Test headlamps for multisport: Plenty of light power for biking, running, trail running...

There are various reasons for not letting your own equipment get too out of hand. Starting with the costs (good equipment is worthwhile - but is also more expensive), through the space required at home to environmental protection. Our idea for the following test of 4 headlamps was that you should use a lamp - if it is intended for this - for several sports or purposes. Many of us not only ride our MTBs, but perhaps also go jogging, enjoy hiking or need sufficient light for other activities.

4 headlamps in the test: 4 very different types

First of all: All headlamps in the test are not primarily intended by the manufacturer as bicycle lights and are therefore not approved for road use (i.e. NOT compliant with road traffic regulations). They should therefore only be used on trails, forest paths etc. We recommend other bicycle lights for road traffic.

For the test, we marked out a distance of 30 metres. The upper edge of the light cone should illuminate the last pylons at the strongest light level. This allows us to draw a comparison between the individual light levels - but also between the lamps tested.

We tested the following headlamps:

• Silva Free 2000 M
• Ledlenser H19R Signature
• Ledlenser HF4R Core
• Petzl Nao RL

All four headlamps are very different and are also sold by the manufacturers as trail running lamps, mountain sports lamps or all-round high-end lamps. What they all have in common, however, is that they can also be used for cycling: either with a special handlebar mount and/or helmet mount. The Ledlenser HF4R Core is an exception in terms of luminosity - it is the "emergency equipment" in the test field, for example if it gets late when you get home and you want to have a small, lightweight lamp with you.

The conclusion in this article is therefore not a ranking list, but rather an overview of what well-known manufacturers have to offer in this area, what the advantages and disadvantages of the headlamps are and how suitable they are for use as multisport lamps.

Excursus: Lumen vs. lux?

When it comes to lamps, in addition to watts, which was common for classic light bulbs, there are also specifications in lux and lumen. The difference between lumen and lux is that lux takes into account the area over which the luminous flux (specified in lumen) is distributed. So if a luminous flux of 1000 lumens hits an area of one square metre, the illuminance is 1000 lux.

For example: A light source with 500 lumen illuminates one square metre with 500 lux. If the same light source is to illuminate an area of 10 square metres, the illuminance is only 50 lux.

Lumen can be regarded as a transmitting quantity - lux is a receiving quantity. In our test, we are talking about the lumen values of the lamps, i.e. the luminous flux emitted by the LEDs.

Silva Free 2000 M - the bike light for running or vice versa

I did the first test rounds with the Silva Free 2000 M turned - running. It is not lightweight, but thanks to the wide straps it sits very firmly and balanced on the head, even when wearing a cap. To be seen while running, the headlamp has two red LEDs on the battery holder at the back. And hey, it's the winner of the ISPO Award 2023.

The front light was a real surprise when running and also when cycling. The lamp head is comparatively small at just under 5 x 4 x 4 cm, even though it contains 2 LEDs. But the cone of light seems to come from a much larger lamp. The Silva offers a maximum of 2000 lumens, which, according to the manufacturer, burn out after 1.5 hours. But even the next level down is still bright enough to make good progress in a completely dark forest. When it gets faster downhill, I prefer to switch to the highest level. If the battery is empty, it has to be plugged in for 6 hours - quite a long time for spontaneous excursions.

Technical details of the Silva Free 2000 M

The battery of the Silva Free 2000 M has a massive 36 watt hours (Wh) - almost the thickest battery in the test - with a USB-C connection and a 5-stage charge level indicator. The entire system is IPX5-certified, i.e. waterproof, protected against water jets from any angle and dustproof. The cables, which are clad in plastic fabric (a bit like shoelaces), are practical and can be easily pushed to length in a loop. This means that the 1.30 m long cable can be used on the bike either to stow the battery in a rucksack or frame bag or to tie it to the frame with the loop (as shown in the picture) - even the short cable is sufficient here.

Advantage:

• Easy bike mounting with bracket and bayonet catches
• User-friendly cable with fabric sheath
• Very small lamp head with enormous light output

Disadvantage:

• Brightest level eats battery
• Only medium light level can be used permanently
• 6 h charging time

Ledlenser H19R Signature - the lumen monster with the accessory case

The Ledlenser H19R Signature is the end of the line in the Solingen portfolio - the very, very top end. Described by the manufacturer as the "Queen of Light", my expectations were already very high. Then a whole suitcase full arrived for testing. The headlamp is just as suitable for professional use (canal work, caving, etc.) as it is for sporting use. The 25 x 17 x 10 cm bag therefore contains all kinds of (stick-on) holders, cables, power supply unit, clips and, of course, the headlamp and battery. Weighing 374 grams, with fairly stiff cables and a robust headband, I only did one very short run with it. Unfortunately, this is not quite the Ledlenser Queen's target area.

