I'm wanting to get in some regular(ish) running over the winter and it'll often be full-on dark. I'll be away from street lights and roads, so I need something that will light up paths and "singletrack". I'd prefer it to be head-mounted and it seems I'll need a better beam than the Petzl Zipka torch I have.
Anyone got some good (cheap?) suggestions? E.g. exposure used to do a headband for the Joystick, is there anything else like that, or a Petzl for runners?
How much is cheap?
See this kilt?
I'm not a user (for running anyway...scared of the dark) but I thought Alpkit's Gamma was the go-to headtorch for running.
(Jamie's had a bit of experience with these I think.)
For dirt cheap, yeh probably the Alpkit.
What are you running? Are we talking forest tracks, singletrack, rough steep paths, bounding through heather, or some nightmarish boulder strewn near vertical plummet?
Thinking forest tracks mostly, but singletrack options.
Edit: Gamma looks OK ( I like the rear LED) if it is stable enough and has sufficient throw.
Alpkit for well built cheapness and a really good mount. As in it doesn't bounce about and you can adjust the angle of the beam.
I do wish they could boost the lumens a touch, though.
Petzl Myo XP is about £50.
Spotty dog, and plenty bright enough.
Alpkit will probably do, just about. A few quid more gets a Lenser H7 which is what id go for.
I use a Petzl Tikka XP2 sometimes and it's ok, but is a little lacking in light. I have a 1000 lumen jobby as well, but that just takes the fun out if it. There's a distinct advantage to have spare batteries in your pocket. Especially where you live.
To be honest, I've always been underwhelmed by the Gamma. But it's cheap cheap.
This is new to me
http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=17007&category_id=253
Is the Lenser H7 stable enough without the third (over the head) band?
Don't own one so can't comment really. But they seem to chuck out some good light, and folk seem happy with them. And for a reasonable price.
i'll forget that i've had 2 dodgy alpkit gammas, they're ok for running offroad.
some of the design details are perfect: batteries on the back, 'that' strap over the top, a little red led on the battery pack so you've got some rear *presence*, intuitive button functions.
but not [u]quite[/u] bright enough for my slightly shonky eyesight, on properly offroad technical stuff. Especially when I get a bit lost, and need to see a bit more of the world around me to get my bearings.
(it's one thing being able to see the rock/root/ditch in front of you, but sometimes it helps to see a bit further)
i treated myself to a hope vision1 and it's absa-lootly-bloomin-fantastic.
i don't mind the price tag, and i'm a naturalised yorkshireman with scottish ancestry.
Lenser H7.
Done me fine for a year in all seasons on all terrains in the Dark Peak. Fine without the 3rd strap.
I bought a gamma to replace an older petzl zipka. Really pleased with the alpkit and it's pretty bright. Does what I need it too...
H7 user here.
Prefer the h7 to my h14 which has been resigned to dog walking duties.
The h7 sits snug and doesn't bounce, beam stays at focus that you set and can be dimmed variably rather than hi/lo.
Little red light on the back for driverists too
Budget? How fast are you? How technical are the downs? Silva's running headtorches are ace, mix of flood and spot beams and remote battery pack options, but not cheap, especially the top-end ones. Ideally you'd want a regulated one for longer runs.
S****s at the thread reading fail. 😛
S****s at the thread reading fail.
'Cheap?' is kind of relative though and in brackets like it's an option- so what does that mean? That's why I asked about budget.
'Lights up paths and singletrack' ain't really Gamma territory tbh. Doesn't say how long he's running for. Petzl's TIKKA RXP does all that pretty well and is rechargeable and reactive and regulated.
Maybe you should try reading more carefully 😉
Sorry for trying to be helpful 🙂
I use an old Silva L2 for trail running - it's been great for forests and singletrack trails in the Lakes. The newer versions are a lot smaller and presumably lighter so may well be worth a look?
The Alpkit thing is rather feeble to be honest (I have 2)
You want cheap? Try this:
http://dx.com/p/zooming-cree-q5-200lm-2-mode-1-led-white-light-headlamp-3-x-aaa-3-6-4-5v-117193
(Lenser clone afaik)
'Cheap?' is kind of relative though
Have you seen his kilt?
The Petzl Tikka or similar is not great for running, as it bounces about a lot. Something with the batteries at the back is better.
eg the Petzl Myo RXP is good, bright enough for most off road running, costs about £60.
Been using the light below following recommendations, seems ideal so far.
[url= http://www.lightmalls.com/ultrafire-uf-h6-cree-xm-l-t6-5-mode-800-lumen-led-headlamp-1-18650 ]Ultrafire UF-H6[/url]
How about Fenix?
http://www.torchdirect.co.uk/fenix/fenix-hl30-head-torch.html
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fenix-HP25-Cree-XP-E-LED-360-Lumens-Dual-Light-Headlight-Headlamp-FREE-SHIPPING-/261236753998
I'm using the Lenser H7, I like it, does move about a bit but I have a pea head.
I've got a Petzl, a Tikka or Taktikka, can't recall which. Sits perfectly, doesn't move and I don't notice it there. Bright enough for path and roads, a little lacking in light for trails though.
