What is the Best Hard Hat Light? A Headlamp Review

Headlamps or head torches are one of the handiest lights you can get for working on tasks and projects so it’s no stranger to a hard hat. But which light is the best and how do I get it to stay on my hard hat? In this article, I will explore the features of a quality headlamp that make the FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5 the best hard hat light.

The FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5 is our top pick for hard hat lighting, having all the necessary features of a quality headlamp. This includes adjustable brightness levels up to 650 lumens, peripheral 240-degree lighting, extensive battery life up to 55 hours, comfort, stability, and a weatherproof design.

I will outline more features of the FLEXIT Headlamp Pro 6.5, as well as its slightly cheaper counterpart, the FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5 below. Just like looking in the shed in the dark, there is also a wide range of uses for a headlamp that you might not be aware of.

FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5

The FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5 is anything you could need in a headlamp, whether you’re using it for work or going camping for the weekend. Here are the key features:

Another great feature of this light is its adjustable spotlight, so you can direct the light higher or lower depending on what you need. You can also adjust the brightness of both the peripheral lights and the spotlight. 

It also has a red light mode for low-light situations. White light is known to dilate the pupils more than red light, so this feature puts less strain on your eyes. If you want to have a look at the PRO 6.5, click here.

I will explain more of these features below. But first, if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, let’s have a look at the FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5 and why it’s still a great option for you.

FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5

The FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5 has a great range of quality features, but a cheaper price for those who don’t need all the features offered in the PRO 6.5. Like I mentioned, if you’re using your headlamp for odd jobs around the house, you might not need a whopping 650 lumens or completely customizable brightness settings. Here are the key features of the 2.5:

As you can see, the FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5 still has all the great features of a quality headlamp, but is better suited to smaller jobs. If you want to have a look at the FEXIT Headlamp 2.5, click here.

Now I’ll explain these features in more detail so you know why the FLEXIT Headlamps are a great choice.

Features of a Quality Headlamp

When you’re looking at the quality of a headlamp, here’s what you need to look out for.

Lumens

One of the most important features of a headlamp is brightness. The brightness of any light is measured in lumens. Different lights offer different brightness levels and it is recommended that a headlamp is around 300 lumens.

Trying to make sense of lumens can make your eyes go crossed, but if you're up for some in-depth reading about the subject then check out our other article: How Many Lumens Do You Need for a Work Light? where we cover lumens in great detail.

Weatherproofing

Many different scenarios involving a headlamp also involve the possibility of water damage. For example, you may be using the headlamp of a fishing boat with sea mist, or riding your bike in the rain.

Whatever the situation, you should check the Ingress Protection or (IP) rating of the headlamp. This is displayed as a code beginning with IP, such as IPX5, which is the code for our headlamps.

The IP rating determines the effectiveness of the product’s seal in keeping out dirt and moisture. The rating ‘IPX5’ means that the FLEXIT Headlamps are weather-resistant as they can withstand the rain or sea mist.

Longevity

You will need to consider how long you intend to use your headlamp for. The battery should last long enough for your entire task. So if you’re using it for work, it should hold out for the entire shift.

Many headlamps have varying brightness levels to extend the battery life. For example, the spotlight on the FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5 will last over 5 hours on the highest setting, but up to 50 hours on the lowest setting. 

Given that the highest setting is 650 lumens, you’re not likely to need that much light for most tasks.

Another factor to consider is the type of batteries. Some headlamps, such as our FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5, will take disposable batteries, whereas the FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5 has a rechargeable battery.

A rechargeable battery is obviously cheaper in the long run, but having disposable batteries might be a better option when you do not have access to power, such as during a camping trip.

Peripheral lighting

Traditional headlamps will often have one light source in the center of your field of view, giving a tunnel-vision effect. This can be beneficial in some circumstances, such as following a trail at night to keep you focused on the path ahead. But most situations will benefit from lighting up your peripheral vision so you can see more of what’s in front of you.

Peripheral lighting is also known as ‘Halo Lighting’. Some brands choose to have the light surround your entire head, hence the name.

However, having a bright light beyond you is of no benefit to your own vision and may even hurt the eyes of others around you. Having 360-degree lighting is thought to be safer, for the same reason cars have a tail light.

Also like a car, the FLEXIT Headlamps both have a red hazard light at the back of your head, instead of the bright white light. This ensures you can be seen from behind, without hurting the eyes of those around you.

Comfort and Stability

People may not think comfort is important, but they might change their minds after wearing a headlamp for a few hours. Having soft padding on the strapping and material that handles sweat will help prevent itchiness and a thumping headache.

Another important feature is adjustable straps so that they fit your head properly. This can help with stability as well. You don’t want the headlamp shifting on your head while you’re trying to work. You need both hands free for a reason, so it defeats the purpose of having a headlamp if you are constantly adjusting the straps.

Sometimes a well-fitted headlamp will still slip off a hard hat because of the smooth surface. There is no friction to hold it in place. This is easily fixed by anchoring the straps to the brim of the hard hat with a few clips, such as our Headlamp Helmet Clips (click here for price).

You will also want to consider the weight of the headlamp. Having a heavy light can cause excessive strain on the straps, resulting in it falling over your face. Tightening the straps might help with a heavier light, but that then makes the straps uncomfortable to wear. This is why both FLEXIT Headlamps are only 5.8oz.

Overall, both the FLEXIT Headlamp PRO 6.5 and FLEXIT Headlamp 2.5 have been designed with these features in mind. Whether you choose the 2.50 or the 6.5 PRO, you will be able to find what you need in either of these headlamps.

Why You Might Need a Headlamp

You might be surprised at how many ways you can use a headlamp. Here’s some ways you can get the best out of your headlamp.

• Professional nightwork (eg. roadworkers)
• Camping
• Bike riding
• Hiking at night
• Collecting crabs at night
• Mechanical work on the car
• Electrical work
• Fine detailing (eg. model building)
• Fishing at night
• Bedtime reading
• Removing splinters or cutting nails
• Cleaning under the bed