Fixing headlamp to helmet

[Lurker]

Hi all,

I'm interested in hearing about your experiences with fixing headlamps with elasticated straps onto helmets e.g. Fenix HM60R and similar lamps.

Up until now I've always had a lamp/battery pack that was screwed to my helmet so couldn't go anywhere. How reliable are the elasticated straps when hooked into the bits on the side of a Petzl Ecrin Roc or Vertex? Do they tend to ping off easily unless better secured, and if so does anyone have any good tricks for securing them?

TIA!

 

[PeteHall]

I've added cable ties around the elastic strap for my kids caving lamps. So far this seems pretty effective and we've not had any issues, but then again, kids trips tend to be fairly simple.

I've never used anything other than a properly fixed lamp (directly bolted, or via proper metal bracket) on my own helmet.

 

[Pete K]

Generally they work fine until the elastic starts to perish. As PeteHall says, you can bang a cable tie on through a vent hole or somewhere that won't interfere with the fit of the helmet as a backup to the elastic just in case.

 

[JohnMCooper]

see:

https://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=29071.0

for insecure fixing.

 

[phizz4]

I don't know if they (Petzl) still supply them but when I got a Pixa 3 it came with a heavy duty rubber strap.

 

[Pete K]

I don't know if they (Petzl) still supply them but when I got a Pixa 3 it came with a heavy duty rubber strap.

They do but once they get a nick in the edge they tend to tear and break. I have about 25 Pixa lamps and when the rubber straps break I go back to the elastics. I think that the rubber ones are not really designed to be stronger, but to offer grip on helmets without headtorch clips. That said, some of mine have been in use well over 5 years and are still going strong.

 

[Lurker]

Thanks everyone 

 

[Lurker]

Quick update in case anyone is ever considering such matters in the future: turns out it's pretty easy to remove the straps from a Fenix (without needing to cut them). The resulting slots are just the right size for either M2 or M3 bolts. Not yet tested underground but feels pretty convincing anyway.

 

[Andrew N]

Quick update in case anyone is ever considering such matters in the future: turns out it's pretty easy to remove the straps from a Fenix (without needing to cut them). The resulting slots are just the right size for either M2 or M3 bolts. Not yet tested underground but feels pretty convincing anyway.

This is exactly how my Fenix HM60R is fixed, and Tony Seddon did it for me. It's been given several fairly hefty knocks and it is still firmly in place.