headlamp with these features…

Ashley,

Check out the Zebralight H50-Q4 or Q5

It's a Flood only LED (no reflector)

It takes 1 x AA and is very light.

Battery life isn't as amazing as a PT Aurora, but it's an ultralighter's dream headlamp.

Ashley,

If you want to be even more confused, check this out. It will provide even more options, but lots of good, fairly objective tests available.

I use the BD Spot, which I quite like. 3AAA, unregulated, so should be okay with Lithiums. I generally use NiMH (Eneloops) and have no problems. Just be carefull that normal AAA rechargeables are charged fully, just before you go away, to minimise self discharge. Not a big problem with the Eneloops. Haven't tried any of the other new Ready to Use NiMH around (Energizer, Varta, Duracell?)

I made a cover for the lens, to prevent scratching in the pack. I find scratching of the lens really cuts down on the usable light output.

Rod

Thanks Nick, they look very cool. I've been wondering why there aren't a few more single AA batteries out there. Nice and light and the duration seems good too. Waterproofness is a bonus.

Now I just need to work out how bright a lumen is =-p

Thanks for the link Rod. I'll do some (more!) reading.

I'm curious about the BD Spot… I thought the reason that the Petzl's couldn't handle the lithiums was because they were unregulated, and the 3 AAAs provided too much juice for the LEDs to handle. Anyway I'll check it out and see what I can find out about using lithiums with it.

ps. I use eneloops all the time in my digital SLR. Been very impressed with the AA versions, but not so convinced by the AAA capacity (seems to die quite quickly in my mp3 player).

I have used every model of Petzl headlamp with only lithium batteries for as long as AAA and AA lithiums have been available. No problems at all.

Not that I am recomending others to do so, but I will continue to.

I really like the Tacttikka Adapt. It can be used with a belt clip, helmet mount or a headstrap.

The Black Dimond Spot is another favorite of mine.

Ed

Ashley,

Try this thread to check out both Lithiums and the BD Spot. Note the difference between the 07 and 08 models. I've had one of each, and the 08 is noticeable brighter. You might be pushing to pick it up in Oz. BD appears to push old stock over to us, probably assuming we can't comparison shop. still haven't seen a Deploy shovel here. There are certainly deals to be had online.

Rod

Just as a consideration: I've had an older Zipka, had the original batteries in it for 4-5 years before I replaced them. I used it pretty frequently. My guess is that the reported burn time is accurate.

Ashley,

I have the Petzl Tikka XP which Petzl says, "no lithium" but burn times are extremely long. I also have a Princeton Tec EOS which will to lithiums. They are both the exact same weight. My EOS has a third, over-the-head band which can be removed and not missed to shave a few grams. The EOS is brighter than the Tikka XP but, the XP is more versatile around camp as it has a diffuser.

Of course, a diffuser can be fashioned for any lamp; see Jim Wood's instructions at http://www.jwbasecamp.com

I have had my Tikka Plus for 4 years now and still have the original batteries in it. The times seem about right. I also wouldn't fret about lithium batteries, LEDs are pretty tough. If it were a bulb light it might be different though…

Petzl, to my knowledge, has never detailed the reason behind their prohibition of Li cells in their flashlights, but there have been a number of anecdotal heat-related Petzl headlamp failures so it's pretty safe to infer that Li cell's initial high (1.6V or so) output (4.8V total) can overdrive the LEDs.

I'd specifically avoid their use in the XP-series headlamps, with their boost mode. I'm personally less concerned with their 5mm LED lights and lithium cells. But I've pretty much switched over to NiMH cells so I always know I'm leaving home with fresh batteries in case I get stuck with extended night hiking (which happens more often than I like admitting).

The good ol' PT Eos gets along famously with Li cells, and is my standard recommendation for a quality, cold-weather headlamp. You have to DIY a diffuser to match the Tikka XP's versatility.

Having done some more reading I'm very tempted by the zebralight H50. The only downside is that it is a "flood-only" light… it spreads light very evenly over 120 degrees, which is pretty much most of your field of view. I can imagine this would be excellent for use in camp, and for close up use such as reading. The only downside is that the "throw" of the light isn't so good… as you would expect, since it floods so widely. Not so good for route-finding in the dark then, or for spotting animals creeping around your bear bag, but you can't have everything right?

A perfect version of this lamp for me would have a second bulb (perhaps at the opposite end) with a more focussed beam for when you need it.

Ashley,

I've owned the Zebralight H50 and can personally attest to the usefulness of the Flood only beam. It's absolutely perfect for in-camp chores as you suggested. The High setting allows for slow paced hiking but the battery life on high isn't that great since there is only one AA.

If you're willing to wait… Zebralight is developing a new model, the H51 which is the H50 with a reflector, thus providing the much needed 'throw'. I can't wait till this one comes out, which is when it'll replace my PT Aurora.

Good luck, and make sure to check out candlepowerforums if you really want to get into researching flashlights/headlamps. The community there is HUGE!

Ooh, bingo! Thanks Nick. That would fit the bill perfectly.

After a bit more searching, it seems they are producing both a H501 and an H51. The H51 is going to be a headlamp with a reflector, whilst the H501 is going to be the same as the H30 but will run on AA batteries.

Sounds like the H501 will be perfect. 80 degree flood (compared to 120 for the H50) and a push switch rather than a twisty. The H51 should be interesting too.

Anyway, I can certainly wait since I have the Tikka Plus for now. Methinks it will be going on ebay when those new zebralights arrive though!

Yeah, Those Frogs that make PETZLs haven't figured out how to make circuitry compatable with lithium batteries. Use lithium batteries and their circuits fry.
Just one more reason I don't like PETZL lights.

Eric

Ashley, I have a Petzl e+Lite which I find to work fabulously around camp.

-Uses lithium batteries
-Has white and red light modes
-Has more than one output level
-Lasts 45 hours
-Weighs less than 1 ounce.

They call this an emergency headlamp but it serves as my main headlamp when around camp cooking and getting ready for bed. I don’t usually stay up too late once it’s dark so the specified 45 hour burn time seems plenty to me.