In terms of light, the largest lamp head in the test (7 x 5 x 4 cm) also delivers everything the two LEDs have to offer. 4000 lumens - technically twice as much as the Silva (2000 lm) - the heather is burning. The lighting power can be unleashed in 4 steps: 4000 - 1800 - 800 - 200 lumens. Ledlenser does not specify a value for the burn time for the brightest level. The 1800 lm should provide 3.5 hours of illumination. The weakest level then shines for 20 hours. A comparison with the Silva Free: similarly sized battery (Ledlenser 35.52 Wh), brightest level outshines everything, darkest level "only" shines for 20 hours (instead of 35 hours) but is significantly brighter and can also be used for biking. According to the manufacturer, the battery takes 5.5 hours to charge - just 30 minutes less.

The Königin Ledlenser H19R would not be complete if it was not only bright, but also had numerous adjustment options. The three switches on the lamp head can be used to adjust the intensity of both LEDs separately. One illuminates a focussed spot, the other ensures even illumination of the entire area. Quite a stunner. I have therefore only shown the brightest level in the pictures. There is also the so-called "Optisense Technology": an optional automatic adjustment of the brightness. This saves battery, but confuses me on the trail, because a reflective sign, for example, triggers a darkening, which may happen at an inopportune moment. The Petzl Nao RL.

Technical details of the Ledlenser H19R Signature

In addition to the impressively bright LEDs, the H19R Signature also has a few nice features on board. First of all, it can withstand pretty much anything in nature: IP68-certified, it is protected against continuous submersion, and dust anyway. The three buttons on the lamp can be programmed using the app, for example to trigger the SOS signal when the centre button is double-clicked. Or certain light levels for both LEDs separately. Or to switch on the very bright red light in the centre. Or... You get the idea. But so that you don't have to fiddle with your mobile phone or the front of the light while driving, there is also a Bluetooth wristband on which the three switches can be controlled remotely. Queenly! The fact that Ledlenser also equips its lamps with a magnetic charging port does limit the ability to simply connect the headlamp to a mobile phone cable. On the other hand, no USB cables break off or clog the ports with dirt. All these additional features then cost 339 euros (>> e.g. available at Bergzeit). 40 euros and so much more than the Silva offers.

Advantage:

• Widest and brightest illumination
• Easy bike mounting with bracket and bayonet catches
• Long cable for battery in frame bags or rucksack
• Lots of accessories (incl. app and Bluetooth wristband)
• Many adjustment options for light intensity and lighting modes

Disadvantage:

• Too heavy for use while running
• Brightest level consumes battery (manufacturer provides no information)
• 5.5 h charging time
• Many adjustment options for light intensity and lighting modes

Petzl Nao RL - Filigree fireworks on the helmet

For running, the Petzl Nao RL perfectly suitable. Apart from the light image - more on this in a moment - the lightweight (145 g) lamp fits very snugly on the head without pinching thanks to the thin rubber bands familiar from Petzl. The battery and the lamp form a good balance at the front and back. Especially as the battery is positioned transversely in the holder, making the weight less noticeable when moving up and down. The Petzl headlamp also has - like the Silva Free - red tail lights that can be switched on separately.

The Petzl Nao RL differs from the previous lamps when used on a bike. It is mounted on the helmet. This is a matter of taste and unfortunately not suitable for every helmet: bulky MTB helmets with many longitudinal grooves tend to be more suitable than aerodynamic helmets. On my Giro Helios Spherical, however, the Nao was quite easy to attach. The holder, called "HELMET ADAPT" by Petzl, is not included with the headlamp and costs 10 euros or less in most shops.

As far as the light output of the Petzl Nao RL is concerned, a distinction must also be made here between automatic adjustment and manual switching. Here too, "REACTIVE LIGHTING" reacts very sensitively to backlighting and dims the light. But this is - next to shields like the Ledlenser H19R - This is also the case when the air you breathe condenses into vapour and the light refracts there. The Nao then switches darker and then lighter again with each exhalation - no condition.

