Headlamp test. Testing PETZL headlamps. Black Diamond Spot – apocalyptic

The need for a compact light source most often arises when hiking. It is best to use headlamps for lighting purposes. models will help you choose a flashlight that suits you in all respects. But first, let's talk about how to choose these compact devices.

Why is it needed?

The headlamp can be used at camping or at home. Its main purpose is to provide hands-free lighting. Some models are complemented by different functionality, but in general the devices are compact in size and have limited functionality. In an extreme situation, headlamps can also act as a signaling device, especially if they can operate in strobe or SOS mode.

What characteristics are important?

You need to take into account many parameters when choosing the rating, which we will compile below, will be based on several important characteristics:

• Brightness: this parameter is responsible for the visibility range. An exceptional beam range is not needed if you need to illuminate something at arm's length. But if the forehead protector will be used as a means of surveillance and security, you need to choose a more powerful device.
• Lighting range: in order for the light to be sufficient, the flashlight must operate in general flood or directional light mode. A flood light can illuminate an entire camp, while a directed light can illuminate a distant object.
• Battery life: in extreme situations, it is important that the charge is used sparingly. In this case, it is better to choose headbands equipped with a white or red LED.

Additionally, headlamps should be comfortable, especially if you plan on hiking at night for a long time. The weight of the devices depends on the number of LEDs and the type of battery.

What about the influence of the external environment?

Depending on the operating conditions, waterproofness and impact resistance may be important characteristics. Many headlamps meet these requirements. The IP rating indicates the level of protection against ingress of contaminants and the degree of protection of the device. In such models, electronic and mechanical parts are reliably protected from dust and liquids. The best camping lantern should be resistant to rain and short-term immersion. Another rating - IK - talks about the protection of flashlights from mechanical influences and shows how much energy they can withstand. We offer a review of the most reliable headlamps.

The most powerful for hiking - Fenix ​​HP25

The highest power we included was the Fenix ​​HP25 model. Its power is mesmerizing: the flashlight illuminates a distance of up to 160 m with a luminous flux of 360 lumens. In addition, the device attracts attention with a durable ergonomic body, good heat dissipation, and convenient control using two buttons. There is a dual lighting system - low and high beam. The output of 360 ANSI lumens is very high for a headlamp, which makes it possible to use it in the dark. Thanks to the dual lighting system, the flashlight is universal, as you can choose the level of light of the diodes. It is fastened with a longitudinal or transverse belt, which ensures reliable fixation.

The most powerful for sports - Vaska 9.11 XM-L

Headlamps are also used by athletes. We decided to compile the rating taking into account the models for this purpose. In terms of power, the Vaska 9.11 XM-L stands out among these devices. It can work in three brightness modes: in the brightest - 550 Lumens - a little more than two and a half hours, on average at a power of 180 lumens - 8.5 hours, at the lowest - 60 lumens - the flashlight will work for a day and a half. But this is one of the lightest flashlights in its class, is equipped with an ultra-efficient LED cooling radiator and is completely waterproof, so it can be used in any weather. Thanks to its excellent brightness, the flashlight is comfortable even when making sharp turns. This model is in demand by skiers, cyclists, fishermen, hunters and tourists who prefer a nocturnal lifestyle.

Best for compactness - Fenix ​​HL35

1. Led Lenser H6R. This flashlight operates in two modes - focused high beam and diffused low beam. A special dimmer allows you to smoothly change the level and brightness of the lighting. the most powerful indicator of the flashlight is 200 lm, the lowest is 20 lm.
2. "Era". Headlamps of this brand have an impact-resistant housing. The cost of the models is the lowest on the market, but the quality does not suffer from this at all. The main models of the brand are capable of operating in three main and one flashing modes. The lens has a shockproof rubber coating.
3. "Bright Ray" Another domestically produced model that pleases with its quality and affordable price. The most economical headlamp has a power of 170 lm. The assembly is of high quality and reliable, so the flashlight can be used in extreme conditions.

An original and practical option is a universal cap-lantern, which shows its effectiveness both during fishing and on a light hike.

