Now I have a head torch I can't be botherd with any of the handheld counterparts. Am I just really lazy and like having my hands free of is this the general consensus

Well, it's got to be a step in the right direction. There is still progress to be made. For instance batteries need to be totally flat and preferably soft and flexible so that you can fit them on the inside of a cap and ideally should be charged up using the heat from your head. Equally the light part needs to be flat and flexible - ideally lots of strong LEDs rather than clumbsy glass bulbs. That way the torch could just fit in an ordinary sailing cap. Like I said, we're not quite there yet.

Well th LED's are getting there, as for being flatter - that will take time, but I am sure they'll be there one day.

I do like your idea of having you body heat recharging thr batteries, but maybe on of those Saphire torches that never run out would be better as then it would work even while not on your barnet.

Flat batteries are no good! ;-)

I recently bought an Led head torch from Wilkinsons for £9.95. Can be switched to 3 white leds, off, or single red led (useful for night vision) and the angle is adjustable. It isnt waterproof though :-( but otherwise seems good so far.

Not sure if the Silva's one I have been using is water proof or not - I assume so. But you can eith have red or white leds and then choose between a number of strobes or constant light. I do like it and is very good for night navigation, but not very comfortable when worn for hours on end.

I saw you were talking about fancy dress parties on another thread - Maybe you could use your head torch to dress as a miner or a doctor?

I really like some aspect of head torches - it's like the handsfree of the light world, but always find the on-off swithches on them a bit fiddley, especailly on the wayterproof ones. They tend to have buttons rather than a swith which can be hard to control if you have gloves on.

I know what you mean. The buttons are almost flush with the casing as well making it even more difficult. I guess it's so it doesn't get turned on by mistake, but I have the same problems.

The led headlight from Wilkinsons uses a three position slide switch. Left red, middle off, right white. It is a bit fiddly and I havent tried it with gloves on although I use gloves with no finger ends.

Sounds like a better idea. I find when I wear gloves that I think I have it on as the light flashes, but genrally I haven't pushed it down enough to connect so it just turns off when I have removed my finger.

You will have to be more sensitive with your electrical gadgets to get them to work properly!

I'm too brash with everything. But if it can take the heat - it's not up to the job!

I use a bog standard Petzl zoom head torch. Turning it on and of with gloves on is no problem, you just twist the bezel, continue twisting and it zooms to give a flood or a spot. The battery is a 3LR12 which is about as flat as they get and it's stored in a semi flexible case at the back of the head so it doesn't really get in the way, it's good for over 6 hours. A strap over the top of the head means it'll never slip down and you even get a spare bulb! For £20ish It'll last a lifetime.

We also carry a couple of military spec right angle torches, they can be clipped on to belts/clothes etc for handsfree use and have interchangable coloured lenses - red one good for night manoeuvers. Phnaar!

Definition of a hand torch - A metal cylinder used for storing dead batteries prior to disposal!

"You will have to be more sensitive with your electrical gadgets to get them to work properly!"

"I'm too brash with everything. But if it can take the heat - it's not up to the job!"

Oooohhhh errr.....

W.

I was put off the Petzl one as it was a little larger and thought that I would go for the more compact option, but you are the only one George to tell me that they are good.

Since starting this thread I have lost my Silvas one, so I might purchase a Petzl on to replace it.

Well it works for me. The only small niggle is that the battery contacts are a bit of a faff but all in all it's top vfm.

vfm?

Value for money. Sorry, shouldn't abbreviate.

Ahhh! Makes sense now. Have recently found my Silva's one so will continue with it until it packs it in. Hopefully that won't be too soon!

I suppose the only disadvantage of a head torch when compared to a handheld is that if you glance round at someone when it's on you ruin their night vision and leave them seeing a big purple dot for the next 15 minutes! so best remember to switch it off.