Extreme Lights now have four different head lamps in it's stable. Which LED head lamp is fit for what purpose, and what are the lights' pros and cons? This can be quite easily explained.
Image 1: Extreme 1K Zoomed out
Image 2: Extreme 1K Zoomed out
Image 3: Extreme 1000
| 1K Zoom Head Lamp | Extreme 1000 Head Lamp | |
| Beam Pattern | The 1K Zoom features a: (Drumroll) Zoom lens! Having the zoom on wide is great for close range use, as there is absolutely NO hotspot. This is very soft on the eyes. | The Exteme 1000 is the integrated version of the Extreme 1200 Cycle Light. It has a hotspot in the middle, with enough light on the sides to see clearly. This is great as you can see clearly in the middle, where you are looking, even on LOW setting. |
| Batteries & runtimes | Super Panasonic 3400mAh cells with unequalled reliability and runtimes. 4 – 5 hours on HIGH, with 15 on LOW. | Very good Sanyo 2600mAh cells. 3 – 4 hours on HIGH, with 12 hours on LOW. |
| PROS: | MASSIVE AMOUNT OF LIGHT – Will light up the entire mountainComfortable to run withExcellent battery run timeRed light at the back on the battery, making you visible to traffic from the rear | MASSIVE AMOUNT OF LIGHT WITH INCREDIBLE THROW – Will light up the entire mountain and path across a valley.Comfortable to run withExcellent battery run timeExcellent visibility, even on LOW Red light at the back on the battery, making you visible to traffic from the rear |
| CONS: | Bad weather proof, but not submersible in waterCan have a faint clicking sound on the zoom if you STOMP when you runBulky, but surprisingly comfortable. Not ideal for multiday races where space and weight is of utmost importance | Bad weather proof, but not submersible in water· Bulky, but surprisingly comfortable. Not ideal for multiday races where space and weight is of utmost importance |
| Best for: | Daily runs in winter – up to 5 hoursTrailrunning | Daily runs in winter – up to 4 hoursTrailrunningSecondary cycling light on helmet, for ripping up technical single tracks |
| HP3A Head Light | HP1A Head Light | |
| Features | Tiny hot spot in the middle, with enough light on the sides. The tiny hot spot gives you a massive beam distance for such a small unit. Three AAA batteries (Duracell included) provide a lot of power for a decent run time and visibility. Up to 120 hours run time on Low. | Wider beam with a slightly wider hot spot. Running of only one AA battery (Duracell included), it is very economical to run. It is less bright than it’s bigger brother.Up to 38 hours on Low. |
| PROS: | Very small hotspot with a MASSIVE beam distance for such a compact unitCheap and economical to run – with batteries includedLight weight | Cheap and economical to run – with batteries includedLight weight and very small size |
| CONS: | Small hot spot makes it not ideal for very close range use, eg reading. | Does not have great beam distance |
| Best for: | Hiking, Camping, (trailrunning)Backup light on helmet when mountainbiking – will get you safely homeLighting up big distancesEmergency light for load shedding or roadside use | Hiking, Camping, ReadingEmergency light for load shedding or roadside use |