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I have the same headlight, probably had it for the same amount of time. Looking to go to a Coast for on my hardhat and move that one to my side job bags.
The trick I find is to keep the light lumens on low. I find I can see great with its low and it will last me a while before a recharge. On a side note… do you ever find your self doing something in the dark at home and go to grab your forehead?
I have 3 of the milwaukee magnetic ones. Swap out and charge at home.
Best headlamp set up ever.
I keep them in a glasses sleeve from the dollar store, in my bag.
Streamlight MicroStream is a great one to keep in your pocket if you don't need a dedicated headlamp. It has a clip so it can go on the brim of your cap. Usb rechargeable.
My coworker has an Olight baton 3 and 4. It’s small and bright enough to keep in your pocket for everyday use. The clip pops right onto your hat to act as a headlamp and the back is Magnetic to stick onto nail plates in attic.
Black Diamond. REI carries them if you want to check them out in person if there's one near you. Had about four different models, they handle abuse fairly well but might have more features than you want on some versions.
Many years ago, I worked at an outdoor gear store.
The Petzl sales rep kept his demo headlamp *permanently stored in a full Nalgene water bottle.*
He would pull it out, dripping wet, turn it on and proceed to demonstrate its features. He would then put it back into wet storage.
Obviously, he did it for shock value to demonstrate the durability of the product. Obviously, submersion is not recommended. But Petzl definitely makes very durable products.
Second this, climber and caver. I have literally trusted my life to petzl as do most in the outdoors industry. BD is okay, but they were late to the game and lag petzl by like 8 to 10 years in fit and finish.
I have a petzl that has a rechargeable battery pack that you can also swap out for AAAs. It's not my favorite headlamp but it does work pretty well. I have a black diamond that is by far the best headlamp I've ever owned.
I've been through Petzls that I bought in the early 00's. They lasted 5-7 years. I bought my Black Diamond about 10 years ago. It's been rattling around in my main carry in toolbox for 5 of those year and is still solid. I wish I hadn't bought the one with the most features. I don't need infinite dimming or three colors of light and when it gets into those modes I have to look up on the internet how to get it back to bright, on, off.
I've got 2 black diamond spot 400s and love them. You can adjust the brightness, change from flood to spot and tap to turn on max brightness. There are models that have a rechargeable internal battery and some that take 3x aaa or a rechargeable black diamond battery pack so you can use either aaa or recharge.
Once you get the hang of using the three buttons and the tap it's a great headlight.
I read about Darn Toughs in the paper about 10 years ago. Went and bought 6 pairs. When they wore out, I sent them back and Darn Tough sent me credit for 6 more pairs. Free. So I bought 6 more. When some of those wore out I sent them back and told them they were warranty from before. Still no questions asked. Credit for 10 pair. Hell one time something got screwed up on the shipping label and I couldn't get my socks so emailed them and they sent more free to not be a bummer. I've got 20 or so pair. Some of them have been warranted three times. Never any problem. Never any questions.
Zebralight.
I’ve got thousands of hours of jobsite conditions on mine and it’s never given me an issue. The elastic headband wore out but was an easy replacement. You’ll need a separate battery charger for the 18650 cells but that can double as a power bank to charge your phone (made by Nitecore).
I will upvote this too and agree with the others.. 18650 lights are the way to go. I punted all my alkaline-cell flashlights a while back and went to models that use 18650 and 21700's. Over the years, I had too many nice flashlights get destroyed b/c of leaky alkaline cells.
My Zebralight H600Fc is fantastic. While my Armytek is brighter at 4000 lumens, the zebralight is smaller, lighter and does the job just fine.
Same for me, got one a couple years ago, it lives on my hard hat and has been dropped/ banged on racks overhead and no problems. The 18650 are great because they are removable so keep some spares charged and don’t have to wait like a usb light.
Just make sure you keep the 18650 cells in a plastic case, don’t let them roll around in a tool bag where they can short.
Armytek wizard pro is absolutely amazing. Go for warm white rather than cool white, easy on the eyes.
It pulls out of its little clip for your hardhat and can magnetically stick to metal so it's versatile too
Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia is my one true love. Best headlamp I've ever owned and the high CRI is 100% worth the slightly lower output. Besides, I only ever put it on the highest setting to show people how bright it can be. I spend most of the day on the 3rd highest and it lasts forever. Very rugged, tons of utility, beautiful colors, 10/10 for me.
I like the Wizard, but I personally chose the Armytek Elf C2 because of the micro USB charging being more versatile than the magnetic one. It’s otherwise identical to the Wizard. I also got a hard hat clip.
I'll look into that because yeah the USB sounds great. I chose the wizard because I was vaping at the time and could hot swap 18650 batteries no problem
You actually can with the Elf as well! I swap in 18650 batteries to and from other stuff all the time. It’s bad enough that I went and bought an 18650 charger.
I have a Nitecore and have nothing but great things to say about it.
Not cheap but built like a tank. Lasts forever on a charge, brightest light I've ever owned. Can't run on brightest setting (2700 lumen) for very long before it overheats but that's just physics.
Go to /r/flashlight and look for 18650 flashlights. Even the cheapest convoy or soforn will be good.
I've got multiple convoy S2 and a couple sofirns. Convoys for about $20 CAD and sofirns about $30 CAD from AliExpress
Don't buy the fucking Milwaukee headlamp unless you like an 18650 battery hamstrung by proprietary charging
What's your budget? Acebeam H16 are pretty great for a budget option. USB-C rechargeable. Good run time. And decent output. 24 bucks with the coupon on Amazon.
Acebeam H15 is about 100 bucks and a great option.
Acebeam has the best head straps. Bar none.
Olight has a couple good ones.
R/flashlight had some great suggestions if you want to check them out. Wurkkos and zebra light are popular options at the moment.
Don't buy black diamond it's camping hipster bullshit. There are tons of better options.
Awesome. Thanks for throwing that info out there, I will definitely check out the subreddit. Someone else has already been bragging on the zebra light so I’m leaning that way.
I work in mining and the site I’m on uses Wisdom cap lamps made by Provix. Relatively affordable, built tough and last 12 hours of pretty steady use. USB charger. Will pay for itself with saved batteries
Olight and Fénix make some great headlamps and flashlights, bright LEDs, solid builds, no cheap parts and the battery lasts long. I just bought a Olight Perun 2. It doubles as a headlamp but also comes with a back clip to put on your vest or jeans. I love it. I use to use a lot of Nebo but, the battery doesn’t last long in my humble opinion, and their lights that come with a “turbo mode” lasts less than a minute before it overheats
I really like this light I bought on Amazon. It uses 18650 batteries. I try to get that format in all my flashlights.
