Choosing the right headlamp can be overwhelming with so many options available. This review dives into ten of the best headlamps of 2018, offering a detailed comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you're a seasoned hiker tackling demanding trails, a casual camper needing reliable illumination, or a professional requiring robust performance, this guide covers a range of headlamps designed for diverse applications and budgets. We'll examine key features like brightness, battery life, durability, weight, and special functionalities like red light modes and USB charging.This comprehensive review analyzes each headlamp's strengths and weaknesses, providing an unbiased assessment to aid your decision-making process. From ultralight options for backpacking to high-lumen powerhouses for extreme conditions, we've evaluated each model based on performance, build quality, and user experience. Our detailed comparisons will allow you to weigh the pros and cons of each headlamp, enabling you to choose the one that best suits your specific requirements and lifestyle.
Pros And Cons
- Favorite of experts
- Low price
- Long battery life
- Convenient one-tab dimming function
- Sold in five different colors
- Safe to 3 feet underwater
- Reliable and affordable
- Great for home maintenance, camping, and emergency kits
- Holds up in bad weather
- Available in six bold colors
- Offers plenty of features for the cost
- Not the very brightest
- Small and lightweight
- Scant three ounces
- Long battery life
- High beam and flood settings
- Good choice for kids
- Lacks a red night vision mode
- One-piece body machined from solid bar of aluminum
- Professional-grade heatsink technology
- Hard anodized outdoor finish
- Fully waterproof to two meters
- Runs on a single double-A battery
Read more: Headlamp Review: Black Diamond, Petzl, Coast & More - Best Hunting Headlamps 2024
Black Diamond Icon: A Powerful Trail Companion
The Black Diamond Icon boasts impressive features for trail use, including a rear-mounted battery pack and IP67 dust and moisture protection. Its variable red-green-blue night-vision lighting is a unique selling point. However, some users report that its brightness isn't as advertised, and coil whine is an issue in some units.
The well-balanced design makes it easy to operate, but the inconsistencies in brightness and the coil whine issue detract from the overall user experience. For users prioritizing reliability and consistent performance, this might not be the top choice.
Pencil Elight: Compact and Convenient Auxiliary Light
The Pencil Elight shines as a versatile auxiliary light, perfect for tasks like cooking or setting up camp. Its long shelf life without power drain makes it ideal for emergency kits in vehicles or homes.
Submersible to three feet and resistant to extreme temperatures, it's durable and reliable. However, its compact size and lower brightness mean it's not suited for primary trail use. This is best suited for supplemental lighting in specific situations.
Phoenix HP 30 R: Unrivaled Brightness for High-Adventure
Designed for demanding situations, the Phoenix HP 30 R delivers exceptional brightness—up to 1750 lumens in burst mode—making it suitable for challenging environments like cave exploration or search and rescue. Its integrated USB charging capability is a useful addition.
However, this headlamp comes at a premium price compared to other options on the list. The cost might be a barrier for casual users but is justified by its extreme brightness and reliability in difficult conditions.
Coast FL 75: Simple Operation and High-Quality Beam
The Coast FL 75 simplifies operation with separate buttons for red and white LEDs, providing convenient selection without cycling through modes. The high-quality beam is easy on the eyes, striking a balance in brightness and comfort.
Its mid-range pricing and ANSI FL1 compliance make it a solid choice. However, it's heavier than some comparable models which could be a negative aspect for long duration use.
Petzl Tikkina: Ultralight and Functional
The Petzl Tikkina is a favorite among ultralight backpackers, owing to its incredibly compact size and light weight—a mere three ounces. Its impressive battery life is a considerable advantage for long trips.
While functional with high beam and flood settings, the lack of a red night vision mode may be a drawback for some users. Its suitability is geared toward users prioritising weight and efficiency over advanced features.
Black Diamond Cosmo: Eco-Friendly and Versatile
The Black Diamond Cosmo stands out with its environmentally friendly design, utilizing a microUSB charging cable and offering compatibility with AAA batteries. Its three-level battery meter is a handy feature.
The inclusion of two variable white bulbs is a plus, although charging time is relatively long. The use of a rechargeable battery and the option to use standard AAA batteries improves flexibility.
ZebraLight H600Fc: Durable and High-Performance
The ZebraLight H600Fc impresses with its robust construction, featuring a one-piece body machined from solid aluminum and professional-grade heatsink technology. Its hard-anodized finish and waterproof design add to its durability.
This headlamp runs on a single AA battery and offers excellent performance and reliability. Its high build quality justifies its higher price point and makes it suitable for demanding situations.
Fenix HL60R: Consistent Output and Unmatched Durability
The Fenix HL60R distinguishes itself through high-end voltage control for consistent output throughout the battery's life. Its durable construction and one-meter waterproofing make it ideal for rugged environments.
A commercial-grade Cree diode and a quick two-hour charge time further enhance its appeal. This is designed for demanding environments and performance but comes at a higher price.
NITECORE HC60: Reliable and Affordable Choice
The NITECORE HC60 offers a compelling blend of reliability and affordability, suitable for various applications including home maintenance, camping, and emergency preparedness. While not the brightest option, its value proposition makes it hard to ignore.
Its weather resistance and diverse color options add to its appeal. Overall, it's a strong budget-friendly option for users who need a simple and reliable headlamp for everyday use.
Black Diamond Spot: A Long-Standing Favorite
The Black Diamond Spot, a long-time favorite among professionals, maintains its position at the top due to its effective performance and long battery life. Its simple design and affordability are key selling points.
The convenient one-tab dimming function and five color options add to its appeal. Water resistance adds to its overall dependability and makes it a popular choice for casual and professional users.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Headlamp
The best headlamp depends on individual needs and priorities. For high-brightness and rugged use, the Phoenix HP 30R stands out, while the Petzl Tikkina is ideal for ultralight backpacking. Budget-conscious buyers might prefer the NITECORE HC60, whereas the Black Diamond Spot remains a reliable and versatile all-rounder.
Consider factors like brightness, battery life, durability, weight, and features such as red light mode and USB charging when making your decision. The range of options in the video caters to different preferences and usage requirements.