Thread: Are these headlamps any good?

Just curious as I am looking for a headlamp to replace the last one I had which buggered out so I can get back out possum shooting.

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Basically the same as mine but with a zoomable head which isn't so efficient with the XML LEDs. I went for a fixed focus one to make better use of the light and de-domed it. The light and charger were just over $11 delivered to my door.

OK for the money-if you want a zoomable headlamp= wide view as much as it is, and distant view-same thing,

-when I zoomed it got a square light pattern.

Great for walking up dark driveway or track, or when power goes out.

Can see a good distance-can be seen too from long way.

Broke one plastic side clip on battery pack in a year-still useable.

Med quality batteries-seem good enough.

Possums/rabbits would run away if you shone it on them.

Red cree torch attached to rifle better-more subdued light-easier for everyone- haven't tried painting the glass face to subdue light of this one.

Originally Posted by Reliable

OK for the money-if you want a zoomable headlamp= wide view as much as it is, and distant view-same thing,

-when I zoomed it got a square light pattern.

Great for walking up dark driveway or track, or when power goes out.

Can see a good distance-can be seen too from long way.

Broke one plastic side clip on battery pack in a year-still useable.

Med quality batteries-seem good enough.

Possums/rabbits would run away if you shone it on them.

Red cree torch attached to rifle better-more subdued light-easier for everyone- haven't tried painting the glass face to subdue light of this one.

Main use is just to spot them then flick over to my torch which I will have mounted on my scope which is a 200 lumen (if I can find it) also where I shoot they get they get the occasional pig coming out from the bush so thought it would be ideal for spotting larger game at a distance that I can take out with the 270 as I do take both the centerfire and the 22 with me incase we come across a pig rooting up the paddocks.

Yes, did work well.( I've only had 6/7 months constant experience). Never measured distance of use.

If I could-for me again would go for gadgetmans option for a headlamp-less stuff to break.

Wide zoom gave more width to beam,helpful-- but with his idea, can you have both?

In winter was a hassle with thick hat-comes with all headlamps
In thick bush always fell off-headlamp trick again-or me too rough.


Good for checking out under vehicle for fix or probs, and finding stuff dropped in grass -like keys/ammunition/magazine.

Charging without taking batteries out is good.

Transitioned from Petzel-expensive and broke it-to $2 shop ones- to this--this one ok.

I had been using the coast headlamps from H&F and both of them broke wires coming from battery box which pissed me right off

Up to you-will gadgetman post a photo of his adapted one-buy 2 like his = 1 for a spare, cheap at $11 each, a hacksaw blade or whatever is needed, and go for it.

Seems like for $25-$28 good for a year or two's use.

reviews here

My Review. Cheap eBay Headlamp 1600 Lumen XM-L T6 Cree Zoomable 2x18650 vs ?

I would go for gadget's one or the type I use - pretty similar:

https://www.dx.com/p/richfire-sf-639...7#.VHrOi8kxgX8

Mine was the Maxtoch one and well made but it appears to be a generic light - everyone offers it. It is biggish headlamp and has the XML led which you can dedome. Dedoming gives them about 300-350m max range so they're great for bunny spotting. But if you're after a small, light, shorter range bush walking/camp light a black diamond might be better.

Originally Posted by mudgripz

I would go for gadget's one or the type I use - pretty similar:

https://www.dx.com/p/richfire-sf-639...7#.VHrOi8kxgX8

Mine was the Maxtoch one and well made but it appears to be a generic light - everyone offers it. It is biggish headlamp and has the XML led which you can dedome. Dedoming gives them about 300-350m max range so they're great for bunny spotting. But if you're after a small, light, shorter range bush walking/camp light a black diamond might be better.

Definitely not going to be using it in the bush only on the property I have access to for possums and the occasional pig

how durable are these Chinese headlamps. im not keen to try one if its gona fall apart walking out late at night!

I got AloneFire HP79 CREE XM L2 LED 2200LM Aluminum Rechargeable Zoom Headlight Headlamp cree + 2x18650 Battery+AC Charger+Car charger-in Headlamps from Lights & Lighting on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group which is a zoom headlamp. It is very bright up close with it zoomed out (wide beam) and throws a bit when zoomed in (square beam, can only just pick up trees at 300m). I'm sure a refector (not zoom) headlamp de-dedomed will throw further if thats what you are after
Durability: well mine seems to be fine! I've only had it for a few months but nothing broken so far. The little plastic bits holding the strap to the battery pack could break easily but thats what superglue is for and you can buy several of these for the price of one shitty one in NZ so doesn't matter too much if they die

Lots of lamps, and other electronics are made in China so it depends on the marketing I guess, how 'great' you make your product... I have a cheap light... it could be better but it didn't cost a lot at all...

High Power 10W 1800 2000 Lumens CREE XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 3 Modes LED Head Light Lamp for Bicycle Cycling + Charger-in Headlamps from Lights & Lighting on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Not sure if there are better cheap ones but it seems to work ok... even the most trusted light could fail so you take your chances. .. maybe take a back up...

Originally Posted by scoped

how durable are these Chinese headlamps. im not keen to try one if its gona fall apart walking out late at night!

don't drop it. not too wet. keep batteries charged. Get a spare and keep it charged. Read the reviews fully.
This one has lasted a year with say 6 months use avge 3 nights x 3 hrs use a week.Still going.

Your mileage may vary.

gadgetman has some repair ideas on a different post


Personally I now use a 125 mm plastic dive torch as a compromise.Robust, bright enough, yellow to find easily,waterproof.

Your dentist might enjoy your renewed visits- though I can hold it in my teeth for a while (is wrapped in fabric in part for that use)

Originally Posted by GMH72

Lots of lamps, and other electronics are made in China so it depends on the marketing I guess, how 'great' you make your product... I have a cheap light... it could be better but it didn't cost a lot at all...

High Power 10W 1800 2000 Lumens CREE XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 3 Modes LED Head Light Lamp for Bicycle Cycling + Charger-in Headlamps from Lights & Lighting on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Not sure if there are better cheap ones but it seems to work ok... even the most trusted light could fail so you take your chances. .. maybe take a back up...

That's what I got. Brother-in-law grabbed most of them for the dairy farm and really likes them.