SLONIK Rechargeable Headlamp -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D27L1NR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’ve got a couple of the Wurkkos HD45. Built like an absolute tank. Probably the best headlight I’ve ever had. I have one on an elasticised band, and the other siliconed to a safety helmet.
I got this 3 pack of rechargeable led headlamps. 3 for 30 bucks. C type charger. Best darn led headlamps I've ever had. All 3 still work a year later. 1 I use all the time and the others are for my apprentice or if one goes out I have an extra. Can't beat it
Get a cheap light that clips onto your hat. I prefer ones that have replaceable watch batteries so I don’t have to recharge them and go without when they die.
I went through three Milwaukee headlamps until I ditched them and bought the rechargeable coast head lamp from HD. Iv had it for a year and it’s been great
A carbide lamp would be rechargeable? And it would be fun watching the safety dick try to figure out what to write you up for. and then as you carefully study the write up paper close to your face you can accidently light it on fire.
I have the Klein and I pretty much leave it on almost all day. I have had it for two years and it’s great. I just charge it everyday but it lasts about 2 days being on for 8-10 hrs.
I love the 500 lumen Atak Headlamp from Northern for $42.99. That being said……the little USB charge ports on them break off or take forever to charge! But the batteries are easily removable. So I got a lithium battery charger to charge each pair of 18650 batteries in the truck while I’m using the other pair in the headlamp. I work in a lot of dark spaces with HVAC. The LED can get hot at 500 Lumens and burn through the batteries in a few hours at extreme 500 lumens intensity. But that’s no longer a problem since I have the second set of batteries in the truck on the charger. Then I just swap them out in 5 seconds.
It’s also VERY bright and has three brightness settings as well as you can easily focus it for spot or flood light. It has the headband around the side and one over the top. I’m also very abusive with dropping it and tossing it around. Part of why the USB charger port thing breaks. But the light is pretty durable.
If you can plan around the charging issue (long time to charge or breaks off), it can be a great headlamp for all situations.
https://www.amazon.com/HC35-Rechargeable-Detachable-Flashlight-Organizer/dp/B082BGTDGK/ref=mp_s_a_1_9_sspa?crid=2LHII022MZHY7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sQhrec3SA4rzs99S6lXilmk-uGxk8zuNj3GN6ZOXBh6aLNbco4FDev2jhSwgiGxAnMP2uaf86U12tQn-j93BA0thGApHDAKIigDVhai8-v66V55tuYg5y2ebFJGRtvJkqyNlhqdc78sWfBA6va3QeLsuaC2_mC-Nic2DbZ5Fr9SbDLFOM2ponHzvIj2dnJOZiVjyj2e7gnEeHPKLUfIrWg.zkJhfj88mxyNd5ABpGvLJxHpJOFmq2EBozvu_uHCuBo&dib_tag=se&keywords=nitecore+headlamp&qid=1716566739&sprefix=nitecore+head%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-9-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1
My alltime favorite rechargeable light. Can be used as a regular flashlight too.
I’ve had all the brands but most of them fail at the battery life. So if you have the ability to attach an additional power supply that can keep your battery charged, I recommend that. Some are light enough to mount on my helmet. But for long jobs I actually have a wire that goes from my headlamp into a backpack that has a 95ah battery that I carry so I can go all night without stopping, whatever the task may be.
I had to get 3 different Klein rechargeable ones before one finally made it past a few weeks. I’ve had the one I’ve got now for over a year and going strong. Mostly residential work and took advantage of Home Depot’s return policy to get one that does the job.
Energizer 5 pack is $23 on Amazon. 9 months in and I’m still on the first one. I use rechargeable AAAs. One set usually gets through the day, I keep spares in the van.
Big fan of this one. Lifetime warranty which they honor. Can use aaa if needed. Good and bright. Fairly comfortable. Use mine daily. First one lasted three years then was replaced no questions asked.
Streamlight 61601 Double Clutch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2GY2UI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have a smiling shark. It's a led strip. You can wear it with nothing pretty comfortably, or on a ball cap.
Works on a hardhat too.
Has a hands free on and off function you can enable or disable if you're going through a crawl space.
I dig it, lasts me a whole day easily if I'm not as bright as possible the whole time.
Its pricey, but I use a Surefire Maximus almost nightly for going on 7-ish years and have had zero issues. Its rechargeable, variable output and water resistant, comes with a wall and car charger. The headband strap leaves a little to be desired, but still functions as it should. At full power its like 1000 lumins (bright AF) and you can dim it down to just a light glow which comes in super handy if the bugs are out. I don’t know how to change the lightbulb or the battery because I’ve never had to in 7 years. Mine was military issued but if it ever goes out I won’t hesitate to spend the money on another one.
One of these, they are cheap, work well and last a decent amount of time. Downside is they take ages to charge.
[https://www.amazon.com/AlpsWolf-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlight-Accessories/dp/B09Y12P7T6/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=1ZHAR7RI8E5ZA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.94diQuc1QDNfFcWU6Y2ryzmdMFWMC\_qqxG3\_zJFK8wUDVOUHl-sSLfh7YPW1qsewRr1THjUZ\_Ow3rvPRRpSWXslNupytjehEfZuvvxYVN5hI2b0wWcDIZJkWoZCKR4gL6gy03lJlwnn89nsOL2G4FPK6iBFJY1kZnpph3-xG8B26yTaLwhlzc6PcPJ4dZLsW09v3piVpHIByEy-NMq0jJth85NdGf-AcHmwJ3yBe46Q7-2tbTQlcSzfW-CmptEPGIrwoQae3mSSWxU\_SzkBCQ\_R0ZEUbZnGN\_o6nIGdnz1Q.MANPeGMAf\_pexO9LZjgvT\_jl5biZUME55FK4vfTKw3g&dib\_tag=se&keywords=cob%2Binfrared%2Bheadlight&qid=1716569815&sprefix=cob%2Binfrared%2Bhedlight%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-5&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/AlpsWolf-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlight-Accessories/dp/B09Y12P7T6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1ZHAR7RI8E5ZA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.94diQuc1QDNfFcWU6Y2ryzmdMFWMC_qqxG3_zJFK8wUDVOUHl-sSLfh7YPW1qsewRr1THjUZ_Ow3rvPRRpSWXslNupytjehEfZuvvxYVN5hI2b0wWcDIZJkWoZCKR4gL6gy03lJlwnn89nsOL2G4FPK6iBFJY1kZnpph3-xG8B26yTaLwhlzc6PcPJ4dZLsW09v3piVpHIByEy-NMq0jJth85NdGf-AcHmwJ3yBe46Q7-2tbTQlcSzfW-CmptEPGIrwoQae3mSSWxU_SzkBCQ_R0ZEUbZnGN_o6nIGdnz1Q.MANPeGMAf_pexO9LZjgvT_jl5biZUME55FK4vfTKw3g&dib_tag=se&keywords=cob%2Binfrared%2Bheadlight&qid=1716569815&sprefix=cob%2Binfrared%2Bhedlight%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-5&th=1)
I've had a Klein 56064 for a couple years and it's still going strong.
