Hi. I came up with this idea maybe a year ago. I was searching for the best headlamp for me, and was jumping from one review to another. Not the most efficient way of searching and comparing, because those reviews were made by different people, in a different style. I though: I wish those reviews were written by one person, so it would be easier to compare each headlamp. Following Mark Rober's quote: "If something is not exactly how you want it, you just make it exactly how you want it" I just made that comparison.
If you are here for the first time, please read this short intro:
This is a comparison for those who have a problem with choosing a headlamp that best meets their needs. Or a quick way to compare a couple of models. I focused only on important things. If you want more detailed review, check the bottom of the table below. I might have done it.
And because it is soo long and complicated review, better read a table of contents to not get irritated immediately.
You can enlarge every picture by opening it in a new tab ;)
To donators: Thank you for making this possible! Special thanks to:
Armytek: https://www.armytek.com
Astrolux: https://www.banggood.com/brands-Astrolux--b-19.html
Convoy: https://convoy.aliexpress.com/store/330416
On The Road: https://ontheroad.aliexpress.com/store/3081046
Skilhunt: https://www.skilhunt.com
Xtar: http://www.xtar.cc
Forum user Agro: thank you!
If you are a manufacturer (or a store, or maybe something else) and you want to add your headlamp to this comparison, it would be great! Contact me and we will talk more :)
Table of contents
- Basic Info
- Guess your favorite tint
- Short individual review in alphabetical order:
- Armytek
- Astrolux
- Boruit
- Convoy
- Decathlon
- Eagle Eye
- On The Road
- Sanyi
- Skilhunt
- Xtar
- Comparison
\\\---------- Basic Info ----------///
Brand |
Armytek |
Astrolux |
Boruit |
Convoy |
Decathlon | Eagle Eye | On The Road |
Sanyi |
Skilhunt |
Xtar |
|||||
Model |
Wizard Pro Nichia |
Wizard Pro Warm |
Wizard Pro White |
Wizard WR |
Zippy ES |
HL01 |
D20 (EHL0666) |
H1 |
Forclaz Bivouac 500 |
Forclaz OnNight 50 |
X1R |
PROTOTYPE |
- |
H03 RC |
Warboy H3W |
LED |
Nichia 144AR CRI>90 |
XHP50 |
XHP50 |
Cree XD16 (white) / XQE (red) |
Samsung LH351B |
XP-L HD V6 |
XP-G |
XM-L2 |
- |
- |
XP-L HD V6 |
XHP70.2 |
XP-E + COB |
XM-L2 U4 |
XM-L2 U2 |
Light’s CCT / tint |
4500K / Neutral |
- / Warm |
5700K /Cool |
- / Neutral-Cool |
- / Cool |
5000K / Neutral |
7000 - 8000K / Cool |
4200K / Neutral |
- / Neutral |
- / Neutral |
5000K / Neutral |
6000K / Cool? |
- / Cool |
5000K / Neutral |
- / Warm |
Lumens: declared / measured |
1400 / 1359 |
1675 / 1630 |
1800 / 1707 |
1000 / 925 |
160 / 170 |
1200 / 1181 |
1000 / 350 |
1046 / 759 |
100 / 89 |
30 / 40 |
430 / 530 |
- / 1711 |
- / 100 XP-E, 136 COB |
900 / 798 |
950 / 802 |
Throw: declared / measured |
97m / |
125m / |
130m / |
97m / |
15m / |
166m / |
50m / |
134m / |
25m / |
15m / |
80m / |
- / |
- / |
123m / |
145m / |
Optics |
TIR honeycomb |
TIR honeycomb |
TIR honeycomb |
TIR honeycomb |
Bare LED |
OP reflector |
Zoom |
OP reflector |
Spherical lens |
Spherical lens |
OP reflector |
SMO reflector |
TIR clear |
TIR honeycomb |
OP reflector |
Modes*: regular / blinky |
8 / 3 |
8 / 3 |
8 / 3 |
4 / 1 |
3 / 0 |
Anduril |
5 / 3 |
4 / 0 |
2 + stepless dimming / 1 |
1 / 0 |
3 / 0 |
Ramping / 1 |
XP-E 2 / 1 COB 2 / 1 |
8 / 3 |
5 / 0 |
Red light (number of modes) |
No |
No |
No |
225lm max (4 + 1 blinky) |
No |
No |
No |
No |
7lm (1) |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
LVP |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Not sure, if so, triggers far too late |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Visible PWM at the lowest brightness |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No | Yes |
No |
Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
YES |
No | No |
Battery |
18650 |
18650 |
18650 |
18650 |
Built-in Li-Pol 100mAh |
18650 / flat top 18350 |
18650 |
18650 |
Built-in Lii-Ion 750mAh |
2*AAA |
18650 / 18350 |
4*18650 |
18650 |
18650 |
18650 |
Integrated charging |
Yes, special cable |
Yes, special cable |
Yes, special cable |
Yes, special cable |
Yes, Micro USB |
Yes, USB type C |
Yes, Micro USB |
No |
Yes, Micro USB |
No |
Yes, Micro USB |
No |
Yes, Micro USB |
Yes, special cable |
No |
Waterproof |
IP68 |
IP68 |
IP68 |
IP68 |
IP67 |
IPX7 |
IPX4 |
- |
IPX4 |
IPX4 |
IPX6 |
IPX6 |
- |
IPX8 |
IPX8 |
Material |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Plastic |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Plastic |
Plastic + Rubber |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Plastic |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Tailcap magnet |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
In plastic mount |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Weight: headlamp / headlamp + headband |
62g / 107g |
63g / 109g |
64g / 119g |
62g / 108g |
12g / 41g |
120g / 160g |
52g / 74g |
70g / 89g |
- / 42g |
- / 42g |
69g / - |
111g / 153g |
- / 63g |
48g / 91g |
53g / 99g |
Switch position* |
Top |
Top |
Top |
Top |
Front |
Side |
Side |
Top |
Top |
Top |
Side |
Top |
Top |
Top |
Side |
Headband straps* |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
No headband added |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Flashlight mount material |
Plastic |
Plastic |
Plastic |
Plastic |
Plastic |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Plastic |
One position |
- |
Plastic |
Plastic |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Accessories |
Clip, spare o-rings, 18650 battery, charging cable, hand band |
Clip, spare o-rings, 18650 battery, charging cable, hand band |
Clip, spare o-rings, 18650 battery, charging cable, hand band |
Clip, spare o-rings, 18650 battery, charging cable |
Clip |
Clip, spare o-rings, 18350 tube |
Micro USB charging cable |
Clip |
Pouch, Micro USB charging cable |
- |
18350 battery tube |
USB adapter |
- |
Clip, spare o-rings, charging cable, lanyard |
Clip, spare o-ring |
Price in brand’s store |
USD90 |
USD80 |
USD80 |
USD75 |
USD19 |
USD43 |
USD12 |
USD23 |
USD15 |
USD5 |
~USD15 |
- |
~USD4** |
USD68 |
~USD30** |
Link to my detailed |
CLICK | CLICK |
" - " means no data found
* By regular modes I mean constant white light + hidden constant modes (e.g. 4 looped modes + 1 hidden turbo accessed only by 2 clicks = 5 modes). By blinky I mean different strobes, SOS, beacon, battery check (if indicated by the main light, not by an illuminated switch)
* Switch position when carrying a headlamp in a headband
* Headband straps: 1 means one strap around a head, 2 means one around a head and one across the top of the head - more secure and good for heavier headlamps
** Brand doesn't sell this model at current time / brand doesn't have an official store - generally it is estimated price based on some sale offers
\\\---------- Guess your favorite tint ----------///
All white wall beamshots in a gif in random order. Photos first, then gif. Choose your favorite tint without any brand or quality suggestions. ;)
At the end of the Short individual review section I gave their order. Do not cheat, choose your desired tint first.
