Headlamps are great units to have whether you are setting up your
tent at night, looking for something in your attic, or simply trail
running at dusk. For you to buy the right units, you need to consider
the following factors:
Type of beam
An ideal unit should provide beams of light of two fixed widths: flood and spot. The flood beam doesn't throw light long distances; therefore it's ideal for up-close repair work, general camp tasks, and reading.
Spot beam on the other hand throws light long distances thus is ideal for long-distance viewing. It's the most ideal beam for runners who like running at night.
Headlamp modes
Most headlamps offer low and high modes; however, there are others that offer 3 or more modes. For example, there are some units that provide mid high, strobe and zoom modes.
The high mode is ideal for situations where you need a lot of light. On the other hand low mode is needed is areas that don't require plenty of light such as when doing camp chores or walking an easy trail at night.
The strobe or flash mode acts as an emergency blinker and can play a role in scarring an enemy.
The zoom mode is available only in a few units and makes it possible for an extra-intense beam to be projected for a brief period of time (usually 10-20 seconds). Although, this mode is great, it usually tends to drain the batteries within a very short time.
Lumens
Lumen is the unit of measure that gauges the total quantity of light emitted in all directions by a light source. Although, higher lumens mean that the light will be blight, this is not always the case. This is because the manufacturers usually don't effectively focus the light.
When buying the units you should go for a headlamp whose lights are well focused. While it's recommended that you go for a unit with high lumens, you should note that they consume energy at higher rates compared to units with a lower number of lumens.
Conclusion
These are some of the factors that you should consider when buying headlamps. In addition to the above factors it's also wise to consider the weight of the headlamp. As rule of thumb you should go for a unit that weighs 7 ounces or less.
If you are interested in a unit that is inexpensive, simple, and lightweight, you should go for a micro headlamp.
Type of beam
An ideal unit should provide beams of light of two fixed widths: flood and spot. The flood beam doesn't throw light long distances; therefore it's ideal for up-close repair work, general camp tasks, and reading.
Spot beam on the other hand throws light long distances thus is ideal for long-distance viewing. It's the most ideal beam for runners who like running at night.
Headlamp modes
Most headlamps offer low and high modes; however, there are others that offer 3 or more modes. For example, there are some units that provide mid high, strobe and zoom modes.
The high mode is ideal for situations where you need a lot of light. On the other hand low mode is needed is areas that don't require plenty of light such as when doing camp chores or walking an easy trail at night.
The strobe or flash mode acts as an emergency blinker and can play a role in scarring an enemy.
The zoom mode is available only in a few units and makes it possible for an extra-intense beam to be projected for a brief period of time (usually 10-20 seconds). Although, this mode is great, it usually tends to drain the batteries within a very short time.
Lumens
Lumen is the unit of measure that gauges the total quantity of light emitted in all directions by a light source. Although, higher lumens mean that the light will be blight, this is not always the case. This is because the manufacturers usually don't effectively focus the light.
When buying the units you should go for a headlamp whose lights are well focused. While it's recommended that you go for a unit with high lumens, you should note that they consume energy at higher rates compared to units with a lower number of lumens.
Conclusion
These are some of the factors that you should consider when buying headlamps. In addition to the above factors it's also wise to consider the weight of the headlamp. As rule of thumb you should go for a unit that weighs 7 ounces or less.
If you are interested in a unit that is inexpensive, simple, and lightweight, you should go for a micro headlamp.
