Battery headlamps: features, brands and choices

A headlamp with a battery is a device that allows you to illuminate an object in low light conditions or in the absence of light. Manufacturers produce a large selection of models of such devices, so you can choose a "headband" for any type of activity. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of flashlights, their technical parameters, the best models and selection rules.

The headlamp is equipped with a strap made of elastic and stretchy materials. Thanks to the belt, it is possible to securely fix the device on the forehead. As a result, a person's hands will be freed, which is very convenient when performing certain types of work or during outdoor activities. In most models, as an illuminator, LED lamp. They are characterized by low energy consumption and high efficiency.

Some models have a plastic or glass lens. Lamps and reflectors of the lantern with a lens are protected from negative environmental conditions: high humidity, temperature, dust. In addition, there are illuminators with the ability to change the shape of the emitted beam, which is especially important when carrying out precise work.

Headlamps are in high demand. They are in the arsenal of hunters, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, climbers, runners. They are often used by home craftsmen in solving various household tasks, as well as builders, electricians, car mechanics, adjusters of small and large household appliances. A headlamp is the best alternative to a flashlight, which you need to constantly hold in your hand to highlight the desired area.

Headlamps are assistants in the organization of high-quality lighting. The beam of their light is directed towards the owner's gaze, which is very convenient when carrying out various works. Other benefits of these devices include:

• lightness and compactness - due to these parameters, the illuminators are convenient in transportation, storage and use;
• ergonomics – fastenings provide reliable fixation and do not cause discomfort;
• big choice – on sale there are both budget devices and expensive solutions that have in their “arsenal” a whole list of useful additional functions;
• ease of use - any person can understand the work of the lantern;
• possibility of functioning in several modes (option supported by most models);
• long working time without the need to recharge the battery.

In any model of a lantern, the lamp is considered the main element. Previously, xenon and halogen light sources were used. They were replaced by LED lamps. Their advantages include high efficiency, minimal heating, instant glow. Among the main technical characteristics of the lamps are the following.

1. Power. An indicator measured in lumens. The higher the value, the brighter the lamp will burn.
2. Light range - This is an indicator that determines the distance in footage that the device can illuminate.
3. Protection of the body and internal components from moisture and small debris. On the equipment case or on the box, you need to look for the IPXX index - where the first X indicates protection against dust, the second - protection against moisture. The absence of such signs indicates the absence of dust and moisture resistance.
4. The weight. The mass of most models ranges from 50 to 200 grams. But there are also more weighty options. The weight of the product will directly depend on the type of fixation, the availability of additional functions and the characteristics of the battery.
5. Operating time. This characteristic shows the operating time of the flashlight without recharging the battery. The more powerful the device, the faster the battery will drain.
6. working modes. In ordinary budget lanterns, 1 or 2 modes of operation can be used. More expensive models operate in one of 4 modes: economy, standard, maximum power and strobe (red flashing light).

The body of the lanterns can be made from various materials. Most of the models are made made of heavy duty plastic. Also have aluminum solutions - such devices are more weighty, but at the same time they are durable and reliable. To increase the life of a flashlight made of aluminum, manufacturers cover the body specialized compounds that prevent metal oxidation and corrosion.

Domestic and foreign companies are engaged in the production of headlamps of various capacities.Most of the presented models come from China. Among all domestic companies, the leading positions in the production and sales of lighting fixtures are occupied by "Bright Beam" and "Cosmos". They are engaged in the manufacture of lamps of various modifications with different technical parameters in a wide price segment. Also known are brands such as Led Lenser, Cobra, Fenix, Mixxar and more.

Below is a rating of the most "running" models and brands that successfully combine high performance and energy efficiency.

• Lantern LH-170 "Bright Beam". Device made in China. This is a budget model with 2 modes of operation. The light source is 1 LED, the power of the luminous flux is 170 lm, the range of directional light is not more than 30 meters. The flashlight has a shock-resistant and waterproof housing, so it is not afraid of falling from a small height, operation in fog or rain. The model differs in compactness and ease, can be fixed both on the head, and on a helmet (helmet) of the worker.

