Head Worn Work Lights?
 

Been using the Streamlight Argo model which is fantastic for a lot of uses, sadly not mine. I need or want something with a wide beam meant more for closer work than the Streamlight offerings.

Cost isn't an issue necessarily but the old bang for the buck does come into play. This would see somewhat rough conditions, mostly from me in how it would be stored or dropped on occasion. If parts are replaceable that's good but if now then price to replace the whole thing would be a factor.

I'm working in the dark, typically no further away than arm's length, would like a wide beam that covers up to 24-36".

Whatcha got? :)

I've generally found that the less they cost, the less focused the beam is. Energizer makes one for about 17 bucks that has both spot and flood modes that can be used separately or together. They also claim that it is resistant to drops to a concrete floor. I have both cheapies and good ones and find myself using the cheap ones the most.

I use an Energizer. I've had it a long time and use it quite often crawling under houses to work on plumbing mostly.
The only real complaint I have is the dang head band stretched out pretty soon after getting it.

I had a Harbor Freight one for a while, it was pretty decent until the kids got a hold of it. Haven't seen it since.

I've used Petzl headlamps for mumble-mumble years. The bands do get stretched out, but they work great. Good headlamps are smaller than the cheapies and battery life is way better. Takes 3 AAA

https://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/CLASSIC-headlamps/TIKKA

http://www.ridelust.com/illuminating...the-headlight/

Here's one for ya - Miner's Headlamp, uses carbide and water. No pesky batteries required!

Have a few of those and a couple of cans of carbide. They are BRIGHT! They also work well for blackening the iron sights on target rifles (if you're old school like me).

I have a couple Sav-U-Lites, they are a similar concept. Calcium carbide, calcium phosphate and water is all it takes-
Early car headlights were acetylene as well.

It took me forever to find a picture of one that was actually lit, and that one doesn't even look right. They do give out a good, clear bright light.

Those are interesting----how are they for a wider beam at arm's length? That would be my main use, the 10' and further out not really a big concern.

They have a little slidey window deal that diffuses the light or can select a focused beam. They should work fine for close up work.

We're getting closer then---any specific model of the Petzl's I should buy? I see they have a lot of them to choose from.

Well I guess it depends on your application, what exactly are you using it for. Never paid much attention to all the different types. If you dig around their main site they have a bunch, for caving and hiking, climbing etc. The link shows the "Tikka" since there's an older version that I use for everything - camping, working on the trucks, close in electronic work or around the home.

I've been using this single AA headlamp since Christmas.
The 140* amber led's are great as a work lamp and the 90 lumen spotlight is fine for walking around.

I work on the power lines and often we end up working in the dark. The company gives us the cheap $10 dollar lights but they pretty much stink. I've bought a few of my own over the years. My last one is a Petzl Tikka RXP. It's the best one I've had so far. Rechargeable and automatically adjusts to a wide beam for close up work and focused and brighter for farther away. For instance if you were looking down at a tool in your hand it would be a mellow wide light output, if someone was calling you from a distance and you looked over at them the beam would automatically get brighter and focus tighter. It's pretty darn amazing actually. Downside... It's on the expensive side at around a hundred bucks. I use mine in all types of weather and it spends most of its time bouncing around in my tool bag. Its seems very durable. https://www.rei.com/product/860106/p...a-rxp-headlamp