Best headlamp for under $50?

[chadakin]

As the title states, I am looking for the best headlamp for under $50. I understand that "best" is subjective, but I thought I couldn't go wrong making a decision after reading posts from a variety of perspectives.

I will be using the headlamp mostly for hunting, fishing, and the like. I would need it to get me through the woods or to my fishing spot just before dawn and just after dusk. I would prefer the headlamp run on AA or AAA batteries (preferably AA). I hope you guys can help me out.

Thanks,
Chad

 

[carrot]

IMHO Princeton Tec EOS.

 

[d1337]

I second the PT EOS. The latest 70 lumen is great. It has three modes that allow for great runtimes and brightness. It's light, compact and efficient. You can usually find them online for less than $40.

 

[Mark620]

Zebralight
H50b Headlamp AA Flood $ 45.00
H50w Headlamp AA Neutral White $ 47.00

PS. Before Yesterday, I would have agreed. I have 4 (four) PT EOS' and 3 of them are cracked.

 

[mossyoak]

IMHO Princeton Tec EOS.

Damn Straight, warm beam and a perfect mix of flood+throw that is perfect for headlamp type uses. and made in the USA...

 

[mossyoak]

Zebralight
H50b Headlamp AA Flood $ 45.00
H50w Headlamp AA Neutral White $ 47.00

PS. Before Yesterday, I would have agreed. I have 4 (four) PT EOS' and 3 of them are cracked.

Ive had two EOS's that have been bombproof, and one zebralight H50 that just stopped working for no reason.

 

[Flint&Steel]

Another vote for the PT EOS. They run about $35 or so. Mine was chewed on by my friend's Doberman at a camping trip last December and still works great.

 

[chadakin]

Thanks for the replies!

So, it looks as though most agree that the Princeton Tec EOS is the best bang for the buck. Is there anything else I should consider beyond the Zebralights? Is there even a close second to the Princeton Tec EOS or should I not even consider anything else?

I really appreciate the responses. I knew asking you folks on here was a good idea.

Thanks,
Chad

 

[barry1me]

what about the Fenix HL20? I have seen them online for $40

 

[Woods Walker]

PT EOS rocks in AAA. Not sure anything is better for the money though also like the HL20.

 

[chadakin]

Anyone know why the Princeton Tec EOS is cheaper in black (@ $35 shipped) than at least some of the other colors including orange and blue (@ $45 shipped)? I am leaning towards the Princeton Tec EOS, but I am still happy to have any other recommendations and appreciate those I have already received.

Thanks,
Chad

 

[jefcsun]

Remington Headlamp (Model #RMHL4AA-B). Currently, only $19.99 + free shipping at buy.com. Link: http://www.buy.com/prod/remington-headlamp-w-4-aa-batteries/q/loc/111/217064405.html

Great headlamp. I have 3 of them.

 

[fishx65]

Been using an EOS in the woods and on the water for years. I try to carry as little as possible while bowhunting and fishing. The EOS is easy to slip in a pocket and no batteries will be hanging off the back of your skull.

 

[d1337]

Anyone know why the Princeton Tec EOS is cheaper in black (@ $35 shipped) than at least some of the other colors including orange and blue (@ $45 shipped)? I am leaning towards the Princeton Tec EOS, but I am still happy to have any other recommendations and appreciate those I have already received.

Thanks,
Chad

Make sure that they are the 70 lumen models. There are some 50 lumen and even some 25 lumen models out there. I have the 50 and 70 lumen and they are both great but if you can get 20 more lumens why wouldn't you.

 

[JCup]

Remington Headlamp (Model #RMHL4AA-B). Currently, only $19.99 + free shipping at buy.com. Link: http://www.buy.com/prod/remington-headlamp-w-4-aa-batteries/q/loc/111/217064405.html

Great headlamp. I have 3 of them.

This headlamp was on woot.com a week or so ago for $15, and I bought three after reading other threads here and considering this a good value, and Christmas is coming up.

I've tried out the Remington RMHL4AA-B these past few days. It has good overall design and construction. Comfortable and durable straps with good adjustment. The high power beam uses a TIR, producing a pretty good throw, and the diffuser works nicely. On low with the diffuser, you have a usable task light for close work or inside the tent, etc.

I like the 4AA battery pack, although it does mean leaning back against something you have interference.

They are using PWM to regulate the main LED (Cree XRE P4). One advantage of this is that the current demand is not too great for alkaline batteries. I will set mine up with Eneloops, but the ability to get good runtime and light output from alkalines is a plus for me. I keep a big stash of Kirkland AA's around for emergencies.

Not sure how much use I will get from the red T5 LED's, but there are probably some cases where night vision will be preserved.

Although this is obviously intended as a hunting light, it is a pretty strong performer if you want throw, and it is well made.

Buy.com has OK service, IMHO; so at $20 shipped, you have a real bargain. Woot will very likely have this again at $15, as they did not sell out.

 

[senecaripple]

woot also charges $5.00 for shipping.

 

[chadakin]

Thanks for the replies!

Chad

 

[KRUPPSTAHL]

i use a coast LED focusable headlamp, run by 3 AAA's
the light puts out about 150 lm, and i used it very hard.
it sells at Fry's or Home depot for about 49 bucks

best bang imo

 

[Caseman2]

IMHO Princeton Tec EOS.

+1 !

 

[electrothump]

1+ on the Coast H7 best all around in my book. Get the pack that says 174 lumens. Lowes has them for fifty bucks. Very bright, or dim, spot or flood controlled by two very fast moving levers. Fastest adjusting light I've seen. Uses three AAA's. I would not count on it be overly water resistant though.