I have several to choose from Headlamps ordered because you (etc. especially headlight range) may face only in a direct comparison performance.
I had ordered the Black Diamond Storm, the Petzl Myo RXP Headlamp who LENSER Head lamp H7.2 LED and the two brothers LED-Lenser H7R. With an extensive night walk with friends, we then tested the lamps. It was not me at Lumen values or exact meter numbers, because this can always read themselves, but to the soft criteria that are nowhere described.
Lighting range:
Headlight range bring the two models of LED Lenser most (H7.2 just ahead H7R), but "eat" it thereby also the most energy. After one hour, the light had visibly diminished. The model of Petzl came in the light width Next, the performance earned but constant over a longer period. The lowest beam range provided the lamp of Black Diamond (BD), but showed no change over the entire period in the headlight range.
Illumination:
Both LED Lenser models draw a very clear light district, with very clear edges. Laterally there is then but also in complete darkness and you see nothing, no matter how you adjust the focus. Some want exactly with a headlamp. I do not like this as it is not my area of application corresponds (Hiking with dog in any weather). The model of Petzl draws a beautiful circle of light with slight illumination of the side areas. If you open the attached diffuser before the lamp results in a beautiful broad and very homogeneously illuminated field. The Black Diamond Storm offers in the first mode (high point with a very strong luminosity LED) on a good bright circle of light is a bit spongy in the border regions, but also the lateral regions thereby subtly illuminates with. In the second mode (average but very wide illumination via two slightly obliquely arranged LED) there is no light district but it carried an even illumination of the area in front of the lamp. It is about a range of 130-140 degrees covered peak with my tested lamps.
Focus:
Again, the models of LED Lenser resemble (the H7R is the first version with slightly enhanced light output that H7.2 is the successor without the gain). Both can be focused continuously, from the incredibly bright light point up to a broad illumination. When H7.2 was here but a negative impact on that of the focus ring was very difficult to move forward on the lamp. I had sometimes fear the simple plastic ring damaging, since it was to operate only with force. The Petzl has no focus. It's the same with the lamp of Black Diamond. Both lamps same this say about different light modes, which are described in the next point.
Brightness:
Again, the lamps of LED Lenser are equal again. Both can be dimmed continuously over an extra head in H7.2 or a lever at the H7R. These settings are depending on the back of the battery compartment of the lamps. The Petzl Myo has two light modes, they can be regarding a connection to a PC. Programming of brightness. Here you can choose from 10 types. I think that is quite complicated to use, because you can try out just about trial and error, which brightness you prefer. The BD Storm can be divided into two modes described above (and will be described in the other two the) dimmed continuously. This is done through a press and hold on the only button. Once you get used to this operation, it is never a problem. Very nice extra is the boost mode. This can be activated via a touch function on the side of the lamp and switches to maximum brightness, no matter what mode you are. A second time and hold your finger on the case returns to the last brightness setting.
Flashing:
All lamps are equipped with a flashing mode. The LED Lenser have the ability to regulate the flashing in the frequency. This is possible by the strobe effect to slow flashing intervals of almost one second. Focusing and dimming remain possible. The flashing mode of Petzl flashes complete gem in SOS mode. Morse Code. Very good in alpine or general emergencies but in everyday use rather disturbing. Dimming is only possible through the folding of the lens. The Black Diamond flashes reliably and in a comfortable speed. Here you can dim it continues.
Battery performance:
All lamps are operated on batteries or via external battery. None has its own battery pack. Already batteries with the others just simple batteries When the LED Lenser H7R are included. The Petzl is powered by AA batteries, the remaining bulbs with AAA batteries. Both LED Lenser models have an extra battery at the back. This battery is designed well in H7R. When H7.2 is oversized for the AAA batteries and it is very difficult to open and close. Again, I constantly had the fear to damage the plastic case. The lamps can be while using a small USB cable load (eg by means of a power bank). But as mentioned both lamps consume a relatively large amount of energy and had clearly waned rather than the other models in the luminosity. The Petzl Myo has its battery compartment at the back. This is beautifully kept small and makes a solid impression. A battery or battery charge lasts a long time and is regulated by the electronic control that for a long time will remain a consistent performance. The BD Storm has its battery compartment located on the filament and thus the front side. This shifts the weight Although forward, but is due to the low total weight not disruptive. The batteries provide in this lamp a long time felt infinite energy for a consistent performance. How long I can not say because I have not reached the term limit.