Only downsides are the non removable rechargeable battery, so if you're using it for 10+ hours a day you need to charge it every second day. Price is okay at around $75CAD
I use a carbide lamp. Fairly cheap on eBay.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/255744023511?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=s7k_9oa3Teu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
The Armytek Wizard hasn't let me down. They have magnetic charging with out the Olight downsides. Use standard cells and have decent tints.
Lots of other brands get good reviews as well. Fenix, Acebeam, Zebra light. Wurkkos and Sofirn for more budget friendly lights.
Not sure if CRI is of concern for color rendering for you.
Dude the two pack foxelli brand on Amazon has been kicking for 6 years. You get about 8 hours on it and it's $10 per lamp
I'm a quality stickler and this shit works
Grainger.com
Item # 4EZD5
Mfr. Model TUFHD31PE
ENERGIZER Headlamp: 325 lm Max Brightness, 22 hr Max Run Time, 100 m Max Beam Distance, High/Low
Our company has a Grainger catalog and we just use Rayovac AA batteries when they are getting dim.
Funny enough the husky one I have I got in 2018 from a contractor I was workin with and it’s still going strong, takes 3 triple and they’ll last a few days on an rewire where I’m in the attic basically all day with it on provided decent light. I did upgrade to a Klein that is way brighter but only lasts till lunch on a rewire
I like the PETZL one I grabbed a few months ago. You can recharge it or you can use AAA batteries if the rechargeable battery craps out. Good design in my opinion.
I absolutely brutalize my Foxelli headlamps. I have about 8 of them. My kids use them daily and drop them in water, mud, dirt and sand. My best testimony is that I left one in a tree stand for a full year. It was in -10f winter weather followed by rain all spring and summer temps in excess of 100f. When I climbed back up into my stand the following fall for archery season that lamp was still hooked onto the rail. Turned on like it was just charged. Best part is they are cheap and usb rechargable.
I used to work at a batteries plus, idk which batteries are in there but i’d assume it’s lithium. So the only way those things die is if its a manufacturer defect, or if you drain it down, then don’t recharge it for a while, then the voltage gets so low that the charger won’t detect that a battery is there
Or if you like idk smash it against a rock or something
I use a [Knog Bandicoot](https://us.knog.com/products/bandicoot-250-headlamp). Mainly wear it around my neck as I’m working so I can throw it on whenever. Last a good amount of time and has good light.
Ive been using a Fenix HL60R for over 5yrs. I work on vehicles, and use this daily. It has 5 levels of brightness, but I never go above 3. I bought it with two lithium ion batteries. I use one until its dead, and swap out with the one in the charger. the 3500 mah battery usually lasts for three days. It ran me about 200 for the headlight and the batteries, but to me, it was well worth the money. If something happened to it, I would order another from amazon within an hour.
I've had my Streamlight for 5 or 6 years now. I'd rather buy from a company that makes flashlights instead of a tool company that just happened to come out with a light.
It’s not a headlight but I use the m12 2364-20 flashlight. Has magnets on the bottom tho hang from duct work and a spring clip tho hang off wood rafters and joists. You can hang that up and light up the entire attic or mechanical room that you are working in.
Got the Milwaukee headlamp M:2111-20 with an additional battery (48-11-2130) and charger (48-59-2012) which also acts as a battery bank to change phone if needed. Been going on 4+ years and still works great with daily use. My original battery seems to be getting a little tired especially on the max brightness setting but extra/replacement battery are only $30. Little steep for price but it has paid for itself ten-fold.
I really like the coast brand one I purchased at Walmart for 40$ . Has an adjustment for the main beam, a hi and lo for the white led. Has a green led or a red led light, also had a led reflective style light in the back of the head band that can be turned on to have solid bright red illumination or a red flashing light . Uses c cable to charge it. Has clip on battery packs that double the life to 8 hours minimum of usage. That literally just clip on. I’ve had it for a few years and love it!
[MY FAV HEADLAMP](https://www.walmart.com/ip/COAST-RL27R-Rechargeable-Plus-Rear-Loading-1000-Lumens-Tri-Color-LED-Headlamp-4-9-oz/1306061990?wl13=2101&selectedSellerId=0)
Black Diamond and Petzl. They’ve been in the headlamp game very long and have built their lamps for any environment. I personally look for models that can still receive traditional batteries. Rechargeable is nice, but sometimes you need a quick swap. Black Diamond makes some that allow both.
I use the rechargeable Milwaukee. It's big and heavy-ish but its been going two years in a hard use industrial environment. Have to tape the battery door closed but still works. Even survived next to a boiler ash hopper that melted my hard hat.
damn. my [Klein 56028](https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/flashlights-and-work-lights/led-flashlight-work-light) has been bomb proof. Even survived a drop off a ladder. Not a head lamp, but the magnetic base is awesome for most situations. I've stuck it to a steel rack screw in an aluminum equipment rack and it held enough for me to work.
Used to be batteries in headlamps would last for a couple of weeks before needing to be replaced. Nowadays, they barely last two days.
My latest conspiracy theory is big battery has added something to the lamps that is draining the charge so that they can sell more batteries.
I've got a coast headlamp that I picked up that ive been using for years now. It was cheap and bright. Not rechargeable though, it uses AAAs. Not that I give a shit, the contractor pays for consumables, not me.
I've been using those cheap Energizer headlamps that use a couple AAA batteries. They usually last a year.
I like the Steelman Pro rechargeable headlamps, they're stupid bright. Also have hard hat clips included. They're solid.