Best for Camping - Fenix ​​HP01

We included several models of this brand in the headlamp rating. And this is no coincidence: it is he who produces the most compact and lightweight, but modern and powerful devices. The Fenix ​​HP01 flashlight is ideal for camping use. It is simple and easier to operate, inexpensive, but can become a faithful camping companion. The maximum brightness is 210 lumens, the flashlight operates in 4 brightness levels, has an additional red light and an SOS mode. The multifunctional headlamp has a battery compartment where you can easily change the batteries. This is an ideal option for camping due to the large number of operating modes and the locking function against accidental activation. In addition, it has a high waterproof rating, so it can withstand both rain and dirt.

Best in size - Fenix ​​HL23

In terms of compactness and stylish design, this is the best headlamp. This model tops the rating in terms of size. It is equipped with the highest quality LED, has a long service life and practically does not heat up during use. You can use the headlamp in three modes, the differences of which are in the degree of brightness. Even the minimum lighting mode is enough to use the flashlight while hiking or fishing. The headband body is made of alloy. Fenix ​​HL23 can be used in any weather conditions, since its level of tightness is high.

Best for the job - Fenix ​​HL30

Branded headbands deserve special attention. The rating we have compiled includes another model from the Fenix ​​brand. This lantern has the lightest possible design while maintaining strength characteristics. The optics are specially designed so that the device can operate in complete darkness. You can control the flashlight with thoughtfully placed buttons that allow you to switch modes. The bonus of the flashlight is its low power. Among the functionality of the model, we can note the presence of 4 brightness modes, the ability to set the SOS alarm mode, red light and battery power.

It all started when I heard about an incredible freebie organized by the site jd.ru, namely the distribution of coupons for $10 from $10.05. And then it began...
This was my first order on this site.
I have long wanted to buy myself a headlamp, but here is such an interesting offer, and the price is less than 100 rubles, how could I resist?!
If anyone is interested in a continuation, please see the cut! Fans of dismemberment - please take care :-)

There are many offers of variable-focus headbands on the site and offline, but, personally, I consider a variable-focus headband to be a waste of money.
In general, the niche of “magicians” is extremely limited, although sometimes they can be useful.
I have both on my farm, but more on that below.
In general, I was looking for a single-hop headband with a reflector, and I found it.
The flashlight arrived in a month, delivered in a cardboard box.


Inside is the flashlight itself and the charger:

Modes.

The flashlight has three operating modes; modes are switched using a button on the end of the flashlight itself. The button is tactile, i.e. with a click without fixation, for example, like on a mouse.
Modes switch cyclically: strong -> medium -> strobe -> off.
The last mode is useless, it would be better if they made a weak mode.
The modes are duplicated by illuminating the white insert on the battery pack with a red LED.

Here I measured the currents:
it turned out something like this:
-Strong mode - 1600 mA.
-Medium mode - 550 mA.
Using a flashlight, we calculate the luminous flux:
-Strong mode - 600 lumens
-Medium mode - 220 lumens.

Characteristics.

Let's see what the Chinese promise us:
-Diode XM-L bin T6 - not bad.
-A light flux of 1500 lumens is a lie, hops cannot produce more than a thousand; by the way, the website honestly states a light flux of 600 lumens, which is more or less true.
-Visibility is indicated at 100m, on the website it is 150 - I believe it.
- Operating time - 20 hours - a lie, maximum 14 on low mode and powerful batteries, in reality - less.
-Moisture protection is a lie, but you can finish it.
-Light - cool white 6500K.
-Powered by one or two 18650 batteries in a separate box, the kit includes charging for a normal outlet.
-The lantern has three elastic straps with adjustment (so-called thongs).
-Smooth (SMO) aluminum reflector.
-Aluminium case.

Charger.

Charging is suspiciously easy.
Characteristics:


The charging socket is located on the battery block and is closed with a rubber plug.
As test subjects, I used cheap cans labeled as 4000 mAh, with a real capacity of about 1400.
It takes a very long time to charge, it turns off at 4.23 V.

Giblets and charging process

Charging:


Charging complete:

Head.

