Head Torch on Helmet - any Experience please?

[Huwblut]

I need a new light for my helmet. It needs to be self contained so no wires to break and be useful for other things such as a bit of night time trail running etc. Battery needs to be replaceable / rechargeable on the fly.

I've been looking at the Fenix HM65R-DT Trail Running Headlamp - similar things seem popular in the US. I'm thinking that it could be installed a little nearer the front of the helmet so I can do the hood up a bit further on my waterproof when the inevitable happens.

The Fenix importer is close ish to me (in Cardiff) so I could check out a few models before buying however there seems to be lots of other decent brands out there...

Perhaps something with decent throw / spot as I bought an Exposure Maxx D in the spring which should provide plenty of flood.

[Valerio]

I can't comment on the fenix but having an Exposure joystick/strada/6pack i can definitely recommend Exposure.

Having said that I wouldnt want to run with any of my lights on my head, definitely not something like maxx d or 6pack!

If you can advise how long you need your light to last for it'll be easier for ppl to advise on options.
I like my Joystick as a headlight but the battery cant be replaced (it can be charged with a usb cable from a power bank though)

[RIP]

Joystick with helmet mount here. 10hrs on 'low' (bright!) setting. Solid light.

Still don't like the crappy charging port cover though even on Mk12

[Huwblut]

I've considered a Joystick as they seem to get universal approval here but the mount and it's location on the helmet bother me a little. The light seems to sit right on top of the helmet which I'm guessing means that it's sub optimal when using a hooded waterproof jacket? Also as far as I'm aware it cant readily be used as a headtorch. I'm trying to make purchases as multi activity as possible and less bike specific.

I've got a few MTB Batteries lights which I've really enjoyed using but inevitably the wires fray and need replacing. I've either used a two cell battery on the back of the helmet or used an extension lead and dropped the battery pack in my backpack. Neither is perfect as two cells are a bit small and stashing the battery in a bag means that if the bag comes off then it's attached to the light. Neither option is terrible but as usual I'm trying to find an improvement.

I've entered the BB200 and Strathpuffer - slightly different use cases.

[sean_iow]

Joystick is a great helmet light but you will struggle to get a hood over the top. They do make an elastic band thing to use it as a head-torch but it basically just straps it to the side of your head. It has a long battery life but really needs to be plugged into the mains to recharge. I've used the support cell on the BB200 to double the run-time on the higher setting. It is probably only a 'bike' setup and not multi-sport.

I have noticed that some of the Tour Divide racers use a head-torch on their helmets. Presumably as they can replace the batteries.

How much output do you need? I have recently purchased a Black Diamond head-torch that I'm impressed with. It can use 3 x AAAs or they sell a rechargeable battery pack that fits in place of the AAAs. 350 lumen for 5 hours (claimed) but you could carry multiple batteries. It was only £35 and the optional battery pack and charger were about £20.

They have more powerful versions but run-time will be less if it uses the same battery pack.

[Huwblut]

Thanks for the replies. As I have the Maxx D I probably don't need a hugely powerful light, just the ability to pick out a bridleway or suchlike at a moderate distance.

The Fenix lights are a little pricey but have replaceable USB C rechargeable 18650 batteries. One in the light and one spare should more than suffice for the BB200 - it's less of a consideration at Strathpuffer as Ill be passing the van every hour or so.

[rudedog]

I’ve used the Exposure Joystick, Axis and Diablo and wouldn’t recommend any of them.

To justify the high price, I’d expect a big improvement on :

Fiddly buttons, proprietary charger needed, can’t change battery, average ouput/beam pattern and poorly implemented programming.

For the last 3 years I’ve been using a £40 moon light which also isn’t perfect but is just as bright, has a better beam, replaceable battery and is USB charging.

[Richard G]

I quite like the Diablo as a helmet torch, but I don't rate the mount.

I did switch to a velcro mount recently but I nearly ripped my head off when it got caught on a low branch... so yeah, could do with a bit more thought there.

(Oh, and you can recharge the Exposure lights via USB, but it's very slow)

Edit - I used to use a small 18650 cell torch, which worked fairly well too. I imagine they're even better now.

