Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: steeleywhopper on December 08, 2009, 03:29:53 PM

Title: head lamp?
Post by: steeleywhopper on December 08, 2009, 03:29:53 PM: I'm looking to buy a good head lamp for skinning, walking after dark, or before daylight.Would be nice to have one that will adjust to the red and green if needed. Just wondering what you guys are using and what you think about your's.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 03:49:20 PM: Check out Petzl. I have had mine for a few years. It has a red flip up lense and 4 LED lights. Takes triple A batteries. Still haven't put new batteries in the thing. Good head lamp for the price. Under 50 bucks.

http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/tactikka-series/tactikka-plus

They have lots of different ones to choose from. That is the link to the one I use...
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Machias on December 08, 2009, 03:52:36 PM: Are you talking about a "hunting" headlamp or one you would use while walking at night or skinning etc?
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: steeleywhopper on December 08, 2009, 05:48:49 PM: walking in before light, walking out after dark, and skinning...... Or when I need a light.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on December 08, 2009, 06:48:46 PM: What is a "hunting" headlamp?
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: steeleywhopper on December 08, 2009, 07:50:21 PM: JIMINEY CHRISTMAS..... This is getting rediculous. just want a opinion on some of the head lamps you guys are using.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: washelkhntr on December 08, 2009, 07:51:41 PM: I use a Petzel. I love it. Cabelas has alot of good ones out there.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Craig on December 08, 2009, 08:16:55 PM: I have the Petzl. Works great small and lightweight. It has the flip down red lens. I think it has a high, low and blinks. Around $40-$50.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: PacificNWhunter on December 08, 2009, 08:22:56 PM: Petzle, black diamond and mammut.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Wa hunter on December 08, 2009, 08:39:02 PM: I have the Cabelas XPG headlight its 60 lumen's and throws light a long ways and the battries seem to last forever. The best thing is it runs on AA batt. A few years ago on a late night packout had to rob the AA's out of my GPS (I knew where I was) to feed my headlight.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on December 08, 2009, 08:43:33 PM: I have several, my favorite is the Primo's predator blood-tracker. That thing is bright.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: 509er on December 08, 2009, 09:14:20 PM: I use an Energizer 6 LED headlamp from walmart. It is small. Batteries last a long time, its bright, has red LEDs and spot mode and flood mode. Another benefit is that it uses AAA batteries, so I do not have to carry some type of special battery for just my headlamp. I think it is only about $15 at Walmart so I wont cry if it gets lost in the woods. I have been happy with its performance. :twocents: Hell it even comes with batteries.

Specs:

6 Hi-Power LED's
LED light never needs replacing
Up To 75 Hours Run Time
Comfort-Fit Headband
Made with tough ABS plastic
Shatterproof lens
Directional light
Light weight and compact
Pivoting Spot/Flood Headlamp
4 Light Modes
Spot - 2 White LED's, Flood - 2 White LED's
Spot/Flood 4 White LED's , Night Vision - 2 Red LED's
3AAA Batteries Included
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: ICEMAN on December 08, 2009, 09:44:08 PM: Steleywhopper, I use a Black Diamond. I prefer a headlamp which uses the same size batteries as other stuff I carry when I hunt, AA size in this case. I also like the batteries to be located at the back of the head strap for balance, not all the weight on the front. This arrangement also allows the light portion to be closer to my forehead, not pushed out further from batteries being in the way...

Forget my model name, but it has a two position switch, one for LED long burn time....and the other for Halogen when I need more light. I also like a headlamp where the harness crosses the top of your head, keeping the light from settling down your head as you hike...
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: jrebel on December 08, 2009, 09:55:56 PM: Me and my wife own black diamonds. I have owned petzels before and will never buy another. BLACK DIAMOND ALL THE WAY. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Machias on December 08, 2009, 11:11:01 PM: A "hunting" headlamp is one you would use to hunt coons, fox, bobcats or coyotes at night. Quite a bit different then a Petzel light. I just ordered a hunting headlamp that can ID yotes at 200 to 300 yards at night, that's why I was asking. Petzel is great for what your asking for.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: PolarBear on December 08, 2009, 11:31:43 PM: When I still had my oyster farm all of my beach crew had Petzels. They were bright and reliable.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Thefisherman83 on December 08, 2009, 11:33:41 PM: I have the Cabelas XPG. It's really bright and battery life is good. I think they are on sale right now for $19.99.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on December 09, 2009, 09:31:22 AM: Quote
A "hunting" headlamp is one you would use to hunt coons, fox, bobcats or coyotes at night. Quite a bit different then a Petzel light. I just ordered a hunting headlamp that can ID yotes at 200 to 300 yards at night, that's why I was asking. Petzel is great for what your asking for.

That sounds cool, I remember seeing some on some coon hunters a while back, they probably would work great for following blood-trails too....how much do they run?
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: steeleywhopper on December 09, 2009, 09:50:03 AM: I really appreciate the feedback on this. I too don't want to mess around with batteries that won't work in the GPS.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Machias on December 09, 2009, 09:57:34 AM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on December 09, 2009, 09:31:22 AM
Quote
A "hunting" headlamp is one you would use to hunt coons, fox, bobcats or coyotes at night. Quite a bit different then a Petzel light. I just ordered a hunting headlamp that can ID yotes at 200 to 300 yards at night, that's why I was asking. Petzel is great for what your asking for.

