In today's market what would you purchase for a headlamp for ultra racing? I ask because I don't live near any running stores and will be making the purchase online. How many lumens does one really want/need?

dc

I have the Petzl Actik, it doesn't auto adjust like the Reactik, but it's cheaper. I use a Nathan flashlight as well, that does 200 lumens. Depends on how technical the trails are. Brighter isn't always better either, because everything just gets washed out, and battery life won't be as long. Good to have a back up, especially if you're out there alone

I try to get the most lumens with the least wight and the longest battery life. That usually works out to the single strap, 3 AAA battery style.  I've had Petzel models, but currently using a Black Diamond Spot.  The newer Spots have 300 lumens are light weight and cost about $30.  I also use a small lightweight handheld for the different light angles on technical trails.

I got the Black Diamond Icon ($50 at the Hardrock merch table - probably $75 retail).  It claims something like 70 hours on the brightest setting (500 lumens?).  Being stupid, I turned it on and off a couple times and then used it through 2 nights of the Ouray 100 a couple days later.  One set of batteries got me through both nights no problem.  I tested the batteries afterwards and they were low, so I doubt the 70 hour claim but still this is the first headlamp I've tried that has lasted 2 nights.  Easy to use, not light but not horribly heavy, bright, long-lasting.  Also, less disconcerting than the flickering reactive stuff from Petzl (my previous favorite headlamp).  E.g. when I reach up to scratch my nose, the light doesn't suddenly dim.