Head Torch Recommendations

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Bru-Bru Nov 2018 9:19am, 28 Nov 2018 2,855 posts	0 Bru-Bru I don’t run in the dark v often but plan to this evening. My old Fenix headtorch, which was always a bit clunky (type with four AA batteries in a separate pack at the back of the head) has completely died a death so looking for recommendations for a widely-available cheap long battery life powerful etc etc head torch as previous threads go back some years. They must be better by now! Do they still do the Alpkit ones?
flyingfinn Nov 2018 9:29am, 28 Nov 2018 1,151 posts	0 flyingfinn Alpkit have refreshed their range of headtorches this winter but if you don't use it that often then you won't go far wrong with the latest version of the Qark. £29, 580 lumen on ful power, comes with a usb rechargeable battery but will take 3 x AAA as well (it's basically a copy of the Lenser seo7 - which has been my go to torch for the last 5 years - at less than half the price but without the reactive capability). I've had one about a month and I'm impressed so far.
Fitz Nov 2018 9:32am, 28 Nov 2018 1,968 posts	0 Fitz I have an Alpkit (following recommendations of old on Fetch) and I like it: comfy to wear, good powerful beam, adjustable angle, front & rear lights, steady / flashing modes, 3x AAA batteries (ie the really slim ones) so low weight. I recently had to revive mine as the batteries had leaked inside the case (not the fault of the torch / batteries - my fault for not using it for years and leaving batteries inside) but thankfully got it working again.
Sam Jelfs Nov 2018 9:43am, 28 Nov 2018 104 posts	0 Sam Jelfs You know you are going to get as many different recommendations as replies right? For me, the LED Lenser H7R.2 - but it's one with a big (rechargeable) battery pack on the back. Lasted me through the night on a number of ultras. On to my second one after the first died after around 5 years of use, replaced FOC by lenser with no questions.
StuH Nov 2018 9:44am, 28 Nov 2018 2,728 posts	0 StuH Alpkit still do a variety including an upgraded Gamma I think. My Sports & More had some cheap headtorches which looked OK. mysportsandmore.com
fetcheveryone Nov 2018 9:45am, 28 Nov 2018 20,311 posts	0 fetcheveryone I was recently sent one of these (the NEO10R): ledlenser.com and it's as bright as heck. The Boy is using it tonight on a night hike with the scouts. If he doesn't get lost, I'd recommend it
Old Croc Nov 2018 10:00am, 28 Nov 2018 29,565 posts	0 Old Croc I have an LED Lenser 7 - the one with big battery pack on - cannot remember number exactly. It works really well - I live out of town so NEED a headtorch to get a run in in the dark. It my second one - another model from LED lenser went through the washing machine and that pretty much killed it. Had no hesitation getting a second one.
BaronessBL Nov 2018 10:06am, 28 Nov 2018 7,370 posts	0 BaronessBL On the recommendation of the person whose event I suspect you are running in tonight I went for a really cheap one from somewhere like Aldi or Lidl as he said his was from there and had never let him down..... I have never got the thing to work so I cannot agree! I got one from Decathlon a few years back which was at the cheaper end of their range and that has done me proud over the years although is not the strongest beam..... on your own in a very dark wood it's still scary as hell! I also recently bought one from Go Outdoors because it was reduced to £1. Worst pound I ever spent. Cannot get it to work at all because the battery compartment is too big for the batteries so they rattle around and lose the connection, which isn't helpful. The moral of this post is that you get what you pay for I think. Thus it may not surprise you to learn that I am not going to the run tonight!!
fetcheveryone Nov 2018 10:32am, 28 Nov 2018 20,314 posts	0 fetcheveryone This is the Lenser. Full disclosure, they sent it to me for free to try it out - but it really is VERY bright. There's a battery pack that you can charge with a standard USB cable, and you can also take the battery out too, so you could carry a replacement with you (but they say it will run for 120 hours, so probably not necessary). I haven't tried running in it yet, but the headband is pretty thick and feels solid when I jump up and down. The boy is taking it to scouts this evening for a two hour trek in the dark There's also a chest strap, if you want to pretend to be Ironman. It's LOTS of money at just a smidge under £90, but it's worth at least thinking about if you're likely to do lots of night running, camping etc.
StuH Nov 2018 11:15am, 28 Nov 2018 2,729 posts	0 StuH Another +1 for Ledlenser, really happy with my H7R. Although the weight of the battery pack does start to pull the strap down onto my ears after a while. And it doesn't meet the OP criteria of 'cheap'.