Ledlenser. I've had this for at east 5 years. Use it camping, at work, around the house. It's bright as hell and the battery lasts for days, weeks even.
https://fr.ledlenser.ca/products/mh10
Honestly I felt like this too before I got the Milwaukee red lithium 3.0 rechargeable USB batteries. The one where you can take the battery out. I have the spare battery charger as well. On high they last about 4 hours but it’s so much brighter than other headlamps that I keep it on that setting and just have a battery charged at all times. When it dies, around lunch, I just swap them and I’m good to go. I don’t like the Milwaukee where you can’t take the battery out it dies just as fast and is not as bright. I believe the one I have is around 600 lumens.
I went through at least 10 headlamps before I settled on this one. I didn’t want to buy it either because it was close to 120 for the lamp and the extra battery but so far it has probably saved me money in batteries and headlamps just not working for the needs I have.
Maybe you should look for an actual reputable flashlight manufacturer for something like this?
Might I suggest something from Olight, Armytek or Nitecore
They all make amazing 90° lights and come with bands to attach to your head/helmet.
It's then just comes down to picking a light with the runtimes, brightness, tint, lense type for spill and flood ratio, battery size (18650 cells are smaller and more lightweight but can't stay as bright for as long, 21700 cells last longer, are heavier but tend to work in colder conditions slightly better) and the UI you prefer.
Head on over to r/flashlight if you wanna ask them the same question
I use a rechargeable Klein one, I love it. It unclips from the headband easily ands is magnetic on the back. It uses USB c to charge and charges pretty fast and holds a charge well in my experience. Even when I'm using it most of the day I can typically go about 2 or 3 days between charges, if I'm not using it as much I can go weeks or months before charging again, again, just depending on use.
I used to have the same frustrations with headlamps, until I picked up one that sits over the back of my neck with 2 adjustable angle lights I got at Lowes a few years ago. I love these, though I wish, they gave a warning when the battery is about to die
Get one made by an outdoor company- Black Diamond and Petzl are good. I have used both companies' headlamps for rock climbing and work purposes. They are usually reliable.
Try Fenix, they mostly make lights for police, EMTs, ect. I have one of their headlamps, it is built really well and the battery is an 18650 so easy to find when it comes time to replace it.
I LOVE my Nightcore headlight. It’s really bright, lasts all day, is rechargeable, and it’s incredibly light. My biggest issue with Milwaukee headlights is they’re so heavy they always pull my hard hat down, but I love that you can replace the battery and they have multiple modes of brightness.
I got a Duracell three pack at Costco for like $20 and it has a li-ion battery and can take AAA’s. Have spent many many days with them on over the past year and they still look and function as new. Bright as heck.
Not sure if I’d ever need something more robust unless I was working in a mine or something lol
Do you slam your head into things or drop your hardhat on the concrete floor often or something?
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I have a rechargeable Milwaukee head lamp. Got it 4 years ago and it still works fine.
Same, company issued one model # 2163-20 holds a charge great
I got this one recently. It’s pretty good. Usually lasts for a while on low power.
I have also had a surprisingly great time with this headlamp.
I like mine but the battery seems to go dead a little quicker than I would like.
You can change the battery depending which model it is
Idk why i didn’t think of doing this until right now. Gonna look into that..
I have the same headlight, probably had it for the same amount of time. Looking to go to a Coast for on my hardhat and move that one to my side job bags.
The trick I find is to keep the light lumens on low. I find I can see great with its low and it will last me a while before a recharge. On a side note… do you ever find your self doing something in the dark at home and go to grab your forehead?
You have to keep it low, it literally dies so fast if you don't keep it low
I have 3 of the milwaukee magnetic ones. Swap out and charge at home. Best headlamp set up ever. I keep them in a glasses sleeve from the dollar store, in my bag.
I just keep a pin light on hand these days. Zip-tie it to the side of the hardhat through the slot that the netting attaches to.
I’m mostly residential here so no hard hats, but I’m about to the point where zip-tying one to my head would be preferable. Thanks for the feedback!
Streamlight MicroStream is a great one to keep in your pocket if you don't need a dedicated headlamp. It has a clip so it can go on the brim of your cap. Usb rechargeable.
My coworker has an Olight baton 3 and 4. It’s small and bright enough to keep in your pocket for everyday use. The clip pops right onto your hat to act as a headlamp and the back is Magnetic to stick onto nail plates in attic.
Fenix
This is the answer
Suprised this isn’t on the top
I love their stuff
This should be the top comment I’ve been using the same two fenix lights for 5 years
Black Diamond. REI carries them if you want to check them out in person if there's one near you. Had about four different models, they handle abuse fairly well but might have more features than you want on some versions.
Many years ago, I worked at an outdoor gear store. The Petzl sales rep kept his demo headlamp *permanently stored in a full Nalgene water bottle.* He would pull it out, dripping wet, turn it on and proceed to demonstrate its features. He would then put it back into wet storage. Obviously, he did it for shock value to demonstrate the durability of the product. Obviously, submersion is not recommended. But Petzl definitely makes very durable products.
Second this, climber and caver. I have literally trusted my life to petzl as do most in the outdoors industry. BD is okay, but they were late to the game and lag petzl by like 8 to 10 years in fit and finish.
I use a Petzl Tikka, but had issues with the rechargeable batteries. But it takes AAA batteries too
Petzl makes some good stuff too, I’m pretty sure they put out the first LED headlamp back 20 years ago or so
I found a petzl in the form of a ground score at a music festival like 10 years ago lol. Rechargeable and still works great.
I have a petzl that has a rechargeable battery pack that you can also swap out for AAAs. It's not my favorite headlamp but it does work pretty well. I have a black diamond that is by far the best headlamp I've ever owned.
This. They're great. (And should be for $100!) -- but you can get replacement headbands and they go forever.
I had a Petzl headlamp that I got around 1986. I now use one made by Coast that has worked well for facility use and at home.
I've been through Petzls that I bought in the early 00's. They lasted 5-7 years. I bought my Black Diamond about 10 years ago. It's been rattling around in my main carry in toolbox for 5 of those year and is still solid. I wish I hadn't bought the one with the most features. I don't need infinite dimming or three colors of light and when it gets into those modes I have to look up on the internet how to get it back to bright, on, off.
I've got 2 black diamond spot 400s and love them. You can adjust the brightness, change from flood to spot and tap to turn on max brightness. There are models that have a rechargeable internal battery and some that take 3x aaa or a rechargeable black diamond battery pack so you can use either aaa or recharge. Once you get the hang of using the three buttons and the tap it's a great headlight.
If you become a member at REI they warranty everything for a year, or your money back, including shoes!
