Rechargeable Headlamp for Bench Work

Jerommel · 2019-01-07T01:27:28.000Z

All headlamps tend to suck when stock.
Anyway, that’s my opinion.
Beams are too narrow / not floody enough.
I don’t know about the Zebralights, they have ‘mules’ too, with a diffused lens.
But they cost too much money for me.

I have a cheap headlamp with 2x 18650 on the back of my head and it has USB charging.
Lasts very long, since i use approximately 1 Watt of power.
Nichia 219C 4000K 90CRI and a 120° TIR optic which i frosted additionally.

I have a small 14500 headlamp too, with the same LED, only 1 mode (just a single 7135 as a driver, so it’s approximately 1 Watt) and the same optic.
The little one only lasts about 2 hours on a freshly charged 14500, though.

So very wide beams with a bit more intensity in the middle.
Ideal for small stuff DIY and other close up jobs.
Low cost lights.
Far from stock though, so i recommend my set up only to modders and (re)builders.

Maybe the best affordable stock option would be the Skilhunt H03.
But i would need a high CRI LED and a wider optic.
Wider optic (only up to 60° unfortunately) can be bought here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/CREE-XML-lens-T5-T6-U2-Lens-Diameter-17mm-Bead-surface-60-degrees-5050-lenses-High/32630479277.html
This is the very optic Skilhunt uses by the way, so it’s an easy swap.
You need T4 torx to take the bezel off.

It does depend on your nose too, though.
It’s very annoying when the light shines on your nose.
It (your nose) will dominate your view when it’s lit up.

JatoTheRipper · 2019-01-07T01:25:29.000Z

Sirius9:

Recently I had an Olight HS2 on a repair job and I found I like this little headlamp so much that I am now looking for one to buy but its a bit older model so its hard to find (at least for reasonable price).

I bought an S2R Baton II and a keychain flashlight for my girlfriend. We both like what we got. Then I placed 3 more orders with Olight during the Black Friday sale. I had to fight to get tracking numbers for those orders. I’m actually STILL awaiting delivery of one of those shipments from Black Friday. Their customer service is slow to respond if they respond at all. I seem to have an issue with my S2R Baton II not remembering the last used setting before being powered off. I emailed them weeks ago and I still haven’t received a response. I would strongly advise against buying anything from Olight until they get their act together. Like I said great products, but the company is silent when you need them to stand behind the products.

JatoTheRipper · 2019-01-08T13:16:59.000Z

Any feedback on Armytek?

G0OSE · 2019-01-08T13:47:07.000Z

The BORUiT RJ-020 is my go to, ir on/off is really useful when working with mucky hands etc, pretty wide beam and well bright enough for any of my needs. I believe it is moddable if required, may be tricky though.

M78 · 2019-01-09T01:49:28.000Z

Feedback on Armytek

I have an Armytek from about 3-4 years ago and it has been my go to headlamp until the on/off switch started messing up. I can’t turn my headlamp on/off or higher/lower at times. I also have the boruit, skillhunt and rei spot headlamp which are all just ok.

Lightbringer · 2019-01-09T02:28:38.000Z

I’ve got a number of Boruit RJ02s. Cheap enough I figured I’d get a bunch and treat them as “disposable”, but the first/only one I’ve been beating on alllllll this time is still chugging away just fine.

Easy to swap 20mm TIR lenses if you want narrower/wider, too. About 10sec-15sec to do, too.

wstrachan · 2019-01-09T02:47:35.000Z

Scientist:

A lot of people on BLF like the Boruit light :Boruit Headlamp Review D10 (aka. EHL0628) - King of the Budget Headlamps?.

I second that vote. Very nice little boruit light. $11, built in charging. I would usually say Boruit is junk and 99/100 I’d be right. This is a great light.
When shoppig for it, you must search the model as Boruit EHL0628 because the others that are very similar dont compare.

HorizontalHunter · 2019-01-09T03:49:41.000Z

JatoTheRipper:

Yokiamy:

Skilhunt H03, you can’t go wrong on that.
Should be available around 30usd with discount.

Thanks. That looks pretty good?

Does Fenix offer anything that might fit my requirements? I got a 20% off coupon for signing up to their email list.

You might consider the E-16 if you wear a ball cap. I just picked one up and some rechargable 16340’s for mine. I s a great little light that I will use for hunting/fishing.

Fenix E15

If you are looking for something more trditional the Fenix Hl50 is another candidate.
HL50

The HL50 is a nice light weight headlamp that is great for around the house. The downside to the HL50 is that it it only runs on disposables Cr123Aor AA batteries. If you buy the 123’s in bulk you can get them for a $1.50 or so.

Don’t loan out the Fenix HL50. You won’t get it back. lol I loaned mine to my brother for a hunt a few years back and I still haven’t gotten it back even after a few reminders.

