Head torches: Hi all, After finding myself... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,610 members158,688 posts

Head torches

Peter_B profile image
Peter_BGraduate
11 Replies

Hi all,

After finding myself running in the pitch black on part of my route this morning I've found myself pondering the purchase of a head torch.

But there are so many available, at such a range of costs I'm really not sure what to go for. So I'm after some recommendations please :D

I've done a couple of searches on the forum and seen a few members praise the Alpkit Gamma, unfortunately that's unavailable until the end of November. I've also seen good things said about a torch from Lidl, although I've not seen anyone mentioning them doing running gear at the moment, but I'm going to pop into Lidl in a bit and see if they have any.

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

Peter

Written by
Peter_B profile image
Peter_B
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
11 Replies
useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate

I can't imagine a head torch would shed enough light on the pavement/road in front of you for safe running, but I hope somebody will prove me wrong!

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

I don't have any experience with head torches, but as I live out in the sticks, I'd be very interested to hear about recommendations as well.

Belindauk profile image
BelindaukGraduate in reply to Tomas

I think I will need a head torch too. I've put it off so far as I know I will look daft ha ha ;-)

Belindauk profile image
BelindaukGraduate

Psssssttttt Before you say it I know I look daft already ;-) ha ha

Peter_B profile image
Peter_BGraduate

I've just ordered one of these amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/AS...

Looks pretty much identical to the Alpkit Gamma, although a little more expensive. Should arrive tomorrow so I can give it a try during my run on Thursday.

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate in reply to Peter_B

The reviews look good - let us know how it goes.

notbad profile image
notbadGraduate

I have this one:

amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Perfo...

It's really light weight, doesn't bob about and you can angle it downwards. I tried it out last night and it was good, the light is muted but I could see much better in the poorly lit areas, pleased with it. Good thing about these torches is that not only can you see where you are going but you are visible to others too (& I reckon it would dazzle any would be attacker as close up they are bright).

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

I bought one last year and I have just been looking to see what it was called. The box says it was an "Enjoydeal 1600 lumen Cree T6 LED with three modes and charger". There are similar ones on Amazon but I can't find the same model. It has a central over the top strap as well as the round the head one, which stops it sliding down as you run. The battery pack is at the back of your head, with a glowing red panel when switched on. The 3 modes are very bright (rarely used) bright and seizure inducing flash, which really puts the wind up the sheep on a winter's morning (I should think). I find it very good and Useitorloseit you will find it will give plenty of light, although I do run on totally unlit paths.

The hassle with mine was the 18650 batteries, which you can't seem to buy over the counter in this country, although there are loads of Ebay and Amazon sellers. Be careful though, some of these batteries are recycled cells from laptop batteries and are pretty dodgy, so buy from a reputable source and don't just go for the cheapest. The Chinese take our used technology scrap and then sell it back to us again. I bought from torchythebatteryboy.com after my initial order was impounded by customs.

Headtorch running is a weird pastime. Join the nutters.

Keep running, keep smiling.

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate

I rarely venture out after dark for anything, let alone running, since I became a mother. It feels really wicked if I'm out after dusk these days, and my son is now 15! I definitely think I need to start getting a life - d'oh!

notbad profile image
notbadGraduate in reply to useitorloseit

My son's 16 now, I know what you mean, but it is good to get out and about again - and fun to run with a head-torch. Yep, I've joined the nutters. ;-)

Peter_B profile image
Peter_BGraduate

Meh. Looks like another run in the dark tomorrow.

Despite ordering in time, and paying the extra for express delivery so that it would be delivered today, Amazon decided not to send the head torch yesterday after all.

No notification or anything, just hasn't been sent out.

Have been on to them and they've refunded the delivery charge, and extended my prime membership for a month, but that doesn't help me avoid dog poo!

Laughably the order status still shows it as being delivered today.

You may also like...

I ❤️ my head torch 👩🏻🔦

I say about my new purchase?! Best money I've ever spent as it now allows me to run in the early...

Any advice on head torches?

and won't be long before I am having to run in the dark after work . I live in a small village so...

Head torch

Christmas from me. I quite fancy a good head torch for running - mainly off road. Any...

Head torches

head torch for night runs? I want to purchase one for my night runs (to see and to be seen), seen...

Head torch

the circumference, to keep the thing on whilst running; also I need gazillions of lumens due to...