The full-throttle setting without automatic offers 1500 lumens from one large LED and 9 smaller ones - a real firework on the helmet that combines a focussed beam with all-round illumination. This allows you to ride or run for 2 hours, after which the 11.84 Wh battery runs out and needs 3.5 hours to charge. However, the second level is already borderline dark when cycling and works when travelling slowly, for example uphill. The third lighting level then lasts 80 hours according to the manufacturer's specifications (highest value in the test!), but is at best suitable for walking the dog or leisurely hiking. An optional replacement battery (called R1) is available for around 60 euros. Hence my price-performance tip: Buy the Petzl Nao RL plus second battery. The headlamp costs 160 euros + 60 euros = 220 Euro. The weight is 145 g + 75 g = 220 g. This means: lighter, cheaper and almost as bright as the Silva Free 2000 M and ready for use for 4 hours at 1500 lm.

Technical details of the Petzl Nao RL

The Petzl headlamp does not come with many accessories. A white transport bag, which can also be slipped over the Nao RL to provide diffuse light in a tent (lantern mode, so to speak). The device is also IPX4-certified, meaning it is protected against splashing water from all sides and is dustproof. The USB-C connection is practical and fits any modern mobile phone charger.

Advantages:

• Super light
• Fits very well on the head
• Very good light image at the brightest level
• Easy charging via USB-C cable

Disadvantages:

• Helmet mounting not always possible
• Helmet mounting with permanent adhesive mount
• Lighting levels 2 and 3 not or only partially usable for bikes

Ledlenser HF4R Core - the very good emergency solution

The Ledlenser HF4R Core is also in a league of its own in this test, as it has a significantly lower light output - it is more or less the emergency solution. But a very good one, as it turned out. The HF4 Core, which Ledlenser now has in its programme, is very good for running. Unfortunately, however, it has no rear lights. The 2 LEDs are sufficient for an evening run, but not for an ambitious trail run. And only on the brightest setting. But: This lamp does what it is supposed to do. It is small, extremely light (72 g), very robust (IP68) and recharges in 3 hours. The perfect bike light to simply put in your rucksack in case it does get dark on the return journey.

The Ledlenser HF4 Core can be mounted with the same brackets as the H19R, but it only comes with the necessary part for the lamp head - the handlebar bracket (Universal Mounting Bracket Type E) must be purchased separately for 12.90 euros. However, at its brightest level of 500 lm, the small lamp provides a very good light output and hardly takes up any space. Ledlenser does not specify a burn time here either. However, it is likely to be one or one and a half hours at best. The 300 lm in level 2 is still sufficient for slow journeys in complete darkness, after which it becomes too dark with the HF4 Core. The only flaw is the switch, which cannot always be pressed properly with bare hands. With gloves it becomes really fiddly.

Technical details of the Ledlenser HF4R Core

Like its big sister, the Ledlenser HF4 Core also has the "Magnetic Charge System", i.e. the easy-to-clean magnetic plug. The little light also has a battery and charge level indicator. And for 39.90 euros (RRP), it is a very good insurance policy for a late return and is very easy to mount on the bike. The Ledlenser HF4 Core is e.g. available at Bergzeit.

Advantages:

• Very light
• Very small
• Good light image

Disadvantages:

• Fiddly switch
• Short burn time with usable brightness for the bike

The 4 headlamps in a nutshell

Silva Free 2000 M

80 to 2000 lumens // 36 Wh battery // 6 h charging time // 1.5 to 35 h burn time // 326 g // 300 Euro

Ledlenser H19R Signature

200 to 4000 lumens // 35.52 Wh battery // 5.5 h charging time // < 3.5 to 20 h burn time // 374 g // 339 Euro

Petzl Nao RL

10 - 1500 lumens // 11.84 Wh battery // 3.5 h charging time // 2 to 80 h burn time // 145 g // 159,95 Euro

Ledlenser HF4R Core

20 - 500 lumens // 3.7 Wh battery // < 2.5 to 35 h burn time // 72 g // 39,90 Euro

Still a ranking?!

Favourable price:

1. Ledlenser HF4R Core
2. Petzl Nao RL
3. Silva Free 2000 M
4. Ledlenser H19R Signature

Low weight:

1. Ledlenser HF4R Core
2. Petzl Nao RL
3. Silva Free 2000 M
4. Ledlenser H19R Signature

Maximum burning time:

1. Petzl Nao RL
2. Silva Free 2000 M // Ledlenser HF4R Core
3. Ledlenser H19R Signature
4. Ledlenser HF4R Core

luminous flux:

1. Ledlenser H19R Signature
2. Silva Free 2000 M
3. Petzl Nao RL
4. Ledlenser HF4R Core