To see a full screen photo, simply open it in a new tab.
\\\---------- Short individual review ----------///
Will follow the same pattern:
1. Package and accessories
I sometimes added headband to a content photo, sometimes not...sorry. Headband is always included, or if not, I will mention it.
2. Headlamp build quality
3. Headband quality
4. Beam pattern, tint
Dot in the center means a beam center (approx.) and each line is 15cm apart. Well, it was meant to give you an idea of how wide is each beam, to compare them, but...shots was made at different brightness and EV, so...you can surely used it for comparison, but you should not fully relay on it.
Flashlights were tilted a bit, so the beams look tilted too...I will take another pictures and post them instead in the future.
5. Outdoor beamshots
All beamshots may not represent it's true tint, due to your screen settings or something else. I will try to describe every headlamp's tint, so look at the beamshots, read the text and then draw conclusions. I will also compare every tint to FW3A SST20 4000K tint.
6. Heat dissipation, overheating
10 min test, room temperature ~ 21°C; headlamps body temp. in the hottest place
1. Armytek
Wizard Pro Nichia, Warm and White
Package and accessories
All Wizard Pro versions are the same, the only difference is a LED, so I will talk about all 3 here.
Very nice box, many informations, easy to find what you need. No need to search for anything on the Internet, this box + a manual inside is all you need. Also a rich content inside, probably the richest I have ever seen.
This hand band is...interesting. A bit odd. I guess this is the way to use it (or probably I am completely wrong):
Maybe it would be helpful in some specific situations, but after wearing it for a while I can tell it is not very comfortable. It could be a way to attach the headlamp to non magnetic objects, though.
We also have a clip which I don't use - it takes up space for a head mount, so I can't use both at the same time. The clip is very well made - it is thick and feels durable.
The charging cable also feels durable.
Headlamp build quality
In one word: Excellent. In more words: SS bezel by a lens (lens with green AR coatings) and a switch, matte anodization provides better grip (but I heard it gets scratched very easily). Switch feels premium, moderate force to press, threads are very well lubricated, double o-ring at the tail thread. One o-ring gets displaced easily when tightening a tailcap, but it is not a big deal, just do it slowly, and it will be fine. There is also a strong magnet in the tailcap, and a magnetic charging plug.
Headband quality
It is the best head mount I have ever used. Holds the headlamp tight and securely, it is so easy to take it off, put on or rotate. Armytek adds special thick o-ring to lock the headlamp even better, but it is completely unnecessary - works great without it.
Fully extended strap fits on my head (59cm circuit) perfectly, and fits tight on a winter cap. Could be hard to put on on a helmet, but I did not try.
Beam pattern, tint
I also made a custom white balance settings, I if I remember correctly it is a white paper sheet at full sun shot as a white base. Wizard White looks more as it is, not that greenish, Warm is also not that warm, and Nichia... Nichia supposed to be very neutral. I think my custom white balance shot is more realistic, but as you know, it depends on your screen settings too.
Nichia 144AR: My favorite tint. Just perfectly neutral, 4500K. Not even a bit greenish, any tint shifts. CRI > 90. Although the max brightness is the lowest from the Wizard Pro family, it is definitely enough for most outdoor activities. Remember about a Turbo timed step down: after 1 min it steps down from Turbo 1400lm to 374lm. You can turn it off and on, to have the Turbo again. In my opinion, with 300lm brightness you can comfortably walk in the woods.
Just great overall tint, good for both indoor and outdoor use.
Maybe just a bit colder than FW3A SST20 4000K and not that yellowish. More neutral, pure white.
XHP50 Warm: Nice warm tint, some people say it is a very good tint for outdoor walks - just looks nice in a woods. Warm tint like this is very pleasant - just perfectly warm, not too warm, and not too neutral. A bit rosy. If you like rosy tints, then great. If not...well. Warmer than FW3A SST20 4000K. Do I like it? Yes, sort of. I heard Armytek recently changed LED type in the Warm version, so it is very likely that beamshots you have seen before on someone's review are not a correct representation of it's actual tint.
XHP50 White: It is rather cool than neutral. The brightest from it's family. When compared to FW3A SST20 4000K, beam looks cool, but when compared to...uch, I don't have any cool light flashlight. But you got it, it is between neutral and cool, more on a cool side. For me, it is the best of 3 when comes to emergency situations, like searching, rescuing, all kind of no relaxing activities. Cool white helps your brain to stay alert (proved), so it could be a good headlamp for work. ;) In my opinion it is just a very good headlamp for any non-relaxing activity.
