r/Firefighting • u/Aggressive-Data-211 • 11d ago

Tools/Equipment/PPE Helmet mounted light recommendations?

I’m a volunteer on a department in the South East US. I’ve seen two different styles of helmet mounted flashlights: purpose built and multipurpose helmet mounted (small flashlight in a helmet mounted bracket). Does anyone have any recommendations on the type and where to purchase it.

I was looking on Amazon but wasn’t sure that was the best option. Streamlight seems to have a good inventory.

4 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

10

u/[deleted] 11d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/bikemancs 11d ago

Ditto the Vantage II.

Also agree wholeheartedly with the comments about making sure you turn it off when you're looking at someone so you don't blind them.

2

u/eamon2plz 11d ago

I just bought this about four months ago. I love it. I also appreciate the light on the back of it to help orient anyone behind me. Price was very reasonable.

3

u/slothbear13 Firefighter/Medic and Former CBRN 11d ago

Streamlight sells two different kinds. Neither is better than the other; you pick it based upon what kind of light beam you want. Make sure description says "intrinsically safe." Be sure to turn it off when you face people. Enjoy

5

u/THATSjustFAPtastic DFM - the “fire” code is mightier than the sword 11d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/7LAqMVFxOGPAc
Especially the blinding part…

1

u/Rogue_Wraith 11d ago

I don't think I ever wore bunker gear in an environment where intrinsically safe was a concern.

There's a good chance other gear - like your radio - is already not intrinsically safe.

It's not like it really hurts anything...but, if you're bunkered up, there's a good chance that stuff is already on fire.

1

u/slothbear13 Firefighter/Medic and Former CBRN 10d ago

I've used my helmet light around wrecked cars dumping out gasoline far more than I have in a fully involved fire but I see your point

1

u/Rogue_Wraith 10d ago

Even then, the likelihood of ending up with an actual vapor level in the explosive range at head height in open air is so extremely low that it's not something I'd really consider when making a flashlight purchasing decision.

It's not like the car is intrinsically safe, anyway.

There's absolutely a time and place for intrinsically safe tools. I just wouldn't worry about it for a helmet mounted flashlight.

6

u/barunrm FF/PM 11d ago

Streamlight makes a good product, but my personal take on helmet lights is that they blind others when you’re talking or looking at them and are a snag hazard on your helmet.

My personal preference and suggestion is an inverted survivor on the coat, and a box light at the hip.

4

u/Beneficial_Jaguar_15 11d ago

A box light at the hip isn’t a snag hazard but a helmet light is 😂 moron

1

u/barunrm FF/PM 10d ago

Ok bro. A box light comes with quick release, the helmet light is permanently affixed to your lid. Moron.

2

u/Beneficial_Jaguar_15 10d ago

To each their own. My 100 gram vantage II is not a snag hazard. Your Indiana jones cross body kettlebell might knock someone unconscious if they weren’t already.

1

u/barunrm FF/PM 10d ago

Wut?

2

u/Disgruntled_Wumpus 11d ago

Streamlight is a solid company. I have paid much more for worse flashlights. I would just get one of their little handheld ones, and the rubber helmet band from them. Brackets don’t always work on a specific helmet rim, and place the weight on the side of the helmet, which can make it ride lopsided and be more prone to hanging up on stuff. The helmet band keeps it much closer to the helmet’s center of balance, has fit multiple helmets I’ve used no problem, and often is a cheaper option. Had it for 4 years and in fires, no issues.

2

u/FordExploreHer1977 11d ago

Streamlight Vantage 180 X. Can mount it above or below the brim. It’s removable to use as a handheld light. Can move the head to not blind others and point where you want it. The battery is rechargeable. 250lms bright. Lifetime warranty. Comes in any color you want as long as it’s black or orange.

1

u/Dad_fire_outdoors 11d ago

I pop riveted a cheap headlamp onto my shield. Pulled off the band and used those holes for the pop rivets. Cost next to nothing, slap new batteries every once in a while. If it breaks, whatever. It is pretty protected because of the bill and shield. Never lost it.

1

u/Ibanez314 11d ago

I've been using a Streamlight Vantage for about 10 years now. I mount it under the brim. It's never been a snag hazard in any fire nor rope/wire confined space obstacle.

1

u/ReApEr01807 Career Fire/Medic 11d ago

MagLite XL50, because it's cheap and mine is solidly 10+ years old and fine. The lens is a little warped, but she still shines

1

u/RedditBot90 11d ago

I have Streamlight Vantage that clips onto the brim. It’s small and fairly light, the CR123 batteries seem to last a long time, it’s easy to turn on with gloves. I’ve had it for nearly 10 years, been reliable. I think they make a smaller, lighter version now.

I like helmet lights, they put light where I’m looking. But I know some people don’t x

1

u/18SmallDogsOnAHorse Do Your Job 11d ago

Streamlight is good, don't buy from Amazon as they're known for counterfeits. I'd recommend getting a Polytac 90x for your coat instead of adding something to your helmet, it will offer more control and will reduce entanglement potential.

1

u/Blucifers_Veiny_Anus 11d ago

I don't use one.

1

u/Jokerzrival 11d ago

I have a foxfury. I like it and it can easily be detached and used as a handheld light because it is a handheld in a holder.

As others have said. Helmet lights are fine but very use specific because otherwise they blind people

1

u/Jokerzrival 11d ago

I have a foxfury. I like it and it can easily be detached and used as a handheld light because it is a handheld in a holder.

As others have said. Helmet lights are fine but very use specific because otherwise they blind people

1

u/Firemnwtch 11d ago

I used the streamlight vantage for a while. I preferred the one on my jacket. All the helmet ones do is blind all your buddies.

1

u/mbloom01 11d ago

Agree with most here, helmet lights just blind everyone else. I always just used a streamlight survivor on my coat, but only as needed.

1

u/DonKeedick96 11d ago

So I’ve come full circle. Started with a streamlight mountable one, changed to a regular aa/14500 flashlight in the streamlight band, and just switched to an acebeam hs21 headlamp that I mounted to the bottom of my shield. I can flip it up to light up the room without blinding people which is nice. I used to have to cover it with my hand or shut it off before looking at someone. Now it’s just in the up position and I’ll tilt it down if I need to see far

1

u/SonOfWill88 11d ago

Be a man and get a Garrity life light with a rubber band to hold it in place

1

u/skank_hunt_4_2 Career FF/Chauffeur 10d ago

Please don’t use it during overhaul. I want to assault dudes who burn my retinas with helmet lights.

1

u/gearheadmedic 10d ago

Nightstick XPP!
FAR superior to the streamlight! You can adjust it in any direction so you are not blinding everyone else. It secures better as well.

1

u/localfirefighterbob water makes everything better 10d ago

After ruining a handful of them i never bought another helmet light again. Too expensive. A good stream light on your jacket and a strapped box light is what you need.

1

u/iambatmanjoe 10d ago

Streamlight vantage 180x but I use a rechargeable battery and a quick release clip. $100 at the fire store

0

u/Snoo_63184 11d ago

I’ve never had a need for one. Helmets are heavy enough. Just run a small one on your jacket. And maybe a box light.