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 | | Posted: 18/03/03 |
| 'ERRR.. IT'S A HEADTORCH, AND IT WORKS!' | | Strengths:
Light weight
Compact size
Bright in bulb mode
Low battery usage in LED mode | | Weaknesses:
Straps could pull through the battery box buckles if tugged at hard enough.
The LED shines through the translucent body a little, directly into your eyes so it can be a distraction.
Replacement bulbs are difficult to obtain (but you get a spare initially).
Very cold weather will no doubt affect battery performance and the battery box can't be removed to keep inside clothing (although it fits under a fleece hat). | | Overall:
I can only really compare against the Petzl mega that I have, but it is smaller and lighter with a similar light output in bulb mode. The addition of the LED reduces the glare whilst still providing adequate light for personal tasks around camp etc and even for easy walking, but should dramatically increase battery life.
The batteries are commonly available "AA" type (3 off) and it seems happy with rechargeable versions if you want.
Construction seems robust and of good quality and durability is expected to be good. I haven't bashed it around much because I can't afford to break it and buy another.
This seems to be a good compromise between extreme lightweight anmd compact size but poor beam, and impressive light output but heavy weight and batttery usage. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 60% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 11/02/04 |
| 'SMALL AND USEFULL' | | Strengths:
same as Tim realy | | Weaknesses:
Dito | | Overall:
I brought mine while out on my ML training in wales as i was cheesed off with my Zoom eating through £4 batteries every hour or so. so i went in to bets y coed and got a Black Diamond Gemini, i must admit i do like it compared to my old head torches, the zoom and micro. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 80% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 22/05/04 |
| 'FLEXIBLE' | | Strengths:
Long life in LED mode - good brightness from halogen when needed.
Uses normal AA batteries. | | Weaknesses:
Halogen beam distance isn't amazing | | Overall:
An excellent headtorch that seems very durable and good value when compared to other LED/halogen switchable torches. |
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| | | Performance | | 60% | | Reliability | | 80% | | Value | | 80% |
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| | Posted: 22/06/04 |
| 'LIGHT, BRIGHT AND NOW A LITTLE BETTER' | | Strengths:
Low weight, especially in comparison to Petzl alternatives. Good battery life. Batteries easy to find, and rechargeables can be used easily. Waterproof battery box and main lamp. | | Weaknesses:
Will the voltage regulator be avalanche transceiver friendly? In the unlikely event of nocturnal avalanches when I'm wearing the transceiver...ok, so maybe not that likely. I hope. | | Overall:
The old gemini has been updated this year by the addition of the extra LED, which improves light output without destroying the battery life. This makes an already good torch an even better one. I hadn't noticed any distracting glare from the clear plastic bezel, but this could be readily fixed with a little gaffer tape if needed.
Basically light, compact, bright and easy to use. Only had mine for a 6 months but no damage yet...recommended |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 80% | | Value | | 80% |
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| | Posted: 29/06/04 |
| 'VERY PLEASED' | | Strengths:
Light and compact. Well made. LED useful. Seems water-resistant (so far). | | Weaknesses:
Not the brightest (with standard bulb). | | Overall:
I'd never owned a headtorch before this as they all seemed heavy and bulky. The BD Gemini is so small and light though that I often carry it with me wherever I'm going - you never know when you might find an exciting hole in the ground to explore! Around camp it's excellent and the LED feature is nice for reading/cooking/under-car maintenance without hammering the batteries. The halogen beam is not the brightest although it is perfectly adequate for my use (I haven't used it for climbing yet). You can buy more powerful bulbs for it but I haven't tried these and I guess if you're a "power-user" you'd be looking at something different anyway. This year it has been improved with the addition of another LED and a rubber bezel although I couldn't see much wrong with the old one. Combined halogen/LED torches are the way forwards - I would definitely buy another of these. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 100% | | Value | | 80% |
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| | Posted: 01/12/04 |
| 'GOOD' | | Strengths:
Reasonably light & LED puts out enough light to walk in dark for me, 2 LED's on new model even better. I bought it as I hadn't tried LED's before so wanted both LED & conventional bulbs, now I would go for a pure LED torch. | | Weaknesses:
1/ Leads on original model wear & break where they enter battery & lamp cases. This can be fixed temporarily in the field and BD have provided me with the new model as a replacement, extra LED, batteries & all. The new model apparently has improved wiring.
2/ Conventional bulb not necessary.
3/ Expensive. | | Overall:
It works well and is fairly light.
My ideal headlamp tho would be 1/2 the weight w batteries, have multiple LED's with adjustable light levels, run on 2 AA batteries, be watertight and cheaper too. |
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| | | Performance | | 80% | | Reliability | | 60% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | Posted: 09/02/05 |
| 'FEELS WELL BUILT. CLEVER DESIGN AND GOOD RELIABILITY.' | | | Weaknesses:
As confessed by the packaging, battery life on the Halogen bulb is pretty poor. I've found myself never using the halogen. Whilst it is handy to have the option, I would perhaps recommend the starlight, which is slightly cheaper, doing away with the halogen bulb and replacing it with more powerful LEDs. | | Overall:
No complaints, both modes are good and design doesn't overlook small things like being able to lock the bulb housing down over the on/off switch to prevent accidental draining in the rucksack. Consider the LED only version. Also note- although £35 is stated, usually sells for £30. Although value isn't fantastic, it beats that of the petzl range, and if anything feels a great deal better constructed. |
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| | | Performance | | 100% | | Reliability | | 100% | | Value | | 60% |
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Average Rating: 4 out of 5
