it's on sale now, has tint ramping from 2700k to 6500k so you can dial in your perfect 4-5000k, comes with a 4000mAh 18650 that'll hit your runtime needs, and its right in your budget!
Olight perun 3. I used it most of the day all week without charging it then charge it on the weekends. It’s also removable and magnetic so you can stick it to something in place while you’re working on it. I didn’t like the band it came with so I swapped that with another. 10/10 headlamp.
Other people have some good recommendations including just swapping batteries, but another option is to just get another one of the headlamp you have and switch them out while recharging. If you like them, that might be one of the easiest and more cost effective solutions