The sun was setting, but I was still fishing. If like me, you’ve done fishing at sunset, or night time, then you know how difficult it is to handle paddle, fishing rod and the light at the same time.
Doing all those things at the same time was so difficult I had to call it a day and go back home earlier than I wanted.
The next day, I told my fellow angler Bart about my dreadful experience. He listened to me and said: “Sorry to hear about your awful experience. The solution to your problem is a fish headlamp.”
He started explaining how a headlamp can be used for fishing in the dark at night or fishing with little light at dawn. I was surprised to learn that it can also be used to see through my way while traveling on canoe, kayak or boat.
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I thanked Bart for the advice and did my research online to verify his information.
A fishing headlamp is indeed what most anglers and fishers use to see through the dark while fishing to keeping their hands free for the main work. It is also used while using the paddle as they fish, and do the usual routine such as preparing the line, catching fish, doing after-care of the equipment and doing other tasks.
With the fishing headlamp, fishing becomes more convenient at night.
I immediately became sold out to the idea of buying the best fishing headlamp for my next outdoor activity.
But then I discovered that there are many Fishing Headlamp brands sold in the market. How do I know which ones are the best?
I did more research, joined the forums and asked the experts. The results of my long and tedious research would introduce me to the different characteristics of the best head lamps, how to choose the best head lamps, and narrowed down my choices to only five brands.
I. What to Remember when Buying Quality Fishing Headlamp
Here are some things to remember in buying a fishing headlamp worth your money.
Brightness of the Bulb
Light bulbs such as those used in headlamps have different levels of brightness determined by the unit lumens. The brightness increases with increase in lumens. Most fishermen and anglers prefer lighted to 2000 lumens or more for maximum visibility.
The brightness of your headlamp should depend on the location where you fish. Sites that are dark need headlamps with high lumens while areas that are relatively lit would be visible enough with lower brightness.
Settings
Various types of fishing headlamps available on the market allow you to choose different settings. Various manufacturers feature different modes which may have unique settings.
The different modes of headlamps include settings that adjust the brightness of the bulb and the type of light beam that you can use. These setting include high or low modes. Another setting is the emergency mode that sets the headlamp to flashing lights.
Another setting allows users to zoom the light beam. The “zoom in” mode makes the light beam brighter but narrower to concentrate light on directed areas. The “zoom out” mode makes the light beam wider to allow visibility of a wider area.
Battery life
Fishing headlamps are portable and powered by batteries. These batteries are disposable or rechargeable. Typically the batteries have the life expectancy that depends on usage. Headlamps use more power on high mode than on low mode. If you constantly use the high mode, your batteries will run out of power easily.
You can test the battery life by determining the length of time the batteries can power the headlamp at high or bright mode before it runs out of power.
Light Color
Fishing headlamps have bulbs that emit red and white illumination. Red lights do not illuminate well on dark areas, so it does not lure fish easily. But, it is conducive if you want to have a better perception in the dark.
White lights give off brighter light that goes through deeper waters allowing you to see more fish. You can use fishing headlamps that have both white and red light appropriate for different situations.
Comfort
Using fishing headlamps can be uncomfortable - discouraging users from wearing one. Thus, it is important to choose a headlamp that gives maximum comfort when worn for long periods.
You can check what materials make up the gear. Check the elastic band to feel its texture for comfort or irritability. If the band comes with adjustable straps, check how it fits aside from checking the material. Straps are either t-straps that fit snugly to the head or straps that wrap around the head.
Aside from the material, you should also test how heavy the fishing headlamp is on top of your head. A lightweight fishing headlamp lessens the strain on your neck and shoulders. It also does not easily slip towards the front.
A fishing headlamp that feels somewhat heavy and that slips to your face can be balanced out if the battery set is placed on the back side.
Resistance to Water
Another feature of fishing headlamps that you should consider is their resistance to water. Since fishing involves water, it makes sense to use headlamps that are waterproof. However, most fishing headlamps in the market cannot be immersed in water.
They, however, remain functional and resistant to water sprays. The IPX rating indicates the capacities of headlamps to withstand water. The ratings specify just how much you can use the fishing headlamp while surrounded by water.
You can find out more about IPX rating Here
II. 5 Best Fishing Headlamps
Product Name | Image | Quality | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | A- | ||
 | B+ | ||
 | A+ | ||
 | B+ | ||
 | A - |
1. Boruit 3x XM-L2 T6 LED Beads 5000 Lumens Headlamp 4 Modes
The Boruit headlamp is efficient and reliable boasting 3-piece LED lamps measuring up to 5000 lumens at its brightest. Reviews on fishing headlamps rate the Boruit at 2nd rank in the brightest headlamps in the market. The LED system that powers three bulbs at 3 XM-L2 brightness can be set into four modes depending on various conditions. These modes are low, medium, high and flash.
