Choosing a headlamp, at first glance, is a simple matter. But, as soon as you start to go deeper, many technical parameters pop up, which are quite difficult to understand. We have collected all the information you need to know to choose a quality headlamp. We ranked the best rechargeable headlamps in 2022.
Before you buy a flashlight, you need to decide on the purposes of its use, because modern illuminators are:
Depending on where and how the device will be used, you need to select models with different battery capacities and mounting types, with varying degrees of protection against water and dust, with and without brightness and range adjustment.The main task and advantage of a headlamp is to free the wearer's hands to make it easier to perform any task, both indoors and outdoors.
Our rating of headlamps will be based on the type of use of the device.
Content
This rating includes flashlights that have the most durable body, with a good degree of protection against water and various dirt and sand. Also the decisive factor was the capacity of the battery and aperture ratio. The device should work as long as possible on a single charge and illuminate the space over a long distance. Let's start the rating with budget models, gradually moving to more expensive ones.
The flashlight is made of durable alloy with the addition of aluminum. It has a wide range of diode tilt angle. Budget model with a good luminous flux of 1200 lumens. The battery is removable, 18650 format. You can charge without removing the battery from the case. Another plus, a fluorescent ring around the LED that glows, the device is easy to find in pitch darkness.A convenient option when outdoors you need to quickly find a browband after dark. From the forehead, you can also charge gadgets, for example, a mobile phone. The device is quite weighty 295 grams, but due to the convenient fastening in the form of three wide, adjustable elastic bands, it feels comfortable on the head. In general, a good budget option, designed for short outings into nature.
5 working light modes
Technical specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
Housing material | aluminum alloy |
Light-emitting diode | CREE XM-L2 |
Diode life | over 100,000 hours |
Beam power | 1200lm |
The weight | 295 gr |
Given the price of the device, about $ 10-15 on Aliexpress, you can miss the shortcomings and errors in the design.
One of the most successful and interesting models of headlamps from the Fenix brand. This is an inexpensive option, but low price does not mean poor functionality. Hundreds of rave reviews from consumers prove otherwise. Fenix HL55 is a powerful model that runs on a single 18650 li-ion battery. Power and light brightness adjustment modes will help save battery power, the maximum use of the resource occurs in 900 lumens turbo mode.The device will be useful for those who lead an active lifestyle, often choose nature, are fond of hunting, rock climbing. In economy mode, it shines up to 150 hours at a distance of 115 meters. The mode switch button is located on the case, it is convenient to get it with one hand. The body of the flashlight is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is very durable. At the same time, the weight of the flashlight is only 115 grams. There is nothing superfluous on the body, a minimalistic design without protruding and hanging wires. For comfortable illumination of the desired space, the lamp can be rotated 80 degrees up and down.
Flashlight operating time in different modes:
Specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
Illuminator weight | 115 gr (without power supply) |
Moisture protection | IPX-8 standard |
Housing material | aviation aluminum |
Lighting range | 116 m |
Maximum brightness | 900 lumens |
Light-emitting diode | Cree XM-L2 (T6) |
The third generation of this headband turned out to be even more functionally rich than the previous versions of PANDA 2R, Unicorn. The case looks strictly and concisely, quite small, only 83mm. There are two control buttons on the top. There are complaints from users that the buttons are rather tight, but this is rather a plus, the system will not fail for a long time if dust or debris gets in, since there is no play in the button mounts. The right button is responsible for turning off and selecting the brightness, the left button is for switching lighting modes.Management is logical and simple, you can quickly master. The weight of the flashlight with the battery is approximately 110 grams, and due to the soft fasteners, the device is not noticeable on the head. Despite the lightness, it is almost impossible to damage the case, it is externally assembled perfectly, without gaps and backlashes. Waterproof IPX 8. Powered by a 18650 li-ion battery. The flashlight is protected from overheating in the maximum brightness boost mode. Type of lighting, neutral, close to solar.
4 operating modes
There is also a hidden mode - up to 36 hours - 20 lm.
Technical specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
The weight | 110 gr (with battery) |
Moisture protection | IPX8 |
light range | 118 m |
Light flow | 1100 lumens |
Light-emitting diode | Cree XP-L HI and XP-G3 |
The new Nitecore HC65 differs from similar models by a 180-degree rotation angle and a 3400 mAh capacitive battery. Also a feature of the model is considered to be a red LED with a power of 11 lumens. The flashlight gives a red glow both in a constant stream and signal. The control button is located on the side, quite massive and protected by a rubberized coating.Pressing occurs smoothly, effortlessly, due to the large size of the button, even when wearing gloves, switching modes is convenient and fast. The HC65 differs from the HC60 in its modern heat dissipation technology, the ATR chip distributes heat evenly throughout the case, which allows you to maintain the health of the entire device for a longer time. The body is shockproof and waterproof (IPX8 protection level, can be submerged in water to a depth of 2 meters.) You can charge the battery without disassembling the device through the micro usb hole. The manufacturer has provided protection for the connector from moisture with a special rubber plug.
Operating modes:
Specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
Housing material | machined aluminum (anodized) |
Waterproof | IPX8 |
Maximum brightness | 1000 lm |
Light range | 110 m |
Light-emitting diode | Cree XM-L2 U2+RED LED |
The fresh Outdoor line was created specifically for outdoor enthusiasts. IP54 moisture protection class will allow you not to be afraid of breakage even in heavy rain. In the new model, the company has implemented such engineering solutions as magnetic charging, bluetooth module.Magnetic charging is good because there are no usb cords (which are prone to breakage), the charging process is faster and more comfortable. The bluetooth module allows you to program and control the flashlight directly from your smartphone. Application installation required. In addition, Led Lenser MH11 Outdoor automatically adjusts the brightness and range of lighting depending on environmental conditions. The optical sensor Optisense is responsible for the adjustment. The flashlight can shine over long distances up to 320 m.