I just picked up an H7 rechargeable from Amazon for about 32 quid - cheapest I could find it. Not run with it yet but loads more light than the petzl it's replacing...
one of these, obviously
[url= http://www.propstore.com/product/battlestar-galactica-1978/original-classic-cylon-helmet/ ]Ultimate running helmet[/url]
MrNutt - I heart you!!!
H7 (or a clone) looks like a decent option in my sort of price range. I'll give that a go and pass on some feedback.
The Silvas look lovely, though more than I want to spend (at the moment 🙂 )
I've used and still use the following for running, which includes anything from a quick hour around the local woods on the fire roads to all night ultras in the Lakes, Peaks and Alps coving technical ground, with fast descents.
Petzl Myo XP - Good light throw, boost mode for navigating/picking out features, careful management, one set of batteries will last a night. Good build quality, light weight and well balanced on the head.
Alp-Kit Gamma - Cheap, but seems to last. Decent run time. Rear red LED so really handy if running on the road or in a group. Good as a spare/shorter/less tech runs.
LED Lenser SEO5 - Very light & compact, bright, good run time, comfy, better build quality than the H7, lasts all night, but when it runs out of battery there is minimal warning (It does flash, but then goes, no taper in light). My current light of choice for most ultras and tech running.
Glow-Worm X2 - Slightly heavy, external battery pack which is rechargeable, good run time, but heavy battery... but these are mega bright being MTB lights, which convert to a head lamp. Over kill for running, unless well you can... I rarely take these out, but sometimes its fun to light the world up. But only used on shorter 4-5 hour runs. The X1 would be a better option, which I'm planning on getting this winter, again mostly for the bike, but also some harder runs.
Have a look on the FRA forum, loads about night running and illumination on there - do a search though first rather than just asking the question as some of the more militant members will flame you quite readily...!
Here you go:
[url= http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showthread.php?15581-Head-torch-recommendations ]FRA Head torch discussions - all 41 pages of them...[/url]
I got one of these for t'other half last year:
[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silva-Trail-Runner-Running-Headtorch/dp/B00388OHVO ]Silvia[/url]. They aren't too bad coming in sub £50 but the remote battery pack really helps with stability. Gives plenty of light for trail running too.
Keep thinking I should get one for myself too!
Hope R4, pick them up for £125 or so now. "cheap I said" I hear you say, well look at it this way, they're a bayonet fitting so it's easily swapped from head torch to bike in seconds with no tools. Two lights for the price of one. Bargain.
>Hope R4, pick them up for £125 or so now.<
Honestly? You must be having a laugh...
Just received those DX lights I linked to @ £6.67 a pop.
Seriously bright (rated @ 200l but probably half that) and very dinky. Has both intensity and focus controls (even a tilting mechanism) so you can opt for the full on searchlight or the more authentic experience some of you are so fond of 😉
Ridiculous level of power and features for the money.
I've used a gamma for years and it's a nice package, very use to wear. It's always been pushed on more technical ground (hesitate to say faster!). I don't know if I'm just getting old or general light inflation when you're with others, but my eyes were starting to strain a bit after an hour. I've used one of the generic Crees for the last month or two, something like http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumens-Headlamp-Headlight-18650-Torch/dp/B007Y2PXKY
Heavier and who knows how long it'll last, but worth a punt to me.
Have a look on the FRA forum, loads about night running and illumination on there - do a search though first rather than just asking the question as some of the more militant members will flame you quite readily...!
What, that accusation is a bloody outrage.
There all too busy in the 'new rules' thread
There all too busy in the 'new rules' thread
Hmm... Just wading through that one myself now...
Good luck.
To be honest, just read one page. The rest are largely repetitions.
Like Piemonster, only focus/zoomable
Mine's still going strong after 3 years 🙂
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1800Lm-Cree-XML-T6-LED-Zoom-Adjustable-Headlamp-Head-Torch-2X-18650-Charger-/291005424760?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&var=&hash=item43c1466478
Plagiarism Piemonster, that is all I have to say... 😉
ay up lights do a specific running kit thats worth a look at
What did you get?
Dithering on what to buy myself.
So far I've managed with my Petal Zipka Plus. It's apparently 70 lumens on the brightest setting, which isn't too bad at (my) running speed. However, it is a bit "floody" and the wee elastic cord that substitutes for a headband isn't great at holding it in place. I'm thinking that a H7 might do both fir running and as a decent headtorch fir cycling.
I have 2 petzl tika plus, I wear one on my head and one round my waist, two sources of light give better perspective to uneven surfaces. The second waist light also means that I can see my foot placement in my peripheral vision as I would when running in daylight.
I got a 300 lumen one by Coast from SP for £25, focussable and adjustable brightness.
It's awesome, all I need to do now is use it.
I got the one stever suggested and have been very impressed so far. Heavier than the gamma but the weight is balanced out and the beam is good. Massive wide flood with a bright spot in the middle. Obviously anything less than 1000 lumens will be useless 😉
Thought I'd best return to this one....