Outdoor beamshots
All Wizards max brightness
Because of TIR honeycomb optics, the beam is well diffused, even and great for close range operations, like on camping, or in indoor situations. For me it it too floody for hiking and I always have a small thrower just for momentary Turbo, to see what is far ahead. Remember you will not use it on Turbo all the time, because of overheating and a short runtime - I am okay with a Main2, so ~ 150lm for my night forest walks, but I guess it is too low for most people, and I guess you will use it on a Main3, so ~ 350lm. Yes, you can switch to 100% from time to time, but it is far more convenient to have a small thrower in a pocket instead.
Nichia version looks rosy on the beamshots, but in real life it is not even a bit rosy... Just clear neutral tint. Warm version looks rosy instead.
Heat dissipation, overheating
Nichia
2 min - 47°C
5 min - 45°C
10 min - 47°C
Brightness at 10 min - 374lm
XHP50 Warm
2 min - 62°C
5 min - 55°C
10 min - 59°C
Brightness at 10 min - 743lm
XHP50 White
2 min - 63°C
5 min - 56°C
10 min - 59°C
Brightness at 10 min - 739lm
Warm and white versions looks exactly the same, while the Nichia version is odd. Turbo is time regulated instead of temperature regulated. It means it will step down even on...Mars at -70°C. So it might not be the best option for Mars exploration. Better get White version.
On the other hand, Nichia version will stay cold unlike the other two.
Wizard WR
First Armytek's headlamp with a red light. And when they release a headlamp with red light, they do it in a big style. So we have a 5 mode white + 5 mode red light beauty.
Package and accessories
Standard Wizard Pro content, but without a hand band. It was unusable anyway, so good they decided to not add it.
Headlamp build quality
For vertical photos see "Headlamp build quality" in Armytek Wizard Pro section above. All Armytek Wizard headlamps look the same.
There is no difference in build quality compared to other Wizards Pro. So still a very good headlamp, IP68 dust and waterproof, double o-rings, well greased and other this kind stuff.
Headband quality
Standard Armytek Wizard headband - very good, this plastic headlamp mount is definitely my favorite one.
Beam pattern, tint
To me it is neutral-cool white tint, CCT about 5100K. Warmer than Wizard XHP50 White version, cooler then the Nichia one. Cooler when compared to my FW3A SST20 4000K, more pure white instead of yellowish, also no greenish tint noticed.
And comparison to Convoy M21B SST40 5000K, pretty close tint, maybe without that slightly greenish color.
About red light...it is just red, so well... nothing to say here, but head to next part to see its real power ;)
Outdoor beamshots
White light
Red light
SO much red light, to be honest it is too much for me. Who needs it? Well, maybe someone, but majority of people will not find any reasonable use of it. BUT let's be honest - it looks so cool!
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 50°C
5 min - 53°C
10 min - 54°C
Brightness at 10 min - 323lm
I am a bit disappointed. Armytek says this headlamp has thermal stepdown (as in Armytek Wizard Pro Warm or White), not time stepdown (as in Pro Nichia version). But this graph shows it is time stepdown, it looks nowhere near my other Wizard Pro White and Warm graphs. The good news is that it stays cooler than White and warm versions.
Zippy ES
Package and accessories
So it is only a keychain flashlight with a clip (removable) attached to it and a headband...and a manual, but who cares about the manual? Every brand except Convoy is adding a manual.
Well...it might not be the best choice for hunting, cycling and picnic, but the rest of uses is agreeable.
Headlamp build quality
Small and lightweight keychain flashlight. Feels durable, but it is made of plastic, so will not be as durable as an aluminium. I think the Amber color version looks the best.
The weakest point here is the USB charging port cover. This rubber is very thin and might break, so definitely be careful when using it. If you use Zippy ES as a keychain light, then no worry - you will need to charge it very seldom. But when used as a headlamp, it will be charged much more frequently. Just don't bend the cover too much and everything will be fine. What else? In my opinion this transparent plastic was a good choice - the flashlight looks cool and futuristic.
Headband quality
Good quality strap - quite thick, but narrow, exactly as it should be. Flashlight attached to it's mount by combination of a magnet and a press fit. The mount is equipped with a ball head to freely rotate our headlamp. Holds tight. And you can stand it on a table now. Additionally, the mount has it's own clip and a magnet, so you can put it off a strap and attach to something by the clip or magnet. Or attach by the clip and by magnet and then stand it on a table.
Beam pattern, tint
First photo is my blue Zippy's beam pattern from my previous review. Nothing changed. But the wall is not perfectly white, it is creamy in fact, it is why blue Zippy looks warmer than the green one (white wall). The blue Zippy is exactly one chocolate bar far from a wall. Definitely not an even beam, differences between top and bottom, and a tint shift. Greenish edges. A bar of chocolate distance is the distance from which it can illuminate two pages of a book evenly - not a bad result at all. But with Zippy ES you do not have to hold it, thanks to the additional headband.
Let's bring it closer
Tint is rather cool. Similar to Wizard Pro XHP50 White. Although it could be good for reading, it is not because of this tint. So...what it is good for? Well, I think it is the best light when it comes to camping night light. You know, this small hanging light in a tent. Just take off a headband strap and attach Zippy (with it's mount) by a plastic clip to a tent's hook. But let's say you want to pee. No problem, simply connect Zippy to the strap, wear and go outside. Or maybe you do not even need to take a strap with you at all, just attach zippy to your trousers or t-shirt by a clip and go.
Or maybe keep Zippy ES in your car in case of an emergency situation, when you need to open a hood? It is always better to have both hands free.
Those are my honest ideas - I will for sure take Zippy on my next camping, and I will consider having it in my car.
Outdoor beamshots
I may add those later, but is it worth it? Now due to the coronavirus I cannot go to the forest. Now I am too lazy to go just for this...