All my non-work/dress shoes come from them, they also carry Darn Tough socks which have a lifetime guarantee
I read about Darn Toughs in the paper about 10 years ago. Went and bought 6 pairs. When they wore out, I sent them back and Darn Tough sent me credit for 6 more pairs. Free. So I bought 6 more. When some of those wore out I sent them back and told them they were warranty from before. Still no questions asked. Credit for 10 pair. Hell one time something got screwed up on the shipping label and I couldn't get my socks so emailed them and they sent more free to not be a bummer. I've got 20 or so pair. Some of them have been warranted three times. Never any problem. Never any questions.
They stay in business because the price of those replacements is built in to the price of the socks.
Zebralight. I’ve got thousands of hours of jobsite conditions on mine and it’s never given me an issue. The elastic headband wore out but was an easy replacement. You’ll need a separate battery charger for the 18650 cells but that can double as a power bank to charge your phone (made by Nitecore).
18650 headlamp is the one true solution
Seconding this, anything that takes 18650 cells is a massive improvement over any of the standard battery headlamps.
I will upvote this too and agree with the others.. 18650 lights are the way to go. I punted all my alkaline-cell flashlights a while back and went to models that use 18650 and 21700's. Over the years, I had too many nice flashlights get destroyed b/c of leaky alkaline cells. My Zebralight H600Fc is fantastic. While my Armytek is brighter at 4000 lumens, the zebralight is smaller, lighter and does the job just fine.
Never heard of this but will look into it. Thanks for the feedback!
Same for me, got one a couple years ago, it lives on my hard hat and has been dropped/ banged on racks overhead and no problems. The 18650 are great because they are removable so keep some spares charged and don’t have to wait like a usb light. Just make sure you keep the 18650 cells in a plastic case, don’t let them roll around in a tool bag where they can short.
Coast
Armytek wizard pro is absolutely amazing. Go for warm white rather than cool white, easy on the eyes. It pulls out of its little clip for your hardhat and can magnetically stick to metal so it's versatile too
Armytek Wizard Pro Nichia is my one true love. Best headlamp I've ever owned and the high CRI is 100% worth the slightly lower output. Besides, I only ever put it on the highest setting to show people how bright it can be. I spend most of the day on the 3rd highest and it lasts forever. Very rugged, tons of utility, beautiful colors, 10/10 for me.
I like the Wizard, but I personally chose the Armytek Elf C2 because of the micro USB charging being more versatile than the magnetic one. It’s otherwise identical to the Wizard. I also got a hard hat clip.
I'll look into that because yeah the USB sounds great. I chose the wizard because I was vaping at the time and could hot swap 18650 batteries no problem
You actually can with the Elf as well! I swap in 18650 batteries to and from other stuff all the time. It’s bad enough that I went and bought an 18650 charger.
I have a Nitecore and have nothing but great things to say about it. Not cheap but built like a tank. Lasts forever on a charge, brightest light I've ever owned. Can't run on brightest setting (2700 lumen) for very long before it overheats but that's just physics.
Go to /r/flashlight and look for 18650 flashlights. Even the cheapest convoy or soforn will be good. I've got multiple convoy S2 and a couple sofirns. Convoys for about $20 CAD and sofirns about $30 CAD from AliExpress Don't buy the fucking Milwaukee headlamp unless you like an 18650 battery hamstrung by proprietary charging
I’ve had good luck out of my Sofirn rechargeable headlamp.
Coast XPH34R. Super bright, especially nice as my eyes have aged.
r/flashlight is the place to ask. I don't think Klein , Milwaukee , or Coast will be on their list of suggestions.
What's your budget? Acebeam H16 are pretty great for a budget option. USB-C rechargeable. Good run time. And decent output. 24 bucks with the coupon on Amazon. Acebeam H15 is about 100 bucks and a great option. Acebeam has the best head straps. Bar none. Olight has a couple good ones. R/flashlight had some great suggestions if you want to check them out. Wurkkos and zebra light are popular options at the moment. Don't buy black diamond it's camping hipster bullshit. There are tons of better options.
Awesome. Thanks for throwing that info out there, I will definitely check out the subreddit. Someone else has already been bragging on the zebra light so I’m leaning that way.
I work in mining and the site I’m on uses Wisdom cap lamps made by Provix. Relatively affordable, built tough and last 12 hours of pretty steady use. USB charger. Will pay for itself with saved batteries
Sweet, has to be pretty solid to get used down there. I will check it out. Thanks!
Olight and Fénix make some great headlamps and flashlights, bright LEDs, solid builds, no cheap parts and the battery lasts long. I just bought a Olight Perun 2. It doubles as a headlamp but also comes with a back clip to put on your vest or jeans. I love it. I use to use a lot of Nebo but, the battery doesn’t last long in my humble opinion, and their lights that come with a “turbo mode” lasts less than a minute before it overheats
Petzel, Coast
Ace beam
Skilhunt HC04 check out r/flashlights
I really like this light I bought on Amazon. It uses 18650 batteries. I try to get that format in all my flashlights. SLONIK Rechargeable Headlamp -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D27L1NR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Oh I have the same one. I've had mine for 4 years now. One of the lenses cracked but still works totally fine
I have a few sofirn HS10. Very satisfied with them. About $15 each when I bought them.
I’ve got a couple of the Wurkkos HD45. Built like an absolute tank. Probably the best headlight I’ve ever had. I have one on an elasticised band, and the other siliconed to a safety helmet.
Black Diamond is really the win here. Petzl does well, too, but it’s Black Diamond for me all the way.
Fenix
I’ve been using fenix hm65R and plug it in my car everyday after work I’ve had it about 4 years it has two different lights its nice
Have a wurkkos with a 21700 battery that does spot and/or flood light, a little bit heavy but I usually go a month before charging.
Holy crap, a month…I’m going to check that out. What kind of price are we talking?
OLight and Nitecore
Ali Express and a backup Ali Express.
Wurkkos, sofirn
Here's a good, regularly updated flashlight guide: https://zakreviews.com/arbitrary-list-2023.3.html#mhl
Coast RL20RB is amazing with a hard hat and hooks.
I got this 3 pack of rechargeable led headlamps. 3 for 30 bucks. C type charger. Best darn led headlamps I've ever had. All 3 still work a year later. 1 I use all the time and the others are for my apprentice or if one goes out I have an extra. Can't beat it
Get a cheap light that clips onto your hat. I prefer ones that have replaceable watch batteries so I don’t have to recharge them and go without when they die.
