Decent Headtorch

GaryS65 · 2026-03-13T23:53:34+0000

Who makes a decent head torch for work activities. Close range, to light up hands and immediate working area.

Needs to be rechargeable via USB-C.

Red light would be useful.

I had a petzl, maybe £40 worth which wasn't bad but you had to remove the battery to charge it which is a pain.

eddie49 · 2026-03-14T00:00:30+0000

Searching for "T6", "zoom", and "Cree" should produce some usable results.
Single or a few large LEDs are best, ignore those with COB or multiple small LEDs.

brightspark · 2026-03-14T00:00:44+0000

led lenzer

Gritineye · 2026-03-14T00:22:53+0000

I've had one of these for over a year, still working well, use it most times I'm in the workshop.

The quoted battery life is a tad optimistic but not bad in reality.

Cheap enough to buy 2.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR5FG77S?ref_=pe_27063361_487360311_302_E_DDE_dt_1&th=1

Wozzaaah · 2026-03-14T00:28:36+0000

I bought 2 of these for walking my dogs and can't fault them.
Super bright, spot/flood/both, and they have red light. They also have a sensor so wave your hand to turn them on and off, or press the other button to just turn it on/off manually.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D3VDXB19

zzr1200 · 2026-03-14T00:38:37+0000

Head Torches - Unilite UK

Our range of LED head torches provide a combination of high power and comfort. The headstraps we used are fully adjustable, silicone lined and elasticated.

unilite.co.uk

Shop around.... :thumbup:

Kram · 2026-03-14T07:45:17+0000

eddie49 said:
Searching for "T6", "zoom", and "Cree" should produce some usable results.
Single or a few large LEDs are best, ignore those with COB or multiple small LEDs.

Disagree with that, for working up close, power leds are not the best suited

There are two types I'd recommend but the ones I've previously bought are no longer available.
There are the compact type, with a few small leds and a small pouch style battery inside, usbc charging. Work well and compact for storage.

Then theres the cob strip headband type. I've got several different types and they all work well, the light is more diffuse than the compact type, can be better for working.
The first ones I bought of thos style had an extremely compact pouch cell battery and usbc charging. Later and current ones all seem to be large bulky 18650 cells, and as they use cheap 1200mAh cells, its bulkier without any increase in capacity. However they work.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dopalloy-Head-Torch-Rechargeable-Pack/dp/B0FQBXCQWH/

Somone skilled with electrics could easily swap a high capacity 18650 in them. Or as I did, buy several.

northwest · 2026-03-14T07:59:40+0000

I have one of these, but being a Fenix main dealer I would:

Fenix HP16R Rechargeable Headlamp with Spotlight, Floodlight and Red LEDs | Fenixtorch.co.uk

Fenix HP16R Rechargeable Headlamp with Spotlight, Floodlight and Red LEDs. Max output 1250 lumens. Uses an included li-poly battery pack or 4 x AA batteries. UK Supplier. Next day delivery available.

www.fenixtorch.co.uk

This is probably major overkill for what you want but it definitely charges with a USB C

addjunkie · 2026-03-14T08:15:14+0000

Kram said:
Disagree with that, for working up close, power leds are not the best suited

There are two types I'd recommend but the ones I've previously bought are no longer available.
There are the compact type, with a few small leds and a small pouch style battery inside, usbc charging. Work well and compact for storage.

Then theres the cob strip headband type. I've got several different types and they all work well, the light is more diffuse than the compact type, can be better for working.
The first ones I bought of thos style had an extremely compact pouch cell battery and usbc charging. Later and current ones all seem to be large bulky 18650 cells, and as they use cheap 1200mAh cells, its bulkier without any increase in capacity. However they work.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dopalloy-Head-Torch-Rechargeable-Pack/dp/B0FQBXCQWH/

Somone skilled with electrics could easily swap a high capacity 18650 in them. Or as I did, buy several.

Ive a head band one, superb, cant fault it.

Migmac · 2026-03-14T08:25:59+0000

H

northwest said:
I have one of these, but being a Fenix main dealer I would:

Fenix HP16R Rechargeable Headlamp with Spotlight, Floodlight and Red LEDs | Fenixtorch.co.uk

Fenix HP16R Rechargeable Headlamp with Spotlight, Floodlight and Red LEDs. Max output 1250 lumens. Uses an included li-poly battery pack or 4 x AA batteries. UK Supplier. Next day delivery available.

www.fenixtorch.co.uk

This is probably major overkill for what you want but it definitely charges with a USB C

I’ve got two Fenix head torches, different from the one you show but they are very good

Craig-SM · 2026-03-14T08:36:04+0000

Not sure on budget but Olight make some great lights and their Perun are headmounted. They use a USB-C magentic end cap charger that just sticks the end of the torch to charge it, no ports to get damaged. You can but additional batteries if you need extended life but they have very good battery life already.

The Perun 3 is currently on offer for less than the version 2

Perun 3 High-Performance Head Torch with White & Red Light - Olight UK

Perun 3 High-Performance Head Torch with White & Red Light

uk.olight.com

Trevorleach · 2026-03-14T09:19:06+0000

I think you will struggle to beat the Petzl Actik model.
But if in constant use you need two if not three batteries to keep up.

I have tried most of the cheapies.
Milwaukee aint bad but switch is real awkward to use.
Durite is also strange, other must have thought so as no longer made.
Led Lenser was cumbersome.

Batteries on the back of the headband are a bo no as they severly restrict where you can fit your head, also no good when working on your back.

Robotstar5 · 2026-03-14T09:21:27+0000

Another vote for Led Lenser

reb78 · 2026-03-14T11:45:01+0000

Ive got three of these. Use them daily. Great when working on the car and cheap. Get some better batteries for longer life.

No red light but not sure what I'd use that for.

Pardon our interruption...

Bouledogue · 2026-03-14T11:51:23+0000

I also use Ledlenser. Perfect for my work, but no good for reading in bed as the battery on the back gets very annoying, as @Trevorleach says.

wyn · 2026-03-14T11:54:03+0000

I use a fenix HM60R It has spot light, wide angle, red light and runs off an 18650 battery which can be charged in or out of the torch.

Recently used it working underneath my car and it would last all day on one charge.

northwest · 2026-03-14T11:54:18+0000

Bouledogue said:
I also use Ledlenser. Perfect for my work, but no good for reading in bed as the battery on the back gets very annoying, as @Trevorleach says.

I would imagine that is really bloody annoying, on the Fenix I just move it to the side. There is also a clip and it can go on your collar but the wire is a major nuisance.

Migmac · 2026-03-14T12:17:57+0000

These are my Fenix ones. Very bright on the most powerful setting but can be dimmed. The bottom one can be unclipped from the headband and be a handheld torch