[BridlewayBimbler]

I got a USB rechargeable one from Decathlon. I don't use it much as its a PITA to secure. I'm also worried about dazzling people. Meaghan Hackinen had quite a cool looking headtorch on this year's Tour Divide. I think it might have been a Petzl of some sort? I doubt it was cheap?!!!

[Valerio]

I've considered a Joystick as they seem to get universal approval here but the mount and it's location on the helmet bother me a little. The light seems to sit right on top of the helmet which I'm guessing means that it's sub optimal when using a hooded waterproof jacket? Also as far as I'm aware it cant readily be used as a headtorch. I'm trying to make purchases as multi activity as possible and less bike specific.

I've got a few MTB Batteries lights which I've really enjoyed using but inevitably the wires fray and need replacing. I've either used a two cell battery on the back of the helmet or used an extension lead and dropped the battery pack in my backpack. Neither is perfect as two cells are a bit small and stashing the battery in a bag means that if the bag comes off then it's attached to the light. Neither option is terrible but as usual I'm trying to find an improvement.

I've entered the BB200 and Strathpuffer - slightly different use cases.

I can confirm it doesn't work well with a waterproof jacket with a over-the-helmet hood, but if it's really pissing down then one could wear the hood under the helmet.
Not perfect thought.
Id say it's a bike-only type of light.

Not sure about the comments about programs and buttons. Havent had any issues yet and theyre easy to set up.
The handlebar mount isnt great though

[Mark E]

As above, hood under helmet is a good
Solution if it is hammering down and you want to use a joystick or diablo. Having used both , I nearly always go for the joystick as, in comparison, the diablo feels a bit heavy on a helmet.

[maxap]

I've been using a Fenix BC21R V2 which takes 18650 batteries. I mount it on the helmet. Very pleased with it.

Looks like there is a version 3 now:
https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/ ... bike-light

The Fenix ALD-08 Helmet Bike Light Holder will apparently work for this light too.

[Richard G]

I've been using a Fenix BC21R V2 which takes 18650 batteries. I mount it on the helmet. Very pleased with it.

Looks like there is a version 3 now:
https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/ ... bike-light

The Fenix ALD-08 Helmet Bike Light Holder will apparently work for this light too.

Seems fairly heavy, at least based on the specs there. I wonder if they've included the mount weight.

[Sajama]

Have you looked at Petzel head torches? Lots of choices from leisure to Pro .it's been our 1st choice looking at head torches .
using a rechargeable one can fit ordinary batteries or the rechargeable pack.
Much bigger range now,think it's an one of the old Actik rechargeable ones.?

[thesloth]

A timely post, as I was just looking at replacement headtorch options.

I'm more after something very light weight and not too bright. I like to have a light on my head for "close quarters lighting" rather than something powerful to light up the trail. Need to be able to see the bike computer (rather than using the backlight and punishing the battery), see inside bags & fix those midnight mechanicals etc.
I find that an Exposure Trace works well. But as others have noted, its a pain when using a hood. I also find that the Exposure helmet mount has a habit of catching on low branches.

I used a Petzl Bindi (the very small one) with a fair bit of success. It's died now and I was looking for a replacement. The Bindi is Micro-USB with a permanently exposed charging port. I'm trying to standardise on USB-C where possible.

I'm considering the Fenix HM50R V2.0.
Looks like it ticks a few boxes. USB-C rechargeable, but also has the ability to swap out the battery on the go.
I'm guessing that it may be possible to attach the mounting plate to the front the helmet with cable ties.

Anyone here had any experience with these?

[Brad]

I use HM65R-DT its well built, USB rechargable and just uses a standard battery that you can swap out. The interface is nice with individual buttons for each beam type and a visual indicator for charge level. I never run it full brightness and it easily lasts me full rides through the night and on a multi day trips with a bit of sleep I'd get a few days at the very least.

The only negative for me is that it's a little bulky for a headlight so I need to mount it fairly high up on top of my helmet otherwise it pulls the front down in a way that I can feel when riding. (it weighs 115g + a few cable ties to attach it... if thats of any use in making your decision)

Got mine from AlibabaExpress (I think it's direct from Fenix) as it saves you a fair bit and the delivery time wasn't bad.