Operation:
The LED Lenser H7R has its on / off switch on the lamp head. This can be pressed easily and is therefore susceptible to accidental triggering, which is rather negative. Dimming works on the lever on the battery compartment very pleasant and easy to reach. The focus can be controlled via a small lever on the lamp body. Good and stable solution which is also slightly thicker gloves to use yet. Only the inclination of the lamp to the front is very disappointing. This is easy adjustable, the lamp repeatedly abknickte forward and the light is no longer there was where it should but on my feet.
The LED Lenser H7.2 has a slightly better secured on / off switch (harder pressure point, flat button), but may still be accidentally taken into operation. Dimming the large knob on the battery compartment is very pleasant to use. Only the mentioned focus ring is an absolute bad design and a step backward compared to the good solution of the previous model. The tilt detents are pleasantly stiff and keep good a fixed position.
The Petzl Myo has the on / off switch at the top of the lamp body. This, however, is kept very small and can be already without gloves with my big hands barely use. This switch is also used to select the light modes and therefore must be serviced more frequently, which is why the small size I was very disturbed person. There is additionally a small lock switch to prevent accidental activation. He does this also relatively reliable, but is also so small that it has led me to the limits of my fine motor skills. The diffuser can be good up and fold down but is naturally an additional plastic part that can easily go wrong. However, it can be ordered as spare parts and replace them. Again, the tilt detents are pleasantly firm and keep well.
The Black Diamond Storm has a switch for everything. Switching on and off, Leuchtmodiwahl, dimming everything. By different long or frequent pressing on the push button This is a good size, has a pleasant pressure point and is easy to operate even when wearing gloves. By 6-second press the button, a hold mode can be activated, so that the unauthorized operation is prevented. And this really reliable-a big plus in my view. Is still the mentioned touch switch for the boost mode on the side of the lamp. Simply hang the finger and the success described above occurs. This switch can be operated even with thin woolen gloves yet. Only when wearing thick gloves, this is no longer possible. The detent in the slope is very good and keeps the lamp stable in the desired position.
Holders:
All headbands to carry the headlights must be set well and can be worn very pleasant. The lamps with the battery compartment back to show a different weight distribution, but these were resolved with thoughtful arrangements of the bands well. The Petzl has supplied even another band which can be stretched over the head in order to achieve an even better grip. But that is not necessary in my view.
Price:
The two LED Lenser are about 50-55 euros, in midfield. The Petzl Myo can be had for about 60 euros and the most expensive. The BD Storm there for about 45 euros.
Others:
All lamps are splash proof. However, the battery compartment closures of LED Lenser lights give me the impression as if in a heavy rain water may enter. The Petzl Myo I give as more confidence. The BD Storm is even completely waterproof. Since I'm on the road in all weather conditions with the lamp that gives me a certain sense of security. For me personally, a very large positive point.
Included with the LED Lenser H7R a small neoprene sleeve for the lamp is the lamp to be transported safely. Although this is kept very small but you get the lamp under - thus a nice bonus.
The BD Storm has in addition to the light modes Spot and Wide illumination (see above) and the flashing mode is another. The lamp can produce two other LEDs still red. This is great to enlighten the local area. If you're looking for something in a backpack or a card reading is lit the red light close range without that one is blinded. A very good function if the eyes have adjusted to the darkness.
Conclusion:
For me it was the test winner, the Black Diamond Storm.
While hiking I need more of a wide light field and need no spot-effect. The BD Storm lights up this very good, but can sometimes illuminate a very strong point. The border areas remain nevertheless with illuminated and not groping in the dark completely. And this performance brings the BD Storm continuously over a long period because it is very economical. The additional functions such as red light, boost and Hold function I use frequently and were for me an absolute selling point. In addition, the waterproof case and the pleasantly wide headband for me a guarantee that I have a long time fun with this headlamp. In connection with the lowest price me these points have moved to buy the Black Diamond Storm.
This decision I have not regretted a second clear recommendation!