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 38°C
5 min - 42°C
10 min - 45°C
Brightness at 10 min - 80lm
2. Astrolux
HL01
Package and accessories
Nice sturdy box with only a LED and tint info on it. All content is well secured.
Headlamp build quality
I like this design, especially a head design. I have nothing bad to say about it's build quality. Maybe just one thing: there are no o-rings under this USB port cover. I saw in a picture there should be 2 o-rings, but I got none. It makes this headlamp far less waterproof, or should I say immersion proof. Rain seems to not be a big deal here. But I think you should have those o-rings.
I had some difficulties in screwing a 18350 battery tube. It was not lubricated at all, but what is more important - threads are not precisely made and a resistance can be felt when screwing. This tube looks the same from both ends, but can only be screwed one way. And you have to use flat top 18350, which barely fits and a spring is very compressed when screwed. Could be better quality.
There also is a double tailcap spring and a strong magnet.
And I think it is too long and too heavy to be used as a headlamp. You can clearly feel it's heaviness when using as a headlamp.
In my opinion it is more of a L-shape flashlight, than a headlamp. Switch is on the top of the headlamp, which makes it a bit uncomfortable to click when using as a headlamp. But when using as a L-shape hand flashlight, it is very easy to operate and change modes. And this headband...let's move on:
Headband quality
I would say it is a standard quality. Straps are not satisfyingly thick, but are not uncomfortably thin as well. But I am afraid it may become loose after some time of intensive use. But may not as well. Hard to tell.
The most important thing: this flashlight just do not fit the mount best. It is unbalanced and tilts to one side very much.
But you may say I should push it a little bit more into this mount and it would not tilt. Astrolux added that photo on their Banggood store. It looks like that
But why there are those grooves? For rubber rings of course.
You can ignore them, of course, but: 1. You will not be able to unscrew a USB cover; 2. It will tilt anyway. If you look at this YT review posted on this page: BG sales page you will notice that FLASHAHOLICS also mounted it the same way as me (so...the correct way). But he also put a 18350 version in a headband... Do not do this! It will tilt as the sinking Titanic.
Astrolux HL01 is advertised mainly as a headlamp (HL - headlamp), but I think it should be advertised as a L-shape flashlight with ability to be a headlamp. What is it good for? We have a strong magnet, clip, lanyard hole with lanyard - so I think it is a multi purpose work flashlight. Helpful in a garage, some house repairs; generally a good and helpful flashlight to have in your home. So in my opinion it is L-shape flashlight which can be used as a headlamp.
Beam pattern, tint
XP-L HD 5000K - neutral tint, quite focused (compared to TIR honeycomb optics) but not too much. Of course at close range < 1m not as good as TIR optics, but when used as a headlamp, outdoor, the beam pattern is very useful - good at close (~ 5m) and long range.
When you look closely, you can notice a tint shift, from slightly greenish on the corona, to slightly violet on the edges. But it is info for a tint snobs. If you are...normal, just do not worry - it is jusy white.
Of course cooler tint than in FW3A SST20 4000K, and I think in HL01 we have a negative Duv, because the FW3A looks a bit greenish (negative Duv is generally better than positive).
Outdoor beamshots
Long distance, shines wide. Good for hiking if you want to take only this flashlight. Nice, neutral tint. But it is not good to use as a headlamp for a long time, on long hikes. It is heavy, and tilts to the side which is annoying when walking. Better use it for stationary work - maybe some repairs.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 47°C
5 min - 57°C
10 min - 52°C
Brightness at 10 min - 390lm
3. Boruit
D20
Package and accessories
There were only an USB charging cable. And the flashlight of course. They keep adding those flashlights to packages so I always need to mention it... never mind.
Flashlight was borrowed, so I do not have photos of the package.
Headlamp build quality
Nothing spectacular, it is just a cheap headlamp. I guess it is not very waterproof, when zoomed in, not even rainproof. Definitely feels cheap, but as for this price, it is well made. And all sliding zooming part is rattling, does not fit tight.
Headlamp build quality
A good quality (surprisingly) headband. Thick, with easy plug-and-play type mount. Armytek style (but worse). Headlamp can be reverse mounted, so if you want to have switch on the left or right side, you are welcome. Tilting mechanism is simple, as you can see (bottom right pic), it is just a ribbed surface on the headlamp and this little button on plastic mount. Works really well, and would work even without all those things because headlamp fits tight in its mount.
Beam pattern, tint
Cool white tint, good for... well, it is good for nothing. If you like blue color, maybe then ;) But other than that it is unpleasant, too cool and blueish. Cheap flashlights often have this type of tint. High declared CCT = 7000-8000K.
Even when zoomed out, the beam is not that wide, as you can see on my picture. Interesting thing is, it is not loosing brightness when zooming in.
Generally, if you like warm colors, consider not getting this headlamp.
Outdoor beamshots
I am not a huge fan of this zoomable type headlamps, but I have to say this one is performing pretty well. I mean...yes, we already know its max brightness is not "20000lm" or even 1000lm, but only 350lm, but...is it really that low? For $12 it is a fair trade, if you can live with bluish tint and pretty narrow beam even when zoomed out.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 44°C
5 min - 47°C
10 min - 49°C
Brightness at 10 min - 170lm
Despite low brightness, zoom flashlights generally have poor heat dissipation - that is why we see quick brightness drop on such a low power.
4. Convoy
H1
Package and accessories
Small and sturdy box, but the inside is averagly secured. Foam at the bottom, but not at the top. Box should be a bit higher and have an extra top foam layer. We also get only a flashlight and a clip, with no manual. It is odd, Convoy is the only brand that doesn't add a manual. It is odd, but being odd is really great! (as a person and in this case too).
This clip is rather low quality, very thin, this holding part is twice as thick as Armytek's clip.
Headlamp build quality
H1 was redesigned in 2019, I hope you like the new design. ;) Convoy is making quite heavy lights in general, and the H1 is heavy too (by heavy I mean more than the average. But it is not super heavy, like Astrolux HL01). What does it mean? A bit thicker walls, so more sturdy. In theory, at least. On the back of the head are deep cooling fins that really helps to dissipate heat. Nice SS bezel by a lens and a switch - more of a design thing that actual protection. Bezels are not raised and will not prevent scratching or cover the lens or the switch. But as a design, great!
