RunningAHEAD - Topic: headlamp help

staunen2

Otium cum dignitate

posted: 11/4/2008 at 6:10 PM

I did a Forum search for info on a new head lamp and all I found was a recommendation for the Tikka XP which was described as being pretty bright, but pricey. I'm especially concerned about twisting an ankle in an unseen pot hole or the like and the Princeton Tek Aurora and the Tikka Plus I've used in the past just don't seem bright enough anymore (even on the highest settings and with new batteries). I'll fork out the cabbage for the XP if I have to, but I'd just as soon not; so: any suggestions?

xor

posted: 11/4/2008 at 6:20 PM
modified: 11/4/2008 at 6:22 PM

Yes. Ditch the headlamp and go with a handheld. Google "Fenix Q5" for a few great ideas. See the concurrent "Running in the dark!" thread over in General Running for my reasoning. My handheld is way brighter than my headlamps and possesses lots of other goodness that keeps me out of holes and piles of horse poop. (I could link it, but I'm lazy)

digitalguy3

posted: 11/4/2008 at 10:43 PM

I use a 5 LED headlamp I got at Harbor Freight for $5. Works great and puts out alot of light. Bob http://bobrunner.blogspot.com

NateFromRI

posted: 11/5/2008 at 9:07 AM

I use the Princeton Tec Fuel head lamp (http://www.rei.com/product/760307). It is small, comfortable, bright and fairly inexpensive.

-------------------------------------
5K - 18:25 - 3/19/11
10K - 39:38 - 12/13/09
1/2 - 1:29:38 - 5/30/10
Full - 3:45:40 - 5/27/07

Run To Win

#2867

posted: 11/5/2008 at 10:24 AM

I got a cheap LL Bean branded petzl headlamp that works great.

Run to Win
25 Marathons, 17 Ultras, 16 States (Full List)

Happyfeet

posted: 11/5/2008 at 10:31 AM

A handheld would be my choice, no worrying about wether it is tight enough, no sweaty headband at the end of the run, Can point it in the direction I want to (especially when running trails), and generally a lot cheaper. Plus you'll look a lot less like a lit christmas tree, since I also wear a blinky light on my arm

staunen2

Otium cum dignitate

posted: 11/5/2008 at 5:46 PM

I may try a hand held (though I've never been bothered by a head lamp) and will certainly check out LL Bean. Thanks for the advice, folks.

Mr Medic

Running Dad

posted: 11/5/2008 at 7:04 PM

Rayovac, Walmart, 12$ I think. 3 settings, including white and red led. Puts out more than enough light to avoid anything.

Things to do this year:
Not get an injury
Things done this year:
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invisible

posted: 11/5/2008 at 7:18 PM

I use the Tikka XP. It gets a lot of non running use, as well.

90 percent of the game is not giving up.

howiezee3

posted: 11/14/2008 at 12:34 PM

I've sold hundreds of headlamps(it's a regular xmass gift top ten) ,if you want a good beam of light ahead with a nice fan patern up short .Try the black diamond spot .For comfort ,shop for a good flat strap ,no extra battery packs (some have A pack on the back ) and get one that uses the real small batterys AAA's .If it has tilt ,make sure it will stay locked in place.

Ann-V

posted: 11/15/2008 at 7:56 AM

Quote from xor on 11/4/2008 at 6:20 PM:

Ditch the headlamp and go with a handheld.

My problem with a headlamp, is that I have to move my head to illuminate the spot I want to see. With a handheld, it's much easier to point in the right direction. No headlamp for me anymore...

Running in Belgium
Ann

howiezee3

posted: 11/18/2008 at 9:41 AM

Check out a good camping store Eastern Mt. Sports or REI that has some headlamps on display .You will see that the reflectors in them have gotten quite sophisticated .Like a cars headlight the reflector shapes a pattern of light .I think that you can find one with a good pattern for running .Me I need my hands free to blow my nose Wink

headlamp help (Read 854 times)