Which headtorch?

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Derby Tup Sep 2020 8:00am, 22 Sep 2020 46,526 posts	0 Derby Tup There was a problem with the original Gamma and the battery holder cover breaking. I had one. They were twelve quid then iirc
Vancouver Jogger Sep 2020 8:19am, 22 Sep 2020 5,217 posts	0 Vancouver Jogger I'm not sure which alpkit headtorch I had but it was great - until the little plastic clip broke... I still use it occasionally, when camping, but it's held together with sellotape. I now use a kalenji chest torch - but mainly because a head torch makes wearing a cap difficult and as I wear glasses I need a cap when it's raining. I've used it off road - but at nearer 6 mins per km pace. I've twisted my ankle in broad daylight so I think this 'seeing in front of you' thing is overrated!
Badger Sep 2020 8:23am, 22 Sep 2020 12,809 posts	0 Badger I had that with a Gamma. Great torch apart from a massive flaw you wouldn’t want manifesting in the middle of nowhere in pitch dark.
Oranj Sep 2020 8:41am, 22 Sep 2020 2,232 posts	0 Oranj If you want lots of light, buy a 18650 cell-powered Cree headtorch. I got one for night orienteering, where I might be running in unfamiliar territory. There are plenty of examples on eBay; I've got a fairly simple single-headlamp unit although I've seen others using more. Having the battery compartment on the back of your head balances out the weight of the light on the front. The only downside of a bright headtorch is the beam source is next to your eyes, so you don't get the benefit of shadows highlighting the terrain - a chest torch or even a torch held in your hand does that better (but impractical if you need to hold a map).
Northern Exile Sep 2020 10:31am, 22 Sep 2020 6,860 posts	0 Northern Exile I also had one of those little Alpkit Gammas with the faulty battery case, shame. My trusty Petzl Myo is still going strong after 12+ years, however I do agree that there are cases where overwhelming firepower is the only option. For running, if you want a reliable item and very powerful headtorch look no further than a Hope R4 or R2. Double up as decent bike lights too. That said, LED technology has really improved in recent years and the latest Petzl offerings are worth a look.
Oranj Sep 2020 10:37am, 22 Sep 2020 2,238 posts	0 Oranj I've just realised I've got one of the original Gammas too, a decent torch for familiar night routes. Still intact
The_Saint Sep 2020 10:40am, 22 Sep 2020 6,619 posts	0 The_Saint I would agree with Oranj about getting one powered by an 18650 cell, there is a slight initial outlay but the power and compactness of these is amazing. I have a Nitecore HC30 which has been superseded by this one nitecore.co.uk But you can still find the HC30 much cheaper. Although I paid about £50 about 4 years ago it has lasted well and hasn't needed replacing after one winter like the various Alpkit units I had because the body is all metal.
Kieren Sep 2020 11:06am, 22 Sep 2020 4,010 posts	0 Kieren Thanks Oh & @Derby Tup, just to be clear, my 5 min / mile pace on track is speed work - so 200 / 400m not a whole mile I'm not in that kind of shape yet. The track is an old 400 yard cinder track with tight turns. It's a part where the street lights run dim and don't reach the track anyway due to the trees. Aiming to squeeze in sessions at about 6AM so I can do some chores before work at 9 but it's dark. Oranj, your points have given me pause for thought - thanks. It resonates as I had similar issues on the bike when I commuted. I might just bring my old bike light for now & use as a torch to see how I get on. Just need to drill a hole in it so I can fit a wrist strap.
Derby Tup Sep 2020 9:13pm, 23 Sep 2020 46,575 posts	0 Derby Tup My Hope 4 is 13 years old. They are heavy and not comfortable but uber reliable plus you get great customer care. If you’re serious about off-road running after dark they’d be the first torch I’d look at
FenlandRunner Sep 2020 9:17pm, 23 Sep 2020 4,824 posts	0 FenlandRunner Personally I love the Petzl Actik Rechargeable, so good in fact, I have two