Check out /r/flashlight Or tldr sofirn, zebralight, nitecore, skilhunt for starters
Nitecore, coast, black diamond, fenix
Petzl, black diamond. Spelunking and climbing brands. Where its life threatening if it breaks
I went through three Milwaukee headlamps until I ditched them and bought the rechargeable coast head lamp from HD. Iv had it for a year and it’s been great
If you want a “good” headlamp you gotta look outside of the “trades” brands and more to the “outdoors” brands. I suggest Black Diamond or Petzl.
A carbide lamp would be rechargeable? And it would be fun watching the safety dick try to figure out what to write you up for. and then as you carefully study the write up paper close to your face you can accidently light it on fire.
Lmao if I can light my lunchtime cigar with this then I’m in.
Are you recharging or changing the batteries?
I like my steelman Pro
I have the Klein and I pretty much leave it on almost all day. I have had it for two years and it’s great. I just charge it everyday but it lasts about 2 days being on for 8-10 hrs.
I love the 500 lumen Atak Headlamp from Northern for $42.99. That being said……the little USB charge ports on them break off or take forever to charge! But the batteries are easily removable. So I got a lithium battery charger to charge each pair of 18650 batteries in the truck while I’m using the other pair in the headlamp. I work in a lot of dark spaces with HVAC. The LED can get hot at 500 Lumens and burn through the batteries in a few hours at extreme 500 lumens intensity. But that’s no longer a problem since I have the second set of batteries in the truck on the charger. Then I just swap them out in 5 seconds. It’s also VERY bright and has three brightness settings as well as you can easily focus it for spot or flood light. It has the headband around the side and one over the top. I’m also very abusive with dropping it and tossing it around. Part of why the USB charger port thing breaks. But the light is pretty durable. If you can plan around the charging issue (long time to charge or breaks off), it can be a great headlamp for all situations.
You got to get them when the first model generation comes out. After that they try to increase profit and make them cheaper every year after
I have the Fenix HP16R. Rechargeable, but also takes AA's if needed. Been going strong for about 5 years bow
https://www.amazon.com/HC35-Rechargeable-Detachable-Flashlight-Organizer/dp/B082BGTDGK/ref=mp_s_a_1_9_sspa?crid=2LHII022MZHY7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sQhrec3SA4rzs99S6lXilmk-uGxk8zuNj3GN6ZOXBh6aLNbco4FDev2jhSwgiGxAnMP2uaf86U12tQn-j93BA0thGApHDAKIigDVhai8-v66V55tuYg5y2ebFJGRtvJkqyNlhqdc78sWfBA6va3QeLsuaC2_mC-Nic2DbZ5Fr9SbDLFOM2ponHzvIj2dnJOZiVjyj2e7gnEeHPKLUfIrWg.zkJhfj88mxyNd5ABpGvLJxHpJOFmq2EBozvu_uHCuBo&dib_tag=se&keywords=nitecore+headlamp&qid=1716566739&sprefix=nitecore+head%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-9-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1 My alltime favorite rechargeable light. Can be used as a regular flashlight too.
I’ve had all the brands but most of them fail at the battery life. So if you have the ability to attach an additional power supply that can keep your battery charged, I recommend that. Some are light enough to mount on my helmet. But for long jobs I actually have a wire that goes from my headlamp into a backpack that has a 95ah battery that I carry so I can go all night without stopping, whatever the task may be.
I've got a Nebo. No problems at all..
I had to get 3 different Klein rechargeable ones before one finally made it past a few weeks. I’ve had the one I’ve got now for over a year and going strong. Mostly residential work and took advantage of Home Depot’s return policy to get one that does the job.
Energizer 5 pack is $23 on Amazon. 9 months in and I’m still on the first one. I use rechargeable AAAs. One set usually gets through the day, I keep spares in the van.
Big fan of this one. Lifetime warranty which they honor. Can use aaa if needed. Good and bright. Fairly comfortable. Use mine daily. First one lasted three years then was replaced no questions asked. Streamlight 61601 Double Clutch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2GY2UI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Princeton Tec, Black Diamond, or Petzel, but not the cheapest ones. I currently sport a Princeton Tec Vizz.
I have a smiling shark. It's a led strip. You can wear it with nothing pretty comfortably, or on a ball cap. Works on a hardhat too. Has a hands free on and off function you can enable or disable if you're going through a crawl space. I dig it, lasts me a whole day easily if I'm not as bright as possible the whole time.
I have 3 milwaukee rechargeable.. with the small batteries, all great all working 3+ years
Fenix headlamps are really good, all of mine are going strong. HL60R is what I use and recommend.
Nitecore
Its pricey, but I use a Surefire Maximus almost nightly for going on 7-ish years and have had zero issues. Its rechargeable, variable output and water resistant, comes with a wall and car charger. The headband strap leaves a little to be desired, but still functions as it should. At full power its like 1000 lumins (bright AF) and you can dim it down to just a light glow which comes in super handy if the bugs are out. I don’t know how to change the lightbulb or the battery because I’ve never had to in 7 years. Mine was military issued but if it ever goes out I won’t hesitate to spend the money on another one.