The head is made of aluminum alloy and has fins for cooling the flashlight; it is attached to the headband using one Phillips screw.

The hole for the cable should be sealed with silicone sealant...
Unscrew the bezel and take out the glass.
O-ring present:


The edges of the glass are not processed; between the bezel and the glass there is a green rubber seal with a light accumulator. It glows quite well, at the level of a similar rubber band of the Convoy flashlight.


The reflector is smooth, aluminum.

Reflector.

Under the reflector is a star with a diode and a guide for the reflector.


There is no hole under the diode, nor is there any thermal paste.
On the other side there is a button and wires.
There is nothing between the pill and the body. Pressing is carried out due to the thread of the bezel.
The processing of the body is lame.
The elastic band of the button is light blue, without a light accumulator.

As a modification, I applied thermal paste under the diode and in the places where the pill fits. It gets hot, which means it removes heat well.

Battery pack and brains.

The battery pack is designed to accommodate two 18650 batteries.
The batteries are connected in parallel.
The circuit allows the use of one battery installed in any slot.
Protected batteries do not fit, I checked it personally.
ATTENTION!
If you insert two batteries, they must be of the same brand, capacity and both fully charged, in order to avoid bad consequences.



The battery pack is equipped with a rubber cover, which is secured with a steel ring. It closes tightly, no complaints. The cover is quite thin, so you have a good chance of feeling the heat from the discharge of the battery on the back of your head.
We disassemble the block; to do this, you need to unscrew four screws.
There is a driver on the back side.


As you can see, the charger is connected directly to the batteries.
Who is interested in microcircuit markings:
Left: 2812.
Right: 9435 / PDA00096-1S.
In the center there is a red SMD LED that duplicates the operating modes of the flashlight.
The wires going to the head are not particularly thick.
I suspect the flashlight parameters can be adjusted, but I couldn’t find a manual for the circuit.
The white insert on the outside of the block is held in place by pressing it with the battery pack; for sealing purposes, it would be a good idea to place it on the sealant.

Feel.

It fits well on the head. It reacts adequately to jumping; in order to change the angle of the head, a certain effort must be made. The controls are not very convenient; it would be better if the button was placed somewhere on the side or behind.

Light and comparison with other lanterns.

As opponents I chose four different flashlights on one 18650 element, two of which with zoom.
All flashlights in the test were powered by freshly charged Samsung ICR18650-30B batteries; one such battery was used in the headlamp.


In order:

• Convoy S8. XM-L2-T6-3B (neutral shade, when I ordered it I thought it would be colder), 2.8 A, approximately 1000 lumens, “crumpled” OP reflector. Used as a bag EDC.
• UltraFire WF-502B. MC-E bin K (neutral shade), approximately 700 lumens, “creased” OP reflector. The diode consists of four crystals. One of my first normal flashlights, bought many years ago.
• A Chinese lantern with a zoom taken, for example, from a friend. Cold diode XM-L T6, 1.6 A, approximately 600 lumens. This flashlight will allow you to compare flashlights of different optical designs, on the same diode with the same brightness.
• Another Chinese with a zoom, Diode - neutral CREE XR-E bin R2, 1 A, about 260 lumens, purchased a long time ago, used as a working flashlight for electrical work and illumination of various large containers. The flashlight is also used for photographing small objects as additional illumination, and in this it is very good due to its even filling with neutral light.

Modification of the lantern for a wide flood light.
The purpose of this modification is to obtain a flashlight with a wide soft light for use at short distances.
Everything is extremely simple, unscrew the bezel, take out the glass, carefully trace the glass on the laminator film, cut it out and paste it in front of the glass with the smooth side facing the glass, the frosted side facing out.
It all holds very tightly, since the bezel reliably fixes the film. It is also very easy to remove.

Distance from the flashlight bezel to the wall: 1 meter exactly.
The distance to the lens is approximately 2.5 meters.
The wall has a slightly bluish tint.
Camera parameters:
Canon 600D + EF-S 18-55mm IS II, wide angle, open aperture, full manual mode with the following parameters:

Headband:


In reality, the color is more bluish than purple. A bright, but rather narrow hot spot, very wide and uniform side illumination. There would also be an OP reflector here...

