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Owner Review by Michael Mosack

OVLED BROADBEAM HEADLAMP
BY MIKE MOSACK
OWNER REVIEW
April 22, 2020

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME:	Mike Mosack
EMAIL:	mosack(at)earthlink(dot)net
AGE:	56
LOCATION:	San Diego, CA
GENDER:	M
HEIGHT:	6' 1" (1.90 m)
WEIGHT:	240 lb (109.00 kg)

I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing day trips, weekenders & week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates & seasons, from desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in the Midwest or National Parks. I am a veteran and retired criminal investigator, also trained Firefighter/EMT & in search & rescue, I still rely on my equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter when possible and quality, reliability, and weight are paramount to me over price.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Image from the manufacturer's website

Manufacturer: Optimal Ventures
Year of Manufacture: ovledheadlamp.com
Manufacturer's Website: http://ovledheadlamp.com
MSRP: Unknown. Manufacturer's "buy now" link redirects to Amazon
Listed Weight: 2.72 oz (77 g)
Measured Weight: 2.7 oz (76 g)
Weight with Batteries: 3.8 oz (108 g)
Other details:
Three AAA Batteries - not included
300 Lumens
210 degrees of illumination
One-Size, one color option
Blue & black colored band with white lettering
Made in China, batteries are not included

The OV LED Broadband Headlamp, hereafter referred to as the headlamp, is an "Ultra-Low Profile" and lightweight headlamp designed, depending on the size and shape of the wearer's head, to provide approximately 210° of illumination. It operates on three AAA batteries and has a three-position (high, low, & off) switch as well as an additional "power lockout" switch that can be used for storage and/or to keep from accidentally turning on the headlamp. The power lockout switch is located on the battery box which can be accessed while the battery box is secured in its elastic sleeve on the band.

Left side of product

The elastic nylon headband is adjustable via a common friction type webbing buckle. The band appears to accommodate most head sizes from children to adult as well as around typical hard hats used in many construction/labor trades. The light comes from two forward-facing parallel rows of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) that are directionally appropriate as they each follow the curvature of the flexible strip and headband. There is no up/down (elevation) adjustment but the wearer is able to rotate the headband around the head to change the lateral direction of the light. The light is white and there is no option to change it to a different color. The headlamp provides a flood of light rather than a directional beam, or spot that is more common with most headlamps.

The headlamp is designed for use in most any indoor/outdoor recreational activity or professional task where headlamps can be worn safely, to include camping, hiking, running, fishing, emergency, construction/home repair, mechanics, etc., where distance viewing is less important than the immediate area.

FIELD USE

I have used this headlamp during many activities, both indoors and out. I find that the headlamp is very bright and provides a wide band of light making it easy to do many tasks up close within a few yards. I should note that I have no way of verifying the manufacturer's claim that this headlamp's light output is 300 Lumens when using the high power setting. I can't measure it, but I can attest that the headlamp illumination is quite bright. The low-profile front helps ensure that the "lamp" assembly part does not catch on anything in cramped quarters.

Working on or under vehicles, sinks, in darkened areas such as basements, crawl spaces, etc are drastically improved when wearing this headlamp. In my experience the bright and wide band of light is perfect for these applications. I like that I do not have to constantly turn my head to see in the periphery. All of my other headlamps, and I have many, put out a directional beam of light or a spot and are more geared towards direction and distance, rather than area.

Night hiking proved a few highlights, to include that this light provides plenty of light. Being one who prefers to night-hike using available light or moonlight as my main light, this headlamp is overkill for me. Hiking with others while using this headlamp makes short-lived partners as the light is extremely bright to others when looking in the direction of the headlamp. Responsible, courteous light use is prudent when with others or approaching others on the trail.

I found a great way to have improved area lighting around camp, by wrapping the headlamp around a waterbottle (or similarly shaped object) as the flexible headband and LEDs can then illuminate up to 360 degrees whether inside a tent or for my small campsite..

Camping, backpacking use, other than previously described under "Night hiking" above, is a welcome use for this light. Doing campsite chores, seeking and clearing a tent site, setting up camp, cooking, firewood collecting, etc., all are improved with this headlamp.

Power lockout switch on battery box

Hunting use is relegated to hiking to/from my hunting spot and completing common tasks, such as tracking and processing work. This is not good for spotting game as its designed reflective/effective range is limited to a few yards. Fishing too, this headlamp works well for all tasks associated with fishing, to include getting to/from the shore fishing spot or predawn or post sunset work, loading or unloading, and launching the boat from the trailer or dock.

For emergency use, and typical for many LED lights, I can be seen because of the brightness of this light much further than I can see. Being spotted is easier with this light. In my experience, Rescuers, investigators, EMS personnel, etc., can use this headlamp for trail hiking, rigging, close-proximity searching, detail work, field medical care. etc.

SUMMARY

Overall, I like this headlamp. It is unnervingly lightweight when first picked up, but it has proven reliable and easy to use. It is comfortable to wear and stays put during the activities I've used it. The headlamp is not waterproof or water resistant, but works fine even in rainy weather. The three-position power switch is easy to use and the added power-lockout switch is an accessory I never knew I needed until I got this headlamp. The wide lateral output of light is convenient but it lacks the ability to adjust up or down or change light color.

Hi, Low & Off switch

Things I like -
Very lightweight
Comfortable
High & low power output
Power-lockout switch for storage
Bright light output
Inexpensive and reliable

Things I don't like -
Not waterproof
Limited range, but that's typical for the design

Things I'd recommend -
I would like a red light option for hiking with others or military use either as a multipurpose headlamp or a separate product altogether
I'd like to see an infrared light option for possible military use - also either as a multipurpose headlamp or a separate product altogether
Headband color options would be nice even if unnecessary

Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > OVLED BROADBEAM HEADLAMP > Owner Review by Michael Mosack

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