I use mine nearly every single day but I ditched the strap over the head (removable). Get a good 3400+ mha battery and you will not be disappointed, I guarantee it!!!!
As with any high output, small package light, it will put off some decent heat when run on high for an extended time but it's really only noticeable in the summer. Runtime is amazing! 80% of the time I use it on the 2nd lowest setting but when you need high, you want real high that runs for more than a short burst of time like many equal lumen lamps out. The combination of light throw and flood is as perfect as anyone could ever want for multitasking operations. I've been using the original version (lower lumen) since it first came out and it's exceeded every expectation and other headlamps I've had. View QuoteAbsolutely the best bang for the buck headlamp out there. The HL50 will run off AA or CR123a which is kinda rare in headlamps. The newer Fenix CR123a headlamps are pretty good for the money but some are a bit over your budget. With ZL, pick your favorite beam type (flood or spot) and color temperature (cooler blue, neutral, or yellow). Although the Storm 250 was an incredible headlamp, there was definitely room for improvement. It is essentially an updated version of the previous 250 model from 2016. Some of the Zebralights are currently on sale. Black diamond’s 2017 Storm 350 headlamp (headtorch) is at the time of this post, the most up-to-date model of the Storm headlamps. If you want to try a lithium based light, look into the ArmyTek Wizard 18650 / CR123a offerings or various 18650/CR123a Zebralights (they come in a variety of beam types and flavors). They also have a rechargeable version of the Spot with a built in USB charger port if you don't want to mess with charging your own Eneloops. Pick up some rechargable Ni-mh AAA Eneloop or Eneloop pros to go with them. It's a bit bulkier and heavier because it uses 4 AAAs instead of 3 like the Spot. The Black Diamond Storm is almost the same thing with better water proofing and higher IPX rating. I totally think it worth the price, but your mileage may vary.For the sub $50-60 range, I really like the newer model Black Diamond Spot. Not that big an issue, either turn off reactive lighting or breath out to the side or downward (awkward at first, but you get used to it).ĮDIT: Forgot to say. I've had the light sensor become fooled by my breath in front of me and start dimming/diffusing the light because it thinks I'm looking at something up close. The only drawback to reactive lighting is during colder months when you can see your breath. I usually carry an extra battery pack just in case instead of the batteries. Like /u/Scyth3 said - if you carry some AAA batteries with you, you can pop out the battery pack and run it on battery power in a pinch. 4.9 out of 5 stars with 25 reviews for Black Diamond Sprint 225 Headlamp.
If you send it out full blast (turning off the reactive lighting), you'll get four to five hours of use. 4.5 out of 5 stars with 159 reviews for BioLite Headlamp 200. The NAO has reactive lighting, which helps if around camp or looking at maps (if it senses you looking at something up close, it dims and diffuses the light) which will help with battery life.