Budget headlamp with high CRI LED
Like the title says, I’m looking for a reasonably priced headlamp that uses an LED with a high CRI.
It would be used for up-close work like fishing, working on the car and outdoor cooking. All tasks that benefit from being able to see colours properly.
The only suitable headlamps I’ve come across are the Zebralight H502D and H502C. Are there any cheaper alternatives out there?
AA or 18650 battery preferred.
Yeah, I’m looking for one too. Maybe a flashlight maker could produce a host so we can use our own leds like Nichia and high CRI XML’s.
I'm on the market too looking for a headlamp for work use, after the UF-H3b broke 3 days ago...
High CRI emitter is welcome, but also there is the beam pattern to consider: I need a full flood light because that is perfect for walking and working at short distance, even light distribution without any hotspot disturbingly dancing around when moving head.
Good headlamps do not go together with budget price, from what I see around...
Spark, Armytek, Zebralight have great products not exactly cheap
The best compromise at the moment looks to be Nitecore HC50, but that is not a high CRI so an emitter swap must be considered. Still HC50 plus new emitter cost less than a 90CRI Wizard...
If anybody have better suggestion, I'm waiting too 
Get this if you do not mind hanging your flashlight by the side. Just pop in your existing small flashlight and it works well.
I'm slowly working on a Trustfire Z2 mod, and there's a high CRI XP-G2 that could be put in it. It will only work with a 14500. I believe current prices for the Z2 is around $16, plus ~$10 for the emitter and 10mm Sinkpad, less than $10 for the BLF driver and 10mm pcb. It could cost less, but ordering little parts one at a time is inefficient. You'll save a little money if you build your own, but you're probably better off going with Zebralight than getting someone else to mod the Z2 for you. I realize it may seem like I'm shooting myself in the foot by not offering to sell you a modded Z2, but the Zebralight is a really good deal and is great at what it does.
I just got in the mail this Eagle Eye F10 anglelight from Banggood this morning (works on AA batteries and probably14500, did not check yet), I think it will make an excellent headlamp with a small headband, like this one:
I chose a 3C tint XM-L2 led, it looks a bit warmer than 3C when I checked in a hurry, a nice tint! It was in a discount recently so I had it a bit cheaper, now it is 25 dollars (with BLF coupon). It feels quality and looks small (smaller than the z2). I did not take it apart yet, tonight I will look at the modding possibilities (like putting in a high CRI Nichia led, or a narrow TIR istead of the wide one)
Looks like we’re stuck with Zebralight. It looks like it can survive anything and it has high runtimes so I’m thinking of buying it.
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like zebralight is going to be the easiest way to go. I don’t like the idea of the light hanging off to the side and even the zebralight style with the led at one end doesn’t look ideal. I’d much rather have the emitter in the centre of the body.
Oh well, I’ll start saving for the zebralight and will keep an eye open for cheaper, mod-friendly alternatives.
Armytek? You can get them for about 50-60 shipped in warm white. I’ve never found having the LED to one side made that much of a difference visually (like most higher end headlamps). The one light I had that was a centered headlamp was a mess of tiny wires on the inside and they were frayed. The new Fenix HL50 has a Neutral tint too, and it retails for about $50.
The only problem with a right angle light is that it favors changing modes with one hand. Some center LED headlamps have the button just behind the emitter, so that's better. I'll still take the right angle light since it works much better as a handheld flashlight.
That is just being pedantic really. Once you get over it you can embrace a great light.
These are pretty good headlamps, and awesome for the price. I use them for grilling, yard work in the dark, loading my cargo van at night, campfire gathering and starting. They are seasonal items from Home Depot, uses AAA. Good luck in your hunt.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/121262312866?nav=SEARCH
You could maybe look at the Shadow L1 over at Customlites.com. I have a Zebralight H600fw Mii already so I really don’t need another headlamp but this one has been tempting me for a while as it’s available in HCRI warm white XML2. I want a warm headlamp and I have a Shadow VG-10 with that emitter from the same source and I really like it. I just haven’t been able to find much information on the L1 but it does look interesting!
Go for Armytek Tiara A1 Pro or non Pro in WW. You can get this much cheaper than the retail price. If you are from US you can buy this A1 WW from Ilumn and apply code “july4”. I’m not sure how long this code will last but that is really a good deal.
Got any suggestions or just criticisms?
I’m pretty picky myself and it’ll take me maybe 20 hours of research before I’ll spend $100 on something. I’ve got the H600FW coming from Illumination Supply. It being off center does not at all affect how the beam is perceived by your eyes. It’s 2 inches to the side. That’s miniscule for the intended applications of it.
If you take issue with it, I can’t really see a good reason why besides being pedantic/OCD.
I haven’t tried it yet, just seems like it might be annoying when doing detailed work up close or when there’s a narrow line of sight to what you’re looking at. E.g. putting a new hook on a line, trying to spot a screw or a clip in an engine bay, that sort of thing.
If it’s not a pure flood beam it seems like something that would be noticeable when working at arms length or closer.
I haven't noticed any offset issues with my Armytek Wizard Pro. I use it to read my Kindle when camping, and while soldering. Mine isn't the wide version either. I understand the concern, but I'm quite sure you'll find that it's not an issue.
My soldering is done with a desklamp, the light is coming from 15 inches from the side ;-)
I want to joke, but I think OP is in a serious mood. Underscore, if I thought there was an offset issue, I'd let you know. I have nothing to lose by being critical about these lights since I paid the same price anyone else could get, and will likely have to pay that price for any right angle light I ever get in the future.
Since close in work appeals to you, look for a light with a bare emitter like Zebralight's "Flood" headlamps, or Armytek's headlamps. I think the lens in the Armytek headlamps are already very wide and smooth, but they have a floodier version that might suit you even better.