Quick look at the Nitecore HA11 headlamp + headband mod
Glamour pic (here).
Final weight with DIY headband and NL1411R battery: 51.40g (pic)
Album full of pics and weights (https://imgur.com/a/Szglx66)
I didn't see many results in this sub about this headlamp (Nitecore HA11 UHE version), but /r/flashlights suggested this might work for what I wanted (the thread):
Lightweight
USB charging with replaceable battery
Lower output modes (don't need high lumens, prefer longer runtime)
Red light modes
HA11 fits all those needs except USB-C charging, but there are 14500 that have USB port charging. Apparently, these types of batteries are actually pretty decent these days. There are "AA" with USB port charging as well, but run at lower voltages. Lithium Primaries (non-rechargeable) are the lightest.
Weights of my own cells:
| Battery Type | Weight (g) |
|---|---|
| Alkaline (included) | 22.99 |
| NiMH (Eneloop) | 26.22 |
| NiMH (LADDA/Eneloop Pro rewrap) | 30.24 |
| Lithium Primary (Energizer) | 14.78 |
| Li ion (Nitecore NL1411R) | 20.74 |
The Nitecore NL1411R has USB-C, 3.6V 1100 mAh. Skilhunt BL-113C is a USB-C 3.6V 1300 mAh 14500 cell, but they only ship batteries with flashlights, not standalone.
| Attachment | Weight (g) |
|---|---|
| Stock Headband | 12.60 |
| DIY Headband | 5.43 |
| Clip | 5.25 |
The DIY headband is 1/8" shock cord and the cord lock is from Michael's (0.75g). Here's how it's attached ONE and TWO. Here's a video of me shaking it a lot: https://streamable.com/td1zbx (muted audio to spare you clacking sounds).
I could go under 50g if I ditch the cord lock and got 1/16" shock cord. Attachment would be a little different though. The headband frame has holes in it like the old NU25/NU20 Classic, so you'd put the cord through those holes. Could then chop off the parts of the frame that hold the actual headband.
If you want a longer review with beamshots, you can go to this review on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7kZOwntStY), beamshots start at 11:05.
Compared to Flextail Helio 600z (63g), which did appear on this sub, this is a better alternative IMO.
AA is ubiquitous and findable everywhere, CR123A or 16340 is not. If shit really really really hits the fan, I can likely find a detour to a gas station on a bikepacking/touring trip.
Lower lumen setting means longer runtime, even if the watt-hour of the cells are similar unless the Flextail steps down A LOT on the 100 lumen mode, which would be bad.
I'm sure you can shave some weight from the Flextail headband, but from my estimate, it'd be max 8g (similar to NU20/25 headband mods) while the HA11 is lighter with my heavier DIY headband.
HA11 come with a clip, so if you prefer your light on the waist or shoulder strap or even hat, you can do that. The clip isn't that light at 5.25g, but you can drill some holes or something. Flextail does not have a clip option.
My biggest issue is that the water resistance on the HA11 seems a little sus, Flextail's seems better.
I am not advocating this as a replacement for the Nitecore NU20 Classic, but if you despise built-in batteries then this might be the best option out there, especially if you can get your hands on Skilhunt's BL-113C 14500 batteries.