I have learned and purchased several types of tactical headlights, and now I want to share my experience on the best tactical headlamp on the market today. If you are interested in what I share, don’t hesitate to own yourself a very satisfactory headlight. Keep reading!
TOP 10 Best Tactical Headlamp Reviews On The Market Reviews
1. Foxelli Tactical Headlamp
I want to introduce you to this headlamp first of all. For only $10, you can own this incredible headlamp. This tactical headlamp is one of the best sellers on amazon and received good reviews.
With 45 hours of run time, you won’t even need to bring along an extra pair of batteries when setting out on a day for hiking or even overnight.
Like other headlamps, it has four different settings with the main light. With the first press on the power button, the brightness setting will turn on. With this light mode, I can use it for five hours at 165 lumens at a distance of 50 meters before the light starts to dissipate. We can also adjust the brightness of the light by three-level with a double-tap on the button power to switch the mode.
The compact design allows for easy packing so that I can take it with you anywhere – tipping the scales at just 3.2 ounces.
I love its SOS mode. This function is an emergency blinking feature that always blinks so that people can notice me better. So it offers an extra level of safety in emergencies. Besides, Red light mode can be used when I want to avoid blinding others and when I read the maps.
Another bonus that I liked when the battery is low is that this warning light on the right side with the battery logo above will begin to blink. So I can control the time when using it.
With one button on the top, it is very easy to press and manipulate with your fingers with or without gloves. In addition, the elastic headband is very comfortable, durable, and easy to adjust.
At a reasonable price, I don’t have many complaints about this. However, I highly recommend you not use this in the rain for such a long time.
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This is the current price of these Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
2. Soft Digits Tactical Headlamp
This one is another headlamp at a reasonable price for you. I am blown away by the quality when using it for several months! This tactical headlamp charger is really amazing! It comes in a versatile design that allows it to find applications in activities like climbing, hiking, and fishing, among others.
Although having 5 LED Headlights, this product is pretty lightweight. The band is made of high-quality materials, and the adjustable strap makes my head get the best comfortable condition.
To talk about this product’s features that make me most impressive, I have to admit that they are the Zoomable and Four Modes. I can use these features to focus on the object at night.
Another high point of this product is that it does have an LED on the back. It is like the tail light. How cool it is! It is used for more visibility and keeps track of your partner in the dark.
It is rather convenient, powered by a 18650 battery or USB charger! Once fully charged, I could use it for several hours. Besides, it is automatically shut off when fully charged.
However, the index of water resistance is PX4. This means it’s safe to use even when it’s raining. However, if the weather worsens, maybe a storm or flood, I think it cannot work well.
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This is the current price of these Soft Digits Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
3. Black Diamond Storm Tactical Headlamp
Black Diamond is one of the major brands of flashlights. Black Diamond Storm is a headlamp manufactured exclusively in dark conditions and can endure bad weather.
This one is a powerful, flexible, and rechargeable headlamp, now completely redesigned to be waterproof, making it adaptable to any task at night.
With the peak brightness of 350 lumens, Black Diamond Storm Headlamp quickly detects dangerous objects while you move in the dark within 85 meters, and in this in this mode, I can get about 40 hours off the battery. Besides, in the distance of 2m, the minimum lumen output is four lumens and can last for over 200 hours on the battery.
The most outstanding feature of this light is Red, green, and blue Single Power LEDs for night vision have dimming and strobe settings and are activated without cycling through white mode. This tactical headlamp can last for 25 hours, with the maximum lumens around 40 throw distance of 8 meters, which is incredible.
The operation mechanism is also straightforward. To turn on the light, press the power button. Then, to adjust the brightness, you can hold the power button. Double-tapping the power button will switch between the spotlight and floodlights.
I am extremely impressed by the tap power button. Power Tap Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power. So, for example, in an emergency, I can turn the brightest light output. To do this, tap on the side of the helmet, and tapping again will revert me to the previous setting.
Waterproof and dustproof work effectively. So in the rain and storm, it is one of the best tactical headlamps that allows me to have a good vision in extreme and dark conditions.
Although it offers a wide range of color light, there is only one button on the downside of this product. I think it should have more for quick access.
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This is the current price of these Black Diamond Storm Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
4. SLONIK 1000 Lumen Rechargeable LED Headlamp
When I searched about the headlamp on Amazon, I found this product with a high rating and many outstanding features. So I bought one because of this appealing advertisement, and this product meets my expectations.
First of all, I want to give a nice compliment to waterproof and dustproof. The index for these features is IPX8, meaning this product can live underwater for a while but might still get damaged by a spray of water from the side. So, I can freely use it in several extreme conditions like rain or even a storm.
Secondly, the 1000 lm output is bright in even the darkest of situations, and a 220-yard beam distance is fantastic for a headlamp. The level of the brightness also can adjust by myself. With a 2200MAH battery and a user-friendly USB battery charge cable, I can use this headlamp for 8 hours. For such a long trip, It is an ideal item!
