Need Headlamp (edited): AA batteries, mechanical clicky

Hello BLF members:

My favorite very old and cheap plastic AAx2 headlamp just broke. I need to replace it.

I would like:

  1. AA battery power (AA batteries are plentiful and in a general power outage, solar rechargers work best for AA batteries)
  2. Clicky mechanical switch to avoid parasitic drain.
  3. Decent quality
  4. Output: max 100 - 200 lumens is fine. Also Low modes to conserve battery power. I just need it for close-up work.

Thank you all in advance for your suggestions.

A long time ago Black Diamond made a 4-LED (5mm LEDs) headlamp powered by 3 - 4 AA batteries with a mechanical switch - would love to find a used one if possible.

I have an old Zebralight 1aa headlamp which sounds perfect for you. Maybe check out their newer offerings? Not really a budget lamp but great quality and durability.

For about half the price my thrunite th20 is probably my absolute favorite headlamp to date.

Using an AA light (TK05, SP10, etc.) clipped to a ballcap’s visor would be a no-go?

Or even an AAA light, to save weight?

Lots more options…

Black Diamond has put out some total crap as well. Buying a used one is difficult as each generation is called the same as the previous one, but the internals may be different. So the origonal BD Storm might put out 80 lumens (going from memory) and a new one might do 375 lumens and they look totally different. As headlamps and technology keep getting better, perhaps buying a new BD would be better than an old one unless you get it dirt cheap. I’m surprised you eliminated the 18650 batteries, Solar chargers will push many of the chargers for those as well.

In 2014, 5 years back, I bought some Princeton Tec EOS LED 80 Lumens Headlamps when Botach was selling them off because they were OD green. Figured that at $19.95 each I wouldn’t go wrong. They are my go to headlamp, and my favorites for getting out doors when weight matters and the 18650 Nitecorp, Fenix, Zebralight and others are too heavy.

Could you be referring to the BD Icon? I’ve owned the Icon, the Storm, some other cheap trash and a bunch of Spots. They really make mediocre product generally although the icons may still be working. I bought the original in 2011 and the next icon, the polar version, in 2015. It’s too heavy for what you get I feel, so I don’t pull either out and use them. The Nitecorp, Fenix, Zebralight are so much better.

I see that the Icon may have 200 lumens, 320 or 500 lumens now. (links below) They are all “Icons” though. Hmmm. Might make buying used difficult.

https://www.rei.com/product/861651/black-diamond-icon-polar-headlamp
https://blog.weighmyrack.com/black-diamond-icon-headlamp-review/
https://www.rei.com/product/107916/black-diamond-icon-headlamp

Regardless, good luck with your search!

YLP Falcon FH5 ?

No mechanical switch though

I'd be interested in something like op's wish list as well, AA's preferred.

I really prefer the battery pack at the rear though, along with a two-strap headband (one around circumference, one over top), as the circumferential band then doesn't have to be so tight.

Also, I sometimes wear a wool toboggan cap under the headband in cold weather. A top band is more secure & comfortable without haveing to be so tight.

The only headlights I've seen with a rear battery pack + two-strap headband use 3AAA's.

slmjim

Pretzel Myo has options with a rear battery 3-AA pack and top strap. My old myo with the ssc p4 is a great (though not perfect) headlamp.