Head torch opinions

[Commers]

I'll just note that I tried using Petzl's adhesive mount to fix an Ultra Vario to a Sirocco

How do you detach the Vario's battery plug from the rear plate of the headstrap? (see attached image). It looks like tugging it sharply to the left would disengage it but I'm worried I break it.

 

[Mike Hopley]

How do you detach the Vario's battery plug from the rear plate of the headstrap? (see attached image). It looks like tugging it sharply to the left would disengage it but I'm worried I break it.

You need to push it to the right (as seen in that image, you can see there is a gap on the right of the plate). Don't tug on the power cable.

It's a little awkward. I get really close to it -- maybe bracing my hands on my legs so they don't move too much.

 

[Commers]

You need to push it to the right

Thanks - that was helpful.

 

[Mike Hopley]

Glad to help.

 

[Madness]

Here's a new possibility

http://ylplight.com/en/katalog/1/nalobnye-fonari/panda-3r/

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/67283

 

[royfellows]

Described as IPX8 and then:
WATERPROOF
The headlamp is secure against dripping and splashing water and rain, and it is able to withstand a short-time immersion to a depth of up to one meter.

......which is IPX7
Not very professional to start with.

 

[Commers]

Here's a new possibility

http://ylplight.com/en/katalog/1/nalobnye-fonari/panda-3r/

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/67283

I was thinking about buying something like that  - I was looking at Zebralights - for a backup light. But for a main caving light I'd always choose something from Roy Fellows, Scurion, Rude or Petzl for a more convincing assurance of aftersales service.

 

[royfellows]

But for anyone who wants to pay the money for shear quality nothing will compete with Mr Biffs new Rude Nora.

Sorry quoting myself, but has anyone bought one of these and in a position to do a review?

 

[Cassidy]

Anyone using a zebra light as a back-up?
Which model do you use, pro's/con's?
Given the choice, would you have opted for a different model?

 

[Kenilworth]

Anyone using a zebra light as a back-up?
Which model do you use, pro's/con's?
Given the choice, would you have opted for a different model?

I have used Zebralights exclusively for the last five years or so. I generally use a white beam with a hot spot for general caving and especially big passages and a super wide, warm beam for sketching and small passages. Can't remember what models. Single 18650s. I don't want anything more out of a light, they have functioned perfectly through regular heavy use, are bright and tough and small with excellent runtime.

 

[dugadig]

Are the normal Petzel Duo lights old hat now then? Or is everyone upgrading?
Mine still works.. I pulled it out my caving barrel from a load of rotten stuff. Very reliable I would say! 

 

[Keris82]

Are the normal Petzel Duo lights old hat now then? Or is everyone upgrading?
Mine still works.. I pulled it out my caving barrel from a load of rotten stuff. Very reliable I would say! 

Duos are still very popular. I'm getting one this weekend

 

[Oscar D]

I can certainly vouch for the Duo. A really reliable and durable piece of kit. Just ordered one of the new CustomDuo omnis as the Duo?s main drawback is it?s light output.

 

[Commers]

Duos are still very popular. I'm getting one this weekend

One of the new Duos or the original? Will you be getting one of the custom inserts for it?

http://customduo.co.uk/Duo-Modules/

 

[Keris82]

I'm not sure yet. It's 2nd hand from someone. I'm collecting a load for a friend

 

[nobrotson]

I'm also looking for a light similar to HL55 right now, that NiteCore one looks pretty on point. One question though:

I had to return my fenix HL55 recently because the contacts got loose and the torch stopped working - bad design flaw! 

What exactly do you mean by this? Did you consider just bending hte contacts back into place? Or that maybe you didn't screw the cap down hard enough... Maybe I have misinterpreted the problem. Either way that NiteCore HC33 that Ari posted looks pretty good.

 

[Ian Ball]

If you go caving on your own the Duo is a fabulous lamp.

If you go caving with Scurion wearers, it seems somewhat useless.

 

[Keris82]

What exactly do you mean by this? Did you consider just bending hte contacts back into place? Or that maybe you didn't screw the cap down hard enough... Maybe I have misinterpreted the problem. Either way that NiteCore HC33 that Ari posted looks pretty good.

I did try bending the contacts back in place and stuffed foil in the spring. It worked temporarily but still lost contact so I got annoyed with it and returned it. I always had to screw the cap on very tight but there's only so much you can screw something!

 

[Keris82]

If you go caving on your own the Duo is a fabulous lamp.

If you go caving with Scurion wearers, it seems somewhat useless.

I may invest in a scurion at some point but in the mean time I've been offered a duo for a very reasonable price so can't really say no

 

[Mike Hopley]

Here's a new possibility

http://ylplight.com/en/katalog/1/nalobnye-fonari/panda-3r/

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/67283

That looks so good that I've gone and ordered one. The things that really appeal to me are the very light weight, cheap standard batteries, and of course having a spot and flood beam (which I haven't seen in this type of light before).

A couple of notes:

• Here's another review, apparently by a caver who used it for a 14-day camping trip in Veryovkina.
• You can currently get a discount using the code BLF-1. Knocked it down to ?44 including shipping, even after Paypal's rapacious exchange rate. Looks like this expires in June.