This tactical headlight is straightforward to use and switch with a single button. The strap is adjustable and very comfortable when wearing; it doesn’t cause headaches. It also has quite a small size so that I can put it in my pocket.
Everything is perfect except for lacking the zooming function. So, sometimes I find it hard when I want to focus on an object in the dark.
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This is the current price of these SLONIK 1000 Lumen Rechargeable LED Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
5. Princeton Tec Remix LED Headlamp
Princeton Tec is also a company specializing in the manufacture of flashlights and other lighting-related appliances. For example, Princeton Tec Remix is one of the best-LED headlamps for jogging.
Remix LED headlamp bright, extended operating hours with multiple lighting modes. Remix LED Headlamp Is very light, only 83g (including battery). The body has a large toggle switch, which is convenient to control when using gloves, which seems to be the feature I like most.
The headband is very comfortable. This tactical headlamp offers a wide range of colors that I can easily choose, which is my favorite one and suits your clothes and different models that will vary in lumens. I go for black.
Remix has four lighting modes to meet my near/far lighting. In the brightest mode, this product can illuminate up to more than 70m. In addition, the remix has two modes of blue and red light. Green lights consume less battery, but red lights help you have a good night’s view. The battery is excellent. I can last 150 hours of burn time with 3 AAA Alkaline batteries.
Like most other headlamps, with a water resistance function, it performs excellently in the rain and for your strip when passing a river or stream.
In my opinion, the problem with this light is the rotation section. I cannot adjust this with one hand. I have to use both hands, which is not convenient.
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This is the current price of these Princeton Tec Remix LED Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
6. Energizer VISION LED Tactical Headlamp
Although I am not a big fan of the energizer headlamp, this compact headlamp is genuinely a low-cost light that provides good proximity beam quality and consistent overall performance.
There are five versions of the Energizer VISION LED Headlamp, but I one to go for Energizer Vision Ultra HD Rechargeable Headlamp with the green color. This tactical headlight delivers up to 4 hours of light and 400 lumens (in the high mode) at 80 meters.
At the highest setting, the output is compelling and illuminates the darkest places over a wide area. I can easily adjust the brightness of the light and switch to other modes. This one also has night vision settings in red and green, flashing red for safety/emergencies.
I want to give these high scores compared to other headlamps in terms of ease of use. It doesn’t have many buttons, and it is manageable even with gloves.
About the battery, I love this. The version I choose is Rechargeable Lithium – Polymer Non-Removable Battery. Compared to 3 AAA Energizer MAX Batteries like other versions, I am lazy to replace the batteries regularly, and rechargeable batteries work better in the cold.
The waterproof index is IPX4, so I can use it in the rain. Although this is not the rate I expected, this is enough for daily activities.
Notably, the smart dimming feature makes me annoying when using it. I think it is better when I can control it by myself.
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This is the current price of these Energizer VISION LED Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
7. Fastras Rechargeable Tactical Headlight
The product achieves a remarkable rate on amazon with 4.8 out of 5. This is visible and convincing evidence that you can’t skip this product.
Under $15, Fastra’s rechargeable headlamp works very well in most extreme conditions and is equipped with multiple functions.
If you are looking for something that gives you as much as possible light from a headlamp, I think it is a great option. I am very impressed by its configuration with 21 LED bulbs. So, we can still keep using this effect when one of them breaks.
The brightness of the headlamp is excellent. Even when the battery is low, causing less brightness but it still gives off a beautiful light.
Unlike other headlamps, this one provides nine modes in total. I press the light switch to change the light working modes for different scenes. Mainly, I love its 90° rotate adjustable design. I can easily control it to reach different angles and ranges with one hand.
Another benefit of the one is the rechargeable battery. The battery life is sufficient for 4 to 6 hours of constant full brightness when traveling for a longer time, and I use a backup set of batteries that are so fast and easy to swap out.
The rear safety light is also a plus. I haven’t used it much; however, I look very cool, making me feel safer.
However, I find it hard to turn on nine working modes for the first time using it. This isn’t very easy. Anyway, I often use 3 -4 of them, so this is not a big problem.
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This is the current price of these Fastras Rechargeable Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
8. Hurkins Orbit Tactical Headlamp
This is the most expensive one on my list. However, compared with other headlamps, it is known for a 180˚ Wide Angle of 1000 Lumens. These two outstanding features are handy for camping and hiking.
Starting with the unique feature, it has 180 angle view and 30m Visible distance. The light runs along the headband length, which means its beam is about width, not depth. This tactical headlamp is great for increasing your peripheral vision.
I would like to mention the extension belt when talking about my favorite feature. Instead of putting it on my head, I can wear it on my waist.
In the brightness setting, it can last for 3h hours after a full charge and keep for 100 hours in the minimum brightness (300 lumens). Next to the power button, a battery indicator shows how much battery is with five-level. So you can always be informed about the battery left.
