Don't use your hands - use your head! TOP 5 headlamps

The slogan of Fenix company sounds like this: "Phoenix is a ray of sunshine in your pocket." Powerful, convenient and reliable lanterns are produced under this brand. And the HL15 XP-G2 R5 model was no exception, and is a fairly high-quality headlamp.

First of all, it is necessary to note the dimensions and weight. The lantern is very compact (63x41.5x35 mm). Considering the weight of 60 grams and the operation of only two AAA batteries, it is not felt on the head, and even with prolonged wear does not cause fatigue. Most hats weigh more, so I put them on and forgot ― just about Fenix HL15 XP-G2 R5. It is attached to an elastic fabric hoop that fits snugly to the head and is adjustable in length.

There are 3 LEDs available: 1 white in the centre and 2 red on the edges of the lantern. The first is adjustable in brightness from 4 lumens (for 58 hours of work) to 200 (for 1.5 hours of work), which is enough to illuminate a space from 8 to 50 metres, respectively. The second ones work in 2 modes: lighting and flickering. They are needed rather to indicate their presence in the dark and highlight something at arm's length. The beam is scattered by 100°, which is enough to illuminate 2-3 metres on both sides of the user.

The case has an IP67 protection class, so the flashlight can be used both in a downpour and in strong winds. It can withstand a fall from a height of about a metre without damage. In general, a convenient, practical and lightweight device.

Headlamps are one of the main directions of the Petzl company, which occupies one of the leading positions in the world market of equipment for mountaineering and high―altitude work. Including lanterns.

The body of the flashlight is light (85 g) and small, it is attached to an elastic strap that tightens according to the size of the head, and sits quite tightly. Separately, it is necessary to say about the HYBRID technology. It allows you to use 3 AAA batteries or a CORE battery (it is not included, you need to buy it separately). Which option is more convenient — decide for yourself.

There is 1 LED available, which has 3 operating modes: intensive, standard and economical. The first gives a light of 150 lumens, which is enough for 55 metres. The second one is 100 lumens and the illumination range is 40 m. The third is only 5 lumens, which corresponds to 10 m of distance. At the same time, the economy mode completely drains the batteries after 220 hours, and the other two have enough power for 60 hours.

The case is completely plastic with IPX4 protection class, i.e. it is well protected from water splashes and dust. But anything that is more intense can greatly harm performance. So it's better not to use a flashlight in the rain or snow. By the way, mechanical damage and sudden temperature changes will also affect it negatively and lead to breakage.

The Led Lenser company clearly proves that in Germany they make not only some of the best cars and beer in the world, but also excellent lanterns.

Compared with analogues from this price category, Led Lenser SEO 3 can be called quite massive. The weight of 96 g and the large body can cause inconvenience during prolonged wear. But such a form factor allowed the manufacturer to introduce a mechanism for changing the angle of the lantern, i.e. the direction of the beam can be adjusted regardless of the position of the head. The advantage, of course, is doubtful, but it expands the functionality of the flashlight.

There are 4 LEDs available. 3 white ones work in the lighting mode at 90 lumens (about 40 metres) and 15 lumens (18 metres), you can also turn on the flicker. 1 the red diode turns on in the backlight mode. The flashlight is powered by 3 AAA batteries, which have enough charge for 10 hours in standard mode and 40 hours in economy mode.

The case has an IPX6 class tightness, so it calmly tolerates high humidity, direct ingress of water splashes and dust. The plastic is shock-resistant, withstands a fall from a height of about a metre and not strong blows.

This lantern is the lightest among models of similar cost. The weight with batteries is only 44 g, which allows you to carry it comfortably for many hours. Dimensions at the same time do not interfere at all ― 5.6 cm in length. This compact device is attached to an elastic strap that tightens according to the size of the head.

Equipped with the main white and additional red LEDs. The first one has 3 modes of operation. The maximum gives a light of 150 lumens (range up to 55 m) for 10 minutes, then automatically switches to 90 lm (about 35 m). The average mode is 30 lm and about 10 m, and the economical mode is 10 lm for 7-8 m. The flashlight works from 2 AAA batteries, which have enough charge for 10 and 280 minutes, 10 hours and 40 hours, respectively, selected modes. Red diodes are switched on in 2 modes: glow and blink. But there is practically no illumination from them, so this function is needed rather only to identify the user of the flashlight in the dark. A convenient feature is the battery charge indicator. When the voltage from the batteries drops below 1.8 V, the red indicator on the flashlight power button lights up.

The case is shockproof and sealed. Withstands falls from a height of up to a metre, light impacts and weak precipitation (protection class IPX4). At the same time, the form factor of the case provides the possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination of the diodes up to 50 °.

Before us, perhaps, is one of the most powerful headlamps in its price category. But also quite large and massive.

The maximum distance that this model is able to illuminate is 122 metres with a luminous intensity of 120 lumens. However, in this mode, the flashlight will work for only 22 hours, and after that you will need to change the batteries. The second lighting option is more economical ― 30 lumens, which will be enough to illuminate 20-25 metres. Such power is useful in industry, mechanical engineering, hunting or hiking. But for lighting close elements (for example, connecting pipes under the sink or the insides of a household switch) will be superfluous.

The case is quite large and relatively heavy. The weight of the flashlight is 103 g with batteries, but the LED block can be tilted and rotated. Separately, we need to say about the security of the device. The IPX4 tightness class allows you to use the flashlight even under light rain, although it is better not to get under heavy rain. And the rubberized case is tested for durability when falling from a height of 9 metres. In fact, Varta Indestructible LED Head Light 3AAA is one of the best solutions for extreme recreation and employees of institutions such as the metro.