Best lightweight headlamp for runners

OK, I'm kind of a headlamp geek. Everyone outdoorsy uses headlamps in AK because it's dark after work all winter, and unlike some of the old comments above from elsewhere, no one gives you a second glance.

The best lightweight headlamp for about $40 now is the new version of the Princeton Tec Eos. The new Eos is listed at 50 lumens and has a wider beam compared to the old 25 lumen version. It is a running change. I have seen the new Eos in packaging for the old Eos at REI (where it still says 25 lumens), though updated packaging to help you identify the new ones is also out.

I think the new Eos is comparable to my modified my old Eos (est. 60-80 lumens), and you can get it off the shelf. The older Eos has too narrow a beam to be comfortable for running, so I modified mine last year with a brighter LED, reflector, and detachable external battery pack. It is seriously bright for something that can run off of 3 AAAs. I had no problems running faster than 6:00 pace through the woods in night orienteering races with it.

A review of the new Eos:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=211817

midwesta wrote:

I was thinking this same thing. I opened up the thread hoping for some good ol' fashion Letsrun jogger-bash, but no, instead I found responses that answered the OP's question AND not in a douche bag fashion. Oh Letsrun, you've rarely disappointed me, but this is one of those times.

What if you run in really dark areas? It wouldn't matter how hardcore you were; nobody can run if they can't see where they are going.

If you have an REI in your area, there are a bunch on display. You can try them on in store.

I got this one because it was cheap, lightweight and simple. It stays put, is bright and is hardly noticable (especially when wearing a winter hat).

http://www.rei.com/product/751758

'Nuff said. Word is he ran 10k to work every morning and another 10k to get home.

http://www.shorpy.com/node/2336

Well, there really aren\'t any \"heavyweight\" headlamps, and you don\'t have to spend anywhere near $40. The Black Diamond Gizmo is a good one for running. It\'s got two brightnesses so you can save the batteries a little.

I know Petzl and BD are both good, don\'t know anything about Princeton Tec. But they\'re probably fine too.

If you don\'t live near an REI, Mountain Gear is a good online merchant. (REI is fine online also)

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/Search_Results_Endeca_New.asp?N=0&Nu=p_rollup&Ntk=s_search&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Nty=1&Ntt=headlamps

I think you'll want to get this:

Petzl e+LITE Headlamp

Weight (w/ batteries) 0.95 ounce

It isn't as bright as the Tikka Plus but it is very light and unobtrusive. You can swivel it to direct the beam to be at your footsteps or a little bit ahead of you.

http://www.rei.com/product/749039

I'm using a single LED energizer one! It's 12 lumens...I didn't know it was so poor until I've looked up others on the net. Still, I'm running through the woods with it and haven't hurt myself yet, but the ground is thick with snow and actually protecting me from the roots.

...Whats this I read about the best LEDs not being used in headlamps yet?http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=246282

XLamp XP-G LED

http://www.cree.com/press/press_detail.asp?i=1241094842732

Just go to www.steepandcheap.com. You might have to wait a couple of days for a headlamp to cycle through but when it does it'll be cheap. They all work the same. If you don't find one there, go to www.backcountry.com and go to their outlet section.

It seems the Zebralight H501 has the Cree LEDs and is the best one to get:

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=193366

...A little expensive though outside the USA?

...Actually, according to the stats, we're better off paying a little extra for the Zebralight H60:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Zebralight-H60-Cree-Q5-LED-Headlight-Headlamp-Tasklight_W0QQitemZ330393905190QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches?hash=item4ced02e826

...But then you'd need a charger for the battery too, but 'in the long run' it'd be worth it.

I usually use street lamps.

But on the country roads and trails, I've used the Tikka Plus for years. Nice to hear of other options.

One good thing about running with a headlamp, you can be sure your form is good when the light beam is not bouncing at all.

The Tikka Plus also has a high beam button so you can flash those Ahole drivers who come to close :^)

Just found Wottle's old night running hat on ebay:

http://www.idahohistory.net/collections/5_improving/art_improving/miners_hat.png

?!?!?!?!!! wrote:

You guys bust balls when someone cops to running a measly 2:30 marathon or 15 minute 5k, but when someone asks about wearinga friggin' headlight on the middle of their forehead suddenly it's time for legitimate, well thought out and helpful answers. A headlight - on his forhead.

Nice. No wonder people make fun of runners.

Why would you bust balls, can you see in the dark?

Black Diamond Spot- gives three modes, I prefer the narrow beam for trails. I use the flashing when running near traffic. Adjustable angle is great for hilly terrain.

Huge tip: Wear any headlamp around your WAIST (just below hip bone for stability) instead of head for much improved depth perception, avoiding those toe-grabbing rocks/roots that send you sprawling.

i'll second 'dramamine's vote for the black diamond spot, with a bit of further info. it actually has both a 'spot' and 'dispersed' setting. within each of these you can set it to high, medium, low, or strobe with a half click of the button (there is only one button). it isn't that difficult to differentiate between a half and a full click.

i have run some rocky trails in fort collins at night, and definitely prefer the focused 'spot' mode for this, with a very bright central beam and a dimmer, larger glow around it.

'dramamine' is right about the adjustable angle, although i think lots of headlamps have that feature.

i don't know how you would go about putting the headlamp around your waist, at least not with the headband these lamps come with...i don't think the band would fit around my waist, although maybe i'm not beautifully gaunt enough at a 30 waist.

Princton Tec, is the best!

Mammute makes a really good one for about 30 dollars. I have had it for 6 months and use it all the time and have never changed the batteries but it is alwasy bright.

The Light of the Lord is all I need to light my path.

My waist is 30 also, no problem getting it on.

lonacus wrote:

i don't know how you would go about putting the headlamp around your waist, at least not with the headband these lamps come with...i don't think the band would fit around my waist, although maybe i'm not beautifully gaunt enough at a 30 waist.