Gear Review - Energizer Headlamps

September 12th, 2008 Wade

Most of us associate Energizer with the pink bunny playing the bass drum. They make batteries that last, that’s the impression we have of them. But if you know a bit more about Energizer you might know they also make other things that use batteries. Like headlamps.

I’ve had the opportunity to test and review several headlamps from Energizer and the first thing I noticed about their line-up is the variety. They have several different headlamp power levels, as well as a multitude of styles. They an be found at outdoor shops all over, as well as online and in major retail outlets. The sub-brand is The Trailfinder Series which has color schemes and design features that lend themselves to the outdoor audience… us.

Here is a quick run-down of some of the models they carry and their specs…

6 LED Headlight

• The 6 LED version has a 50 hour life on AAA Energizer Max batteries
• Four lighting modes: spot, flood, spot/flood, night vision
• Night vision is a red light that allows the eyes to adjust to low light levels. In testing we found this was a great setting to use while just milling about camp. It allowed you to see things you were doing with your hands, while having a conversation with others and not blinding them.
• Packed with 3 Energizer_® MAX^® AAA batteries. Which is a nice perk. Not having to buy the batteries separately is a great way to grab and go at the store.
• Retails for just over $20.

1 Watt LED Headlight

• 1 Watt Spot (1 bright white LED) with 11 hour run time. This is a very bright light that is ideal for camp chores that need attention to detail (cleaning dishes, cooking, repairs, guitar playing, cooler reorganizing, snipe hunting, etc.
• Flood Light (2 white LEDs) with 50 hour run time. The flood light worked well in testing and it is almost standard on headlamps today to at least have two settings.
• Night Vision (2 red LEDs) with 75 hour run time. See above for advantages of the red night vision light.
• Packed with 3 Energizer_® MAX^® AAA batteries
• Retails for around $30.

3 LED Headlight

• Runs up to 50 hours on 1 set of Energizer_® MAX^® batteries
• Two lighting modes: 2 white LEDs for spot light, 1 red LED for night vision
• Packed with 3 Energizer_® MAX^® AAA batteries
• Another great light that would be an excellent starter light with good battery life.
• Sells for about 20 bucks.

e2 Lithium Headlight

This was our favorite of the Engergizer line-up by far. The e2 is a powerful headlamp that compares well with the high end Princeton Tec and Petzl healdamps. It comes with an interchangeable battery pack that can use AAA or AAA batteries. The lithium batteries are said to last longer than standards, and they work well in subfreezing temperatures. So if ever go out in winter you should probably check this one out. The most impressive feature by far though was the brightest boost flood setting which emits a huge circle of light on the ground that actually makes you feel like you’re using a flood light. We haven’t tested how long this would actually last in the field on this setting. My guess is this feature shouldn’t be used alot if you want the batteries to have a long life. But, it definitely impresses your camp mates. Everyone eewwwwed and ahhhed when I would blind them with that light. It also boasts weatherproofness. This model comes with batteries as well, and you can pick this one up for around $50.

Entry Filed under: Backpacking, Camping, Gear, Review