Recommend a decent headlamp please.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

OK so at the moment I'm using a cheapy Energiser headlamp on my bike helmet (it was free!) and I'm quite sold on the idea now as it work's really well when riding a bicycle

It does however have a couple of faults

One is that it eats batteries 3 aaa to be precise, and you get about 10 hours run time out of them

Second is that although the spill is brilliant the actual power is less so

So I'm after a head lamp that'll run off one or two AA's, have a good spill (very important) not too powerful, good runtime and be reliable, robust and totally waterproof

Thanks in advance guy's

[Mr. Whippy]

You might look at Petzl's lineup.  I like their headlamps. I have a Tikka plus, but it also uses 3 AAA's.   

Petzl pro line

Petzl sport line

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thanks mate

I'm not anti AAA, it's just that you seldom get the runtime with them

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I'm quite liking these two...
http://www.heinnie.com/Flashlights/Fenix/Fenix-HL20-Headlight/p-97-403-4820/

http://www.heinnie.com/Flashlights/Fenix/Fenix-HP10-Headlight/p-97-403-4575/

I'm leaning towards the HL20 on account of it using a single cell However it's minimum setting is a tad weedy, and medium is just a bit too pokey

The HP10 is definetly a much more flexible bit of kit, but is a lot more bulky, and need's four cell's.

So more suggestion's are definitely needed

[AddictedToTools]

I have a Petzl MYO XP. It's expensive, but it is EXTREMELY bright. It also runs on AA batteries, which seem to last okay.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I'll add it to the list mate

[zepla]

I've got this (through here actually) and works great for me. They have other models as well.

http://princetontec.com/?q=node/60

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

OOh i like that

[NutSAK]

A 3AAA setup is actually more efficient than a 2AA one.  I'll spare you the details as to why  I suggest sticking to 3AAA and running Eneloops.

I assume you're going to want something with a little throw, since you're cycling with it.  I recommend the Princeton Tec EOS:

http://princetontec.com/?q=node/118

[Shane769]

Personal preference is the Black Diamond headlamps, specifically the BD Spot. Runs on 3 AAA's, but has a ridiculous run time, 200 hours for the main LED, or 145 for the triple smaller LEDs.

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/spot


Also, the Sprinter looks nice by them too, has a flashing red back bulb, which might be handy for you

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/sprinter

[jzmtl]

Meh, you are on a bike, get a big one. I have the princeton tec apex extreme, 8 AA in remote pouch so actually quite light on head, will run literally all night long on maximum mode, at full power too because it's extremely well heatsinked.

http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/119

If you want something smaller EOS is great on eneloop, I've been using one daily for the past few days building a TV antenna.

Alternatively have you considered a bike mounted one?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

A 3AAA setup is actually more efficient than a 2AA one.  I'll spare you the details as to why  I suggest sticking to 3AAA and running Eneloops.

I assume you're going to want something with a little throw, since you're cycling with it.  I recommend the Princeton Tec EOS:

http://princetontec.com/?q=node/118

Thanks

Oh and I do run it on eneloops

So the Princeton's seem to be well thought of

[John]

How about one from zebralight?
http://www.zebralight.com/

or if you really want to splash out 

the surefire minimus saint 
http://www.surefire.com/SaintMinimusHS2-A-BK

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well the Princeton Eos seem's to have he best overall price/performance ratio so far

[jzmtl]

Even the H60 on max you can't see more than ten feet in front of you, so probably not best for bike. Besides I had some bad experience with both manufacturer and dealer so I'm done with that brand.

[Zed]

Ive used smart battery pack lights for about 7 years now, i charge and forget, plus there is two front lights , i only use 1 and thats the lower powdered one, but with both on there great off road at night,back light i use one of the small red LED flashers,   

[Kmarr]

I'm with nutsak on the Princeton Tec EOS. 
The specs on the site don't seem to be the same when I bought it. It says 70 lumens and when I got it, it was 50...idk what to tell you about that.

I went hiking and it ended up to be a total washout. I was prepared however- Ziplock bags for anything and everything that can't get wet, regular grocery bags for clothes and mummy bag, The only electronics I had were my Casio tank phone(waterproof) and Eos(also waterproof).  I was able to use both and not worry, I even fell in a stream and it was fine.

If you can go waterproof, DO IT. I'd gladly sacrifice a 1000 megapixel camera for silicone waterproofing in my phone. I would've spend quadruple the amount on replacement phones if it wasn't!

[cerbera147]

Is this the one you have Mike?

I've had one for a while and love it. Only problem is the kids think I look like a miner or a huge bug / alien when the red lights are on 

[Benner]

FWIW Mike, I too have been thinking it's time for a headlamp and for various reasons had whittled them all down to Petzl and Princeton Tec.

[JohnD]

Petzl tactikka would be my choice mate,i have one. However the only use it sees is in the woods   

[jzmtl]

Still, EOS is a bit dim for cycling isn't it?

[Benner]

After saying my last post, any thoughts on Silva lamps?

[Gadget Guy]

FWIW Mike, I too have been thinking it's time for a headlamp and for various reasons had whittled them all down to Petzl and Princeton Tec.

Ben, you won't believe this but I have a Petzl for you with a case no less. I don't need it since I got the Surefire. I'll send it to you next week.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Even the H60 on max you can't see more than ten feet in front of you, so probably not best for bike. Besides I had some bad experience with both manufacturer and dealer so I'm done with that brand.

Yeah I remember you posting about it

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Still, EOS is a bit dim for cycling isn't it?

Not really

I only need to light up a 6-10ft spot about 20ft away, with enough light to see the bigger pot holes (our roads are appalling)

Anything too powerful, and you can get stopped and have your light's confiscated and then fined

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

After saying my last post, any thoughts on Silva lamps?

What one mate?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Is this the one you have Mike?

I've had one for a while and love it. Only problem is the kids think I look like a miner or a huge bug / alien when the red lights are on 

(Image removed from quote.)

Nope, but fairly similar

[Swiss Man]

Sorry just had too......    Oh I thought you said "pair of headlamps"

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

What batteries do they take

And is it a clicky switch to turn them on?

[Benner]

After saying my last post, any thoughts on Silva lamps?

What one mate?

That question was to those in the know for your benefit.