Headlamp recommendations

Sdm1568 wrote:I've had the BD Storm for many moons, no issues, wore through a few heavy rains - Listen here Kiddos - You get what you pay for! Sometimes

I realize this. BUT, like sunglasses, I have lost a lot of head lamps over the years and am tired of that feeling you get upon realizing that another $50 - $150 investment has somehow just found it's way out of your life.

Edit to add: the Bosavi looks really awesome... hmmm

Anthony Milano wrote: Walmart Headlamp I bought the Energizer one (for $12) almost seven years ago and it still works. I put a piece of tape over the power switch to keep it from turning on in my pack. I have used it a ton (once or twice every two weeks on trips)... One thing I have never understood is why people pay so much for headlamps... although I am the same guy who bought a three dollar pool mattress for use on bivies (super comfortable).

Because the spot has a spotlight that shines 50m, which happens to be prefect for locating that next rap station. Plus the last years model goes on outlet at REI for like $30 ever year. For those that need more than a reading light.

Jon Zucco wrote: I realize this. BUT, like sunglasses, I have lost a lot of head lamps over the years and am tired of that feeling you get upon realizing that another $50 - $150 investment has somehow just found it's way out of your life. Edit to add: the Bosavi looks really awesome... hmmm

I've cheaped out on quite a few things, some items it's great other I've learned from. It's all preference and how we justify pros vs cons.

SirChips-A-Lot wrote:Dear MP.users-I am having trouble wiping my ass and need help choosing a wipey paper. What do you charmin gentlemen use?

I've used my sock a few times on the mountain...my wife does not appreciate it at all.

I prefer to use my underwear, much softer and I don't have worry about tearing out dingleberries with the burs on my socks. And it's easier to explain a shart then . . . You know : )

I meant to say IMHO first, that softens the blow!

Fenix HL30

Pros
-Brighter than BD's Spot or Petzl's Tikka. Highest setting is bright enough for me to haul ass on my bike or snowboard at night
-Higher waterproof rating than BD's Spot or Petzl's Tikka
-less than $50 on amazon

Cons
-A bit heavy with two AAs
-must use high quality rechargeable batteries to get the different light levels to work
-I've heard the customer service sucks with Fenix

+1 BD Storm. Upgrade $10 from Spot for more weatherproof. It will last longer. Love it. Lock and dimming LEDs are fabulous features. Spotlight is awesomely bright.

Just avoid Princeton Tech. They work great at first then fall apart. Their CS is non existent. Always have had good luck with BD and Petzl.

Thanks a ton for all your suggestions. Also glad I got additional beta on paper for ass wiping.

I got the LED LENSER H7 ordered for $18. At that price, it sort of became a no brainer. Like the additional features of BD Storm but not willing to put the additional money on it for lesser lumin but red mode.

Sdm1568 wrote: I've cheaped out on quite a few things, some items it's great other I've learned from. It's all preference and how we justify pros vs cons.

hear hear. I think I've decided to compromise by going cheaps for the camping/pack lights and will spring for the BD storm or the bosavi later and just keep it on my helmet for epics. I mean, I can't lose my helmet, right?

wfscot wrote:+1 for BD Storm. That thing is super bright and crazy burly. I've dropped in a few times as well as gotten it wet and it's still going strong. And yeah, having a lock function (which the Storm does) to prevent it from turning on in your pack is huge. Also, I think having a red mode is critical for not destroying your and your partner's night vision. It's certainly worth a few bucks more.

I wish I had your luck. Mine broke at the hinge between the strap and actual body. Without much hard use, either.

It was fun for Canyon epics, though, nothing like stumbling down through a bunch of downclimbs and swims at 3AM!

I have a Spot as well, but I loved my cheap-o Petzl (cheap-o for Petzl) one before I lost it. Tikka 2 I think?

Jon Zucco wrote: hear hear. I think I've decided to compromise by going cheaps for the camping/pack lights and will spring for the BD storm or the bosavi later and just keep it on my helmet for epics. I mean, I can't lose my helmet, right?

Not unless you lose your head too and most of us already have done that : 0