The Panel Decides: Headlamps Tool Review
Before you splash out on a new headlamp, let our panel of expert tradies test them out for you.
The Tools
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ENERGETIC LIGHTING –Focalspot Rechargeable Headlamp (453007) |
KLEIN TOOLS –Rechargeable Headlamp with fabric strap (A-56048) |
SAL NATIONAL –LED Rechargeable Headlamp (SHL008) |
| RRP$76.25 | RRP $90.79 | RRP $63.80 |
| THE LOWDOWN: This rechargeable LED headlamp delivers high lumen output. It features three modes – high, medium and flashing – and the beam width is adjustable via the telescopic lens, the position of which can be adjusted up to 90 degrees. Designed to be worn for long periods, this headlamp incorporates an elastic head strap with rubber cushioning pads.
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THE LOWDOWN: This rechargeable headlamp can be used in three modes – a bright, 22-hour floodlight, a brighter 12-hour focused spotlight, and a 400-lumen boost mode. The adjustable fabric strap provides comfort, and the lamp can also be detached and used with a Klein hard hat.
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THE LOWDOWN: This is a super bright (300lm) rechargeable headlamp with a multi-focus optical system, adjustable elastic head strap and a reliable four-hour battery life. It is designed with a five-watt, dual switching power system, providing full and half power or flashing functions and includes a detachable long USB lead for fast charging.
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The Panel
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| Brett Balaam
from Balaam Electrical Experience: 21 years |
JJ Foley
from Initech Solutions Experience: 16 years |
Craig Morris
from 4M Electrical Experience: 23 years |
The Verdict
ENERGETIC LIGHTING – Focalspot Rechargeable Headlamp
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“This was my favourite light because of how bright it is.” – Brett |
| Brett:
Lit! I like how bright the light is, and the strap and battery compartment are good quality. I thought the focus slide in and out was a bit tight, and it needs a battery gauge. This was my favourite light because of how bright it is. |
JJ:
Great value This was a very comfortable fit. It’s competitively priced and performed well. The only thing to improve it would be better battery life. It does everything required, and while it wasn’t the best of the three, it’s my favourite because of the value! |
Craig:
Focussed choice This was comfortable on the head and had a high light output. I liked the focusable spotlight to see both distance and close-up, but it could have been improved with some extra LEDs to the side as peripheral lighting was limited. |
| VERDICT: Bright star
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: My pick
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: Great comfort
RATING: 8/10
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KLEIN TOOLS – Rechargeable Headlamp with fabric strap
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“This was a good all-round lamp.” – Craig |
| Brett:
Lightweight light This one wasn’t very heavy, and it had a battery gauge. I didn’t like the up-and-down light adjustment or the colour of the light. It could use a focus setting. I didn’t like this light too much, mostly because of the beam of light it produces. |
JJ:
Pricey option I liked the battery life and the brightness but thought it needed an additional head strap at the top for areas requiring helmets. Overall, it was the best product, but the pricing was high in comparison to the other two. |
Craig:
Top choice This lamp was lightweight with no extra battery pack, and I liked the ability to turn on the spot and wide lighting at the same time. This was a good all-round lamp, and the auto-off sensor was a good feature also. |
| VERDICT: Not my favourite
RATING: 6/10
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VERDICT: Good but expensive
RATING: 8/10
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VERDICT: Best there was
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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SAL NATIONAL – LED Rechargeable Headlamp
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“I liked the easily adjustable head strap.” – JJ |
| Brett:
Does the job The light was quite bright and had a good beam. The focus slide was nice and easy to adjust. The battery compartment wasn’t as good, but it still does the job. It’s a great light, and only came second because the other light was brighter. |
JJ:
A lot to like I liked the easily adjustable head strap, but the rubber cover to the battery pack felt to be poorer quality than the other two products. I felt the build quality could be improved, with a better battery cover, and it had shorter battery life. |
Craig:
Not for me The zoom feature was easy to use with one hand, but there was limited peripheral light. I’d have liked some more padding covering the battery case – the batteries felt like they were pushing on the back of my head. |
| VERDICT: Smart choice
RATING: 8/10
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VERDICT: Decent
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: I’ll pass
RATING: 6/10
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