Thick tailcap spring, thinner one from driver's side. Not much current going here, so it is not a problem. Also thick threads on the tailcap's side. Well made, works smoothly. All lubricated.
Really nothing bad to say about it's build quality. It may be a bit lighter, but you can not have everything. ;)
Headband quality
Uch...sorry Simon, but I have to tell it: It is a very bad headband. Only 1 strap, and what's more, a poor quality one. If you check the weight, you will notice it is very light, which means it is very thick. And no Convoy logo? As mentioned before, H1 is heavier than the average, so it is really not a good strap for this headlamp.
Luckily, Convoy released a new 2 straps headband. Blue, significantly better, with Convoy logo. Sadly, I do not have one. Good I have one.
It is significantly better, definitely a big improvement. I highly recommend to buy it along with the headlamp, if not, you will buy this one eventually. Trust me.
And remember to put it the right way, a bit deeper than it seems to be correct (so it will not tilt aside):
Correct:
Incorrect:
I know the incorrect version seems better, because it shows a Convoy logo which looks. But it tilts.
Now lets look at this gif to better spot the difference:
Now look at the same gif, but bigger and quicker:
And now maybe even bigger and quicker:
I think now it is clear to everyone
Beam pattern, tint
My 4200K version looks warm with clearly negative Duv - when compared beams, side by side, to FW3A SST20 4000K, the FW3A looks greenish. In fact it is not greenish, when shined separately it is just nice yellowish warm-neutral tint. H1 looks warmer than FW3A (but it should not - H1 is 4200K and FW3A is 4000K), but I think it is because of this negative Duv. Generally looks good, but it is slightly too warm to use in my forest hikes. But if you like 4000K type light, you would probably enjoy it. Or maybe just buy 5000K, but I do not know what it looks like - I do not have one.
Beam pattern with clear and tight spot. I think it would be better if the spot was bigger and more blurred with spill.
Outdoor beamshots
Good modes spacing. Low is not too low and too high for reading and some very close range tasks, or on a camping, let's say when eating. Medium can be used for most camping activities; when walking - it is not comfortable, but possible. High is good for hiking, 200lm is enough on most trails. Turbo is (as always) good for a short use when needed. It is worth mentioning we have 2 shortcuts here - from off state, long press for Low mode, 2 click for Turbo. Despite mode memory, it can always be turned on at the lowest brightness.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 39°C
5 min - 50°C
10 min - 63°C
Brightness at 10 min - 630lm
Does it have a thermal regulation? I do not know, but it did not trigger anyway, and flashlight heated up to 63°C
5. Decathlon
Forclaz Bivouac 500
Package and accessories
If you are familiar with Decathlon headlamps, you probably know they are just giving bare headlamp. This style is unique, we get a small pouch, charging cable and of course manual. Speaking of this manual, it is actually helpful - instructions about modes, stepless dimming and other things. Lots of pictures, which is good, because you know, you do not have to read things.
Headlamp build quality
I have to admit, Decathlon was not manufacturing good headlamps. This one is definitely not a premium headlamp, but it is a step forward. I mean...maybe for the price we can agree it is very good.
First of all, it is very small and lightweight, and the back tilting system is very good. I think a power button could be easier to click, because I have to push it hard to actually click, and the Micro USB port cover should be easier to lift. Plastic used to produce this headlamp is also a good quality. Overall, I am content with this headlamp quality.
Headband quality
Simple one strap headband, really nothing interesting to say about it. It is thick and seems to be a good quality. Detachable, which is also good.
Back tilting mechanism is good too, headlamp is well secured on the position, it almost feels like it is too rigid to move. Maybe it will loosen over time.
Beam pattern, tint
Neutral tint, cooler than FW3A SST20 4000K, violetish.
I would say the main light is in the middle of being very wide (Armytek Wizard) and very narrow (zoomed headlamp). Do not give me wrong, it is just enough and I do not feel like it should be any wider. Just enough. Thing that annoy me the most is this tint shift and some artifacts. And as mentioned above, violetish color, noticeable especially when compared to FW3A.
And the red light is just red: 7lm, good brightness, wide and blurred beam.
Outdoor beamshots
Not a bright headlamp, only 90lm max brightness. Definitely enough for simple tasks, indoor use and running, but I personally do not recommend it for long hiking, or mountain hiking. Do not give me wrong, it is a good headlamp, but too dim, with low IP standard (IPX4) it is not the right choice for demanding tasks.
And the tint shift and artifacts did not disturb me in outdoor situations.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 29°C
5 min - 31°C
10 min - 34°C
(temp. measured in front = 45°C)
Brightness at 10 min - 81lm
Only 8lm brightness drop after 10min is a good result.
Onnight 50
Package and accessories
And this is it: the headlamp, 2 batteries inside, all wrapped in plastic...wrapping thing.
Headlamp build quality
Good quality overall, entire flashlight covered with a good quality rubber, top button works well, with a rather loud, but satisfying click. For a $1 more it is significantly better than my Sanyi #1 reviewed below.
Major disadvantage is this headlamp is fixed in one position, and cannot be tilted and adjusted. It is designed specifically for hiking, so if you need a simple, very cheap headlamp just to pitch a tent, it will do the job (my friend used it this way once, got handheld flashlight + this headlamp just for camping tasks, like eating, organizing things inside tent and other stationary tasks). Definitely a good idea if you have a good handheld flashlight, but also need to have two hands free sometimes.
Headband quality
Really nothing to complain, it is not removable (more precisely, it can be removed by detaching the rear plastic hitch - so if you need, it can be done, it is just not easy).
Beam pattern, tint
Neutral white tint, which is probably the only good thing here. Looks exactly like the one in Bivouac 500. Cooler than FW3A SST20 4000K. Very small, narrow and not good looking beam. Terrible tint shift, some artifacts, as in the Bivouac 500 case, but one step bigger this time. As said before, this simple headlamp is designed for simple tasks.
Outdoor beamshots
Quite dim light, as you see on the first photo, it cannot shine at a 55m distance. Enough for walking, as I said - headlamp for simple stationary tasks.
Heat dissipation, overheating
(done with rubber cover taken off - no point to measure temp. through a thick rubber layer)
2 min - 26°C
5 min - 27°C
10 min - 28°C
Brightness at 10 min - 35lm
40lm at a start, 35lm after 10min - still more than Decathlon declared, i.e. 30lm.
6. Eagle Eye
X1R
Package and accessories
Only headlamp and 18350 tube was included. No headband. I borrowed this flashlight, so I do not have photos of the package.
Headlamp build quality
Regular headlamp, but with side switch. Not as comfortable as a top switch, but some manufacturers think we love to use headlamps with that type of switch. It is a shame they are wrong.
Headlamp itself feels decent, but not premium. No steel rings around lens or button, and magnet (there is a magnet in the tailcap) is rattling. And it is weak. For me, the button is too stiff and I am pushing the entire headlamp aside when clicking. Definitely side switches should not be that hard to click. With top button it would be fine, but not with this one.
And the button is illuminated - green when battery is charged, red when the battery is low. Great, but...it is illuminated all the time when headlamp is on. And shines pretty bright, it is annoying for me.
Headband quality
As mentioned, there is no headband included. You can buy a headband from Convoy, fits well. You can get a standard, one strap headband (if you want to suffer) or a new two strap one - decent quality, good price. Both fits.
Beam pattern, tint
I like this tint, neutral white with slightly greenish center and purple corona. But slightly. Cooler than FW3A SST20 4000K. Tint shift is decently pronounced and unnoticeable on a walk or something.
Outdoor beamshots
3 modes and a good spacing: 28 - 161 - 530lm. First mode is enough for walking, the second is good for walking, the third is too bright for walking in my opinion, but good for shining at a distance. Maybe it lacks moonlight mode for...for whatever you use it - definitely a point to consider if you need a very dim light.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 41°C
5 min - 48°C
10 min - 53°C
Brightness at 10 min - 482lm
7. On The Road
MX3
Package and accessories
Nice cardboard box - sealed, so you know you are the first user.
We get two spare plastic cable holders, and a rubber...thing. The same rubber thing as used to attach headlamp to it's mount, but smaller and can not be used for this purpose. So I do not know what is it for... And we get an adapter to power the headlamp from a power bank. When doing so, the headlamp's max brightness is very low, so it is pointless to power it from a power bank.
Keep in mind it is powered from a battery pack, not included. I think the battery pack should have 7.4V? Not sure, they told me it is compatible with 2.8 - 8.4V. But I bought a 4x18650 battery case to power it. I think it has 5V. But I got over 1700lm, so even if it is too low voltage, that is enough, simply perfect - not too much heat on Turbo, but still decent brightness.
4x18650 battery case bought for $8
And it is better to use protected cells. Built-in LVP is weird, triggers too late. Or maybe there is not LVP? When the headlamp turned off, I measured voltage and it was from 2.1V to 2.65V. My Liitokala Lii-500 did not even want to charge the 2.1V one. It also shines too long at very low brightness like 2lm. Pointless, it should just turn off much earlier. Read more in my detailed review (wait for the link, it is not ready yet)
You can also get a small pouch, I think it is meant to be a battery pack holder. If you buy a plastic 4x18650 battery case like me, the pouch can be used to store an extra 4 cells.
Headlamp build quality
Unusual design as headlamp goes. Talking about it's build quality, I have nothing bad to say. It is just well made, looks like a premium quality headlamp. Lots of cooling fins, switch feels good quality, cable going inside is protected by a rubber casing - for an extra waterproofness.
Nice color, nice logo (mountains are great). But this cable, man... It is very rigid! Even at room temperature. Just imagine what would happen when I went outside in winter - it would become solid. Maybe it could be good for defense then? Yes! Great idea! Use it for defense, as a baseball bat. But seriously: when being so rigid, it can be easily broken. Well...let's better move to a next topic:
Headband quality
Big, plastic mount. It is probably the first thing you thought about. Yes, it is big and plastic, but with a foam layer from a forehead's side, so it is comfortable to wear. Straps are good quality, nothing bad to say. Because of this way of attaching headlamp to it's mount, and the headlamp weight, you may wonder: "Will it slide down during use?" No. It surprisingly holds tight. How did I test it? Well, I put it on, and started jumping for a while, trying to land hard every time. No sliding at all. Will it loosen over time. I honestly have no idea. :(
Because of this type of mounting, the headlamp can only be risen by that much:
Completely enough for walking, but if you want to shine further, you have to rise your head probably a little too much you would like to. Or wear it on a helmet (as intended?), this way it could shine straightly.
It all leads us to one simple conclusion: It does not meant to be a standard headlamp. So what to use it for? It could be a bike light - attached to your helmet, or a handlebar. And it fits perfectly on a handlebar. :) You can attach a battery case to a bike frame, and if you have this small pouch you can put there 4 spare cells and attach it too. As a bike light, it works good. It is still a prototype, but if they release a finished product, it could be a good bike-helmet-standardheadlamp light. Maybe not good as a standard headlamp, but works too.
And you know what? I am gonna actually use it as my bike light, because I do not have a good one currently. Actually, I do not have any bike light. Looks cool, neutral tint, maybe when riding it could sustain 1000lm constantly. One annoying thing is you have to ramp up or down all the way to be able to ramp another way, i.e. you can not ramp halfway up and then ramp down. You have to ramp up up to 100%, then down. Anduril did it better.
Beam pattern, tint
Cool white, but a nice one...wait... Is it really a cool white? Should be, I got info there is a XHP70.2 P2 1A LED, so it should be 6000K. But it is clearly warmer than the Wizard Pro White, and similar to Astrolux HL01 5000K. So is it cool? For me it is between neutral and cool, more on a neutral side. You would probably like it.
There is SMO reflector, but the beam quite more blurred. Hotspot gradually transfers into spill.
Outdoor beamshots
Max brightness, and a random brightness comfortable to walk with, I think it is ~ 300lm. Second photo is only to show you the beam pattern in normal use. Lots of light, good beam pattern and tint. If only they released it for sale...
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 42°C
5 min - 58°C
10 min - 55°C
Brightness at 10 min - 283lm
8. Sanyi
No name, let's call it #1
Package and accessories
What? Accessories? No accessories included, what did you expect from such a cheap headlamp?
Headlamp build quality
Poor quality: made of plastic, with plastic lenses and a rubber USB cover which I have already lost (poorly attached). And we have a step hinge to tilt the headlamp. Works good now, holds the headlamp in position, but it can become loose, and it is just not the best solution.
And it can only fit button top, protected 18650 cells. Unprotected ones are too short. Good, I guess, because there is no LVP.
Headband quality
Permanently attached to a headlamp, one strap. Even though it is generally a cheap headlamp, the strap is better quality than the default Convoy one - a bit thicker.
Beam pattern, tint
XP-E beam is very narrow, completely pointless. And it is so cool, almost blue. If you want to have a very narrow, and a very wide and uniform beam in one, here you have it. Don't give me wrong, considering it's price it could be useful in some situations, especially this wide COB light. Ouch, and use it only at max brightness. Low brightness has very slow PWM, probably 100Hz. No reason to use it at any situation.
Way cooler than the FW3A SST20 4000K
Outdoor beamshots
Pretty useless outdoors. XP-E is too narrow, COB is too flood and close range. If you want to buy it, buy it only for indoor use. It could be a nice cheap headlamp to use in a garage, car repairs, when you know it can be easily broken. But even then it is better to buy something better.
Heat dissipation, overheating
Two lights turned on
2 min - 27°C
5 min - 34°C
10 min - 37°C
Brightness at 10 min - 150lm
9. Skilhunt
H03 RC
Package and accessories
Very nice dark box, looks premium. Good for a gift. Rich content inside. Flashlight is well protected.
Charging cable feels weak and average quality. The cable is flat, which in my opinion is not the best choice. If it was round, it would be more resistant to bending. I get it, flat cable looks unique, but... But they could upgrade the spot where the most cables break - place when a cable goes into a plug. I think it is the weak spot here.
Oh, and the lanyard - it is a very good one. Probably the best lanyard of all headlamps here. It is thick and has this little plastic tightening thing, to securely keep it on your wrist.
Headlamp build quality
Skilhunt means very lightweight headlamps. Deep cooling fins are good, tailcap magnet (removable) is a nice feature too, and if you buy an RC model, you will have an integrated magnetic charger. We have here 2 bezels, one by a switch and the other by a TIR optics. Unlike Armytek, bezels are not raised so they neither protect switch nor lens...wait. There is no lens indeed. Neither glass nor plastic one. We get ~ 3% more light, but at what cost. It should be protected, because the plastic TIR optics will get scratched and damaged very easily and you can not buy a spare one as easily as you would buy a glass lens.
Average thickness springs, but there is not much current out there, so it is ok.
Cooling fins are not as deep as in H1 or H03, but are useful too, and are a bit wider than in H1 or H03.
Headband quality
Good quality headband, thick straps and a reflection on the back. Because of low weight this headlamp could be used as a running light, so a reflection on the back is a nice addition.
Definitely watch out for velcro, it sticks to the strap very well and does some damage when peeling off.
Blue + black is a good combination of colors in my opinion. Not as good as yellow + black, but it is already reserved by Armytek... Sneaky Armytek. I see what you are doing.
Beam pattern, tint
Neutral tint, 4500-5000K. Cooler than FW3A SST20 4000K, but I think H03 has a Duv close to zero, because FW3A looks the same when compared, not greenish as it was in HL01 case. In my opinion it is just a good neutral tint useful indoor and outdoor. TIR optics provides blurred beam, which is good for most activities.
Outdoor beamshots
When hiking, I like to have an additional thrower to shine from time to time just to see what is far ahead. With TIR optics we do not have much distance though.
But it's tint is good for hiking, not too cool and not too warm. Or could be a tiny bit warmer, but we all know the world is not perfect, so why try to find a downright perfect tint? It is very good.
One thing I do not like about this headlamp is UI. Click to turn on and click to change modes, press and hold to turn off. It is so unusual for me, I can not get used to it. I like click to turn on, click to turn off and press and hold to change modes. But if you use only Skilhunt, you will get used to it for sure. I use different headlamps, mostly for review purpose, so it is annoying for me because it is the only one working odd.
You can lock it + turn a little...switch beacon. From off state press and hold, the flashlight will turn on for a while, then turn off and it is now locked, and the switch flashes red once per ~ 2s. To turn the beacon on and off simply click once, to unlock flashlight press and hold. I really like it, the beacon is especially useful at night to quickly locate the flashlight.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 45°C
5 min - 45°C
10 min - 47°C
Brightness at 10 min - 437lm
10. Xtar
Warboy H3W
Package and accessories
Headlamp does not have a lanyard hole, but the clip has. Interesting solution, you can not have lanyard without the clip. But probably 90% of users would have neither clip nor lanyard, so do not worry ;) The lanyard is bad quality, very thin. It has it's pros, e.g. it is lighter and takes less space in a pocket, do not bothers that much.
Headlamp build quality
Pretty lightweight, like Skilhunt, but a bit heavier. SS bezel by a lens is raised and protects everything better than in H1 or H03 case. Bezel by a switch is not raised, but the switch is not raised too - which prevents from accidental turn on (a little bit). The switch makes pleasant noise when clicked, and needs little force to click. It is very easy to click it compared to e.g. Armytek's switch. It is of course very good, because we have here a side switch here. If it was hard to click, you would be pushing aside the entire setup when clicking.
Springs are thick.
Model name is very useful to express feelings. To say you do not like something that much, simply turn the tailcap upside down.
UI is also interesting, 2 click from off or on state to turn the moonlight on. Moonlight mode is not looped, so we have 4 looped modes + hidden moonlight. No Turbo shortcut. Annoying is that when in moonlight, long press switches to last used regular mode. So if you use the highest mode, turn it off, then click 2 times for Moonlight, then press and hold to change mode, it will switch to max brightness, instead of Low mode, as it is expected to be. And you can do nothing about it, because the flashlight will remember last used mode even after physically disconnecting the power by unscrewing a tailcap (quite unusual by the way - most headlamps will be set to th lowest mode when doing so).
