The torch feels really well put together, too - at 50g, it’s light, and the casing feels solidly put together. It’s a shame that it’s not waterproof, but on balance of quality, comfort and a great run time, the BiolLite is the best here. They can be used individually or together, and there’s a strobe light setting. But, it’s supposed to throw light for up to 150m yet we didn’t see anything like that, and it’s nowhere near as bright as some of the others here, either. This IP rating is effectively rain proof as it refers to protection from splashing water. These water resistant headlamps can withstand a light rain shower as they are protected against splashing or sprayed water from any angle for some time. The Blukar rechargeable head torch has good build quality and doesn’t weigh much so you hardly notice you are wearing it.

Blukar Head Torch Rechargeable, 8000L Super Bright Headlamp

The X acts as a placeholder since there is not a particle (or dust rating). If something has a dust rating of 6 (dustproof) and a water rating of 5, you write it as IP65. In the rare instance that the dust and water rating are the same (let’s say 6), you write it as IP6. So we’ve limited this product test to only rechargeable head torches that offer 200 lumens or more, but that still leaves room for a broad spread of price and performance. It works surprisingly well, although we’re also glad that you can turn the function off as it could be really unhelpful in a garage situation for accidentally turning the torch off… The 350 lumen light can be dimmed, and there’s a red light, too, both of which have strobe settings. The first digit (0-6) shows the level of protection from solids such as dust, debris and other discarded fine material. We tested our torches for brightness, range of lighting modes and how far the beam goes in an unlit area.A head torch is not something that all detectorists will need but for those who prefer to detect at night, whilst the rest of the world sleeps, they can be an important part of the essential toolkit. Our main issue is that the narrow strap doesn’t keep the torch all that stable when you’re moving around, and the run time isn’t great. The Aplos also feels durable and hefty thanks to its metal body, if not as hefty and well-built as the Sofirn. Even so, with 1600 Lumen, this is one of the brightest lights we tested, and it’s a neat touch that the on-switch glows red when the battery gets low. For detailed garage work, you’ll probably want it on high, but it’ll still do three hours in that mode, and there’s a red light and a pulse setting for both white- and red- modes. On paper, the Lovcoyo looks really impressive. It’s waterproof, has a spotlight torch with a ‘zoom’ function that focuses the light beam, and a floodlight for a wider beam beneath the spotlight.

Best Waterproof Head Torches - Best Head Torch Best Waterproof Head Torches - Best Head Torch

There are three light levels that can be used in both the motion sensing and standard modes. Most head torches with a motion sensing feature only let you use high level. There is also one flashing red light mode which you activate with a long press of the power button. The EverBrite’s COB LED light has a motion sensor function, which allows you to turn it on or off with the swipe of a hand. But, while the torch body itself feels durable in parts - the metal surround around the led feels good - it feels quite cheap in others, especially the plastics immediately around the LED. An IPX8 head torch is typically protected in water beyond 3 feet. The exact depth is specified by the manufacturer.Head torches can be invaluable for work in the garage, brightening up the darkest of engine bay nooks and suspension crannies.

Blukar LED Torch Rechargeable, 2000L Super Bright Adjustable

If you spend much time outdoors in the UK – running, dog walking, hiking, camping or even working as an electrician, a mechanic or a breakdown recovery driver – at some point you are going to get wet. It’s comfortable to wear, even if there’s a bit of bounce movement when you run or cycle. Blukar claims a much longer running time, though, but we left it on and found that it has started to weaken noticeably after twelve hours, so take that with a pinch of salt… The headband is comfortable and is fully adjustable. This head torch is also fully waterproof should you get caught out in a shower. The actual rating is just ‘IP’ followed by two numbers and one or more optional characters. The first number is actually for dust exclusion – most devices are not tested for this, so use an X instead. It is safe to say though that if a head torch is reasonably waterproofed, it is likely to be fairly dust proof as well. The Aplos is a three-phase dimmable LED torch, and also has various strobe and flash modes. It’s similar to the Sofirn in design, with a removable, cylindrical, metal-bodied torch that can be rotated in the single strap.

Even so, others here have a usefully brighter main light, even without a changeable beam, and feel usefully better quality. However, the torch body is hefty, so it can slide down your head if you move around a lot - despite the central, over-your-head strap. This is near enough identical to the Everbrite; it comes with the same motion sensor function, the COB LED is bright and has two dimmable phases, and there’s a red light with fixed or strobe effect settings. All in all, taking into account the low price I think this is a good value for money head torch. And to start the new year off, we are giving one of these head torches away! The 200 lumen rating seems low in this company but in practice this was still one of the brighter torches we tested, with a headlamp that swivels downward and that runs for some 40 hours when on low.