Safe, Sturdy Budget Headlamp? (and Battery Confusion)

Other Types of Lights LED Headlamps
1

I’ve done a lot of research, but I’m still having trouble deciding on a headlamp.

Basically…I’m looking for a dependable budget (under $30) rechargeable headlamp with good runtime and good light for the price. Mostly for outdoor use, waterproof would be a huge plus. I have a model or two in mind, but the problem is, I’m having trouble understanding all of the terminology, and I’m concerned about the safety of lithium-ion batteries. I think I understand that protected batteries are preferred? But I also read they don’t always fit, and I can’t tell which brands of batteries are good or not, or if the “stock” battery is fine.

I guess I’m just worried about wasting money and making the wrong decision, or ending up with a potential fire hazard. Hope this doesn’t come across as too dumb, I’m not a flashlight expert by any means, just looking for a dependable light for outdoor activities.

2

batteries: protected Eneloop.
costs more money for more power/reliability/and safety.
if you are not familiar with Li-ion, safety is needed.

3

Thank you! I’m reading more about li-ion and it’s starting to make more sense, how to properly charge them properly, which ones are the most reliable, etc., but starting with somthing like what you suggested might be best, these seem great!! I feel very dumb I didn’t even know there were any/any good non-lio-ion rechargable batteries, but that’s what questions are for! This is really cool, thanks again!

4

Lithium ions are safe when used cautiously, especially protected cells which you mentioned. These have a built-in circuit which keep them from being overcharged or over discharged.

Your main two options for batteries are AA size versus 18650. The AAs are eneloops as mentioned above although you can also use lithium ion batteries which are AA sized called “14500”. Eneloops are completely safe and great batteries. 18650 will be heavier, larger, have much more power to give you a brighter and longer lasting light.

The first two digits in the numbered battery give the diameter of the battery. The last three give the length of the battery, both in millimeters.

I am a big fan of AA headlamps as they are light and usually provide more than adequate light. I like to pair them with an 18650 hand held light which provides more throw.

Here is a nice AA sized headlamp that is good quality and would use eneloops or 14500s.

https://www.amazon.com/ThruNite-Neutral-White-Lumen-Headlamp/dp/B01FCV32SI?th=1&psc=1

You want the “neutral white” color.

There are many other options although many of them in that price range will be plastic where is the thrunight is extremely well-built aluminum without being excessively heavy. There are many other good options. Others will be along with suggestions here I am sure.

Eneloops can be purchased on Amazon as well. There is a regular version as well as a “pro“ version. The pro version has more power although won’t last as long in terms of charge/discharge cycles (perhaps 500 cycles versus 2000 cycles). Most folks are fairly happy with the regular version. if you have an IKEA nearby, you can also buy “LADDA“ cells which are very similar/identical to the eneloop pros but are cheaper.

There are also many options for chargers. You can spend significant mounts of money. I am a fan of the. Liitokala 202 for cheap yet reasonably good charger. It can likely be found on eBay for a few dollars more.

https://m.gearbest.com/chargers/pp_424662.html?lkid=11963380

Try to stay away from headlamps that use three AAA batteries. These usually do not have a circuit to maintain the lights brightness as the voltage drops. Headlamps with a single-AA will have such a circuit and give more consistent light As the battery drains.

5

If you want really solid onboard charging and dependability (basically any light suggested here will be safe unless you do something very dumb) I’d say you frankly need to widen the budget a bit. Skilhunt H04 RC would be a great pic.

Sofirn SP40 is a cheaper alternative, but since it uses USB charging instead of a magnetic connector there is theoretically worse waterproofing since it is just sealed with a rubber plug.

AFAIK there are no headlamps with onboard charging that don’t use li-ion batteries. How many people carry around cell phones and other devices using them without issue though?

If using an external charger would be acceptable that opens up a lot of options for lights using AA NiMH rechargeables which are even safer and simpler to handle than li-ion.

