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

Anyone who recommends one with a battery connected to the lamp via wire, and where the battery position is at the back of the head, is wrong.

Try driving with one on and find out why (yes, you need to keep one on your head at all times whilst doing night work!)
Perfectly fine for when you only get back into the vehicle after you have used the headtorch to enable you to gralloch the beast......
 
I have a few different ones. A Petzl one that takes a AA it’s good but I would prefer the red first not last in the order dim bright red. But I can live with it.
The one I use most is a Decathlon rechargeable one. It has Red and three levels of white. Locks to avoid accidentally turning it on. Charges with a usb, I have charged it from a power pack before now.
Red is handy to preserve your night vision. The low setting is good enough for most work.
 
I've had an LED Lenser with its rechargeable battery (or it can take 3x AAA if needed). I paid a bit for it about 12 or 13 years ago, but it has and continues to be excellent. Well worth the money. Throws an awesome, adjustable beam, has simple light options. And lightweight with a tilting head angle. While I take point about cheap and cheerful disposable items, with the same "disposable" battery options, I'm really trying to be conscious of my / our disposable impact on the world we're leaving our children and grandchildren to sort out......without sounding like some naff campaigner.....maybe we can each take a tad more care/ value the items we have and try re-use / recharge where we can. I like to think lots of us taking little steps like this will go a long way to ensuring those same children and grandchildren may just have some nature left to enjoy in time, as we do.....
 
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.


Also unlike 4 eyes (nae 2 ‘deer’!) :coat:
I gather from @NorthernTikka the Nitecore HC60 is the dogs...was about to buy one
 
What problems have you encountered

Was going to say Petzl TACTIKKA+

Helps when it's free ;)

Anyone who recommends one with a battery connected to the lamp via wire, and where the battery position is at the back of the head, is wrong.

Try driving with one on and find out why (yes, you need to keep one on your head at all times whilst doing night work!)
Agree and why I liked the look of the Nitecore ones
 
+1 for alpkit stuff
My go to head torch is USB rechargeable from Lidl! £11 I think.
Red lens for night vision, only downside is you have to cycle through all modes to get the one you want.
 
Like knives, jackets, vacuum sealers and watches, I seem to have built up a collection of head torches :oops:

For seeing into the next county I have this Fenix: Fenix HL60R Rechargeable Headlamp

For illuminating deer during an evening gralloch I have one of these brilliant little Nitecore headlights on a headband (the advantage being that you can stuff it in any pocket, as its tiny but powerful): Nitecore NU05-K Headlamp - Clear: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

In the stalking bag I have the Petzl e+Lite Zip: PETZL E+Lite Zip Headlamp: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

And then in the door pocket in the car there is another cheap Petzl.
 
As Nick says, been well impressed with the Nitecore HC60. Had for a few years, never let me down, waterproof, bright beam, can charge via USB or take extra batteries, no battery pack on the back of your head etc etc
Reason I went with the NU25 is it is about one third the weight of the HC60, and my Thrunite TH 10’s which are bombproof, and of similar duration and spec as the Nitecore HC60, but are heavier on the head. The NU25 typically takes 30-40mins to recharge via USB micro lead, and is very easy to work with, I’ve found it no bother to use for an hour on bright when dealing with several deer after last light, and don’t really need it for more, though I’ve two of them which I usually will have both with, one in the motor and t’other in a pocket. They are a joy to use, I’ve a collection much like others here, but this one is my ‘always with me’ these days. The others are reserved for exercising the dogs last thing, etc. It’s true the 18650 battery has a longer duration, and can be worn for days on end for short periods without the need to recharge, but it’s no hardship to recharge the lightweight NU25.
 
Reason I went with the NU25 is it is about one third the weight of the HC60, and my Thrunite TH 10’s which are bombproof, and of similar duration and spec as the Nitecore HC60, but are heavier on the head. The NU25 typically takes 30-40mins to recharge via USB micro lead, and is very easy to work with, I’ve found it no bother to use for an hour on bright when dealing with several deer after last light, and don’t really need it for more, though I’ve two of them which I usually will have both with, one in the motor and t’other in a pocket. They are a joy to use, I’ve a collection much like others here, but this one is my ‘always with me’ these days. The others are reserved for exercising the dogs last thing, etc. It’s true the 18650 battery has a longer duration, and can be worn for days on end for short periods without the need to recharge, but it’s no hardship to recharge the lightweight NU25.
Fair enough, only 1/3 as bright for searching though. The other advantage is you can change battery, so if out for a while can have a spare in your pocket, also if the 18650 starts to lose charge over time can just get another. As you say though the 25 is a fair bit cheaper and lighter. Each to their own really and that's why Nitecore make both!
 
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 !!
I couldn’t find a deer once using only an iphone 5 torch. Had to return with backup. Google tells me this is 5-10 lumens, so i’d advise getting more than a 1 lumen head torch! Regards.
 
Can highly recommend the Decathlon rechargeable head torch.

Just lost mine recently(under my floor I think when replacing the piping/heating system in the house) and will replace it with another of the same
 
Used the expensive ones twice both failed even the replacement as I use daily so I go cheap Amazon Chinese copies £17 inc pp super performance won’t be paying £100 plus again.
 
After many years of being rarely used, my head torch has died - any recommendations on what to replace it with?

Thanks

JCS
Hello John, did you get fixed up?. I use a generic LED headtorch from E Bay, 1800 lumens, 3 modes, 1, main beam, 2, dimmed beam, 3, flashing/strobe circa £15:00p, rechargeable batteries, robust, absolutely brilliant (pardon the Pun), used when I also did Nevis in October 2 years ago, and Snowdon the following February, if I can help? you have my details.

My very best wishes to you and yours

Patrick
 
Lidl to the rescue again. Cost about £5 red and white LED flashing options and rear mounted red should you need it. Ideal for foxing and alike.

Pretty bright red is ideal at night when foxing. White more than adequate for normal use. 3 year warranty.

D
 
Hello John, did you get fixed up?. I use a generic LED headtorch from E Bay, 1800 lumens, 3 modes, 1, main beam, 2, dimmed beam, 3, flashing/strobe circa £15:00p, rechargeable batteries, robust, absolutely brilliant (pardon the Pun), used when I also did Nevis in October 2 years ago, and Snowdon the following February, if I can help? you have my details.

My very best wishes to you and yours

Patrick
Patrick
Thanks very much. I have ordered up an Alpkit Muon 400 lm.
Hope all is well with you and yours.
Best regards
JCS
 
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