BioLite Headlamp Review

Late February 2020, Scott R. came in the shop looking for a few specific things to use during Search and Rescue at night.  One thing he was looking for was a bright headlamp that was rechargeable.

I asked if he would do a review of a BioLite Headlamp 330 I was waiting to test out myself but hadn't had the time.  He obliged and provided a quite thorough review you can read below.

"I've had a chance to play with it and it is a nice piece of equipment.  It is the most comfortable of the previous headlamps I've used (although I haven't used that many).  I charged it fully and then set the flood and spot setting on to the brightest setting.  It lasted a little over three hours.  When I took it outside after dark I found that for my purposes (search and rescue with a dog) it provided adequate light both in the distance and in my proximity.  This will be a nice tool for us to use.  Thanks again.  Now for the pros and cons:

 

Pros:

Light weight and very comfortable, doesn't make a dent in your forehead.

Straps are easy to adjust in both directions.

It doesn't flop around but remains in position even when running or jumping over things.

The light has fixed positions for tilting it to direct the light where you want it and it remains in position once you set it.

There are five options for light:  red, flood, spot, flood and spot combined, strobe.

Three options allow you to dim the light to whatever intensity you desire (very nice feature).

Water resistant.

Rechargeable.

Can function with an auxiliary power source if you have one.

One button controls all functions so you don't need to search around for the correct button.

The on/off button can lock so it doesn't accidentally get turned on and then when you need it you find it dead.

It has small lights that let you know how much battery charge is remaining.

 

Cons:

Rechargeable, but if it dies in the field you can't just pop in a couple of AAA's and continue on.  You either need to recharge or have an auxiliary power source and cord along.

The control button is small and you probably will need to remove gloves in colder weather to change settings.

It takes a little practice to cycle between functions using the control button.  Once you figure it out it's easy.

Water resistant, but not waterproof.  The directions say it is not intended for extended use in heavy rain.  For SAR, we search regardless of weather so I will need to make some provision to keep it protected in wet weather.

 

Overall, I think this is a very nice headlamp and I intend on using it.  If I notice anything additional I'll let you know."-Scott R.

Thank you Scott!