6

Definitely read up on battery safety. With a $30 budget for a dedicated headlamp, particularly if you like the idea of a secondary vision-preserving red light, the Wuben H1 is an excellent option in my opinion (currently on their website for 29.99, Amazon a few dollars more). It comes with a protected cell, and has charging protection for the built in charging. It also claims IP68, so should meet your waterproof need. I got one of these for a friend and now I want one as well.

7

Do yourself a favor and watch a few videos of the Armytek Wizard Pro warm. Or the new Wizard C2 Pro. Don’t fool with AA stuff if you want runtime and less frequent charging.

8

After you finish watching those videos about the Armytek, or maybe before, read this thread:

I also currently have two Armytek wizard 18650 lights, one of which stopped working and was sent to back to China before being replaced.

9

Thank you guys, this is VERY helpful!! I’ll look into all of this, for sure!

10

Everyone has opinions obviously. I am a big fan of light weight when it comes to a headlamp so I pay attention to weights when looking.

11

I have a Wizard and it’s just incredible, but well over $30. Seems it may be better to buy from Amazon or another source though, Killzone for instance.

12

If you are looking at wizard prices I much prefer zebra light which in my opinion is the standard by which headlamps are judged.

13

If in USA,

Wowtac A2
23.99 Amazon

Good headband, great runtime on High (Not Turbo as that will eat up any good headlamps battery quick)
No visible PWM and it is under rated in lumen output.

14

Honestly, I’m thinking more and I’d be down for spending tad more if it’s REALLY worth it…

I want to get into a proper outdoor activities next year, so there’s a lot to get, you know? A decent headlamp is just a part of the puzzle, and if it’s li-ion then it seems to be important to get a good charger and extra batteries, too. I know those parts aren’t too much, but it adds up when you’re already trying to not waste money. Feel like I’m wanting quite a bit of features on a small budget though, so maybe I should search a little wider to find something I’ll be happiest with.

I figure you guys would know best, so please feel free to suggest slightly more expensive, but still budget options: $25-50 range maybe, if that helps. Durability, waterproof-ness, runtime, and general safety are the most important features to me, for reference. I like the looks of a couple of the above suggested ones, but the more the merrier, I’d love to learn as much as I can! :slight_smile:

15

If you decide that you’re ok with lithium ion, I would check out the Wuben H1. It’s very well made, includes a protected battery, and has built in charging. After the 10% discount it’s $30. You can check out my review on it here.

16

Thanks gchart, and royce as well, I’m really into the look of the Wuben H1, it seems to be exactly what I’m looking for! I’ll keep reading up on lithium ion safety and doing my research. You guys are all really cool, thanks for all the fast and thorough responses.

17

Got to admit I did not think that Wuben H1 was 18650, thought maybe 16340. Just hadn’t seen the headlamp in real scale I guess.
After reading that intensive review and see it can also take 2 CR123A’s in a pinch and then the incredible runtime on High and even Turbo, think now I need one to try out.
Thanks for the info!

18

:beer: no problem

19

I was going to put in for another vote for the WOWTAC A2 or A2S in neutral white.
I must admit I like the look of the Wuben. Great review by the way. Now there’s another light to buy that I really don’t need!
The WOWTAC are on Amazon, as is Wuben, which is a big plus for me.

They WOWTACs are pretty throwie, And I prefer a floody headlight.
The Aux on the Wuben (from the review pics) is better, but not a pure food.
The Wuben comes with a 2600mAh battery. That could be replaced (I assume) with a 3400mAh battery for way longer run times.

By the way, NEVER buy an 18650 battery from Amazon. You never know what the heck you will end up with.
Ask users here for recommended sources for quality 18650s.
The color temp of the Wuben seems like it is cooler for the main beam. For outdoor use, I like lights that tend towards the warm end of the spectrum.
All the Best,
Jeff

20

On the Wuben, Am I right in thinking it can only run the main light or the Aux, but not both at the same time?
Seems like both at once could be helpful in may circumstances, like trail walking.