4 brightness modes:
Specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
The weight | 197 gr |
Brightness maximum | 1000lm |
Country of brand registration | Germany |
Charging method | magnetic charging |
Max run time | up to 100 hours |
Light beam distance | 320 m |
Moisture protection | IP54 |
For hiking, fishing or hunting, pick up flashlights in a rugged housing, as they will work in different weather conditions. Another distinguishing characteristic of the headband for nature is the range of the beam, the presence of adjustment of the direction of the beam and the dispersion of light. For extreme hikes in the mountains, the headlamp must have a sos function (which is intended for emergency situations).
In addition, a tourist forehead should be light and comfortable, securely fixed on the head or helmet. Have high power to clearly see the route at a long distance, even in pitch darkness. There should be different lighting modes, from distant diffused light, to red light for lighting in a tent.
It was these criteria that were taken into account when considering models with a head mount.
If you have to repair a room without electricity or work is related to the security of the room at night, the headband will become an indispensable assistant.
When choosing a flashlight for working indoors, one important parameter should be taken into account - the glow time of the device on a single charge. Great brightness in the room is not needed, diffused light is needed to cover and see the nearest space well. Consider the devices that best meet the requirements. Let's start with budget manufacturers.
Lightweight, comfortable, rechargeable headband, good for indoor and outdoor use, versatile device. The model is very light, weighing only 69 grams. On a single charge, it works for about 4 hours, the luminous flux dispersion function helps to clearly and clearly see the workspace within a radius of 80 m. The angle of the diode is adjustable to conveniently illuminate the desired points. The case is made of plastic, the strength leaves much to be desired, but shock resistance does not play a big role for working in a closed space, the main thing is good light, and the Storm Force model copes with this perfectly.
Technical specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
Maximum brightness | 110lm |
light range | 80 m |
Food | built-in battery |
Operating time without recharging | 3.5 hours |
Housing material | plastic |
The weight | 69 g |
This model is popular, it works on AAA power sources and a rechargeable CORE battery. Batteries are more than enough for work in dark rooms. The flashlight itself with batteries is very light and almost not noticeable when worn, because the weight is 92 grams. Three LEDs can work at maximum and give out 300 lumens. In economy mode, about 200 hours can work, which is more than enough.
The high level of build quality guarantees stable operation of the flashlight for 5 years (manufacturer's warranty). The case has protection against moisture ingress, which means that you can turn it on with wet hands without fear of a short circuit or moisture getting inside the board. Adjusting the tilt of the LED allows you to change the angle of illumination and shines at the point you need at the moment.
Operating modes and brightness:
Specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
Number of diodes | 3 pcs |
Maximum Glow | 300lm |
Source of power | battery or AAA batteries |
The weight | 92 gr |
Our rating has already included the older model of the Fenix headband, but it is more suitable for outdoor use, but the HL15 will be an excellent option for working in a dark room. The illuminator is light, weighs 60 g, is conveniently fastened and is not felt at all on the head. Adjusting the lighting modes will allow you to choose the optimal brightness for working with nearby objects and illuminate the far area of the room. Maximum light in turbo mode up to 200 lumens on AAA mini-AA batteries. Two control buttons are responsible for the operation of two diodes. By pressing one button, you can block or adjust one of the diodes. The model is protected from overheating, after 3 minutes of operation in turbo mode, heat is automatically redistributed, removing the main heat from the diodes, thereby ensuring a long service life.
Specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
The weight | 60 grams |
Housing material | plastic and aluminum |
Power type | AAA batteries |
Case protection degree | IP67 (splash proof) |
Diode brightness | 200lm |
Operating time at medium brightness | up to 170 hours |
Also consider a few universal headlamps with maximum power. Such spotlights are considered universal and are used in any conditions.
In 2022, the best models of headlamps with maximum power are:
Equipped with three light sources, the central one is the most powerful and two side ones.The inclination of the lamp relative to the head can be adjusted by turning it 90 degrees. Two 18650 batteries ensure continuous operation of the device at maximum light output up to 4 hours and on average up to 7 hours. The maximum light output is 1000 lumens. The flashlight can be charged from a 220v network and from a 12v car charger. Perfect for lovers of night hunting and hiking.
Operating modes:
Technical specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
Number of diodes | 3 pcs |
Brightness maximum | 1000lm |
Food | 18650 battery |
Charging method | from 220v, from 12v |
Material | metal and plastic |
Heavy duty headlight, one of the best in its segment in terms of price - quality. Equipped with five diodes, it will provide brightness of 6000 lumens at a distance of 1000 meters. Continuous operation at maximum brightness is about 2 hours (on 6800mah batteries that come with the kit). An excellent bonus from the manufacturer, moisture protection of internal elements, you can not be afraid that the headlight will fail when splashed and rained.
Specifications
Options | Characteristics |
---|---|
LEDs | 1 x Cree XM-L T6 + 4 Cree XP-E |
Lighting brightness | 6000lm |
Source of power | two 18650 batteries (6800 mah) |
Weight without batteries | 300 gr |
Lighting range | 1000 m |
Producing country | China |
We've rounded up the best headlamps for 2022 for you. Before you buy one of them, decide on the purpose of the device. If you need a lighting fixture for occasional use to light your way in the dark, choose a budget Chinese model from AliExpress, without many additional options. If you need a headlight for frequent use, for many years - look at the quality, do not save money, it is better to give preference to branded equipment with a high degree of protection against water and shock, which will last at least five years.