Cave Exploring Headlamp List - regularly updated, includes tech specs

[psychbeat]

Digging the Zebra mod!

There are some really nice high amperage connectors on hobbyking FYI. I'm ordering some for my Kavelight soon which is pulling ~8-9ish amps haha.

 

[eh4]

Regarding the programmability of using dual flood and a spot ZL headlamps:
H600mkii on 3.5-11 lumens/1-2 week duration with H602 on 65 lumens/30 hour works really well for me within 20-30 feet, very comfortable working, seeing tools and moving around, while still not too bright for arms length.
Likewise H600mkii on 65 lumens/30 hours with H602 on 330 lumens/4 hours duration looks really balanced to my eye for longer range.
So there's still a little more flood power available and a whole lot more wide spot power on tap.

 

[uk_caver]

I've been making/using mixable lights since early Luxeon days, and my favourite general movement mix is a flood with just a hint of spot.
In my case, with a fairly tight spot, a 9:1 ratio is enough to add meaningful range for general movement without spoiling the flood feel (and while consuming relatively insignificant power).

 

[eh4]

I've been making/using mixable lights since early Luxeon days, and my favourite general movement mix is a flood with just a hint of spot.
In my case, with a fairly tight spot, a 9:1 ratio is enough to add meaningful range for general movement without spoiling the flood feel (and while consuming relatively insignificant power).

Right, a little bit of warm/neutral spot for the fovea centralis!
I gotta make sure that I'm eating enough lutein and zeaxanthin.

"The fovea has a high concentration of the yellow carotenoid pigments lutein and zeaxanthin. They are concentrated in the Henle fiber layer (photoreceptor axons that go radially outward from the fovea) and to a lesser extent in the cones.[14][15] They are believed to play a protective role against the effects of high intensities of blue light which can damage the sensitive cones. The pigments also enhance the acuity of the fovea by reducing the sensitivity of the fovea to short wavelengths and counteracting the effect of chromatic aberration.[16] This is also accompanied by a lower density of blue cones at the center of the fovea.[17] The maximum density of blue cones occurs in a ring about the fovea. Consequently, the maximum acuity for blue light is lower than that of other colours and occurs approximately 1° off center."
- http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fovea_centralis

 

[enki_ck]

I'm on the verge of buying an El Speleo Gnoma but I'd like to hear your thoughts on it. Likes and dislikes.

My main plus is also my main minus, the battery holder. No descent means attaching it and rather large/not so streamline size and shape but still the abillity to use 3 different battery setups.

 

[enki_ck]

Nobody?

 

[uk_caver]

Would you be happy with a light that has a single beamshape?

Personally, I don't think I would, but I have used twin-beam lights for a very long time.

 

[enki_ck]

I haven't seen one in person yet (fairly new light) so can't say much about the beam but by the looks of the pics it's 3 smooth reflectors which should provide a good spot, and as there are 3 of them, also a good amount of flood. Should make for an interesting and usable beam.

I've been looking into tge Rescue model but the battery pack doesn't appeal to me. I like to have options to buy separate batteries and not depend on the manufacturer and pricey packs. I think one is about $40.

I do understand your point though and know the benefits of flood or throw in certain situations.

 

[enki_ck]

Seems the Rescue will soon be available with the Gnoma battery tube for a 26650, 18650, 3AA or 3AAA battery option. Only need the funds.

 

[lusifer]

seems ok but rescue is better.
what you mean about new Rude nora 2xs ?
http://www.littlemonkeycaving.co.uk/Pages/Nora2xsspecification.aspx

 

[preetlove]

here are the list of top ranked headlamps:
1. Coast HL7
2. Black Diamond ReVolt
3. Black Diamond Icon
4. Black Diamond Storm
5. Black Diamond Spot

 

[psychbeat]

My H600w MKII has held up with some VERY rough use and even underwater a few times swimming up a river.
Haven't done any serious spelunking with it but DH mtn biking & general heavy use on the trail in rain/mud.

 

[lusifer]

pulsar magnet lamp produce horrible sound when working. extremly loud sound. italians caver call it helicopter

 

[lusifer]

found on fb. pulsar magnet lamp.
don't pay poop :toilet: buy Rude Nora :twothumbs

[video]https://vid.me/UmfO[/video]

 

[lusifer]

http://ignivi.com/index-en.html
new headlamp, look very nice but huge and heavy!
price is not popular, runnigtime too
box of battery is great!!

 

[divanster]

No more sound with Pulsar. Now it have new powerful driver, quiet and also new battery boxes using lose batteries, button system of Explorer model now are made from aluminium.

 

[dirkomatic]

I know life gets in the way, but I've found lots of updates which should probably be made to the original spreadsheet.

These are just changes I can think of off the top of my head from personal experience:

Add new version of Black Diamond Storm
Update Black Diamond Icon to new version
Add Thrunite TH10 & TH20
Add Fenix HL55 (Actually the list of all Fenix lights on the spreadsheet is pretty outdated)
Add Nitecore HC30 (Same with Nitecore)
Add Skilhunt H02 & H03
Add Xtar Warboy H3
Add Imalent HR20

And I have no idea about the current slate of Armytek and Zebralight....

 

[the Kwan]

I have been using an independent makers caving lamp for a little while now for caving and it is well impressive, made to order but reasonably cheap and fantastic quality and functionality.
http://www.ledcaplamps.com/

 

[dirkomatic]

I have been using an independent makers caving lamp for a little while now for caving and it is well impressive, made to order but reasonably cheap and fantastic quality and functionality.
http://www.ledcaplamps.com/

Nice looking lights... Too bad they are only available in the UK

 

[the Kwan]

Nice looking lights... Too bad they are only available in the UK

sorry Dirkomatic, I didnt notice that, but yes quality kit.