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Vaddiszno
108
Oct 8, 2018
Zebralight H53c headlamp modified to have simpler controls akin to the Massdrop Made and Reylight pocket flashlights. Simple push button control on tail cap (no twist switch like the County Comm lights) first step low, second step medium, third bright. Runs off AA sized batteries. Of course I would prefer brass or copper over anodized aluminum (antimicrobial). Super cool enhancement would be a QTC analog dial with knurled rim for more precise brightness tuning . . . dimmer switch . . . I would purchase 4 to start and come back to purchase more as gifts.
http://www.zebralight.com/H53c-AA-Headlamp-Neutral-White-High-CRI_p_194.html
Commentary: I primarily use headlamps while camping and occasionally to illuminate something I am making or fixing. I guided for many years and have spent considerable time outdoors overnight. I am disappointed with most led headlamps. In the 80s we had proper incandescent bulb headlamps. They were ungodly heavy running off multiple D cell or C cell batteries, but the light quality was fantastic and well suited for human eyes, what we now call High CRI or High Color Rendering Index. Today most headlamps are too focused on blinding brightness and have terrible light quality. Like the Massdrop Made flashlights, the light should come on dim, and cycle to brighter when needed at the simple touch of a button. High CRI should be prioritized over brightness. We rarely need lots of lumens in the backcountry, blinding lights are for police officers and security guards. I love the form factor of the single AA battery right angle lens of companies like Zebra Light. You can easily carry extra AA batteries and they are easily found in Little markets anywhere in the world. I use lithium batteries they store better and last longer than alkaline. Net: Right angle tube, single battery, Massdrop Made dim/medium/brightest operating system. Copper or brass. High CRI. Super easy band/alternative attachment system like the AA Zebra light rubber harness that laces on a band, or the adjustment strap of a ball cap. NOTHING that GLOWS in THE DARK!! If I want it to glow, I will fob it, I do not want glowing gear or reflective anything on the unit. Please make it in copper alloys like copper and brass. Antimicrobial in the backcountry is important. Oh, and water proof/impact resistant please. Why High CRI? It feels nicer on the eyes but more importantly you need fewer lumens to see well up close so you are less likely to blind your camp mates. Also for fine tasks like cooking, first aid, or tying down gear at sunrise, the High CRI lighting allows you to do better precision work. It also makes it easier to find stuff at the bottom of a dark bag . . . Or read a book.
miso.beno
2
Oct 21, 2018
VaddisznoYour use case is highly similar to mine, where high CRI is superior to YUGE LUMENS and all of the little touches you mentioned matter to me.
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