What is Best headlamp for < $20 delivered?

mobo on 02/06/2014 - 11:24
Last edited 02/06/2014 - 11:25

Hi guys,
I know a lot of you guys are flashlight enthusiasts so do you have any suggestions for a headlamp that is < $20 delivered including rechargeable batteries.

It will be used mainly to find stuff in my garage at night, or while fixing a flat on the road etc and the occasional outdoor trip. I like something durable as my kids will most likely get their hands on it. Doesn't have to be long lasting as I probably would use it for an hour at most at a time but has to keep it's charge while not in use.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • HAL on 02/06/2014 - 12:30
    +1

    Duct tape + Cree torches :P

    I just bought a few Black Diamond spots (2013 90 lumens model)… I had a cheaper Kathmandu model, honestly I would recommend paying a little more and getting something that has decent lumens…

    • mobo on 02/06/2014 - 13:20
      +1

      I'm already losing all my hair. I don't think the duct tape is gonna help in that department.

  • ESEMCE on 02/06/2014 - 12:53

    Pretty hard to beat one of these..
    Super-blindingly bright and battery lasts multiple hours.
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2013-New-2000Lm-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-…

    • mobo on 02/06/2014 - 13:22

      Any suggestions on where to get the 18650 batteries? Looks like it doesn't come with charger so would have to buy one of those too

      • ESEMCE on 02/06/2014 - 13:25

        Mine came with the charger and Battery.. Didn't look too hard on eBay.. just grabbed a link.
        I may have paid over $20 though..

        • mobo on 02/06/2014 - 13:49

          what's a good brand for those battery. I've seen ultrafire being included with many of them.

        • scrimshaw on 02/06/2014 - 17:01
          +1

          Go to Fasttech.com and buy some genuine LG, Samsung or Sanyo batteries. They aren't very expensive either, cost a little more then Ultrafire (or any other LousyFire) batteries but it's worth it.

          I recommend either this 2200mah, 2600mah or 3000mah battery. Sold in sets of two.

          You will have to select shipping via Malaysia post.

        • drewbie on 03/06/2014 - 12:01

          Having tried the Ultrafire batteries for a bike headlight, I've found them okay at best. The quality is hit or miss, and they almost certainly will like about the actual capacity. I have an order of Samsung 18650 batteries from Fasttech in the post which I'm hoping will be my long-term solution.

        • drewbie on 03/06/2014 - 12:04

          FYI, I got the protected 3000 mah batteries

  • mobo on 02/06/2014 - 13:34

    what you think of
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/600LM-Zoomable-CREE-LED-18650-Hea…

    600 LM is supposed to be equivalent to a 50W light bulb. I probably won't need to see more than 10M. Reckon this would do the trick?

  • BuyoTheCat on 02/06/2014 - 14:52

    I think this is pretty good for $40
    http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/event/39048/product/led-lens…

    • mobo on 02/06/2014 - 17:48

      Over my budget. Also it uses AAA batteries. For some reason AAA rechargeables are never on sale. Why do almost all headlamps use 3 AAA? Is it because of higher voltage whilst being lighter?

  • mobo on 02/06/2014 - 18:03

    how about this
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CREE-XM-L-XML-T6-LED-2000Lm-Recha…

    Uses the T6 and comes with rechargeables

  • Euphemistic on 03/06/2014 - 08:09

    My 2c.

    Brightest is not best unless you are planning on using it like a car headlight. Look for a good spread beam. Too bright up close can make it more difficult to see.

    • mobo on 03/06/2014 - 10:07

      How can you tell it has a good spread beam. I don't see any stats on it.

      • Euphemistic on 11/06/2014 - 15:58

        Look at the lens? They are cheap so wont have any stats on beam shape. The smooth looking, clear lens option probably wont have a good beam shape for spread. Something with multiple LEDs might be better, like those little 9led torches. A single CREE led is likely to be very bright, particularly XM-L. I would guess that anything over about 200Lumen with out a spreader lens is getting toward too bright unless you want to see some distance.

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