YLP Panda 2M CRI headlamp review (2x LH351D, 4000K, CRI90)

Thanks for the review, it looks like a good product.

Thanks for the great review. I love the form factor and dual led setup.
It would be great for them to make a high CRI option in the panda 3. Throw in a buck boost driver and I’m sold!

Thanks for this thorough review. Interesting headlamp …nice to be able to program the modes. Drag to see that 2 x 123 primary batteries are “forbidden” as I was thinking about this headlamp when the temp stays below freezing.

I am afraid that 2-channel buck-boost driver can be too expensive :confused:
And perhaps not really effective… :frowning:

Ok. just buck is rather good too)

Buck driver with one 3V-LED? You will need to look for advantages with a magnifying glass :wink:
With 3-4 LEDs - yes, buck driver will be more better. With 1 LED it will be more auto-training than real benefits.
It makes sense only if we are talking about 2*CR123.

Xpl2 is more efficient than 351D , but 2M has 2led. so difference in efficiency is ~20%.

90lm/W vs. 140lm/W. At the most useful mode.

There are too many questions regarding LEDs, modes, optics and methods of measurement. For example, we can get 10-15% difference just because of LEDs, even on the same product:)
So this is not “so”, this is a lot of different factors besides “linear vs buck” :slight_smile:

And I doubt that 80 lm is the most used mode for headlamp for many people. Actually, for 80 lms a good buck-driver is better, but it might be not reasonably better for brighter modes (btw, for moonlights too=).

If heaglamp is not a toy but tool, the most useful modes 100-200lm , especially for outdoor, in this range buck driver is better than linear. (And if we speak about Panda3 now it has neither stabilization nor moonlights)
But I see your point.

i owned 1st version, great stuff, this one is even bettery.

guys from YLP really care about stuff and are constantly in touch with forum.fonarevka.ru, discussing features of forthcoming lights right with potential useres. unlike most of manufacturer do.

Excellent review, as always!

Been thinking about getting a Panda for a while now, having a headlamp that’s high-CRI out of the box will be a nice change.

Thank you, get it.

Can anybody suggest more comfortable headband? It not confortable on naked forehead. (rubber/plastic (?) holder)

Picture too

You can try to put the sling inside the silicone rings:

Almost everything I’m looking for in a high cri headlamp. I want one for hands free close up lighting while doing detailed work and the beam profile and metal tube body (I hate having clamshells/box wear out and break) are great, if only it were a lightweight compact format using aa format batteries (14500 and nimh). When you’re squeezing into small spaces or working at an angle heavier headlamps aren’t as secure and comfortable. Plus aa is in a good spot having just enough capacity for a reasonable session and with nimh compatibility being really convenient to feed.

The high cri aa that is available is the acebeam h40. The beam profile isn’t as suitable but everything else appears to be on point. Anyone know if this is a reliable quality pick? Or if a better option is on the horizon?

Thanks for the excelent review maukka. Looks like a very nice headlamp with a very good price and ui. The only thing holding me back is the IPX6 rating since all my headlamps would get submerged or super soaked sooner rather than later. If they release a Panda 3R with high cri leds and improved driver and ui, I would definitely buy that since they’re rated at IPX8 and cave tested by AEDe.

Thank you for the review, it is very helpful.

Is it possible to get Narsil on the headlamp?

Yes Narsil! I’m a buyer then!

Thank you fnksb for suggestion.

Read that maybe SKILHUNT Headband can be used like alternative. (flashlight diameter 22mm and distance between ring places 44mm)

Order placed. Thanks maukaa for the great review and thanks fnksb for the coupon code