Before this I'd not done anything else other than taping torches to my helmet though so anything was a step up

[Huwblut]

Some interesting stuff there, thanks a lot.

A bit more research suggests that the Fenix 62T might do a job. 125g including the strap vs 141g including the strap for the HM65R-DT a bit lighter so maybe it'll attach further forward on the helmet which is what I'm after.

62T will throw 80m on medium - 400 lumen - for 12 hours - seems plenty.

There's no mount for the helmet that I can see but I'd imagine Velcro would work.

I'll have a word with the importer to see if I can try before I buy. I'll report back...

[johnnystorm]

I've got one like this:

SuperFire Head Torch Rechargeable Flashlight, Right Angle Torch with Magnet Tail, 600LM Headband Torch, Mini 90 Degree Flashlight with 18650 2000mAh Battery for Camping, Fishing, Walking, Hiking https://amzn.eu/d/i5j6de4

About 100 different options on Amazon taking different sized batteries (mines an Olight, think the newest version is called a prerun).

Will fit under a hood, can take spare batteries, can charge from usb, is a usable torch when not on your head, etc.

[MuddyPete]

This one from Decathlon is pretty good.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/rechargea ... R-p-307266

Small but powerful enough. At £17 you could buy two: remove the elastic then cable-tie one to your helmet, then keep the second for other stuff. .

[voodoo_simon]

I've got one like this:

SuperFire Head Torch Rechargeable Flashlight, Right Angle Torch with Magnet Tail, 600LM Headband Torch, Mini 90 Degree Flashlight with 18650 2000mAh Battery for Camping, Fishing, Walking, Hiking https://amzn.eu/d/i5j6de4

About 100 different options on Amazon taking different sized batteries (mines an Olight, think the newest version is called a prerun).

Will fit under a hood, can take spare batteries, can charge from usb, is a usable torch when not on your head, etc.

Ordered and delivered, got it for £13.50 or so

It’s bright, seems solid and well put together. If you can mount the clip into a helmet with zip ties, it should be good but the band is weak/poor, so not good for running (I don’t think).

Be perfect for work for me

Should really get another one as a spare for my bike

[Huwblut]

I ended up getting a Fenix HM75R SE, a spare 18650 battery and their helmet mount.

Mount attaches nicely with a sicky pad and light seems solid. I can get the hood of my waterproof done up completely, how that works out in the actual rain remains to be seen.

It's got a knob on the side to cycle through the various programmes which feels like it'll work fine with glove / cold hands. A bit heavy perhaps but hopefully I'll get used to the additional weight out front.

Guys at the distributor in Cardiff were a pleasure to deal with and I got a 15% discount

[Valerio]

I ended up getting a Fenix HM75R SE, a spare 18650 battery and their helmet mount.

Mount attaches nicely with a sicky pad and light seems solid. I can get the hood of my waterproof done up completely, how that works out in the actual rain remains to be seen.

It's got a knob on the side to cycle through the various programmes which feels like it'll work fine with glove / cold hands. A bit heavy perhaps but hopefully I'll get used to the additional weight out front.

Guys at the distributor in Cardiff were a pleasure to deal with and I got a 15% discount

Im keen to hear more about this one, if you could share your impression after youve done some riding with it thatd be really appreciated!

I can't remember the last time i bought a battery, so apologies for the dumb question: are 18650 batteries something that can be found in most stores/petrol stations/and in remote locations? (e.g. in the middle of nowhere in Morocco)

[rudedog]

No, 18650s aren’t readily available in shops (easy to get online though), they are rechargeable though so as long as you take a spare, you should be covered.

[Valerio]

No, 18650s aren’t readily available in shops (easy to get online though), they are rechargeable though so as long as you take a spare, you should be covered.

Thank you!
I guess that makes using the light for longer easier, as long as temperatures are not low and might kill the charge in the spare. Cheers

[Ursus]

I’d recommend checking out the Ledlenser MH10 Rechargeable Head Torch. It puts out 600 lumens for 10 hours. 18650 li-ion batteries are easily swappable. I carry 3 batteries on long trips.
They also do a helmet bracket kit. I think I paid £59.99 at Go-outdoors.