There’s already “LED Headlights”, which should probably be renamed as “LED Headlamps”, as it’s pretty much about those. Despite that some automotive LED headlight topics do appear from time to time.

However, you could also start a “Caving” topic under LED Headlights that’s focused primarily on headlamp use during caving. It seems there are a few cavers on this forum who may participate enough to keep things lively.

what is a caving light?
I found this by google:

cavers dont seem to care about CRI.. I know most HDS users dont.. and Henry is a caver.. but he does not make a headlamp

what features do you consider relevant to a caving light?

xevious wrote:

There’s already “LED Headlights”, which should probably be renamed as “LED Headlamps”

Quote:

However, you could also start a “Caving” topic under LED Headlights that’s focused primarily on headlamp use during caving. It seems there are a few cavers on this forum who may participate enough to keep things lively.

Yes, this makes sense.

If there are at least 8-10 active cavers and active blf member it is good idea.

Sharing some info and experience about using flashlights in different caves. It is interesting)

From my experience most cavers don’t know much about flashlights..they can still use petzl duo. People from caving club I participate use flashlights I advice and don’t know much, so it is not interesting to discuss with them)

AEDe wrote:

If there are at least 8-10 active cavers and active blf member it is good idea.

Sharing some info and experience about using flashlights in different caves. It is interesting)

From my experience most cavers don’t know much about flashlights..they can still use petzl duo. People from caving club I participate use flashlights I advice and don’t know much, so it is not interesting to discuss with them)

I definitely encourage and welcome cavers to discuss their flashlight needs here on BLF. Please feel free to create new threads in the Headlamps category for now, and if we get a large number of caving threads I’d be glad to create a separate category.

sb56637 wrote:

xevious wrote:

There’s already “LED Headlights”, which should probably be renamed as “LED Headlamps”

Ah, you’re absolutely right. I just changed it.

Quote:

However, you could also start a “Caving” topic under LED Headlights that’s focused primarily on headlamp use during caving. It seems there are a few cavers on this forum who may participate enough to keep things lively.

Yes, this makes sense.

My caving buddies are slow to adapt. Some still prefer carbide lamps. Some have finally switched from petzl to 18650 headlamps such as zebralight.

Do cavers carry a last ditch backup, such as the Pak-Lite?

I use(and advice that to newbies) only one type of batteries- 18650.
Now we have almost all equipment powered by 18650. Hammer drill, phones, flashlights, bt speaker and other ( cellphones distox’s )can be charged by 18650s using ML102 or similar devices.

YuvalS wrote:

First of all, a caving light must be very reliable, with superb resistance to cave environment: water, mud, dust and impacts.

Most caving lights have 2 LEDs with different optics: one flood and one very tight spot. Each LED can be controlled separately. 

Some additional features that I consider relevant to a caving light:

1. Lightweight – you have to carry it on your helmet for entire day


2. Balanced on the helmet.


3. Good cooling for working on high settings for long periods


4. 2-4 celles capacity so you will not have to change batteries during the day in wet/muddy environment


5. Easy batteries changing option without losing parts.


6. Switch that can be operated with both hands while wearing muddy gloves.


7. Mechanical or electronic lock-off.


8. Low mode for emergency 


9. Battery status indication.


10. low battery warning 


11. NO BLINKING MODE.

This features are relevant for the primary light, cavers always carry at least 2 or 3 lights.

The backup light need to be compact and lightweight but with the same or even better durability.  

I guess that other cavers have different opinions (and would love to hear them) – hence a reason for caving lights category  

Some cavers do care about CRI especially for taking pictures but most cavers just don’t know about CRI.

In case you are interested here are some examples for commercial caving lights (Homemade lights are much More fun!!)

Pretty much the same needs of first responders working in lousy weather at night. Caves scare the crap out of me but your needs match mine. It would be a good sub forum for my needs.

sb56637 wrote:

AEDe wrote:

If there are at least 8-10 active cavers and active blf member it is good idea.

Sharing some info and experience about using flashlights in different caves. It is interesting)

From my experience most cavers don’t know much about flashlights..they can still use petzl duo. People from caving club I participate use flashlights I advice and don’t know much, so it is not interesting to discuss with them)

I definitely encourage and welcome cavers to discuss their flashlight needs here on BLF. Please feel free to create new threads in the Headlamps category for now, and if we get a large number of caving threads I’d be glad to create a separate category.

I created this thread http://budgetlightforum.com/node/69162 to study interest)