Headlamp for fishing - which one to choose: best rating and reviews

Lighting when fishing is one of the main factors influencing getting a good catch, especially when fishing in the evening or at night. The use of various flashlights allows you to see gear regardless of environmental conditions, which minimizes the likelihood of missing an incipient bite.

However, every angler is faced with the question of proper organization of lighting, and many opt for head-mounted models, since they have the following advantages:

Organization of high-quality lighting and simultaneous release of both hands , which does not interfere with the fishing itself.
An impressive product range , which allows you to select the most suitable models with the required set of functions or characteristics.
Affordability: there are models that any fisherman can afford to purchase, regardless of their budget.
Spot lighting of local areas and zones where such a need arises.
Compact size , no difficulties when using or transporting.

Choosing a flashlight

To obtain high-quality lighting, it is necessary to take the process of choosing a device seriously, so as not to regret the purchase in the future.

First of all, it is recommended to evaluate each model according to the following basic criteria:

Functionality. Modern flashlights can have a number of different operating modes, and with their number, the cost usually increases. For many fishermen, one basic mode of operation is sufficient to illuminate gear, but if desired, more advanced options can be selected. However, it must be borne in mind that devices with too many additional functions are less reliable, since they are much more susceptible to various breakdowns.
Dimensions and weight. Compactness and weight of the device are the main criteria, since flashlights that are too heavy or bulky can cause discomfort during use. It is better to try on the model you like first to make sure it is easy to use.
Reliability. Based on this criterion, it can be quite difficult to evaluate the option you like, so it is recommended to purchase flashlights from well-known manufacturers who have already proven themselves on the positive side. You can first read reviews from independent experts or other fishermen to understand which models are the most successful and of high quality. Reliability is extremely important, since fishing can be carried out in different weather and climatic conditions: it is necessary that the device provides uninterrupted and good lighting even with strong gusts of wind, in low temperatures or with heavy precipitation.
Sealing is one of the main characteristics of headlamps. You need to know that devices with water protection function only when raindrops or other small amounts of liquid fall on them, but if they fall into a body of water, they will stop working. For this reason, waterproof options are considered the most reliable: they usually cost more, but such flashlights continue to function even if dropped into water. The permissible degree of immersion has individual indicators for different models.
Material. Devices with a plastic body are cheaper, but they have a shorter service life and cannot withstand significant loads; they are much easier to break. Modern flashlights with a metal body are more durable and can withstand even very high mechanical pressure.
Power. This indicator should be at least 150 lumens, this is the minimum value that can provide high-quality lighting while fishing.
Type of light supplied. To ensure good lighting in local areas, it is necessary to provide diffuse illumination, which is achieved using wide and narrow beams.
Nutrition. In fact, all modern models are powered by batteries; the maximum operating life should be indicated in the attached instructions. Devices suitable for fishing must be able to provide uninterrupted lighting for 48 hours. There are also universal options that combine several different power sources at once.

Form factor of a fishing lamp

The best option for fishing is a headlamp. It is easily and comfortably attached to the forehead using a special elastic strap with a holder, thereby freeing the fisherman’s hands and, therefore, improving the response to a bite. Modern headbands are characterized by minimal weight, which does not cause discomfort when worn for a long time. In addition, there are models with remote battery packs of increased capacity.

If the choice is made in favor of a more universal hand-held light device, then it must be lightweight, and its shape is convenient for a comfortable grip on the hand.

From general recommendations you can move on to specific models. As is clear from the above, there is no universal flashlight for fishing and therefore it is necessary to describe several models suitable for different situations.

The Armytek Wizard headlamp is widely used by fishermen around the world. The flashlight is convenient because, despite its impressive brightness, it weighs very little. In addition, Wizard is conveniently attached to the head using an elastic fastener. Moreover, the flashlight is equipped with an additional fastening belt, which will not allow it to slip into the user’s eyes. Brightness of 1200 lumens at a distance of 108 meters is enough for almost any night fishing task. Selecting and switching brightness modes occurs when you press a button. This is not always convenient. Much better mode control is implemented in another leader in headlights for fishing. This is the no less famous Acebeam H10 flashlight. This headband is a little more expensive, but that's understandable. The maximum brightness of Acebeam H10 is 2000 lumens, while the flashlight beam is wider, which is more convenient. As for control, it is carried out using a rotary ring. This method is more preferable for quickly selecting the flashlight mode. If we talk about the lighting distance, it is slightly greater than that of the Wizard and is 116 meters.
As a handheld flashlight for fishing, we can recommend the Armytek Predator Pro tactical flashlight. This grenade launcher has everything to become a reliable fishing companion. First of all, it is unsurpassed reliability. The LED and Predator reflector allow you to achieve a brightness of 700 lumens, while the lighting distance reaches 381 meters. The dimensions of the flashlight and its weight allow it to be used as a pocket flashlight.
For fishing from a boat or for any search activities, a more powerful light source is needed; the best in this matter is the Acebeam K70 flashlight. The power of this search engine at maximum mode is 2600 lumens, and the range is 1300 meters. The flashlight is waterproof and can be used for limited underwater use. An alternative to this rather expensive flashlight can be the more budget-friendly Acebeam K40s. By the way, both of these models are used by poachers when fishing with a spear.

