I’m looking for a very lightweight (aiming for 40-80g if possible inc the battery) head torch. It doesn’t need to be powerful but 100 lumens would be handy. It’ll be used to meet minimum kit lists for off-road running races and/or as a backup headtorch - so in reality it’ll spend most of it’s life in a kit bag. Which means low weight is more important than output, but at a pinch being able to see a far enough ahead on knarly terrain to pick out a route would be nice.
So far I’ve come across the following short list:
Fenix HL22
Fenix HL23
Outside option, Nitecore T360 - I need to take one of my NC Tube’s running though as an output test.
I’m sure there are other options out there but Fenix were the first to spring to mind. Any other contenders?
I’m not familiar with the fenix headtorches but mhanlen on here did a really good review of the nitecore 360 where I think he mentions for running it might be a bit unstable but I’m sure the output would be ok as back-up. Personally I use my skilhunt ho2 when running. I’m sure it’d be too heavy/big for some but for me the headband makes it very stable. At the moment there is a groupbuy for the smaller aa version the h15. It would have plenty of output, lightweight, slow self discharge with primary batteries and can be used with 14500 for even more output. I think the construction will also be more durable if it’s going to be in a bag with other equipment although the headband itself is quite bulky.
The Rayvenge light I reviewed recently weighs 65g, including the battery… I think for running, you would want a better strap though, that goes over the head, instead of just around…
It’s very light-weight, with lots of plastic…
A quick Google search turned this up on the Fenix, might be worth looking over:
Those Skilhunt lights - even the lighter option - are a bit more than I’d like. I’ve got an HC30 for normal running, coupled with a handheld Manker T01 (a fantastic bit of kit) for usual use.
Annoying about those Fenix lights, they were the main contender - mis-selling weights isn’t cool.
The Rayvenge light looks uninspiring, it ticks the boxes weight wise but it sounds - on the face of it - like the output is probably close to the NC Tube in use anyway?
Had a look at the conventional manufacturers - Petzl Zipka and Black Diamond Ion both dismissed for one reason or another.
So I’m again looking at the T360. But I’m a bit curious about the weight - they quote 20g, but given that a standard Tube weighs 10g I’m guessing that the quoted weight doesn’t include the headband. So I’ve emailed Nitecore to clarify - but if anyone has one knocking about along with some scales and wouldn’t mind humouring me I’d appreciate it.
One other left field option - I’ve got a NC HB02 headband. If I trimmed the extraneous bits off, or took the headband from an old lightweight torch (Cybalite Ring) to bring it down to 30g or so is there a 40g light that’d fit with more output than the Tube - without spending silly Ti type money?
I’m really not worried about an over the top band; I’ve used other HT’s without them for running and as long as they’re tight I can usually get away with them.