Two rechargeable batteries power the headlamp. The 18650 packs can be charged at the nearest and most convenient power source. The set also includes different chargers for different power sources such as a USB charger for power banks, computers, and laptops, a socket charger for wall sockets and a cigarette charger for cars and vehicles.
The battery provides light for up to 6 hours. Charging time takes about 6 hours at the minimum.
The battery pack also has a USB port for another purpose. Does your phone battery get easily drained? Do you want your phone charged during your fishing trips? Simply connect your phone charger to the Boruit fishing headlamp USB port. The manufacturer designed the battery pack for your convenience.
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2. ThorFire Cap Hat Light 5-LED Headlamp
The Thorfire is also ranked as the best headlamp in the market due to its user-friendly features. The headlamp can be clamped conveniently to the cap with a clip and can be wrapped around the head snugly with a strap.
The universal clip can be used on any types of caps from the regular fishing cap to helmets and hard caps. It can be fitted on the head with ease and taken off with many conveniences. The universal clip is a real giveaway.
The clip can also be fitted with various hats and caps so that it can be used not just for fishing but other lighting tasks while sparing your hands for actual work. This also makes the headlamp a top choice for many people who go fishing.
Another good deal with the Thorfire is that it is efficient but also cheap. It has 5 LED bulbs that power up to 30 Lumens. It falls short on the level of brightness compared to other headlamps in the market. But, for the price, it is perfect for lighting shallow waters or close-range.
The headlamp is also powered by two batteries (lithium) for continuous lighting for 4 hours. The headlamp is mounted on a tilt so it can be adjusted up and down at 900. These features also make the Thorfire one of the best fishing headlamps.
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3. GRDE Zoomable LED Headlamp – Rechargeable
The GRDE LED headlamp is included in the list of the best headlamps in the market. It cannot be overlooked because it is among the bestsellers of Amazon. The headlamp features rechargeable power that lasts long. It can be charged conveniently using accessories and chargers that go with the package.
The headlamps also boast of 1800 lumens, bright enough for fishing trips at night. It is a versatile gear that can be transformed to headlamp to waist lamp to the desk lamp. The lamp beams also come in zoom modes. And best of all, it is very durable.
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4. Danforce LED Headlamp Torch Outdoor Rechargeable Headlight
The Danforce is another favorite among the headlights in the market. Satisfied customers refer to the Danforce and the “Mother” headlamp because of its many reliable features. First, it illuminates up to 6000 lumens in 3 LED lights making it among the brightest.
Set at high mode, the Danforce creates a spotlight that reaches 200 years giving you optimum advantage and visibility to a wider space. The headlamps also include two rechargeable batteries (18650) at 4000mAh.
Headlamps with high brightness also give off heat. But, the Danforce is designed to diffuse heat making it one of the brightest and most efficient lighting systems. The headlamp also features four modes that include a battery saver, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power. This mode uses two side lights in LED that also emits soft lighting. This mode is perfect for luring fish but also maintaining visibility.
The modes also include the medium where only one bulb in the middle is lighted. The medium mode is best for maintaining long-range visibility. The headlamp also features the ultra mode. This mode turns on all the available LED lamps simultaneously for maximum illumination.
The fourth mode is the Flashing Strobe. It is used best for emergency situations or signalling.
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5. LE Headlamp LED, 4 Modes Headlight
The LE headlamp may not be the best but it is among the most affordable. The headlamp gives off average brightness conducive for regular fishing trips. The headlamp is powered by 3 AAA batteries that can be replaced conveniently while fishing.
The LE headlamp also fits snugly around the head for comfort. It also comes in four modes including the high setting for maximum visibility given the headlamp’s mid-level of brightness.
The headlamp also gives three levels of brightness using the white LEDs. These include the 18, 10 and 2 LEDs. Another mode is the red flash for emergency conditions. The headlamp is lightweight at 2.85 ounces. It is also designed with an elastic headband that can be conveniently adjusted and secured to the head.
Another good feature is it is waterproof. The water resistance is rated IP44.
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III. Conclusion
There are a variety of headlamps on the market. But the best ones highlighted in the review above included different features that can make your choice easier. If you want the brightest headlamp, we featured the Danforce with brightness measuring up to 6000 lumens that can reach up to 200 yards.
If you want a reliable headlamp at a budget-friendly price, you can opt for the Xtreme Bright.
The GRDE LED Headlamp – Zoomable is among my top picks. This gear ranks first in quality and functionality. Best of all, the price is a good deal for a durable piece.
The GRDE comes with rechargeable batteries and comfortable, adjustable straps that allow you to fit the gear securely in place. It situates the light securely in hand, so your hands are free to perform the most important tasks.
Do you agree with my choice? Which among the five best fishing headlamps is your top choice? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. We would love to hear from you.
And share this post with your friends if you think they too need a fishing headlamp.
Here’s another top 5 list on YouTube:
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