Been a while since we looked at headlamps. In the past, we recommended several for holiday gifts, stocking stuffers and the like. I personally rarely leave home without one. So when we received the chance to checkout a new version from Underwater Kinetics, we jumped at it. The company’s Vision headlamp boasts a ton of features that make it ideal for camping, hiking, biking, fishing and more.
First off, a little about Underwater Kinetics. The company manufactures a range of products for divers and other heavy duty uses. Their catalog includes cases, knives and lighting products like the Vision. And Underwater Kinetics builds many of their offerings in the United States.
The company positions the Vision for hands-free illumination in nearly every situation. The product employs three AAA batteries and can operate up to 17 hours on low and 13 hours on high. The batteries are easily replaced but aren’t USB rechargeable. Underwater Kinetics constructs the Vision from heavy ABS plastic and makes the lens from LEXAN. It’s rated waterproof to a depth of up to 30 feet which is hugely valuable (speaking as a guy who’s dumped more than one piece of electronic gear into a fast running trout stream).
Operating the Vision presents no challenges at all. Push the large button on the side for low, a second time for medium, and a third for high. Press the button a fourth time to turn the Vision off. Twist the right dial to adjust the angle of the lens. Twist the left to switch from clear, diffuse and red lens options. That’s all there is to it.
Specs
Material: ABS, LEXAN, polyurethane rubber
Features: Three brightness modes; bright, diffuse and red lens settings; waterproof to 30 feet; headband
Underwater Kinetics includes the batteries and a wide headband in the package. Assembly is straightforward and comfort is good despite the nearly four ounce weight.
Our only objection is the Vision can be a tiny bit spendy at over $40 on Amazon. But given the waterproof and overall ruggedness of the product, we think it’s worth it.
Find it at Amazon.