Whats the best headlight. I am looking for something that comes with a dual option powerful spotlight when needed or a dimmer beam for camp chores.

Battery is preferable, recharge is ok too.

Thanks,
Reddy375

Reddy

I haven't done a lot with my new light yet but I chose the Princeton Tec EOS. It certainly has a bright spot when required but run it on high continuously the battery life is only a couple of hours (reportedly). It will run on Lithiums which can help with the battery life and also good for low temperatures. You don't mention if you want one with the battery pack combined with the light at the front or a separate battery pack mounted at the back of your head - if you want the latter you have a lot more options to consider.

Have a look at http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_eos.htm for more about the EOS and at http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews_index/reviews_index_headlamps.htm for comprehensive reviews on a range of headlamps.

Ian

Petzel has several different models.
I find them excellent. I carry several on every trip, as anyone who sees me using one wants one two.

They have a new one that has a focused beam for distance and a slide over difuser for close up work.
It has 3 levels of brightness plus flashing plus a button you press for a very bright light. You must hold the button down for the "high" beam. It is a nice light.

My favorite is the Petzl Myo 3. 3 led's for close up - power saving and a bright xenon bulb that you can zoom from flood to spot for longer distance. As technology improves and prices drop, the higher wattage led's may make the xenon bulbs obsolete. But for now, this is my favorite.
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=244

I always carry a Myo3 in my pack. Dave C is correct it is a good light. I carry a Tac Ticca Plus in my pocket for all time use, and a Zipka Plus in my other pocket for emergencies.

I am also testing a Tikka XP.

I like them Petzals.

I have both Petzel and Black Diamond. Probably have a preference for the black diamond, several different makes for a multitude of applications.

I bought a Petzel in 2004 for a backpack Dall sheep hunt in the NWTs. The funny thing was it never got dark in the McKenzie Mountains that time of year so it was a waste.

However, it is great here in Mumbai because at least once a month the electricity goes blooey. That Petzel has earned its keep. I have my hands free and can get to everything I need without fumbling around. I've yet to get my wife to wear it though. She thinks it's goofy looking.

My buddy lost a petzel LED head lamp last year on a sheep trip. I was back in to the same spot this year again and found it wrapped around a branch.

After a year exposed at treeline in the Alberta Rockies, it still worked perfectly.

That's quality. No spotlight on that one, but I've found that after having the dual Halogen/LED headlight for several years that I never use the spotlight at all. The LEDs are good enough for all applications.

Use a Petzl Tikka xp and it works great. Adjustable spot/flood beams.
You can use energizer lithiums with em if on a pack in hunt. Lighter and last a good while longer than regular batts.

Pretty sure the "MYO" xp model throws an even longer spot beam.

I ve got the Petzl Myo 5 and I am quite satisfied with it ...

Manufactured with a high intensity Xenon bulb on top of 5 white LED bulbs, all in a compact and water resistant package

This Myo 5 leds has three lighting levels; an optimum level which is ideal for night hiking, a maximum level for climbing or moving quickly on technical terrain and an economy level for reading and setting up camp. One navigates from one setting to the next by turning the rotating bezel switch.

The Xenon beam is adjustable and adds the possibility of long distance vision when needed

It opperates with 4 AA batteries (I use rechargeable ones)

Following up on my earlier post about the Princeton Tec EOS. I have now used it in the field for a few days and it is excellent. The high beam is great when you really need it - I used it only a couple of times when hiking some more technical sections after dark to get back to camp. I even saw a sambar hind at about 20m and was able to clearly examine it for a minute or two before it departed. The lower beam settings are more than adequate for general camp duties and hiking in easier terrain.

It is comfortable to wear & the lamp stays at the angle it is positioned. I can't comment on battery life yet as I didn't use it enough on the high setting to drain the batteries. It is a massive step up from my Princeton Tec Aurora.

Ian