Which headlamp to choose: selection criteria

Headlamps fit comfortably on your head and do not limit freedom of movement in any way. At the same time, they fully fulfill their task, take up little space and are practically not felt during operation. However, not all models are really high quality. Therefore, before purchasing, you should figure out which headlamp to choose. Basic tips for choosing and ranking the best models can be found in the material presented.

Tips for choosing

At first glance, it seems that the device is quite simple, so understanding its characteristics is not difficult. But modern models have a large number of functions. The instructions on how to choose a headlamp look like this.

Power

This is the most important indicator, since the intensity of lighting depends on it. Essentially, we are talking about the strength of the luminous flux, which is measured in lumens (lm). One of the best ways to choose a headlamp involves rating the power in numbers:

• a flux of 200-400 lm can be assessed as average - it may not be enough in very dark places and rooms;
• a flux of 500-700 lm is bright enough, it will be enough for any purpose;
• the intensity of 700-1000 lm is very high - such devices are more expensive, but they provide very bright light.

If you think about how to choose a flashlight, it is better to choose devices with a lighting intensity of 500-700 lm.They are optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. In addition, more powerful models heat up very much and discharge faster.

Housing material

Based on this parameter, the choice of headlamp can be associated with 2 types - aluminum and plastic. The latter option is more convenient, including during outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, long walks). In addition, devices in a plastic case are lighter in weight - they are practically not felt on the head. But it is worth keeping in mind that such flashlights are not as powerful as aluminum ones.

As for the metal case, we can say that these are professional models. They are often used in extreme conditions, for example by mountain climbers. Choosing a headlamp with an aluminum body is advisable for long hikes in difficult conditions. It is worth keeping in mind that they are more expensive than plastic ones.

Type of shell

Choosing a flashlight is also related to studying the type of housing, since ease of use directly depends on this. Today there are 2 main types:

1. Monoblock - all elements form a common structure. This is the most common type.
2. Remote unit - there is a basic structure with a lamp, and the battery is placed, for example, in a pocket and connected via a cable. Thanks to this, the design remains lightweight.

Nutrition

Choosing a headlamp must take into account your dietary needs. Some devices run on batteries, but it is better to purchase a battery-powered model. Moreover, its capacity should be sufficient for long-term operation. It is optimal if one charge is enough for a period of 2-8 hours.

Operating modes

Most devices operate in 3-4 modes:

• powerful lighting;
• average;
• muted;
• flashing.

There are also simpler models that illuminate only in one mode. They are inexpensive and are often used at home. But they are not suitable for professional tasks.

Lighting range

A rechargeable headlamp is typically more powerful compared to battery-powered devices. The flow intensity can be estimated by the illumination range:

• low beam;
• further;
• combined.

The latter type is considered optimal, since these are inexpensive models that solve all the main problems. They provide a backlight range of 200-300 m. Devices with low beam only work up to 100-150 m. The most powerful flashlights illuminate up to 1000-1500 m, i.e. actually more than a kilometer. They are optimal for mountain hiking.

Rating of the best models

After reviewing the buying tips, you can figure out which headlamp to choose. If you evaluate the technical parameters, as well as user reviews, you will get this rating.

Phoenix HM61R

This is one of the best models. Equipped with Luminus SST40 LED, which provides brightness up to 1200 lm. If you are considering how to choose a powerful rechargeable LED headlamp at a reasonable price, you should pay attention to this device. It will help both at home and on the go. The lighting range is within 145 m.

Main characteristics;

• battery powered;
• duration up to 12 hours;
• 8 operating modes;
• range up to 140 m;
• weight 100 g.

ZOOM Beeling

LED device with a very powerful lens. Gives a neutral and fairly bright white light. The main parameters are:

• flow intensity 220 lm;

• range up to 400 m;
• number of operating modes: 4;
• impact-resistant housing made of plastic and metal;
• duration up to 5 hours;
• weight 300 g;
• battery powered.

If you figure out how to choose a headlamp for a hike, it will become obvious that this model will not work. The fact is that the battery is not capacious enough, so the maximum operating time on one charge is only 5 hours.

Bright Beam LH-500 “ENOT”

On the one hand, you can design a headlamp with your own hands. But a homemade assembly will still not be of high quality. In terms of reliability, the “ENOT” model stands out. The device is produced in an aluminum housing. The head is lined with elastic material, making it more comfortable to use.

The main characteristics are:

• brightness up to 500 lm;
• range up to 50 m;
• number of modes: 3;
• work on one charge up to 3 hours;
• battery powered.

Xiaomi NexTool NE20002

This is not the most powerful headlamp, the flow intensity is only 170 ohms. However, thanks to the capacious battery, the operating time reaches 18 hours. The device is suitable for home use due to the following characteristics:

• LED source;
• intensity 170 lm;
• range up to 30 m;
• operating modes: 4;
• plastic body;
• operating time on one charge up to 17 hours;
• weight 42 g.

ERA GB-601

One of the best models in the budget segment. Works on an LED lamp in 3 modes. The main parameters are:

• intensity 150 lm;
• range up to 25 m;
• plastic body;
• Operating time on one charge up to 8 hours;
• weight 87 g.

Forehead flashlights are compact and easy to mount. Almost all models weigh within 100 g and can work continuously for up to 4-12 hours. But it is worth keeping in mind that low-power devices with a luminous flux of up to 500 lm are suitable only for domestic use.Professional models should create a flow of 500-700 lm or more.