Modified forehead:

Convoy:


Wide, blurry hotspot with a developed corona, medium-width side flare.

Ultrafire:


Due to the fact that the diode has four crystals, an artifact in the form of a dark spot is observed in the center, visible on the right beamshot.

Zoom on XM-L T6:


The shade is more purple. the beam is not particularly wide. Illumination is uniform.

Zoom on XR-E:


The closest light to white. The size of the beam is not very different from the previous one.

One on one. Be careful, there is a lot of traffic.

Maximum:








On medium:

At minimum:

Conclusions.

In general, I'm happy with the purchase. This flashlight requires some work, but it is not complicated and is accessible to any user. All that is required is to spread thermal paste in the right places and seal a couple of elements with sealant.
In terms of light: the light is not bad, bright, wide, but I don’t like a hotspot that is too bright and narrow.

As an improvement, I’ll try to find and order a “crumpled” reflector. As a temporary measure, I’ll try to cut a diffuser out of film for the laminator, which will allow me to achieve a certain versatility: if I need a low-level flood light, I’ll attach the film, if I need range, I’ll remove it.
I recommend purchasing this flashlight. For this money- you can't find a better forehead protector.

There was once a time where the only way to keep both hands free and use a flashlight was to simply hold it against your shoulder with your neck. Luckily, those days are behind us, and now all you need to walk around in the dark hands-free is a headlamp.

A common misconception is that any headlamp will work for any purpose, but this is not true. Cavers need a narrower beam to explore a cave; for survival, they need a sturdy model that can withstand adverse weather conditions. Make sure you choose the right flashlight for your needs.

Led Lenser H14 is a jack of all trades.

The H14 is much more than just a flashlight, it is a lighting system that can come in handy anywhere. It's no surprise that this flashlight is made by Leatherman Tool, the biggest name after the Swiss Army. The light beam is adjustable so you can get a wide beam for night biking or a narrow beam for cave diving. The light has three output modes that range from a modest 25 lumens to 200. The mounting bracket attached to the light can easily fit on a bike's handlebars or clamp almost anywhere.

Petzl NAO – run towards your dreams.

Do you know what's more expensive than a Petzl NAO: a knocked out or broken ankle? If you like quiet and short runs at night, then the Petzl NAO should be your only choice. The cost is a little higher than some, but if you've ever used a cheaper alternative, the difference will be immediately obvious.

The NAO headlamp uses a reactive type of lighting that uses a sensor to automatically detect ambient light, and the ability to adjust the light beam accordingly. If clouds suddenly cover the Moon until it becomes pitch dark, the NAO flashlight won't let you down and you won't miss a single step. If you're a control freak, you'll be given the option to configure special settings that will help you avoid tunnel vision at night. Lightweight, easy to adjust and won't jump out of place when you move. The luminous flux ranges from 25 to 150 lumens.

The Princeton Tec Apex is subway thunder.

Caving is an adventure not for the faint of heart, and these tough people need the same light to support their exploration activities in the tunnels of the world, without leaving them in the dark for a minute. The Princeton Tec Apex is a little heavier than most other flashlights, so hopefully you won't have to run from Morlocks during your underground excursions. The lantern uses a five-point lighting system, where there is one main light surrounded by four medium lights, and this lighting system also guarantees you access to the surface even if the lights fail. Luminous flux maximum 200 lumens.

Black Diamond Spot is apocalyptic.

When the dead rise and you and a ragtag group of survivors try to make your way across town to the mall, this lantern will be of great importance to you. The Black Diamond Spot has three power settings, simply switch on the side of the light or turn on the red LEDs to illuminate so it won't damage your night vision, allowing you to stay combat ready.

It illuminates almost 80 meters in front of you with 130 lumens, so you can see a threat or trouble from afar. Tap technology is ideal for working with gloves in any extreme conditions. Low luminous flux ensures long battery life.

Coast HL8 – industrial light.