That sounds cool, I remember seeing some on some coon hunters a while back, they probably would work great for following blood-trails too....how much do they run?

You can go anywhere from $75 for a NiteLite all the way up to $300+. The one I just got is a new high powered LED. Burns 12+ hours on high and 32+ hours on low for $150. You can see and tell what a yote is at 300 yards on high.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: SnakeEyes on December 09, 2009, 10:33:48 AM: I have tried several headlamps and my favorite is the Petzl TacTikka XP Headlamp. Much brighter than any of the others I have tried.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: sisu on December 09, 2009, 02:28:41 PM: Go to.
www.urbanhart.com

Click on rescue gear and then click on headlamps or something dealing with lighting. Lots of choices and BIG price range!
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: thinkingman on December 09, 2009, 03:10:47 PM: Quote from: Wa hunter on December 08, 2009, 08:39:02 PM
I have the Cabelas XPG headlight its 60 lumen's and throws light a long ways and the battries seem to last forever. The best thing is it runs on AA batt. A few years ago on a late night packout had to rob the AA's out of my GPS (I knew where I was) to feed my headlight.
I vote for something that runs LED's and AA batteries for the reason posted above. I have comitted all my gear will run on AA's...cuts down on things to run out of....
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Intruder on December 09, 2009, 03:33:45 PM: Quote from: steeleywhopper on December 09, 2009, 09:50:03 AM
I really appreciate the feedback on this. I too don't want to mess around with batteries that won't work in the GPS.

I have a Petzel w/ 3As. Wanted the same thing as you... go w/ something that used 2As like my GPS. However, when I went and looked at what's out there I really liked the lighter smaller lamps in the 3A size. I don't really use my GPS a ton but I use my headlamp a lot. Something small, lightweight and bright won out.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: ICEMAN on December 09, 2009, 09:59:39 PM: check out the new Black Diamond Icon....looks like a winner, this is the upgrade from the one I was talking about...my old one is the Gemini, but no longer making it.... The Icon runs on 3 AA's or the rechargeable pack you slide in instead...which sounds cool for all year around the house, then slap in the lithium AA's for the hunt...

Hmmmm, may have to add this to my xmas list, I think my old Gemini is about to break!

$65 at REI.... http://www.rei.com/product/745183

Compact, lightweight and powerful, the incredibly bright, incredibly convenient Black Diamond Icon is everything you want in a headlamp!

Icon cranks out the light with the turns-night-to-day power of a single 3-watt bulb and four 0.5-watt LEDs

Use the 3-watt bulb on high for several hours without fear of losing power; (manufacturer estimates 15 hours per charge cycle)

Comes with three AA batteries; also works with the Black Diamond NRG rechargeable battery kit, sold separately

Integrated charger port accepts NRG wall charger so you can recharge the kit's NiMH battery without removing it from the headlamp

Integrated electronic circuit board recognizes both types of batteries and automatically calibrates battery meter to read charges accordingly

Battery meter displays with red, yellow and green LEDs the status of power remaining in battery and headlamp's charging status

Features six brightness modes: high, mid and low for the 3-watt bulb and high, mid and low for the four 0.5-watt LEDs

The four LEDs have an emergency strobe function

Also features a memory mode—the headlamp remembers the last brightness setting used

Straps around the side and over the top of the head or helmet stabilize the headlamp and battery pack; remove the top strap to save weight

Coiled power cable between headlamp and battery pack ensures a hassle-free fit on a helmet
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Cylvertip on December 21, 2009, 03:40:17 PM: The Black Diamond Icon is super bright and lasts a long time on the 3 watt. I've worn the same one hunting and trapping for the last couple of years with out fail. It's seen a lot of down pours. If you run it in the 4 led mode, it does not seem to affect night vision all that much.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on December 21, 2009, 04:34:17 PM: I use green LED clip on to bill of hat style from SportCo, Sportsman's, or Cabela's.... Got my Dad and Uncle one too.. Love them....
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: jrebel on December 21, 2009, 10:40:11 PM: :tup: :tup: :tup: that black diamond is the only way to go. I have owned petzels and black diamond. You couldn't give be a petzel, and I would pay twice that for the black diamond. Thats how strongly I feel about it.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: Thefisherman83 on December 23, 2009, 12:36:11 AM: I take back my vote for the Cabelas XPG. Mine died half way up the hill on my last hunt (the light not the batteries) and I did not have a back up.
Title: Re: head lamp?
Post by: coonhound on December 26, 2009, 07:44:25 PM: I use the Princeton 4 LED light, it uses 3 AAA's but you will get an entire season out of them so I'm not to worried about the batteries.

I've used the Petzl's but the Princeton has a thumb screw and rubber gasket to keep it dry inside, the Petzl's just snap shut.

Coon