Although carrying up to 14 LEDs, it is still very lightweight. I feel very comfortable when wearing it. The strap is also adjustable.
It is effortless to use with an on button and control with a one-touch dimmable dial button. However, It just provides white light and a lack of red light. I hope it will have a better version for that price.
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This is the current price of these Hurkins Orbit Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
9. Streamlight 61304 ProTac HL Tactical LED Headlamp
Streamlight is a very famous American flashlight brand. However, Streamlight products often focus on serving professional needs such as military, police, industry, fire, rescue, etc.
This is truly a tactical LED Headlamp. This one with 540-Lumens of blinding light can reach up to 172-meters. This product has three lighting modes: High, Medium, and Low for different functions, and 90 Degree tilting head reduce neck fatigue.
I think I put this one on the list because of the strap. It has a rubber band without a top strap for a helmet or a little less belt flash. This elastic rubber headband is very durable and tight. It fits in my head and when using helmets.
With the weight of 6.6 oz (187 grams) with batteries, it is heavy when wearing in my head.
The battery also doesn’t last too long. When we use it in high mode, it can last for around one and a half hours. So, in an emergency, I think I need something better.
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This is the current price of these Streamlight 61304 ProTac HL Tactical LED Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
10. PETZL – STRIX VL Tactical Headlamp
Let’s come to the final one – PETZL – STRIX VL Headlamp. I think you will love this one as I do after using it. This highly configurable tactical headlamp can be carried on much different gear and shine different light.
First, I would like to highlight the most significant feature; in my opinion, it is the rotating ability. The double rotation system of the body and head of the lamp allows great freedom for orienting the beam: 180° horizontally and 120° vertically. So it can give you many options for the different lighting are.
When I am in the forest for hunting or camping, I need more views than daily running to utilize the mentioned features fully.
In seconds, the product is designed with versatility in mind. I can carry it on the helmet, on the vest, on the head, or around the neck.
Although it looks small, it has enough all types of moods for a different purposes. Visible color lighting in red, green, and blue. Visible white lighting: in stealth mode, close-range vision mode, movement mod. It is very used and switches to different modes with one switch on the side of the body.
It is very durable and still works effectively after several times I drop it from a height of 2 meters. So I can also be used in the winter. Besides, waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes and dustproof is IP 67. That’s great.
It doesn’t have a bright spot in the center. It is pretty diffused and spills out. This is not bad, but sometimes I cannot focus on the objective.
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This is the current price of these PETZL – STRIX VL Headlamp available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
What is a Tactical Headlamp?
A tactical headlamp can be understood as a headlamp designed for law enforcement, combat, and army (used by the military or police). The tactical light can be head-worm or intended to attach to gear to assist in lighting and dazzling the opponent. They are usually smaller than a traditional headlamp, more robust, have high-quality materials, and have very high durability and reliability.
Although tactical headlamp is primarily designed for military and police units, they are used as an item for running, camping, and other outdoor activities in modern society.
Tactical Headlight Related Questions
What headlamps do the military use?
The headlamps I highly for the military or police is PETZL – STRIX VL Headlamp or Streamlight 61304 ProTac HL Tactical LED Headlamp. They can withstand extreme conditions and offer many choices in use.
What is the best headlamp on the market?
It’s quite rare that the saying “You get what you pay for” turns out incorrect. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight is the hottest bestseller in this category right now. This product will be more than your expectations at a reasonable price and outstanding features.
How many lumens should my headlamp be?
There are many factors that you should consider when choosing a headlamp. One of them is lumens. Lumens index: indicates the ability of the lamp to illuminate. The larger the number of lumens, the lighter the lamp.
High lumens only last for a few minutes, after which the lights will lower to ensure your safety and lamp life. After that, too much power will come with the battery going down quickly and being very hot and annoying.
If you use the headlamp for daily activities and non-professional activities, the ideal lumens range from 100 to 250. However, if you need a product with better lighting for events like scrambling and route-finding at night, the lumens index may be up to 400 or even much higher.
How to open tactical headlamp?
To open a headlamp depends on each product. Most headlamps only have one power button to turn on, change mode, and turn off, making it easy to use. Besides, several have a switch, and you have to pull it out to operate the lamp.
Wrap Up
For jobs that require light, flexible movement, a headlamp will be excellent support for users. You should buy the best headlight with the features that suit your work requirements and reasonable price for long-term and effective use.
In my opinion, I will go to Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight because my work doesn’t need many lights, 165 lumens is enough. It also owns a long-lasting battery and a very budget-friendly price.
Hopefully, the above information above the best tactical headlamp will help you buy one that meets the requirements and affordable prices
The 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, Sgt. Maj Christian Smelling was sworn in on August 11th 2009 and has held every enlisted leadership position ranging from cannon crew member to command sergent major