Thread: Budget headlamp advice wanted!

The sofirn is very good, having switchable and dimmable white and red is a real plus, I use mine for everything including SAR stuff. The 18650 is USB C chargeable through the torch or just switch it out for a fresh one best of all worlds.

I got a H25LR from Piercing The Darkness and love it. Only thing I would be concered about would be it turning on if it lives in the pack, Mine did turn on in my jacket pocket once.

Originally Posted by Pablo666

https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/led...H23131-1M.html hands down best cheap head lamp I have ever had and can change battery's, even use it to spotlight racoons .

Certainly the cheapest, you could buy a half a dozen of them and still be quids in.

Originally Posted by No good names left

I got a H25LR from Piercing The Darkness and love it. Only thing I would be concered about would be it turning on if it lives in the pack, Mine did turn on in my jacket pocket once.

I turn the battery around until I want to use it.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I turn the battery around until I want to use it.

I just unscrew the battery cap a few turns until it won’t switch on. Still on the thread enough that it won’t work loose, and quick to get into action when needed.

My favourite is a simple fenix that uses a single AA....it has only three light levels.perfect for walking with and could shoot to fifty yards easy enough. I have more powerful and many 3xaaa models but the single AA is by far the most user friendly.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

My favourite is a simple fenix that uses a single AA....it has only three light levels.perfect for walking with and could shoot to fifty yards easy enough. I have more powerful and many 3xaaa models but the single AA is by far the most user friendly.

Aka post #9

Originally Posted by StrikerNZ

I just unscrew the battery cap a few turns until it won’t switch on. Still on the thread enough that it won’t work loose, and quick to get into action when needed.

This what I do with my Sofirn

I rate my armytek.
1x 18650 with no cord to battery pack.
Has a red light for stealth with 3 levels for for while and red.
1/4 turn to stop it turning on in your pack.
Magnetic charger and pretty bomb proof to boot.
A head lamp that will last a long time I rsckon

Sent from my SM-A556E using Tapatalk

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.

I'm usually suspicious of cheap gear from the likes of Ali express, Temu etc... However, I've ordered a H25LR from Ali express. At $23 with free shipping, can't really go wrong even if it is a dud!

I'll report back once it arrives and I give it a go

Originally Posted by jaacko

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.

I'm usually suspicious of cheap gear from the likes of Ali express, Temu etc... However, I've ordered a H25LR from Ali express. At $23 with free shipping, can't really go wrong even if it is a dud!

I'll report back once it arrives and I give it a go

It will do everything you require of it.

Originally Posted by jaacko

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.

I'm usually suspicious of cheap gear from the likes of Ali express, Temu etc... However, I've ordered a H25LR from Ali express. At $23 with free shipping, can't really go wrong even if it is a dud!

I'll report back once it arrives and I give it a go

Whoa.
That is a good price for a Sofirn headlamp. Well done.

I have 2 nitrcores a hc65 and 68, pretty sure one cost $130 other was $150. And a Sofirn hs21.
The Sofirn is really good for the money and i like it a lot, but i fond myself grabbing the notecores as i just
Like the control better, id rather push a button than twist the dial on the sofirn. Sofirn has a good
Lock out tho and the nitecores dont but i just twist battery cap a smidge and does same thing. My hc65 has had a hiding, prob done 100 nights shooting plus 1 year of sanding when gibstoping and painting, its still going strong. They are just really solid and well made. The hc68 is a bit brighter and has better flood.

Have found using a hand torch more useful. A mate put me onto the Rovyvon A8 (usbc), used it last trip, perfectly sufficient for what I do - 72 hour burn time in low light and usbc charging. Was using the Nitecore NU25UL (usbc), which now sits in my utility bag as a back up. Not going to wear you out...

I think I have one of most lights discussed here - a couple of Black Diamonds that take 3xAAA, Nitecore 1xAA, Sofirn H25LR, HS10, Fenix (can't remember model take 1x18650).

Fortunately have enough family members to justify the small box full of headlamps. If I have to pick one, its the H25LR. Next most commonly used by me is the small HS10, though battery life can be the issue. Has a really low "moonlight" mode which is great when you don't want to wake up others...

The BD ones often go out on tramps, camping, etc, simply because they have a lock function, are light and have enough battery life (Eneloop rechargeables) for 3-4 nights away camping. They are the kids go-too, unless there is likely to be some walking in the dark. The Fenix is now 2nd choice to the H25, simply because it feels alot heavier on your head.

For a backup its either the single AA Nitecore or more commonly now the Sofirn HS10 if I am carrying a powerbank as its both usb rechargeable, and a spare 16340 cell takes up next to no space.

I get 2nd hand (but good quality) 18650 3000-3400mAh cells for $2 each now, so they are my go-too option for whatever needs power.