Following some of the advice on here I bought a LED Lenser H7. Tried it out tonight for the first time and it is just superb. On the Wide beam setting there's a bright spot in the middle and a halo that is ideal for making out the edge of the track/path. On Spot all the light is concentrated in the middle and reach is great. I'm finding that even the lowest setting is better than the Zipka. The weight is better balanced too (battery at the back) and the swivel on the light keeps it shining on the right area.
What would make it perfect would be a wee red, rear-facing LED on the battery casing.
Really looking forward to using it more now and I'll probably use it as backup on the HTR in May.
I was looking for a new brighter headlamp after reading through this thread, and found this one, which is less bulky than most of the superbright zoomable lights:
http://dx.com/p/kr-t6-2-x-cree-xm-l-t6-1200lm-3-mode-white-headlamp-black-grey-1-2-x-18650-223120#.UrnYQ38gGK0
Or this one:
http://dx.com/p/cree-xm-l-t6-1000lm-3-mode-cool-white-light-headlamp-black-1-x-18650-2-x-18650-175504
Or this:
http://dx.com/p/new-577-cree-xp-e-r2-2-mode-270lm-white-led-headlamp-black-3-x-aa-154369
http://dx.com/p/cree-xp-c-r5-xr-e-r5-280lm-5-mode-white-light-led-headlamp-134276#.UrnaOH8gGK0
Count - that first one looks good, but twice the weight of the Gamma...
That's why I put up the other ones as well; 270/280lm ought to be quite bright enough, and they're very cheap.
How stable are these things? The beam on the cheapo I bought wobbles around far to much for running.
Just run holding a torch.
I use the USE joystick
Yup despite having a number of head torches I tend to run with an Exposure Diablo mostly now. Not for the brightness, but because it's not a eye level so the light isn't just reflected back into the eyes on misty evenings and so that I don't have to point my head where I want the light to go. Also if it's pissing down with rain / snow then the beam of a head torch tends to get blocked by the hat peak.
That said, if you need to keep both hands free, then it's not such a great option.
petzl nao for me.it's not cheap but the reactive lighting works amazingly well for running and the battery last ages
If you're handy with a soldering iron you could always add an led at the back?
Thoroughly recommend Silva Trail Runner 2. 140 lumens. £54 from Above & Beyond. A USB charging version is also available for a bit more. Very stable, light and nicely balanced.
I got the one stever suggested and have been very impressed so far. Heavier than the gamma but the weight is balanced out and the beam is good. Massive wide flood with a bright spot in the middle. Obviously anything less than 1000 lumens will be useless
Mine's still going well after 3 months. Low beam is great and I'd imagine would last for hours on something like a BGR leg. A bit heavy after say 80-90 mins. Which is fine because that's when the monsters come out and it's too far to be running anyway 😉
Has anyone bought from Lightmalls.com?
[url= http://www.lightmalls.com/new-1400-lumen-cree-xm-l-t6-3-modes-rechargeable-led-headlight-with-charger-2x18650 ]http://www.lightmalls.com/new-1400-lumen-cree-xm-l-t6-3-modes-rechargeable-led-headlight-with-charger-2x18650[/url]
Wiggle is selling Mk8 Exposure Joysticks with a headband and a micro red-eye plug-in rear light for 95 quid at the moment. I reckon that has potential, particularly if you also need a a bike light, though you'd obviously need additional mounts for that.
scotroutes - how has the H7 performed over the winter months?
A few night time runs on unlit roads has me thinking about replacing my old Black Diamond
Daytime bump
Howdy.
The H7 has been excellent I've certainly never had to use it on full power, so the batteries just seem to go on forever. A lot more stable - and comfortable - than the Petzl I was using before. I've even managed to use it as a headtorch when cycling (though much will depend on the shape of your helmet/peak).
Cheers, that's good to know
Think I'll order one for the after work runs - the unlit roads round here are a bit tricky at night so some more lumens should help car drivers see me from further away
scotroutes - how has the H7 performed over the winter months?
A few night time runs on unlit roads has me thinking about replacing my old Black Diamond
As a fairly happy Black Diamond owner - I've only used it properly a couple of times, but it's worked fine - what have you found wrong with your torch? (I realise it could of course be a completely different model!)
mogrim - mine is about 8yrs old and not that bright. It's fine for campsite duties but on unlit roads in hilly West Yorkshire it's not quite bright enough. The LEDs are now very old tech
mogrim - mine is about 8yrs old and not that bright. It's fine for campsite duties but on unlit roads in hilly West Yorkshire it's not quite bright enough. The LEDs are now very old tech
Fair enough, the technology's moved on quite a bit since then! Mine's only a year old and is more than good enough for me 🙂
Mogrim - which model do you have?
Mogrim - which model do you have?
Pretty sure it's [url= http://www.decathlon.es/linterna-frontal-spot-id_8176292.html ]this model[/url], certainly I got it from a Spanish Decathlon for about that price (around 45€).
I'm sure better and lighter models are available, but I couldn't really justify spending much more.
Anyone interested in the LED Lenser H7, Go Outdoors are selling them and a P3 for £32 (50%). See [url= http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/dalesman-h7-and-p3-twin-pack-p106125 ]here[/url]. Probably going to see a few deals around as they have just brought out the H7.2 with up to 250 lumen.