Have you ever asked yourself if Sam Fisher from Splinter Cell carries a lantern on the weekends? This headlamp looks like you're going to do a complete clear out of a terrorist camp, but in reality it's better suited for any tough job. The Coast HL8 is one of the best flashlights out there and won't budge while you're under a car or climbing down the side of a building. The Coast HL8 flashlight has a light output of 344 lumens, which makes it quite bright. Using focus, you can narrow the light beam, allowing you to see almost 215 meters ahead, or widen it.

Zebralight H600w MKII – hunter's assistant.

The Zebralight H600w MKII LED flashlight is a little different from the others as it is more aimed at hunters than home use. It's light enough for night hunting, but also simple enough that it won't interfere with your hands when hunting with a gun or bow.

The light beam gives enough distance to make a shot. The lantern is removable, which will allow you to remove and clean the skin of a killed animal. The light output of the Zebralight H600w MKII ranges from 1 lumen to 1000 lumens.

Eugene Headlamp test

Headlamp Test - 2007

A small educational program on light units

Candela(designation: cd, CD) - one of the seven basic units of measurement of the SI system, is equal to the intensity of light emitted in a given direction by a source of monochromatic radiation with a frequency of 540·10 12 Hz, the energy intensity of which in this direction is (1/683) W/sr.

The selected frequency corresponds to the color green. The human eye is most sensitive in this region of the spectrum. If the radiation has a different frequency, then greater energy intensity is required to achieve the same luminous intensity.

Previously, candela was defined as the intensity of light emitted by a black body perpendicular to a surface area of ​​1/60 cm² at the melting point of platinum (2042.5 K). In the modern definition, the coefficient of 1/683 is chosen so that the new definition matches the old one.

The intensity of light emitted by a candle is approximately equal to one candela (lat. candela- candle), so earlier this unit of measurement was called “candle”; now this name is outdated and is not used.

Luminous intensity of typical sources:

Source	Power, W	Approximate luminous intensity, cd
Candle
Modern (2006) incandescent lamp
Regular LED	0.015	0.001
Super bright LED
Modern (2006) fluorescent lamp

Lumen(lm, lm) - unit of measurement of luminous flux in the SI system.

One lumen is equal to the luminous flux emitted by a point isotropic source, with a luminous intensity equal to one candela, per solid angle of one steradian (1 lm = 1 cd sr). The total luminous flux created by an isotropic source with a luminous intensity of one candela is equal to 4 π lumens.

A conventional incandescent lamp with a power of 100 W at a voltage of 220 V creates a luminous flux equal to approximately 1300 lm.

Lux(designation: OK, lx) - unit of measurement of illumination in the SI system.

Lux is equal to the illumination of a surface with an area of ​​1 m², with a luminous flux of radiation incident on it equal to 1 lm.

Gear Reviews

In order not to torment you with a tedious description of the power and other characteristics of the flashlights, I’ll tell you how in the fall of 2009 I tested Petzl flashlights a little.
And it happened like this...

At that time, I lived somewhere 3-4 km from work through the forest. This distance can be covered by public transport, you can walk, or you can ride a bicycle, which is what I actually did all summer. But autumn came, it began to get dark earlier, and a flashlight was needed for a comfortable trip. I immediately ruled out a bicycle, since I rode not only on asphalt paths, but also on dirt paths; in this case, the steering wheel, firstly, shakes a lot, and secondly, it is in constant motion. It is clear that the same thing happens with the flashlight that is attached to this very steering wheel, and there is a high probability of running into some unpleasant stump. With a headlamp everything is simpler - where I look, I go.

The first flashlight was Tikka XP, given by friends for his birthday. Features include one powerful LED (up to 40 lumens), a diffuser filter, 3 AAA batteries. in the case. Without a filter I drove relatively quickly, visibility (actual) was about 5-7 meters, then the beam lost clarity. It is simply impossible to drive fast with a filter - you constantly had to peer at the road. The beam is wider, of course, but this doesn’t help in the forest. But the filter saved me on the highway: when you know that there is only asphalt everywhere, it is more convenient to drive with a wide, albeit not very bright, light, it helps you navigate relative to the side of the road, you can see the road (the speed is high, and we still live in Russia - roads, you understand, they may not be in the best shape). The narrow, albeit more powerful beam gets in the way - you want to see the road, but you see a white spot.

