Looking for good quality bright headtorches with long battery life

[Ameyworker]

Hi!

I am after a bit of advice from some railway workers if possible??

I'm a bridge inspector working for Amey in Wales. An essential part of my job is being able to work in the dark, however finding adequate lighting for this seems to be difficult. We have Lithium iron battery powered super bright torches available but these are no good when your at the top of a ladder. Every headtorch I've tried is not good enough, either its not bright enough and the battery doesn't last or its bright enough but the battery only lasts 2 hours at the most.

I'm guessing there are other railway workers on this site, so what do you all use? any recommendations? At the moment I am using a Nightsearcher HT550....2 hours is the most I have got out of it and I've tried all the different settings. Nightsearcher claim they have 18hours battery life, but I'm assuming this is only on the 'reading mode' which is no good for our work.

Thanks for your help

 

[i4n]

I'm not a rail worker, but I do spend a lot of time walking around racetracks at night (I'm an endurance motor racing fan) which are often very dark and uneven under foot. I have the previous version of this https://www.decathlon.co.uk/onnight-710-head-torch-id_8370255.html and can recommend it, plenty bright at the medium setting to see everything needed and an excellent battery life too

 

[ge-gn]

This.

http://www.samalite.com/head-torches/hl1300w-led/

I use these. The battery pack is pretty hefty, but it's worn round the waist. Provides a flood of light rather than a pin point of light. Has pretty much negated the need for carrying any other lighting down the track to the worksite. The lamp connects directly to my helmet too.

 

[Taunton]

Miner's lamp? Helmet mounted, rechargeable battery clips to belt. Can replace battery pack mid-shift, though it lasts a miner's shift.

 

[Randomer]

If work are buying then Petzl Duo S caving lamp is seriously bright (1100 lumens a standard Tikka is about 200) and long lasting. Also has a function that auto dims when you are close to a person/object so you don't blind them. Works off rechargeable or standard AA batteries. Also seriously expensive as a professional product.

More generally look at caving head lamps with or without remote battery packs. They cost less than mining lamps (no explosive atmosphere rating)

 

[380101]

LED Lenser H7r.2 is the one to go for. Pricey at about £70, but excellent light output and has 2 brightness settings, USB rechargeable and isn't too heavy on the head.

 

[Llanigraham]

If work are buying then Petzl Duo S caving lamp is seriously bright (1100 lumens a standard Tikka is about 200) and long lasting. Also has a function that auto dims when you are close to a person/object so you don't blind them. Works off rechargeable or standard AA batteries. Also seriously expensive as a professional product.

More generally look at caving head lamps with or without remote battery packs. They cost less than mining lamps (no explosive atmosphere rating)

I'd agree with these comments about caving lamps. Might be worth looking at forums such as Aditnow, SubBrit or other underground expedition forums for advice.

 

[tsr]

Try: https://www.alpkit.com/featured/head-torches

I had a Gamma, which was fantastic until the battery compartment broke (they offered a free repair and have since dealt with the manufacturing flaw), and now carry something a bit smaller for awkward repair jobs in confined spaces. You might want to look at the different options for the balance of battery life and brightness.

As for the company/seller overall, I can’t recommend them highly enough.

 

[Ken H]

I'd agree with these comments about caving lamps. Might be worth looking at forums such as Aditnow, SubBrit or other underground expedition forums for advice.

of course cavers kit had to be robust and water resistant. So may be what you need.

Petzl used to do a light called a 'zoom' which meant your could easily adjust it from a pencil beam to a wide beam. Dunno if that would be appropriate for the OP. a wider beam is useful when reading maps, plans and documents.

Some people I have seen use another torch attached to about where a shirt pocket would be. That doesnt swivel around as you move your head, which may be useful for some tasks.

Others I have seen have attached 2 maglites to the side of their helmet with bungees (One each side). Easily removed to be handheld when required.

 

[RandomRailways]

There's a number of Maglite headbands available commercially, on ebay etc. I've tried one, its ok, but not central, so needs getting used to.

I've tried numerous head torches over the years, working on outdoor events/AV Tech etc, they get heavily used, most of them broke within a year or two, including Petzl

The only one that still seems to be going (hopefully not jinxed it!) is a Coast HL5 - often available in good camping and outdoor shops

https://coastportland.com/headlamps/

 

[HaggisBotherer]

Miner's lamp? Helmet mounted, rechargeable battery clips to belt. Can replace battery pack mid-shift, though it lasts a miner's shift.

Miners? Aren't they something from the last century?

 

[Ken H]

Miners? Aren't they something from the last century?

think he means one of these

Lead acid battery needs careful maintenance.

 

[Elecman]

Unilite are your best bet

 

[sprunt]

This.

http://www.samalite.com/head-torches/hl1300w-led/

I use these. The battery pack is pretty hefty, but it's worn round the waist. Provides a flood of light rather than a pin point of light. Has pretty much negated the need for carrying any other lighting down the track to the worksite. The lamp connects directly to my helmet too.

Does anyone else now find themself wanting one of these despite having no real use for it. It looks fantastic!

 

[robbeech]

I use the Lenser stuff. The H7r.2 is my go to. The rechargeable one is an absolute must as the non rechargeable one eats batteries.
They do a larger one. I think it’s a h14.
They aren’t the cheapest by some margin but are very very good.

 

[HowardGWR]

I use the Lenser stuff. The H7r.2 is my go to. The rechargeable one is an absolute must as the non rechargeable one eats batteries.
They do a larger one. I think it’s a h14.
They aren’t the cheapest by some margin but are very very good.

That last comment is so typical of products from that country.