I'm after some suggestions for suitable headlights and handheld lights for use in caves and mines.
I have already carried out a fair amount of research and currently have the following lights on my short list of suitable lights -
Headlights -
Jetbeam HR30
Nitecore HC60 V2
Wuben H1
Handheld lights -
Klarus G15
Klarus G20
Olight Baton Pro
Thrunite T2
Wuben D1
I considered the Nitecore E4K light as well with it's four LED configuration, but the UI seems to be a bit awkward to use, particularly when changing brightness levels. So I've eliminated this light as a possibility.
The requirements for the lights must be that they -
1) are water, dust, and shock resistant
2) have a wide beam (floodlight) with a minimum beam angle of around 30°
3) use a single cell only
4) not too long and/or not too big in diameter and/or not too heavy; the lights I've listed above are about the ideal size, shape and weight.
5) should have mode memory
6) not too expensive. Maybe limited to around $100.
So. Can anyone suggest some other suitable lights that I may have missed?
I really recommend skip the hand held light and use 2 headlamps (main and backup) a hand held light can be used a a third source of light and a very tight spot for occasional use.
As a main headlamp get one with dual beam (Flood + Spot) or use a combination of 1 spot headlamp and 1 flood headlamp.
I don't like L shaped lights and prefer symmetric body (T shape)
Some Flood+Spot lights which are widely used for caving are:
YLP panda 3
Fenix HM65
Combination of 2 Zebralights with different optics are very common among US cavers
or on the budget side you can get a Skilhunt with replaceable optics
And if you want a lot of lumens get an Acebeam H30
I mapped a disused underground mine for a university module a number of years ago. I found a handheld spot and floody headlamp were good for the 6-8hour days.
Lights were Zebralight H600W and a Xenolight G42.
Nowadays I’d recommend a zebralight and a convoy C8+. Good belt holster with secure but one-handed closure is vital.
Two years ago, I worked on a site with an underground mine, I used a Skilhunt headlamp and an Emisar D1 for 1-4 hour work long trips.
All trips also included multiple spare cells and AA light for backup.
Here’s a YouTube video demonstrating a dual-ZebraLight setup like YuvalS mentioned:
In the video’s comment section, Derek mentions his mount is from Inner Mountain Outfitters. I checked their site but had no luck finding the mount. Perhaps you could contact them for more info.
In another comment, Derek mentions that he has learned that the mount is actually meant for mounting a scope to a rifle.
There is also one designed for 3D printing on Thingiverse, but the method of fastening the lights seems a bit less sturdy compared to Derek’s mount. I’m having trouble pasting a direct link to the page, but it is thing number 2271391.
EDIT: I found some mounts similar to Derek’s by searching for ‘barrel scope mount’ and ‘tube scope mount.’
Diffusion Film Is Your Friend. Very little loss, and makes a hella nice floody beam.
Grab a diving light (about as waterproof as you’ll get) from Sofirn and/or Wurkkos, especially with a mag-ring selector (as simple a UI as you’ll get), and be done with it.
Your headlight choices are pretty good. I’ve worked in some pretty bad weather and I’d imagine caves/mines are going to be tough on equipment. Your hand held lights are a little too light and will be limited in long run times without getting to hot to hold. Handheld I’d go a little heavier more durably (dropping, water, heat management) Olight Warrior X Pro, has a recessed lens, lots of drop test, very water proof, good gripping. Down side propriety battery and charger. Convoy also makes some tough budget lights. Greasing threads and o-rings, tightening inner locking rings goes a long way into water proofing lights. My personal duty light for three years has been an Astrolux FT01/Mateminco TK01 A bit heavy at 191 grams but nearly indestructible and able to run at high 1300 lumens for about 30 minutes without getting to hot. It’ll do two days at the bottom of my pool without issue.
Although the FW3A seems to have a wide beam angle (around 30°, good), the light reliability and durability is questionable.
The HL3A light is an angle or "L" type light which is not really the best choice because of it's size and weight. And it might be possible for the light to be accidentally pushed out (one side) from its two retaining straps on the headband. Also the two retaining straps may be subject to cut/break with consequent loss of the light.
I would take multiple lights (headlights/hand lights) and extra cells as backup. Maybe 3 three lights in total as a minimum.
I don't really want to carry separate lights where some are throwers and some are flooders specifically. The lights I would preferably choose would be principally flooders, but at high or turbo settings these flooders would have sufficient throw for good distance illumination (albeit if only briefly).
The explorations would be limited to no more than a day trip. No extended explorations intended.
The Xtra Moon RC2 light, thanks, but not really the style/type of light that I really want.
I have and still am currently looking at these suggested alternative light brands.
But Zebralight had been eliminated owing to their lights slightly unusual style/shape, their unusual UI, and their lack of mode memory (which is one feature I prefer in lights). I forgot to mention in my first post that mode memory is really a preferred requirement. Sorry about that. I'll amend my first post to add that feature.
I've had a (quickish) look through Armytec lights, but have not as yet seen any light of interest.
HDS lights, although rugged and reliable, are a bit too expensive. So they are eliminated from consideration.
I would carry backup lights. Whether they were headlights (only) or hand lights (only) has yet to be decided. I would also carry spare cells.
The Fenix HM65 headlight is definitely a possible choice! I rather like this light with it's choice of either flood or throw or both! That's a good suggestion!!
Zebralights have been eliminated owing to their style/shape which I frankly don't like at all. Also their light's UI is a bit odd, and the lights don't have mode memory, I believe.
I have had a (quickish) look at Skilhunt lights, but nothing of interest has been found at this time.
Acebeam EC65 light is a strong possibility. Not sure about the H30 yet. I'll have to look into that.
I don’t have any experience in caves or mines but the Acebeam H30 is one of my favorite headlamps. I’d imagine you have a helmet if you’re going into caves and mines. If you’re willing to drill a hole into it theres this mount that is printable from user u/freed_o_gram on reddit Acebeam H30 helmet mount by Freedexplore - Thingiverse I believe the H30 is buyable from Illumn (if you’re in the states) with the coupon “Reddit”
You would be surprised how useful this light is, until i had one i never would have realized it. Its actually my most used light.
I EDC it often and carry it even when i an EDCing another light. For close quarters, working with gear or walking in the dark its hard to beat.
I do underground urban exploring, and use a Nitecore HC65 headlamp and Convoy S2+ LH351D handheld torches (2x2700k and 2x5700k) with diffusers for photography.
Answers may vary based on the runtimes you require? i.e. how long you will be underground. I’m rarely underground for more than 3 hours. You might need more professional caving lighting gear like Scurion.