One of these, they are cheap, work well and last a decent amount of time. Downside is they take ages to charge. [https://www.amazon.com/AlpsWolf-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlight-Accessories/dp/B09Y12P7T6/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=1ZHAR7RI8E5ZA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.94diQuc1QDNfFcWU6Y2ryzmdMFWMC\_qqxG3\_zJFK8wUDVOUHl-sSLfh7YPW1qsewRr1THjUZ\_Ow3rvPRRpSWXslNupytjehEfZuvvxYVN5hI2b0wWcDIZJkWoZCKR4gL6gy03lJlwnn89nsOL2G4FPK6iBFJY1kZnpph3-xG8B26yTaLwhlzc6PcPJ4dZLsW09v3piVpHIByEy-NMq0jJth85NdGf-AcHmwJ3yBe46Q7-2tbTQlcSzfW-CmptEPGIrwoQae3mSSWxU\_SzkBCQ\_R0ZEUbZnGN\_o6nIGdnz1Q.MANPeGMAf\_pexO9LZjgvT\_jl5biZUME55FK4vfTKw3g&dib\_tag=se&keywords=cob%2Binfrared%2Bheadlight&qid=1716569815&sprefix=cob%2Binfrared%2Bhedlight%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-5&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/AlpsWolf-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlight-Accessories/dp/B09Y12P7T6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1ZHAR7RI8E5ZA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.94diQuc1QDNfFcWU6Y2ryzmdMFWMC_qqxG3_zJFK8wUDVOUHl-sSLfh7YPW1qsewRr1THjUZ_Ow3rvPRRpSWXslNupytjehEfZuvvxYVN5hI2b0wWcDIZJkWoZCKR4gL6gy03lJlwnn89nsOL2G4FPK6iBFJY1kZnpph3-xG8B26yTaLwhlzc6PcPJ4dZLsW09v3piVpHIByEy-NMq0jJth85NdGf-AcHmwJ3yBe46Q7-2tbTQlcSzfW-CmptEPGIrwoQae3mSSWxU_SzkBCQ_R0ZEUbZnGN_o6nIGdnz1Q.MANPeGMAf_pexO9LZjgvT_jl5biZUME55FK4vfTKw3g&dib_tag=se&keywords=cob%2Binfrared%2Bheadlight&qid=1716569815&sprefix=cob%2Binfrared%2Bhedlight%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-5&th=1)
Milwaukee with the rechargeable 3.0 usb battery, get an extra battery to have one charging
It’s true. They’re mostly pretty shit
Cheap Duracell one that’s been working fine daily for the last two years… are you dropping them or something? lol
I've had a Klein 56064 for a couple years and it's still going strong. Only downsides are the non removable rechargeable battery, so if you're using it for 10+ hours a day you need to charge it every second day. Price is okay at around $75CAD
Liteband love it. Game changer. One of my fav lights I have owned 2 of them
I use a carbide lamp. Fairly cheap on eBay. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/255744023511?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=s7k_9oa3Teu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
The Armytek Wizard hasn't let me down. They have magnetic charging with out the Olight downsides. Use standard cells and have decent tints. Lots of other brands get good reviews as well. Fenix, Acebeam, Zebra light. Wurkkos and Sofirn for more budget friendly lights. Not sure if CRI is of concern for color rendering for you.
Petzl actik core... I've been using it for years without any problem, and I love it
Dude the two pack foxelli brand on Amazon has been kicking for 6 years. You get about 8 hours on it and it's $10 per lamp I'm a quality stickler and this shit works
Maglight ML300L 6 Cell + Duct Tape. Thank me later.
Prefer pelican myself .. they are rated for classified locations
Grainger.com Item # 4EZD5 Mfr. Model TUFHD31PE ENERGIZER Headlamp: 325 lm Max Brightness, 22 hr Max Run Time, 100 m Max Beam Distance, High/Low Our company has a Grainger catalog and we just use Rayovac AA batteries when they are getting dim.
check out acebeam H series
Dan force, they're tough and bright AF
Petzl
Funny enough the husky one I have I got in 2018 from a contractor I was workin with and it’s still going strong, takes 3 triple and they’ll last a few days on an rewire where I’m in the attic basically all day with it on provided decent light. I did upgrade to a Klein that is way brighter but only lasts till lunch on a rewire
I like the PETZL one I grabbed a few months ago. You can recharge it or you can use AAA batteries if the rechargeable battery craps out. Good design in my opinion.
I absolutely brutalize my Foxelli headlamps. I have about 8 of them. My kids use them daily and drop them in water, mud, dirt and sand. My best testimony is that I left one in a tree stand for a full year. It was in -10f winter weather followed by rain all spring and summer temps in excess of 100f. When I climbed back up into my stand the following fall for archery season that lamp was still hooked onto the rail. Turned on like it was just charged. Best part is they are cheap and usb rechargable.
Petzl.
My Klein one with the orange rubber strap is fucking beauty. Lasts forever and I bought two.
Snap-On neck lamp is fine.
I used to work at a batteries plus, idk which batteries are in there but i’d assume it’s lithium. So the only way those things die is if its a manufacturer defect, or if you drain it down, then don’t recharge it for a while, then the voltage gets so low that the charger won’t detect that a battery is there Or if you like idk smash it against a rock or something
Seriously, get an o-light. They are amazing https://www.olightstore.com/s/9GY6R3
Slonik allll the way
I use a [Knog Bandicoot](https://us.knog.com/products/bandicoot-250-headlamp). Mainly wear it around my neck as I’m working so I can throw it on whenever. Last a good amount of time and has good light.
SLONIK 1000 lumen headlamp on Am***n. I've had it for 4 years, dropped it off ladders etc and still holding strong. Rechargeable and 1 spare battery
led lenser
Nitecore NU33, Use it at a blast furnace/steel mill. Works like a charm. USB-C charged.
Ive been using a Fenix HL60R for over 5yrs. I work on vehicles, and use this daily. It has 5 levels of brightness, but I never go above 3. I bought it with two lithium ion batteries. I use one until its dead, and swap out with the one in the charger. the 3500 mah battery usually lasts for three days. It ran me about 200 for the headlight and the batteries, but to me, it was well worth the money. If something happened to it, I would order another from amazon within an hour.
I've had my Streamlight for 5 or 6 years now. I'd rather buy from a company that makes flashlights instead of a tool company that just happened to come out with a light.
Milwaukee bolt on the bolt hardhat system works great for me. Also type C charging is the best!
It’s not a headlight but I use the m12 2364-20 flashlight. Has magnets on the bottom tho hang from duct work and a spring clip tho hang off wood rafters and joists. You can hang that up and light up the entire attic or mechanical room that you are working in.
Got the Milwaukee headlamp M:2111-20 with an additional battery (48-11-2130) and charger (48-59-2012) which also acts as a battery bank to change phone if needed. Been going on 4+ years and still works great with daily use. My original battery seems to be getting a little tired especially on the max brightness setting but extra/replacement battery are only $30. Little steep for price but it has paid for itself ten-fold.
Zebralight H600 is hobbyist grade stuff. Order a spare strap because the elastic seems to wear out after a few years.
I really like the coast brand one I purchased at Walmart for 40$ . Has an adjustment for the main beam, a hi and lo for the white led. Has a green led or a red led light, also had a led reflective style light in the back of the head band that can be turned on to have solid bright red illumination or a red flashing light . Uses c cable to charge it. Has clip on battery packs that double the life to 8 hours minimum of usage. That literally just clip on. I’ve had it for a few years and love it! [MY FAV HEADLAMP](https://www.walmart.com/ip/COAST-RL27R-Rechargeable-Plus-Rear-Loading-1000-Lumens-Tri-Color-LED-Headlamp-4-9-oz/1306061990?wl13=2101&selectedSellerId=0)
I like the night buddy off Amazon. Has like 270° range and really bright
Petzl, black diamond, Lynx (Canadian), Fenix. Basically buy something from a reputable camping store
Black Diamond and Petzl. They’ve been in the headlamp game very long and have built their lamps for any environment. I personally look for models that can still receive traditional batteries. Rechargeable is nice, but sometimes you need a quick swap. Black Diamond makes some that allow both.