The second flashlight was MYO XP(already test). It also contains one LED (up to 150 lumens), a diffuser filter, 3 AA batteries, and the battery compartment is mounted on the back of the head. The batteries, of course, bothered me - I really didn’t want the weight on my head. As it turned out, they embarrassed me in vain, because I forgot about the weight of the flashlight about two minutes after I started moving. The beam compensated for everything - a bright white light. Without a filter, visibility is about 10 meters, with a filter - 5-7. I was always pedaling! In the first case, it stopped on the descent.

In the third case I was unlucky, I took a regular Tikka(3 LEDs, on and off modes). Of course, I understand that this is the first compact light from Petzl, and it has become a legend, but this is a completely useless thing for a bicycle. In my opinion, it is only suitable for packing things in the dark after camping. But let’s give it its due, about five years ago many of my comrades dreamed of such a lantern. I got home 10 minutes later than usual...

And finally the most interesting thing - Petzl Ultra! A flashlight with new generation LEDs (as they were all advertised), there are no batteries, there is a battery - also on the back of the head, a rather big one. The manufacturer promises a lighting range of up to 100 meters. Gentlemen, I felt like I was driving a car, because when I met people walking through the forest at night, I turned on the low beam so as not to blind them; when I passed, I turned on the high beam again))) Real normal visibility is 30-40 meters, the diameter of the light beam is approximately 3 meters, the asphalt paths glowed like highways, the paths were illuminated for 10 meters, then the trees blocked the view. In general, a song! You drive and rejoice: first because of the lantern, then because of the people who look at you with round eyes and turn around after you. I understood why the cost of a flashlight exceeds 15 thousand rubles, although at first the price seemed unthinkable for a box of light bulbs. Great item for racing!

If you need a lantern for camping, a simple Tikka will suffice. For a hike, I recommend Tikka Plus (4 LEDs, 3 light brightness modes and 1 blinking mode). Tikka XP, MYO XP are also suitable, of course, but personally I would save on weight. But for a bicycle these lights are just right. If you are an amateur, there is no need to take anything more powerful. But if you prefer fast skiing (biking, skiing), night orienteering or multi-races, then your choice is Ultra. Believe me, the thing is worthy.

I also have a miracle E-lite flashlight(50 grams with case, four light brightness modes, red LED). I purchased it after changing batteries in the mountains at night. In my hands I held 3 old batteries, 3 new ones and a flashlight; at a certain moment, this small pyramid still managed to collapse, and I didn’t like putting everything together in the pitch darkness. Now it serves me as a spare on hikes and as a signal on night bike rides.

Now the general differences.
There are two series of Petzl flashlights: Tikka and Zipka. Tikka come with an elastic strap, Zipka are equipped with retractable Kevlar thread. The latter are more compact, they can be worn on the head, wrist, or attached to various objects. Girls should not take such a lantern - the thread tangles long hair very unpleasantly.
The DUO series is also interesting - the flashlights include two light sources: LEDs and halogen lamps. Halogen lights shine further, but they also eat up the battery faster. LEDs, on the contrary, shine for a long time, but not far. The DUO series models are preferred by speleologists and miners (I’m not into either; these are statistics). Especially for the latter, there is the DUO Atex model.

If the name of the lantern contains the word Belt- this means that it is equipped with a remote power supply. It’s very convenient in winter - you can hide the power supply in the inner pocket of your jacket, and the battery, accordingly, dies more slowly.

What else? All Petzl flashlights also have a three-year warranty and most are waterproof. I personally put my Tikka XP in the bathtub with it turned on for 30-40 seconds, then pulled it out, opened it, and it was dry. Even if the flashlight is waterproof (Zipka, they have two holes in the battery compartment cover - the thread is attached there), it’s okay, the contacts in them are stainless, they will shine in the rain.