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How We Test Headlamps

How do you measure headlamp performance? We've got you covered.
Natalie Krebs Avatar

By Natalie Krebs

Updated on Apr 20, 2021 3:33 AM EDT

3 minute read

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

<strong>Black Diamond Storm</strong> • <strong>Score: 82.2</strong> Nick Ferrari

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9 New Headlamps Tested, Reviewed, and Rated
9 New Headlamps Tested, Reviewed, and Rated Nick Ferrari

We invited manufacturers to send their newest model for review. Each light output test was conducted with fresh alkaline batteries (except for the Foxelli, which was charged until full). Scores were awarded in 10 categories.

  • Beam distance reflects the yardage at which large lettered signs became legible under the max intensity.

  • Brightness was determined by taking light-meter readings (lux) at 10 yards.

  • Flood area reflects peripheral-­vision quality and visibility of near-field tasks.

  • Runtime was determined according to ANSI FL-1 standards (battery life is considered over when light output is 10 percent of original output). We used the brightest white-light modes and recorded lux over time (at 1 yard) and rounded to the quarter hour.

  • Adjustability rewards features like multiple light modes, dimming, and battery-saving functionality.

  • Comfort quantifies the ergonomics of the forehead plate and headband.

  • Durability reflects quality of construction. We dropped the headlamps from various heights and submerged every unit in water for at least one second and waterproof units for 30 minutes.

  • Ease of use reflects how intuitive each model was to operate. We used bare and gloved hands to test controls, change batteries, and turn on units in the dark.

  • Weight measures each unit with batteries and rewards lighter models for packing and wearing ease.

  • Value reflects the best bang for your buck.

battery run time
Run time was determined along ANSI FL-1 standards, which state that battery life claims must end when the light output is 10 percent of its original starting mode. We turned the headlamps to the brightest white light mode and took light meter readings every half hour (at one yard) until they reached 10 percent of their original brightness. We used alkaline batteries in all units for this test, except the Foxelli, which doesn't have removable batteries. Click here to expand this image. Natalie Krebs
beam distance
Maximum beam distance reflects the distance at which large block letter signs became legible on a moonless night. Click here to expand this image. Natalie Krebs
headlamp score by criteria
This chart is a visualization of our headlamp test scores broken down by category. If one or two categories is more important to you than another, this is another way to sort through the scores. Click here to expand this image. Natalie Krebs

Alkaline vs. Lithium-Ion

Browning Epic Headlamp USB port
The Browning Epic has a USB port for charging the AA lithium-ion battery. Nick Ferrari

You don’t charge your phone with alkaline batteries, so why should you use them in your headlamp? It’s a fair question. Lithium-ion batteries last longer, and will theoretically save you money over time since you can recharge instead of replace them (although lithium battery life shortens with repeated charge cycles). Fortunately, you don’t have to commit to rechargable batteries when you buy a headlamp. The Browning, Coast, and Petzl lamps operate with USB-compatible lithium-ion batteries and alkaline batteries. That way you can choose to recharge when you’re near civilization, and throw spare, cheaper alkaline batteries in your pack for sustained off-the-grid adventures.

If you’re looking for extended reviews, more data charts, and answers to questions like, “What’s the difference between lux and lumens?” you can find them at outdoorlife.com/headlamps