My head torch has died - recommendations on what to replace it with?

[jcampbellsmith]

After many years of being rarely used, my head torch has died - any recommendations on what to replace it with?

Thanks

JCS

 

[Mungo]

I will watch this with interest - I have not been impressed with my recent ones (all petzl)

 

[Sampo]

I tend to go with the £6 rechargable ones from eBay and have a few lying around like in the car, in the backpack etc so that there's always one available. The charge tends to be good and provides at least 2+ hours of steady light as I never had to use more than that. A bit more expensive models (around £10ish) can provide you with the red light as well. I am sure big brands will provide much better results but I prefer to go with items I dont have to worry about if lost of misplaced. Also seems like a good value for money compared to the branded ones.

Waterproof Torch

 

[RM100]

I use 2, Petzl (Reactik) and Olight, both excellent. Both got on sales, around £60 or so.

 

[Rory]

PETZL Taktikka works well for my needs.

 

[Cottis]

I tend to just use the cheapo £2-3 jobbies from Tescos or places like that when they are on offer. Blacks have Eurohike torches for £3.50 and I am sure you can find plenty of similar types. I have a good few that live in various places like my glovebox, shooting bag, rabbit trolley etc. None have actually broken yet which is quite surprising given the stupidly cheap cost and fairly naff looking quality which seems to belie their longevity.

If you want mega range and high quality LEDs and lithium ion and stuff like that, spend much more but for the sake of a few AAA batteries which are basically peanuts to buy and last forever and don't seem to drain when left in, I don't see the point in spending lots on these things.

I use mine a couple of times a week for rabbit shooting so I can have hands free light when peeing out rabbits and dealing with each shot one before being put in the trolley. low light, bright light and red light and an adjustable angle and they are totally suitable dealing with stuff in front of you or for a 10metre range. If you need further then you need to spend more but i cannot advise on that.

 

[Alantoo]

LEDLENSER have a 7 year warranty and have replaced torches without quibble when the electronics or the cables have broken due to heavy use...I still have the Trigger's broom one I bought almost 20 years ago...two replacements later.

I have to repair the cable of that one at the hinge now by cut and shut. The last time they could not replace it as it was no longer in production, and at 14 years-ish was out of their current warranty but they sent me a "working but slightly restricted functionally" current model as a gesture.

Bit like Swarovski's customer service model...you pay a premium up front and they do what they can to support you.

We have 4 of their head torches and a couple of their handtorches.

Alan

 

[tattie]

Black Diamond Icon 500.

Great torch and has not let me down.

 

[Tazz]

For convenience I now use the combined camo style beanie with built in torch cheap and effective pack of two a Camo one and a Black one, I keep the black one in the car for back up and if I feel the need to pretend I an in the SAS. Panther Vision Powercap circa £15 Costco or Amazon

 

[kip270]

LED lenser

 

[wb2710]

Petzl, TACTIKKA +, had it a few years now, got it from Uttings, never let me down.

 

[pob]

Another vote for Ledlenser

 

[NigelM]

I was out with a chap last week who have a very slimline strip LED type head torch. When it came to gralloching in the dark and working around the vehicle it was brilliant. It wasn't so bright it was blinding and it's field of vision was about 45 degrees so threw it's light all over whatever you were working on. I will try to find out what make it was.

 

[Limpet]

I have found the opposite of the marketing hype is what you need for close up work and the less lumens the better. At night and with night adjusted eyes, 1 lumen does a lot !!

 

[NigelM]

It was a Streamlight Bandit

 

[Mossypaw]

Been using Petzl Tactikka for years. Out with the dog every night for over an hour and the batteries last for weeks. I prefer the cheap AAA batteries as the rechargeable ones seem to make the light flicker as they get low. Plenty bright enough to pick up eye shine at 100m (dog or deer) and flip up red lense for close up work.

 

[muddy42]

This one is £5 from Decathlon. AAA battery, I use rechargeable. Works fine. simple on/off button, not the pointless options for flashing, dim, red etc.

Camping Head Torches, Lamps & Head Lights | Decathlon

Discover our collection of Head Lamps for Camping, offering high quality at affordable prices. Shop now and enjoy free Click & Collect.

www.decathlon.co.uk

 

[Freeforester]

Nitecore NU 25: weighs next to nothing, rechargeable battery, three levels of white light, two red plus flashing red.

They’re available in black or yellow body, you can further reduce the weight by replacing the head strap with bungee cord, etc.

NU25

flashlight.nitecore.com

Also unlike 4 eyes (nae 2 ‘deer’!)

 

[Overlay]

Petzel evo 4
best torch by far of the ones I’ve used, had mine for years

 

[FISH BOY]

Thrunite TH20.

Bombproof and very powerful on max.

Uses standard 18650 batts and lasts for ages.