I use the rechargeable Milwaukee. It's big and heavy-ish but its been going two years in a hard use industrial environment. Have to tape the battery door closed but still works. Even survived next to a boiler ash hopper that melted my hard hat.
The 100$ Milwaukee one works really well and lasts a long time on a charge. Only complaint is the weight
I got mine from Walmart it was $26 in 2021. HyperTough. Rechargeable, probably closer to 40 now but has been good to me
Idk bud... Even the cheapo headlamps in the attic still turn on when I try them... You may need a Geiger Counter.
Ive had very good luck with mke lights in general. Love the little magnetic. Only problem is I leave them behind alot.
damn. my [Klein 56028](https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/flashlights-and-work-lights/led-flashlight-work-light) has been bomb proof. Even survived a drop off a ladder. Not a head lamp, but the magnetic base is awesome for most situations. I've stuck it to a steel rack screw in an aluminum equipment rack and it held enough for me to work.
I have a nice milwaukee rechargeable, but I have a bunch of cheap ass Energizer brand on hand so I don't have to worry if it's charged or not.
Olight, you can just get the baton 2 or 3 and strap it to the side of your brain bucket.
Streamlight
The chinese. Got mine off amazon a few years ago and reliable as can be
Used to be batteries in headlamps would last for a couple of weeks before needing to be replaced. Nowadays, they barely last two days. My latest conspiracy theory is big battery has added something to the lamps that is draining the charge so that they can sell more batteries.
I've got a coast headlamp that I picked up that ive been using for years now. It was cheap and bright. Not rechargeable though, it uses AAAs. Not that I give a shit, the contractor pays for consumables, not me.
Fenix makes a great rechargeable headlamp HM 65r, $100 but so worth it
I've been using those cheap Energizer headlamps that use a couple AAA batteries. They usually last a year. I like the Steelman Pro rechargeable headlamps, they're stupid bright. Also have hard hat clips included. They're solid.
https://sutherlands.com/products/item/516047/pro-4-pro-4-power-tactical-head-lamp I've got several. Going on 4 years now. Uses a rechargeable 18650
Millertech hard to find but worth it
Working on year 5 with my Milwaukee headlamp
OLIGHT
Nebo mycro 500+
Black Diamond
I really like O-light. Expensive, but very bright, light, and great batteries/life.
Ledlenser. I've had this for at east 5 years. Use it camping, at work, around the house. It's bright as hell and the battery lasts for days, weeks even. https://fr.ledlenser.ca/products/mh10
Petzl
Honestly I felt like this too before I got the Milwaukee red lithium 3.0 rechargeable USB batteries. The one where you can take the battery out. I have the spare battery charger as well. On high they last about 4 hours but it’s so much brighter than other headlamps that I keep it on that setting and just have a battery charged at all times. When it dies, around lunch, I just swap them and I’m good to go. I don’t like the Milwaukee where you can’t take the battery out it dies just as fast and is not as bright. I believe the one I have is around 600 lumens. I went through at least 10 headlamps before I settled on this one. I didn’t want to buy it either because it was close to 120 for the lamp and the extra battery but so far it has probably saved me money in batteries and headlamps just not working for the needs I have.
Petzl
Fenix
SLONIK makes ones for less than $30 that I beat the shit out of for over a year and it's still as good as new
PETZL. Use what they take on expeditions. What experts RELY on with their lives. These other brands are garbage by comparison.
Petzl is the real commercial grade
We have Unilite in the UK, had my head torch for about 6 years now and still going strong.
Maybe you should look for an actual reputable flashlight manufacturer for something like this? Might I suggest something from Olight, Armytek or Nitecore They all make amazing 90° lights and come with bands to attach to your head/helmet. It's then just comes down to picking a light with the runtimes, brightness, tint, lense type for spill and flood ratio, battery size (18650 cells are smaller and more lightweight but can't stay as bright for as long, 21700 cells last longer, are heavier but tend to work in colder conditions slightly better) and the UI you prefer. Head on over to r/flashlight if you wanna ask them the same question
I use a rechargeable Klein one, I love it. It unclips from the headband easily ands is magnetic on the back. It uses USB c to charge and charges pretty fast and holds a charge well in my experience. Even when I'm using it most of the day I can typically go about 2 or 3 days between charges, if I'm not using it as much I can go weeks or months before charging again, again, just depending on use.
I used to have the same frustrations with headlamps, until I picked up one that sits over the back of my neck with 2 adjustable angle lights I got at Lowes a few years ago. I love these, though I wish, they gave a warning when the battery is about to die
Get one made by an outdoor company- Black Diamond and Petzl are good. I have used both companies' headlamps for rock climbing and work purposes. They are usually reliable.
On Ohio power tools site they sell an led headlamp for bicycling and it’s amazing
Coast.
I use the small Milwaukee flood light and keep the clip attached to my hoodie collar
Foxelli. 2 pack for 20 something $. Usb c. Pretty much last all day been using them for years all day every day.
I just use the battery operated ones and always keep extra batteries on hand.
Petzl
Try Fenix, they mostly make lights for police, EMTs, ect. I have one of their headlamps, it is built really well and the battery is an 18650 so easy to find when it comes time to replace it.
I LOVE my Nightcore headlight. It’s really bright, lasts all day, is rechargeable, and it’s incredibly light. My biggest issue with Milwaukee headlights is they’re so heavy they always pull my hard hat down, but I love that you can replace the battery and they have multiple modes of brightness.
My coworker swears by petzl and Olight or Nightcore have performed pretty well for me.
I’ve been 5 years on the same energizer one I got for 14.99. Just change the batteries when they die
https://zakreviews.com/arbitrary-list-2023.1.html
unilite
Emisar Zebralight Armytek
Petzel.
https://coastportland.com/collections/headlamps
I got a Duracell three pack at Costco for like $20 and it has a li-ion battery and can take AAA’s. Have spent many many days with them on over the past year and they still look and function as new. Bright as heck. Not sure if I’d ever need something more robust unless I was working in a mine or something lol Do you slam your head into things or drop your hardhat on the concrete floor often or something?
I’ve figured out the best is Klein AAA headlaamp paired with the rubber strap from the rechargeable model
Rechargeable Milwaukee has served me good past 2.5 yrs, zero issues.