Flashlights vs Headlamps

Rallyroo

Expedition Leader
Headlamp for close range and to be hands free.

Higher powered flashlight for spotting/longer range.

So I carry both.
 

DaveInDenver

Middle Income Semi-Redneck
I carry a large 4 D cell incandescent with a adjustable beam. I also have at least 2 additional hand LED, 2 incandescent head lamps and 2 LED headlamps. The weight of the one D cell flashlight weights three as much as the others combined. I think you have a place for both since the LED are so light.

The LED have more hours per battery and saves weight since less are needed. The LED are less susceptible to having the bulb go out.

The larger 4-D cell incandescent has a much further beam then the LED’s.

Just my experience.
Not to mention a (4) D cell Maglite serves as a tool in and of itself beyond just as a flashlight. It can break a window if you need to get out, knock an unfriendly person on the noggin, be a makeshift hammer, excellent map weight in a windy spot, you name it. A headlight does not dual task nearly as well. Cops carry them on their belts for more reasons than they are just bright.
 

proto

Adventurer
One of my best impulse buys was a Rayovac Highbeam K2 head light. It uses a single, very bright Luxeon LED and three AA cells. You wear the light in front and the battery pack in back, so it stays balanced.

It has three settings: low, bright, and too bright! The middle setting is perfect for pitching camp in the dark -- good dispersion, nice white color. Three AAs will give you three hours of light every night for a week. set it on high if you're riding a bike.

some good photos in this thread (post 45):
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=168138&page=2

Found it at Costco a couple years ago for $15. Haven't seen them for less than $30 since, and curse myself for not buying the whole pallet on the spot.
 

Rev

Adventurer
Go for a Petzl retractible headlamp.

P7160029.jpg
 

DarkHelmet

Adventurer
I also carry both...

Headlamp: Petzl Myo XP - Bright!

Flashlight: Surefire E2L Outdoorsman LED - BRIGHTER!

I am trying to get one of the 400 lumen handheld lights out of a friend of mine at Surefire. That will be like a portable search lamp in the palm of your hand.

-DH
 

SunTzuNephew

Explorer
Petzl Tactikka XP (in the center console, tool bag, and all the medical bags, SAR bag, BoB's)

Surefire ASP LED on each keychain

Surefire G2 (in the visor organizer in each vehicle)

Pelican AA, and Surefire E2D in briefcase or whatever carry pack

Mini-Mag AA with LED in radio holster (Conterra Trauma Pro), also has gloves, shears, 'biner, pen.

Maglight, 4-D cell, with LED conversion and red traffic cone (between the drivers seat and center console in all the vehicles)

Pelican 8-D dive light under dash on transmission hump of the Yukon, under right rear seat of truck in nylon organizer. Waterproof high intensity light, easier to carry than a big flashlight.

The dogs get pelican LED flashers

Oh, and the trucks have 12vdc 2-million CP handheld spotlights in their equipment boxes - but I rarely use them.
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
I just bought the one in the center/bottom, the Surefire G2 Nitrolon LED at 80 lumens, very bright.

Will be taking it camping for a one week trip a week from now.

I like the headlamp (some Black Diamond one I bought several years ago) for closeup work if it is dark out, but I like flashlights for walking around camp at night or for looking at something in the distance.
 

kellymoe

Expedition Leader
I just saw the Fenix TK40 the other day. 640 lumens at a relatively inexpensive price. Sorry if it's been posted already.

http://www.fenixtactical.com/fenix-tk40.html

As to the original question, get both. Flashlight for search and headlamp for close up work like lashing a pt. into a litter basket or rendering first aid when you need hands free. Bright flashlight that will throw a beam for searching.

Which one? Everyone will tell you their favorite, search around and see what works for you.
 
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