Flashlights are a thing of the past. Multiple light-source headlamps are the future.
Written: Jul 28 '03 (Updated Jul 28 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: LED and Xenon light sources. Long battery life. Low cost. Weatherproof. Award winning design.
Cons: No separate button for different lights. Prismatic reflector not very adjustable.
The Bottom Line: Efficient, versatile, lightweight and hands free. Multiple light-source headlamps are the lights of the future. Toss your old inefficient flashlight and buy this headlamp. You'll thank me later.
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| wvabackpacker's Full Review: Black Diamond Gemini Headlamp |
Award Winning Black Diamond Gemini Headlamp
~Introduction-
No longer do serious outdoorsmen carry big bulky handheld flashlights and their battery hungry incandescent light bulbs. Now we carry, errr, wear our flashlights on our heads giving us both hands to work in the dark. LED bulbs increase battery life in hours from double digits to quadruple digits. LED Headlamps are the flashlights for serious outdoorsmen—don’t be left in the dark.
~Price-
I purchased my Black Diamond Gemini Headlamp from REI.com in 2002 for $37.50. Since then the price has increased one dollar to $38.50. And remember, when you buy from REI.com you get 10% of what you spend back at the end of the year.
~Awards-
In 2002 Backpacker Magazine gave the Black Diamond Gemini Headlamp an Editor’s Choice Award: http://www.backpacker.com/gear/article/0,1023,3887,00.html In 2002 they gave a total of nine awards to various different products.
~Features-
One (two for 2003) super bright LED bulb.
One long-life Xenon bulb
One bright Xenon bulb (located in the battery compartment)
Easy on-off button
Adjustable straps
LED or Xenon bulb use (one at a time)
Prismatic-coated reflector
~Weight-
According to my scale it weighs 5oz without batteries and 7oz with three energizer batteries.
~Field Test-
I’ve been using this headlamp for over a year and it is great. On several occasions I’ve had to setup my tent in the dark. Through the use of this headlamp I have both hands to work with making the job way easier than with a traditional flashlight. I find that the LED lamp is sufficient for any camp chore such as going to the bathroom, exploring nearby trails, and reading in the tent. I rarely use the Xenon bulb except when I’m trying to identify an object or something in the far distance. The reflector really isn’t too adjustable. You can give it a few turns to sharpen the beam or expand it to a wash-out. However, such adjustments are limited and I believe by loosening the cap for light adjustment the weatherproof-ness is compromised.
The LED bulb also gives a bluish glow making everything look a little unearthly. It may take some users time to get used to it. If you use the LED in an area where someone else is using a brighter incandescent bulb (or lamp) your eyes will adjust to their brighter bulb and you will hardly notice the light produced by your LED lamp. The LED lamp should theoretically last forever (electronics theory), however, they do burn out after a LONG life and when they do they are not replaceable.
I find that this headlamp is really weatherproof. I’ve worn it in rain and snow with no problems. It is also very sturdy as it has taken several drops and falls. The batteries are protected by a rubber gasket in a compartment on the back of your head. The horizontal head strap gives the gasket some extra protection by holding it down. The vertical and horizontal straps are adjustable so you can get a proper fit. The headlamp itself can move up or down only.
The on-off button is located on the bottom of the headlamp. Press once and a light turns on. Press again and it goes off. Press again and the OTHER light (LED or Xenon—whichever was not on last cycle) comes on. I find this feature inefficient. As I stated earlier I use the LED most of the time so cycling through the Xenon light to get to the LED wastes power. Some users have reported removing the Xenon bulb to conserve battery power.
You can wear this headlamp with a baseball cap. It will fit over top but the bill will block the light. I find that the lamp will fit underneath a ball cap just fine. This also adds protection to the lamp from the rain. When using the lamp in camp with other people, pull it down and let it rest on your neck. This way every time you look at one of your friends you don’t blind them.
~Battery and Bulb Information-
Powered by 3 double AA batteries.
LEDs, 500 hours, 10m visible light, not replaceable
Long Life Xenon, 7 hours, 70m visible light, $6.50
Bright Xenon, 3-5 hours, 100m visible light, $6.50
Super Bright Xenon, 2.5 hours, 140m visible light, $6.50
According to other sources the Bright Xenon will last 3:50m at 70F and 58m and 0F. The LED will last 70hrs at 70F and 48hrs at 0F.
Half life brightness at 70F is reported as Bright Xenon 34.1 foot candles and LED 12 food candles
I could find no information related to bulb lifespan.
~Storage-
No storage device included. I keep the headlamp in a small stuff sac with spare batteries in the bottom of my backpack. The light has never accidentally turned on.
~Warranty-
One year on non-disposable parts (Xenon lamps are considered disposable parts and not included in the warranty) and craftsmanship.
~Conclusion-
I give this light a 6 out of 10 rating. One (two on the new model) LED is not as bright as three LEDs which other headlamps feature. However, this model does give you the option of a bright xenon bulb or an LED bulb which is a definite plus. The adjustment of the prismatic reflector is also limited. Battery life, ease of use, and price earn this product several points. I would definitely recommend this light to a friend, especially someone needing multiple light sources and a long battery-life. This life is extremely versatile.
© 2003 WVaBackpacker
Written for http://www.epinions.com 28 July 2003
~Other Backpacking/Camping Reviews by WVaBackpacker-
--Backpacks-
Gregory Shasta Backpack
Dana Design Glacier
--Tents-
REI Half Dome Plus 2
Mountain Hardware Trinity
Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight CD
--Sleeping Gear-
The North Face Thunderhead 3D
The North Face Kilo Down 32F
Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest Luxury LE Self-inflating Mattress
--Hydration-
MSR Dromedary Bag
Platypus Big Zip
--Destinations-
Heart Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Keyhole State Park, Wyoming
Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina
--Books-
The Backpackers Handbook
--Stores-
REI.com
Recommended:
Yes
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wvabackpacker
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Member: Jeremy Hays
Location: Columbus, OH, USA
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
Maybe I'll write another review someday...lots of new gear...
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