Bob

Frumious · 2019-01-09T05:54:09.000Z

WOWTAC A2S Comes with 18650 battery that has a USB plug in the side of it for recharging. Also comes with the USB cable. Five levels from firefly to 1100 lumen. Easy to use. Waterproof. $30 delivered.

chadvone · 2019-01-09T05:39:23.000Z

+1 on the Wowtac, I have the A2 only $20. Some DC fix on the lens smooths out the beam.

JatoTheRipper · 2019-01-09T18:02:51.000Z

I just can’t get over the fact that the Wowtac looks cheap especially with that dollar store push button cover on the end. No issues with the push button?

chadvone · 2019-01-09T18:15:17.000Z

JatoTheRipper:

I just can’t get over the fact that the Wowtac looks cheap especially with that dollar store push button cover on the end. No issues with the push button?

The button is loud, almost like a reverse click. But I have not had any issues with it. Its main job is bench work, modding other lights.
Without the DC/fix it is on the spotty side. Here is a list of my current head lamps.

Armytek Wizard Pro Mag Charger
Skilhunt H03 driver modded.
Nitecore NU 30 DC-fix
Wowtac A2 driver and DC-fix.

The Wizard and the Skilhunt are flood.
The Nitcore and the Wowtac are spottier.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any lights mentioned in this thread.
Just pick your beam, tint and UI.

chadvone · 2019-01-09T18:20:04.000Z

What I don’t like about the Wowtac is the switch location. I prefer Armtek or Skilhunt as I can have the button down on the left, or up on the right.

The Wowtac end button, I have to hold the light while pushing in to keep it from moving on my head. Not that big of an issue as bench work it stays at a level most of the time.

I have gotten use to it. But it might be an issue for you.

JatoTheRipper · 2019-01-09T19:40:08.000Z

chadvone:

What I don’t like about the Wowtac is the switch location. I prefer Armtek or Skilhunt as I can have the button down on the left, or up on the right.

The Wowtac end button, I have to hold the light while pushing in to keep it from moving on my head. Not that big of an issue as bench work it stays at a level most of the time.

I have gotten use to it. But it might be an issue for you.

That makes complete sense. I would guess pushing the end button to toggle the light would push it out of the band.

Whiter light appears brighter, correct? I guess I’m looking for a whiter or “cool” beam.

Frumious · 2019-01-10T01:06:50.000Z

JatoTheRipper:

I just can’t get over the fact that the Wowtac looks cheap especially with that dollar store push button cover on the end. No issues with the push button?

I’ve had no issues with the Wowtac push button - seems regular, responsive.

cdjaney · 2019-01-10T01:49:53.000Z

I would second the Skilhunt H03 in neutral tint. I have it and it’s very flexible…has magnet in tailcap for hanging it as well. Modes are very customizable….very similar to Zebralight UI…can barely light up your immediate area or a fairly large area at distance….your choice. IMHO, very smooth, floody beam. Plus, with the included clip, you can wear it on your shirt/jacket as a forward looking light if needed. (same for H15 below).

I also have the Skilhunt H15, which is the AA/14500 version. I like it a lot too…nice that you can switch over to regular AA’s in a pinch. But, I usually go for the H03 because it is BARELY bigger than the H15 and of course has longer runtimes with 18650’s.

Happy hunting!

JatoTheRipper · 2019-01-24T23:33:43.000Z

I’m pretty sure I’ve chosen the Skilhunt H03 RC. What batteries and external charger would you guys recommend?

chadvone · 2019-01-25T00:03:55.000Z

I like the Xtar MC Ant+, or a Olight UC charger for a cheap charger.

illumn.com

Xtar Ant MC1 Plus Li-ion USB Charger

Price: USD 3.5

From there you can spend as much as you want.

Since the H03 RC has a charger, maybe a cheap backup and an extra cell.

I just got some Samsung NCR18650GA cells

illumn.com

18650 Sanyo NCR18650GA 3500mAh High Discharge Flat Top

Price: USD 6.99

Agro · 2019-01-26T20:11:13.000Z

G0OSE:

The BORUiT RJ-020 is my go to, ir on/off is really useful when working with mucky hands etc, pretty wide beam and well bright enough for any of my needs. I believe it is moddable if required, may be tricky though.

I use my RJ-02 as a work lamp just like the OP wants to.
It’s great at that and since it’s the cheapest of great options - that’s what I recommend.
I changed the lens to a wider one though.

JatoTheRipper · 2019-02-20T00:54:23.000Z

I ordered the Skiohunt H03 RC direct. Still waiting for a tracking number. Emailed them today.

I also ordered an Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus charger and some KeepPower 3500mAh Sanyo NCR18650GA batteries from Illumn. I have to say I’ll never order from Illumn again. I spent over $100 and they shipped my stuff in a thin FedEx envelope that offers zero protection. The charger box is beat up. It even looks like it has been opened. That may be from the less than soft ride to my house. I suggest you avoid this place!