Headlamps

Had a read through all the previous posts about headlamps, but I'm considering buying a rechargeable lamp as i'm sick of my current cheapo battery operated one deciding to die on me at the most inopportune moments and plan another 10 day trip back to sunny clare in a few weeks.

Had a look at the MFA and Nighsearcher models online, the TIGA's and Samalites look amazing but the missus would freak if she thought i spent nearly £200 on a "torch".

So 2 questions: anyone used either the MFA or Nightsearcher rechargeables, what'd ye think of them... and am I better off buying these in Ireland of off Gerrys / Veals etc. in the UK?

oh, and it there is some other brand i ain't mentioned but should look at feel free to let me know

cheers

An expensive rechargable light can still run out at the wrong moment, and what if its not charged and ready to go when your wanting to go out?
I use a headlight from argos i got 2 or3 years ago, they do a few of them and mine is an eveready led that lasts for 50 hours on a set of batteries, cant be bad at that. I also have a couple of small clip on lights from Maplins which give of the same light as the headlights and are handy to clip onto a tripod or clothing. They also last 50 hours on a set of batteries. All my lights and even the torch i keep in my car run on AAA batteeries, so its easy to keep spares lying in the boot in case they are ever needed.

Before you invest a fortune in a rechargeable lamp, take a look at the Silva L1. Its powered by a 3 watt Luxeon LED and runs off disposable batteries. For the money, (around 100 euroish) it is a fantastic piece of kit and way more than adequate for most fishing sessions. Being an LED, it uses minimal battery power and if you take a spare set with you, you will never have a problem. They are light, and a set of batteries will last you months with no need to worry about charging it up or any of the associated frustrations.

As Pete says the Silva L1 is the way to go. You may find cheaper or brighter, but for price vs performance they're hard to beat.

ok, had a look at the silva and at £55 (not a bd price online) i figure i can't go too far wrong.

cheers

dave

Agree with the lads its a great headlight, Where did you find it online by the way, might get a second one!

http://cgi.ebay.ie/SILVA-L1-L-1-LED-Sti ... dZViewItem

found this.. the only L1 i could find.. loads of L2,L3 and L4's about the place

I have both a samalite and a silva L1. :shock:

Both fantastic lights. The samalite can be left on charge all the time so really there should be no need to run out of charge. :wink:
I use the samalite on beaches during the winter as it is a good bit bulkier than the L1 and you can rely on it to give a good length of service on the night.

The Silva L1, cracking piece of kit. I carry it as a spare in my box just incase I need it. It is also very light at 226grms incl the batteries. I also use the L1 in the late summer evenings when you don't need a big light to see around. It has 4 settings from power save (dimmest) right up to ultra bright and also a flashing mode to help get someones attention if an emergency should occur. For everyday use you attach 4 AA batteries to the head strap and it will last for numerous outings up to 200hrs.. It also comes with a bigger battery holder that gives you over 600hours use if needed. It also has a brilliant brain :shock: A normal light will just dim and die a short time later when the batteries run out which could leave you stranded!, the L1 will automatically go onto the power save setting giving you enough light to get back to the car etc a sort of emergency backup :shock: and again as the batteries are the small AA you can carry extras without adding weight. Put the L1 on it's brightest setting and it will let you see up to 60+ meters, more than enough to see your catch in the surf.

Hope this helps you make your mind up.

I also bought my L1 new on ebay. As far as I can remember I paid £44, which was a steal! :lol:

I would advise all anglers to carry 2 lights as you never know when 1 light will let you down. It would be sods law that you will be on a real rocky rough ground mark off the beaten track in the middle of winter with no light to show you the way back to the car! :shock: I got caught out the once on a really rough mark. I was cut to pieces be the time I made it back to the car :oops: :roll:

thanks for the replies, I bought it from http://www.aboveandbeyond.co.uk/shop/He ... -1064.html
which was the cheapest I could find (incl. ebay)

Cheers

Any one ever use the LED LENSER range of lights? They claim to be one of the best on the market. I have looked at them and fancy trying the LED LENSER REVOLUTION, which has a dimmer in it, which i thought would be handy when not needing full light blinding others on the beach.

Good price there shambobala, you wont regret it! :wink:

Good price also :shock:

Definately a win/win for you

Steve