Hello folks, i am going to gift a head lamp for a 10yr old boy for xmas. 18650 single preferred.
I dont want insane lumens due to them(more than likely) running it on max non stop, so 500ish lumens max would be sufficient.
Big bonus if it has usb charging built in.
I have a 10yr old Son, and I don’t think I’d get him an 18650 type light. I’d consider one of the Nitecore NU models instead. But thats just me.
I’d consider Li-Ion way too dangerous for my kids. They love any form of water, anywhere, and these cells don’t match well with that element.
I’m very happy with my Thrunite TH20. Runs well on AA/Eneloop (and even 14500 if needed), is well built, lightweight, nice UI with ramping, the NW version is perfect for outdoors. There are some reviews here on BLF.
Boruit RJ-02 (infra red motion sensor on/off option, ramping output & onboard USB charging) have a good name on here for a budget headlamp & a Panny B protected cell.
About $10 for the headlamp & under $5 for the battery.
Plenty of threads on here about the RJ-02 :+1:
Thank you for the 18650 concern, however, if its water resistant it should be fine. ill have to tell them not to submerge it in water.
Thanks for the suggestions.
My choice is Fenix hl60r. Although, it turbo mode is 950 lumens but other modes are 1, 5, 50, 150, 400. Only one 18650 rechargeable battery need for this. It has a Micro USB port too. Although, this headlamp price is 75 bucks but it could be a great gift. You can read this Fenix Hl60r reviews https://totalguide.org/fenix-hl60r-review/.
If u think 18650 is safe GB has (had?) the nitecore HC60 for like 36.99 w code, which is a killer deal imo. Check it out but of course give this wise kid some big time education. Only drawback i see is the HC60 (or rival hl60r) can seem kinda heavy.
Sry GB may not be good idea w slower shipping. I would still recommend the HC60 from say nitecore store with dspot10 10% code. $54 shipped. Go w the Neutral white of course 
As prev posted by Robert, the Nitecore NU30 is also a good safe candidate for $36 shipped w said code. Let us know what u go with.
A long time ago, I bought my boys a 3xAAA COB headlamp each so they could take with them on school camps - more than enough for their needs (I also pack a Thorfire C8S in their kit) but I have both a Nitecore NU20 and Boruit RJ-02 and I don’t hesitate in letting my boys use them at home or when out and about with me.
The kids are happy with that arrangement (mine are 12 and 13)
You said you were concerned about 500ish lumens max. Theres not too many 18650 headlamps that don’t blast out 1000+ lumens. At least none worth having. Maybe this 760lm Nitecore
The Boruit is under 500 lumens, about 300 iirc & with the ramping output & motion sensor option for on off (wave your hand across the front of the unit) would prove quite interesting to a 10 year old I would imagine.
Depends how much the OP wants to spend on a headlamp for a 10 year old though I suppose ?
IDK about your kids, but from my experience is that they will lose or break whatever they get their hands on.
In all respect to you I would buy a bunch of the cheapest AA or AAA lights you can find.
If they get lost or ruined you have another to spare, and the cells can be bought just about anywhere,
The 18650 route is too hazardous for kids use IMO.
The thing about water resistant is not knowing when it will fail. It could be fine the first few times you change the battery, but all it takes is one time for the oring get pinched and damaged.
Anyone I care for will not be using my 18650 headlamp. Shoot, sometimes I worried when I use it for a long period of time even on just medium mode.
I know what you mean, i have a 18650 and AA/14500 headlamp more than not i chose the AA. The feeling of a possible bomb strapped to my forehead makes me a little uneasy.
I’ve got two boys, ages 9 & 13. We spend tons of time camping and playing around outside and I long ago learned my lesson on headlamps… they get lost. I finally found a cheap, easily replaceable (only takes two days instead of several weeks) headlamp that takes cheap batteries (rechargeable NiMH AAAs). When the boys lose one of my 18650 lights I’m not only out the light, but also the expensive battery that was in it. The link below is to a headlamp I get off Amazon and the variety of colors makes it easy to locate (mostly).
Insane Sale Flagship-X Waterproof CREE LED Camping Headlamp Flashlight For Running
Now, if you’re bound and determined to get a nice bright light (as is your right) I love my Skilhunt H03 and my boys have been eyeballing it with great envy.
Side note: keep in mind they will blind you every single time they look anywhere near you.
Fenix has a headlamp specifically geared towards kids.
Petzl Tikka are a good headlamp. AAA and nice and light, around 200 lumens.
reviving old thread 
Looking for camping related headlight for wife. Mostly for upclose type of work so one with no bright spotlight.
Doesnt have to be too bright since she typically runs it full blast, blinding whoever is close by.
Is Boruit J2 the only budget headlamp with motion sensor on/off?
My Skillhunt H03 should arrive today. And you can get the lamp also with USB charging. But for a 10yr old i would not use Li ion batterys!
If i were you i would chekout Armytek (ARMYTEK OFFERS and PROMOTIONS). You can get a BLF discount and many light are already lowered in price.
But especialy chekout the Tiara A1
It uses 1xAA / 1x14500 Li-Ion and for 17,50$ you get a nice light for a very nice price (https://www.armytek.com/products/flashlights/multi-flashlights/armytek-tiara-a1/)
As far as cheap headlamps, it's not 18650 but is usb rechargeable and basically disposable if it comes to it. Streamlight Bandit, retails for $25 or under