Headlamp question

[Ya Hey Der]

I am hoping someone can help me out. I can't decide between the headlamps that have the batteries located in the same space as the lightsource or the ones that have the battery pack in the back of the straps/head with the power cord that goes to the front light source. Is there much of a difference in weight and convenience? Any problems with the power cord breaking off from the power source or the light source? Thanks everyone for your input!

-YHD

[Whoaru99]

I bought a cheap Ray-O-Vac model at Wallyworld a year or two ago that takes 3AAA batteries in the light unit. Has a white/blue LED, a couple red LEDS, and an adjustable beam incandescent bulb. Of course, you can select any of the light options.

It works pretty good. There are probably better, but for $10 or $12, it's a decent deal. It's fairly small and light using 3AAA batteries. Don't know the actual times, but using the LEDS it lasts quite a while. Using the incandescent bulb shortens the life quite a bit, but it's not really necessary to use that unless you need to shine further away.

[Gus]

Just think about balance. I think what you'll find is that headlamps that have the batteries in the back usually take more or bigger batteries. Ones that have the batteires in front usually have smaller or fewer. There are always exceptions but I think this is generally what happens. I would just make sure that if you buy one where the Batts are up front it doesn't get to top heavy. I have a lamp that has 3AAA's up front and it is fine. I also have a lamp that has 4AA's in the back and it also wears fine. My dad bought a cheapo that has 4AA's in the front and unless he wears a baseball cap the thing ends up sliding down his forehead with a normal movement. I would not worry about the wires coming from the back to front. They should be ok. I've never had a problem with any of mine.

[zelek]

For my needs, the Princeton Tech Aurora is perfect. It has three Ultrabright LED lights and is extremely lightweight, compact and comfortable. The batteries fit into the front of the unit next to the lightsource but you won't notice it. All it takes is three AAA batteries and it weighs next to nothing.

I spend lots of time at night pulling cranks for walleyes and it works great for keeping an eye on the gps, removing hooks, tying knots etc.

I believe they retail for about $30 but I picked up mine for $20 while they were on sale.

[fishermn]

I have the Petzl Tikka and I absolutely love it. For hunting and fishing its a great little unit for about $30. Considering the technology these days, unless you want something REALLY bright, I dont see any reason to get the type with the batteries in a separate compartment. My headlamp is not much bigger than the 3 AAA batteries that it uses for power. At full intensity, the batteries are expected to last 80 hours. I have been using mine for 3 months pretty much every day and have not replaced the batteries yet.

[bigyooper]

I never thought I would want a lamp with the batteries in the back; I am field-testing a Brunton headlamp that has a pack on the back. I love it, they have so much more power.

I can actually get these at a huge discount.

let me know,

See everyone at Winie for Ice Leaders!!!

[metrojoe]

Well you saw the one I use the other night. It has the batteries up front. It's a nice bright light for the money.

Here is a pic:

[JohnMickish]

I agree with Joe, probably the best $13 light out there.

[bigyooper]

The one I was talking about is a higher quality light.

It is a full 1-watt; they make it with 2 packs and a 3 watt bulb. Brunton is a big leader in the outdoor industry.

Here is the link to the light,

http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=397

[metrojoe]

I was thinking of turning this into a head lamp. What do you think?...too much?

130 leds

[Surface Tension]

metrojoe, thats even to big for my big head.

I have the Prinston Tech which is more of a flood beam. A Rayovac which is a focused beam and another $6 cheapo 4 led headlamp with the 3 AAA battery pak in the back from Northern Tool. They all work great.

bigyooper, I'm always looking for more power, I'll have to check your lamp out.

[nytelyter]

nice lights but wow at the prices on their site. just what kinda discount are you getting? as i would maybe be interested it feild testing one as well. nytelyter@hotmail.com

[Ya Hey Der]

LMAO !!!

Joe, where in the world did you get that? That is too funny. I think it would look great in my Otter.

John, anyway of configuring that to a 12 volt battery and hanging it in my house? I need to take a look at your lighting system in your house. It is really sweat! How much time and money would you say you spent on that configuration?

All kidding aside, I was looking at the princeton corona (8 leds, battery pack in back) $40, the browning black (5 leds, battery in front) $30 and the optronics max 4 (7 leds, battery in front) $35. $10 diff from 5 leds to 8 leds. Sounds like the battery pack in the back shouldn't be a big deal. It migt help balance things out.

Wher are we fishing on Monday? Goin fishin called me and threw out another option you guys were tossing around. It's going to be interesting.

Thanks all!

YHD

[JohnMickish]

The headlamp I was using on Wednesday was the Browning black. I do like it better than my cheap one but the straps are a little tight. I spend $25 for the rope lights, about $11 for the fan and around $20 for the switch, cigar lighter, rubbermaid unit for the battery and other stuff. Not to bad.

I think Joe is holding a stop light LED unit. 120 volt, but if you wanted to start dragging a generator unit out we could give the otter a nice green glow! Maybe hook it up to a tip up and have it change colors when the flag goes up??

I talked to Smelly yesterday and he said that F.L. was a zoo. A whole bunch of houses moved in. Joe is thinking of going back to the pond with a bunch of other FMers. I'm up for that.

[metrojoe]

Yep, it's a light from a traffic signal. Since all the lights have a colored lens, I was curious if the leds were colored also. They are.

I've got a head lamp that has the battery pack in the back and it works really well, but the battery pack gets in the way when your wearing any kind of hat. It's also bigger and some what bulky. Might be something to consider.

I think I'm heading up to the dead sea on Monday for sure. I'm on a mission now.

Shoot me an email or give me a call.

[Ya Hey Der]

I just got back from Cabelas and bought the browning 5 led. That's the one you have John. I wanted to see the princeton corona http://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?id=4&type=1&use=0 but they didn't have this in stock. I might just order it but 3 AA batts in the back might get heavy.

What do you guys think?

Alright, I don't know what happened on FL but if it is a zoo, we might want to head up to the pond. I talked to Dan and we have a little wager going on about one of his favorite flats. a little friendly competition. Looks like everyone is meeting at Twin Pines at 7am, but not sure if they are going to have roads. Sounds like folks will be bringing their wheelers and sleds. Hmmm.

[Surface Tension]

You won't notice 3AAA batteries on any fount mounted headlamp.