Well, it could be useful when you walk but then you want to check the map (or maybe something in your backpack) - quick 2 clicks to set Moonlight, when you are done click 2 times to switch back to your original mode. Everything has its pros and cons.
Headband quality
Good quality, straps are thick. What else should I say? Oh, maybe just one thing: because of headlamp's design (lots of grooves) it is time-consuming to put it on or take off from the mount. Not as easy as with Convoy or Skilhunt. But it is a trifle, unless you are going to do it frequently. But most users probably just leave it as it is for the most time.
Beam pattern, tint
Warm light, pleasant and nice. A bit warmer than FW3A SST20 4000K. Not as "neutral" as FW3A, but warmer light. I generally do not prefer such warm tint for hiking, but surprisingly, this tint looks pleasant to me in the forest. Good for relaxing walks. Beam is of course more focused (OP reflector) than it would be with a TIR optics, but I personally like such focus in a headlamp. It still shines wide, but has more throw than a TIR optics headlamp, so I do not need to have an extra long range flashlight.
Outdoor beamshots
As said above, good for relaxing walks, maybe if you want to chill out in the wilderness. I would take it for a relaxing walk and chilling out, but would not take it in the mountains, where I prefer a neutral tint to stay focused. Again - warm light = relax; cool light = focus. Scientifically approved. It is why it is better to learn in a cool white light, and read a book in a warm white light.
Heat dissipation, overheating
2 min - 45°C
5 min - 57°C
10 min - 56°C
Brightness at 10 min - 244lm
Guess your favorite tint headlamps order:
- Armytek Wizard Pro XHP50 Warm
- OTR XHP70.2 prototype
- Convoy H1 4200K
- Astrolux HL01 5000K
- Xtar Warboy H3W
- Armytek Wizard Pro XHP50 White
- Sanyi #1
- Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia
- Skilhunt H03 RC Neutral
- Armytek Zippy ES
- Armytek Wizard WR
- Eagle Eye X1R NW
- Boruit D20
- Forclaz Onnight 50
- Forclaz Bivouac 500
\\\---------- Comparison ----------///
Yeah, the best part!
Lots of gifs coming! We will compare a lot of things, so I added a table of contents for better orientation. It will be a long section ;)
To organize everything clearly, let's do this how I see it: Warm tint is below 4300K, neutral is 4300 - 5000K, cool is above 5000K. But if label says "6000K cool white" but it looks neutral for me and looks the same as my other neutral 5000K lights, I will add it to "Neutral" category (e.g. OTR headlamp, label says 6000K, but it looks neutral).
Table of contents (let's use the Greek alphabet, just because it looks cool):
- Size
- Appearance
- White wall beam pattern
- Warm tint
- Neutral tint
- Cool tint
- All together
- Outdoor beamshots max brightness
- Warm tint
- Neutral tint
- Cool tint
- All together
- Outdoor beamshots normal use
- Warm tint
- Neutral tint
- Cool tint
- All together
- Price category outdoor beamshots max brightness
- $1 - $20
- $21 - $50
- $51 - $100
- Price category outdoor beamshots normal use
- $1 - $20
- $21 - 50
- $51 - $100
α. Size
β. Appearance
Îł. White wall beam pattern
Warm
(Armytek Wizard Pro Warm; Convoy H1 4200K; Xtar Warboy H3W)
Neutral
(Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia; Armytek Wizard WR; Astrolux HL01 5000K; Eagle Eye X1R Neutral; Forclaz Bivouac 500, Forclaz Onnight 50; OTR prototype; Skilhunt H03 RC Neutral)
Cool
(Armytek Wizard Pro White; Armytek Zippy; Boruit D20; Sanyi #1)
All together
δ. Outdoor beamshots max brightness
Warm
(Armytek Wizard Pro Warm; Convoy H1 4200K; Xtar Warboy H3W)
Neutral
(Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia; Armytek Wizard WR; Astrolux HL01 5000K; Eagle Eye X1R Neutral; Forclaz Bivouac 500, Forclaz Onnight 50; OTR prototype; Skilhunt H03 RC Neutral)
Cool
(Armytek Wizard Pro White; Armytek Zippy; Boruit D20; Sanyi #1)
All together
ε. Outdoor beamshots normal use
Warm
(Armytek Wizard Pro Warm; Convoy H1 4200K; Xtar Warboy H3W)
Neutral
(Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia; Armytek Wizard WR; Astrolux HL01 5000K; Eagle Eye X1R Neutral; Forclaz Bivouac 500, Forclaz Onnight 50; OTR prototype; Skilhunt H03 RC Neutral)
Cool
(Armytek Wizard Pro White; Armytek Zippy; Boruit D20; Sanyi #1)
All together
ζ. Price category outdoor beamshots max brightness
$1 - $20
(Sanyi #1; Forclaz Onnight 50; Boruit D20; Forclaz Bivouac 500, Eagle Eye X1R; Armytek Zippy ES)
$21 - $50
(Convoy H1; Xtar Warboy H3W; Astrolux HL01; OTR prototype)
$51 - $100
(Skilhunt H03 RC; Armytek Wizard WR; Armytek Wizard Pro Warm, White, Nichia)
η. Price category outdoor beamshots normal use
$1 - $20
(Sanyi #1; Forclaz Onnight 50; Boruit D20; Forclaz Bivouac 500, Eagle Eye X1R; Armytek Zippy ES)
$21 - $50
(Convoy H1; Xtar Warboy H3W; Astrolux HL01; OTR prototype)
$51 - $100
(Skilhunt H03 RC; Armytek Wizard WR; Armytek Wizard Pro Warm, White, Nichia)
Ending
This is all I have for you. I hope it was helpful for you, and you did not fall asleep while reading. You can also share your own experiences below. Tell me what you think about this review and which headlamps you want me to add next.
Thanks for being here, have a wonderful day!
I will try to add those.
