The definitive headtorch post

[Alexandra]

[QUOTE=Yorkshire Rob;355391]I have an energizer head torch from Argos which tilts to the direction you want it, it's brilliant for off-roading in the dark. I used it all last winter and it was a godsend.

Thanks Rob, I have reserved one of these from Argos. I am surprised and pleased to find Energizer claims the Extreme Cree is waterproof even when immersed (IPX7) unlike many much more expensive torches eg the Petzl Tikkas and Myos which are only water resistant/splash-proof (IPX4). It seems to me that being benighted is more likely to happen in bad weather, and it would be the last straw when lost in the dark and wet to be worrying also about one's head torch's getting soggy. I do wonder if the torch is a bit heavy - 250g, despite only using one AA battery.

[Alexandra]

Might be worth considering the new fenix headtorches (hp10, hp15, hl20) as they are regulated, use the very latest led technology, and therefore give a lot of light for the battery power. They are however, much more 'throwy' than 'floody'. I've come to the conclusion that when I run I need flood and throw at the same time, so I'm working on a two lamp setup - sounds complicated, but shouldn't be. it will eventually consist of a Zebralight H501 (mounted at the waist - probably on the buckle of my bum bag) for flood, so I can see the terrain at my feet and (once it actually arrives on the market early next year) a Fenix hp15 on my head, to see what's coming a little furrther up ahead. Will make a proper post on the which headtorch thread when I actually get this going properly.

Did you get it going / post about it? I'm very interested, especially in mounting the Zebra light on your bumbag.

[Rob Furness]

I never really noticed it being heavy, the only thing is the battery is sited on the back of your head which seems weird at first but is really a non issue. I've found it to be pretty good and I wore it through some pretty awful weather including a full on snowstorm which left me totally wet through, but was quite fun, especially standing in the snow steaming away afterwards in my shorts whilst a load of walkers dressed in full on winter trekking gear looked on in confusion :P

[finniganjones]

I'll be needing a new headtorch for The Bullock Smithy this coming weekend. Currently got a Petzl Tikka Plus which just doesn't shine as brightly as it used to even with new batteries. Anyone recommend something slightly better? Up to £40.00 in value!

[Grouse]

Alpkit are good don't know if it is as good as the petzl but you could probably get two and have change from 40 quid.

[GregC]

I've got a Petzl tikka XP and have been really impressed with it. It was less than £40 when I bought it, not sure if they are now?

[mr brightside]

The Tikka XP2 is the best you'll do for 40 quid, the 4 LED Plus is pretty good but it doesn't give as much light. I'd avoid the Myo 3, i used one in mines for a while but neither the Halogen lamp nor the LED array were good enough, i now use the 14 LED Duo but it's out of your price range. Having said that the new Myo XP gives 86 lumens but is slightly out of your price range too.

[peawet08]

Alpkit are good don't know if it is as good as the petzl but you could probably get two and have change from 40 quid.

I bought 2 Alpkits last year. i wasn't impressed with the light given off plus one failed the moment it saw rain (this was exchanged without issue).

I bought another from Dealextreme in Hong Kong and it has a very strong beam (claims 150 Lumen). For £16 it is excellent value for money even if the build quality isn't that of the Petzl's. But it will take about 3-4 weeks delivery.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.20763

[Fellhound]

Should be able to get a Myo XP for £40 from one of the online outlets with discount... The best lamp available in that price range when you take quality into account.

[finniganjones]

Thanks for replies! Just ordered Myo XP online. Just hope it arrives on time now!!?