• Lens Lens SEO5. The flashlight has two LEDs - one red, the other white. The device can operate in 4 modes (including supports the "strobe" option), has a luminous flux of 180 lm and a beam range of 120 m. The flashlight can work for 25 hours (in economy mode). The body of the device is made of durable plastic. The model is waterproof. It is possible to adjust the inclination of the position of the lamp. It has additional functions - button lock, charge level indicator. The model is light and compact, weighing only 105 grams.

• Led Headlight 6628. Lightweight and easy-to-use flashlight with the ability to work in 3 modes (economical, bright and signal). It has the ability to focus the beam, the range of the light flux is 300 meters. It has a waterproof plastic case.

• Trlife BL090. Lantern equipped with 3 bright LEDs. The device comes with two removable batteries. The maximum glow range is 50 meters, operation in 4 modes (in economy mode, it functions for at least 10 hours). The maximum luminous flux declared by the manufacturer is 100,000 lm. The flashlight can be charged from the mains, USB-port or car cigarette lighter, which is very convenient.

• Petzl Nao. High power flashlight - its luminous flux is 575 lumens. The system incorporates Petzl's Reactive lighting technology, which automatically adjusts the brightness and volume of light. This saves a lot of battery power. The device is equipped with a removable battery that can be taken out and stored under optimal conditions for a long battery life.

Those who are planning to purchase a headlamp should remember a few nuances. Based on the tips for choosing, you can buy a lighting fixture that best suits your specific needs.

For example, for running, for cycling or for any kind of extreme sports, you need to give preference to models with a good range of illumination and a wide light beam. Hunters and thrill-seekers should look at options with the ability to work in strobe mode. If a person gets lost, he will be able to give special light signals - a bright red flashing light will be visible to people from afar.

Fans of fishing and hunting should give preference to waterproof products - in case of splashes from water or raindrops, they will maintain their uninterrupted performance. Professional headlamps should have good power and the ability to work in several modes. For explosives, an explosion-proof light device with a heavy-duty housing will be optimal.

Also, when buying a flashlight for home, outdoor activities or for various professional work, you should pay attention to the following important parameters:

• LED shade - it can be cold, neutral or warm (the choice depends on personal preferences);
• material - the most durable and reliable devices are made of aluminum;
• dimensions and weight - the flashlight should be compact and light (the neck can quickly get tired from too heavy products, since such devices are mounted on the head);
• secure fixation system the most successful option is a ribbon cross-weaving that encircles the head;
• tightness - it is best if the device is waterproof and dustproof (the higher the IP marking values, the more reliable the equipment);
• lamp operation time without recharging - the larger it is, the better (there are models on sale that can function smoothly for 2 days).
• battery type - there are nickel-cadmium batteries and lithium-ion batteries (the former are distinguished by minimal heating, the latter by the ability to work in a wide temperature range and long service life).

Modern headlamp models may have many additional features. This can be an automatic change in lighting mode, the presence of colored lenses, the power button lock, a battery charge indicator, and others.

Proper operation of the flashlight on the forehead is a task that every person can handle. To make the use as comfortable as possible, it is important to properly fix the device on the head or helmet. This is done with the help of special fasteners made of stretchy elastic materials. Most models have special adjusters, thanks to which you can adjust the size of the belts and fix them in the optimal position. If necessary, you need to set the desired position of the lamp

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If a person works in a confined space, it is not recommended to use the most powerful light mode. In this case, the bright light may blind you. In this situation, you need to use soft neutral light.

Rechargeable headlamps need to be used properly to prevent the battery from quickly becoming unusable. As a rule, such models come with a charger. Only they need to charge the equipment. In order for the lantern to last a long time, it is important to follow a few important rules:

• you need to regularly use the flashlight and do not allow it to stay for a long time (more than a month) fully charged or discharged;
• it is important to charge only a completely discharged battery;
• do not allow strong heating or cooling of the battery;
• the operating instructions supplied with the devices must be strictly followed.

See below for an overview of the LED headlamp.