The invention and introduction of LED lights have changed how we illuminate our homes, commercial buildings as well as streets. The rise in popularity of LED technology was due to the fact that LEDs are more efficient and more powerful while being long-lasting. Also, the fact that an LED can be used in any sort of lighting fixture contributed to that.
So much so, that there are even headlamps powered by LEDs. Usually, you wouldn't need that powerful of a light source in a headlamp but because LEDs are so efficient they've made it into the world of headlamps. This has made headlamps even more convenient as they now have some extra features that weren't possible present before.
Types of Headlamps
General
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The most commonly used headlamps nowadays are known as general headlamps. They are made to be used in different kinds of scenarios without the need to adjust certain settings. A general LED headlamp sold in Australia is going to be good for both reading a book and exploring the wild. Just don't expect too much when doing the latter.
Running
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There are also running headlamps which are, you guessed it, made to be worn when you're running. What makes them different from general headlamps? Well, the fact that running headlamps are made with an extra band that goes under your chin. This prevents the LED headlamp from wobbling around when running, thus you being able to see well in the dark even when doing sprints.
Specialty
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If you want to one-up a friend that uses a general headlamp for everything they do, go for speciality LED headlamps. These are made for a specific activity. Be it camping, exploring deep caves or hiking, there's a headlamp for it. Just make sure you get the right specialty headlamp for the activity you want to do and you'll get all the needed features.
What to Consider in LED Headlamps
Beam Type
Talking about features you should consider the type of beam a headlamp has and not just its intended use. There are two types of beams, flood and spot. Spot beam patterns are made to illuminate far away but at a narrow-angle. Flood beam patterns have a wider angle at which they produce light but they do not illuminate the beam that far.
Beam Distance
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The distance at which your headlamp produces light can be a determining factor when it comes to doing a specific activity. If you mostly wear a headlamp when you're in your tent, then any beam distance will do. But when you need a headlamp for a search or exploration, getting a headlamp with a longer beam distance is a must.
Runtime
While a long throw is important, a long runtime is even more. Therefore you should consider the capacity of the headlamp's battery in order to determent its total runtime. Keep in mind, though, a bigger battery capacity doesn't always mean a long runtime as the total light output of the headlamp can easily make for a short one.
Lumens
The light output of a headlamp is measured in lumens. As you'd expect the more lumens a headlamp can produce the brighter the light it can generate. Looking for an LED headlamp in Australia with a high lumen count isn't always the best idea though as the light itself can be blinding. You go for one with as many lumens as you need and no more.
Weight
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What you should also limit, alongside lumen count, is the weight of the headlamp. While you can't physically do that, you shouldn't go for an LED headlamp that's too heavy. Especially not if you plan to wear it for a long time. While heavier LED headlamps are considered to be of a higher quality that is not always the case.
Added Features
Tilt
There are some other features you should consider when buying an LED headlamp and a tilt function is one of them. Being able to tilt the headlamp while it's on your head without taking it off is a neat and convenient feature.
Red Light Mode
Red light is known to prevent your pupils from shrinking. This makes it easier for you to see at night and it doesn't make it blinding for other people around you. This is exactly what Red Light Mode does.
Water Resistance
if you're going to be using a headlamp mostly outdoors it's good to have one with the proper water resistance. This is why you should look for an IP or IPX rating as it tells you how well-protected the unit is from water splashes and jets.
Switches
Although on/ off switches are something that every headlamp comes with, you should also be looking for other switches. These should refer to the different modes the headlamp offers and they should let you cycle through each mode easily.
