New headlamp or new batteries?

[Vagabound]

In the interest of full disclosure, science, and confused headlamp people everywhere, I'll provide an update to the problem that I described in my original post.

I made a discovery.  As it turns out, my biggest problem with the AAA headlamps was the batteries that I was using. Even though they were not all the same brand, they were apparently pretty weak. All normal, new AAA batteries. Probably 12 - 16 in total by now. Same poor results in all cases.

I finally bought some rechargeable AAA batteries. Duracell, because I'm either bold or stupid. So far, the results are amazing. The crappy little headlamps have been transformed into completely new lights. Very bright.  As for longevity, I don't know yet. I hope they last longer than the old AAA batteries, and if so, the whole problem is solved.

After reading all the good reviews of the lithium headlamps in this thread and others, I suspect one of those is in my future, but this little AAA headlamp -- armed with rechargeable batteries -- will do the trick for now.

Tom

 

[akrvbob]

I bought one of these,  https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Rec...1488583067&sr=8-1&keywords=nitecore+head+lamp ,  dang it's awesome.  on high it's brighter then my 4wheeler headlights.  battery last a long time.  built in recharger 120v and 12v cables included.  I have an extra battery for it but it last so long I have never needed it.  when the battery gets low it only goes to 2 out of 5 power but that's enough to get work done.  you can charge it from a standard usb. the only downfall is it takes like 6 hours to charge.  highdesertranger

I 100% agree! I bought one of these after our last thread on headlamps and WOW! Best headlamp I can imagine! It's a lot of money but its stunningly good!

I also tried the AA and AAA rechargeables, but they give no warning, just boom, they are dead and you are in the dark. I plan my evening walk for susnset and I'll head out right before dusk and go for 30-50 minutes. Stupid rechargeables start out seemingly fine and they'll be dead dark by the time I get back.

 

[Vagabound]

Update:

After using them for a while, I can now say that the rechargeable AAA batteries do not last noticably longer than the normal batteries, maybe a bit longer, but the big benefit is that they're a lot brighter in the beginning.

Tom

 

[LeeRevell]

Update:

After using them for a while, I can now say that the rechargeable AAA batteries do not last noticably longer than the normal batteries, maybe a bit longer, but the big benefit is that they're a lot brighter in the beginning.

Tom

And, rechargeable. In the long run, MUCH cheaper. Pennies per battery over their lifetiime.