Main reasons being are super-amazing runtime and rechargeable battery. 11 hour runtime on 600 lumens, which seems to be a pretty accurate number based on what I’ve read so far.
The big con of this one is the spill. It’s wider than I would prefer. I would rather have a more focused beam with a longer throw.
I’m not an “operator” so replaceable batteries and weight aren’t the top concerns. I actually prefer rechargeable, but if it’s battery powered CR123 are ideal. I’m also not wearing a helmet, so mounts, etc., are not a concern.
I would like something at least 500 lumen with the longest throw possible. I absolutely must have a red light.
I typically buy Surefire or Streamlight but their offerings are not even close to what this one offers. I’m not too familiar with other brands; I just kinda just stumbled on this one.
I’m not aware of anything like that. The problem is that to get good throw, the optics will have to be dedicated, which makes for a very weird form factor if they’re gonna cram in extra LEDs for the red. You’re not going to get both in one unit, your most realistic option is to have two headlamps, or else use a headlamp for one thing and flashlight for the other.
I’ll also note, those throw numbers are probably good for like 30 seconds before the light throttles its output down for heat management, and you’re probably at like half the peak candela. Throw-specific headlamps in general are pretty rare (most headlamps with decent throw numbers are just outputting massive amounts of light in general, and those turbo mode outputs get throttled down real fast), given that most folks are using them for task lighting and a floodier light is usually more useful for that.
I would be hesitant to buy a Nightcore. I’ve bought several because I liked their performance/features mix, however, all of them failed within a year. The switches/buttons failed.
I ran an Olight Prerun 2 when working. I loved the versatility of that light, especially the magnetic charge port, though I rarely needed to charge it. It just ran forever. But it doesn’t have a red light option.
I’m a flashaholic. I have lights stashed everywhere for different uses. I have several models (handheld and weapon mounted) of Surefire, Cloud Defensive, and Olights. Ran these brands for years with no failures.
Ran several Streamlights with only 1 partial failure (original Protac lost 1 mode after many years of use, but low level still works)
I’ve come to the conclusion simpler is better with lights. Trying to make one light fit all roles is a recipe for disappointment.
Ive also like green beams better than red for night. Too bad I haven’t found a durable one.
I have quite a few headlamps, and for the most part I would recommend a Petzl, as the just work well. But I have a $12 Energizer headlamp I use for hunting that’s been dunked in the water I don’t know how many times and it still works fine. It’s awesome even though it’s only got some 300 lumens, but when you’re using it you’re really only illuminating what’s within maybe 15 feet of you, otherwise I have a actual flashlight that I use for anything further.
I have a PrincetonTec 78 lumen light that I have in my tactical kit that has a red lens window ensuring that I cannot ND white light with it, and that’s all I really need for patrol based movements.
Thank you all for the suggestions. I really didn’t factor weight so much but after reading around and wearing my el-cheap-o home depot headlamp for a few hours I definitely felt the weight aspect. I went ahead and ordered the nitecore NU43. The NU50 I was originally considering is about an ounce heavier with a very minimal difference in performance. 11 hours vs 10 hours for an extra ounce isn’t really worth it and even with the thermal stepdown the runtime is a worthwhile tradeoff. Will try it out and go from there.
Super light weight, can use core rechargable battery or 3x AAA, and fits on a helmet well. It replaced a ~6-8 year old Petzl thats switch finally gave out.
Downside is it looks goofy AF. Can be had for ~$60 on sale.
This does not appeal. It requires a proprietary battery or expensive-for-capacity AAAs (a single L91 AA has as much capacity as three L92 AAAs), has shitty IPX4 weather resistance, and wires to snag or break without any real benefit–unlike large headlamps with a heavy battery pack.
I like being able to focus the beam from flood to spot; something my Olights can’t do. Also, the USB charging and CR123 compatibility are convenient. Some other models also have red lights.
Slightly off topic, but have you tried any other of the Coast flashlights? As my son is starting to hunting and camping with me I want to get him something decent but cheap enough to not cringe when he drops one in the river on the way to the duck blind.
I would be more concerned about having a dependable flashlight than the monetary cost of losing it. A lot of flashlights come with wrist lanyards, and if they don’t, aftermarket lanyards are dirt cheap. One could also opt for a neck lanyard or a retractable lanyard. Pair any of these with a pocket clip to control it when not using it.
I’ve had too many flashlights fail in just weeks or months. There are too many good options and brands now to even think about the disposable checkout counter lights.
I haven’t tried any of the Coast flashlights. Can’t hurt to try them out. As a rule of thumb, I always bring multiple lights and especially headlamps whenever I was out camping.
I lost my 25 year old Black Diamond headlamp and needed something new so I picked up a Black Diamond 400 R. It is 400 lumens at max output, not the 500 you want but really don’t think you will know the difference. It has high, low, red and strobe, is rechargeable and waterproof to 1 meter. I have been very impressed and hope it lasts as long as my other Black Diamond headlamp. As a side note, I found my old headlamp after buying my new one.
I went to Coast lights several years ago and have about a dozen of various types.
Local company and the Mac tool guy carries them.
Vortex like warranty but the only issue I’ve had was a torn rubber end cap, I got a new light.
I only buy the rechargeable dual power ones now.
I have small ones in my cars, large ones in the house and pocket ones for work and such.
I’ve used this headlamp every day, all day at work for a few years now. https://coastportland.com/collections/headlamps/products/xph30r
It goes for days on a charge and charges pretty quick.
I bought a spare battery but rarely need to swap it out.
First press of the switch is setting two then high and low.
After a few seconds, one press to turn it off, you don’t have to cycle through the settings.
Thought I’d drop a quick update… thanks to Amazon I had this thing the next day. At first glance, it’s really nice but there is one flaw that is a deal killer…
The “turbo” mode lasts for a couple of minutes and then steps down but the other modes, including high, are really impressive. Honestly I was expecting a lot of stepping down but it maintains the high level for at least the 5 hours I left it on and only used half the battery life. I’m sure medium and low would be equally impressive. I also really like the extra wide headband and the ratcheting system they use to angle the light. Really solid on the head without noticing the weight. Super comfortable. I could easily wear this all night and not complain.
The only drawback is that it has this stupid proximity sensor that automatically lowers the output significantly when you have something directly in front of you. I used the headset to switch some cables behind a wall mounted TV and it constantly dimmed right when I needed the most light. There is no way to disable this “feature”. It doesn’t matter what level you are currently using it in when it dims. Turbo, high, medium; all dim to low. I could it as a benefit if it were smarter. For example not blinding someone on your team if you inadvertently stare them in the face or when you switch from hiking to reading a map, but it’s too inconsistent and slow to work like that in real life.
That being said, it’s going back and the search continues. I have the Black Diamond Storm 500-R on order and will see how that one goes…