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Popular models

To facilitate the selection process, below we will consider some popular models of headlamps for fishing, which have managed to prove themselves on the positive side:

LH-170 “Bright Beam” with a power of 170 lumens is well suited for situations where you do not plan to fish in the dark, but a flashlight is needed for safety. This is due to the short operating time even in saving mode, but according to other characteristics, this model is excellent for fishing and other types of outdoor activities. Tests have shown that the device is resistant to mechanical damage and can even withstand falls from a height of four meters. It also has impressive tightness: the flashlight is not only resistant to splashes, but also continues to work when immersed in water up to one meter.

The approximate cost is only about 700 rubles.

The ZebraLight H520W works no longer than one hour at maximum beam output, but such output is not required for fishing, since its power is 260 lumens. The flashlight has several operating modes, so the power from 260 to 2.7 lumens is user adjustable; The maximum duration of work is from 1 hour to 4 days. There is also a beacon operating mode, in which the device functions even in the absence of a charge. Its main advantage is its water resistance: this model can be immersed in water several meters and remain there for half an hour, which will not affect its operation or cause any damage.

The approximate cost is 4000-4500 rubles.

The LH-190 Cobra has three operating modes that provide varying degrees of illumination; The maximum duration of operation is 55 hours. The basic package includes a battery that can be recharged via a USB port. The material used was a modern type of plastic, characterized by an increased degree of strength.

The cost is 1500 rubles.

Fenix HL25 is a multifunctional modern headlamp, the lighting power is manually adjusted by the user and can range from 3 to 280 lumens; The maximum operating time varies from 4 to 140 hours. Sputtering on glass provides high quality light; The beam does not blink even when the battery level is low. The case is made of high-quality aluminum, which ensures reliability and protection from mechanical damage. A convenient mechanism has been added to the design, which allows you to change the position of the flashlight and tilt it by 60°.

The approximate cost is 3000-3500 rubles.

The LED Lenser H2 is a headlamp that is ideal for fishing in any conditions thanks to its impressive performance. The lighting power is adjustable by the user and can range from 60 to 350 lumens, depending on it, the beam range varies from 100 to 260 meters. The duration of operation depends on the selected operating mode, on average it is 40-60 hours.

The cost is about 5000-5500 rubles.

Reviews

Below are some reviews where anglers share their experiences with different headlamp options:

Vitaly: “I recently purchased a Fenix HL25 headlamp; so far I’ve only been able to test it in action once, but the experience was positive. It functioned properly throughout the night without any visible changes; there was enough power to illuminate three rods.”

Alexander: “Recently, my headlamp, which I used while fishing, failed, and I had to look for a replacement. I decided not to save money and purchase the most modern option; the choice fell on the LED Lenser H2. I have already managed to go fishing with it three times, and all three times I was pleased with the purchase I made. I liked the quick transition to the operating mode and turning on all the diodes at once with one click of a button, switching between different modes is also very well thought out, the transition to a different type of lighting occurs smoothly.”

Sergey: “I’ve been using the LH-170 headlamp for almost two years now, and it has never let me down. The device is very convenient and irreplaceable: when fishing, my hands are always free, any places where I turn my head are illuminated. It is no less useful when repairing a car, if you need to highlight some hard-to-reach area.”

Michael:

“I had never used headlamps before, even when fishing at night, but I recently switched to donkey and feeder rods, and it became clear to me that I couldn’t do without such a device in the dark. For now I’m using a cheap Chinese model for 140 rubles, I took it for an experiment, and in the near future I’m thinking of purchasing some more powerful and reliable model.”

Dmitry: “As for headlamps, I like the LH-170: good quality at a relatively low cost. The device only lasted 5 months, but it was my own fault: when assembling it, I applied too much force and turned something in the wrong direction. I decided not to repair it, but just buy a new flashlight, it cost only 650 rubles. I took the LH-170 again, it has been serving me faithfully for more than a year.”

Blitz tips

To summarize, we can give the following recommendations that will be useful in the process of choosing and using headlamps for fishing:

You should not try to save on the cost of a headlamp, since this device is of great importance when fishing in the evening, night or morning. Cheap devices can fail at the most inopportune moment, ruining your entire vacation.
You should not rely only on the advice of a seller in a fishing store ; it is better to first consult with professional or experienced fishermen who will suggest the best quality and reliable options.
It is not recommended to use flashlights with alkaline power sources, especially when fishing in low temperatures. At sub-zero temperatures, lithium batteries are best because they are unpretentious to the conditions. However, you must first read the instructions, which should list acceptable power sources.

Main technical and operational parameters

A detailed description of a specific model can be found in the instructions from the manufacturer or on the seller’s website. However, this information will not allow for a full analysis, since for comparison it is necessary to know the determining parameters of the choice.

Technical and operational qualities of a headlamp for fishing: