BioLite Range 500 Headlamp Review: OutdoorHUB Review

BioLite Range 500 Headlamp: Illuminate the Night: OHUB Review

I’ve had the BioLite Range 500 headlamp strapped onto my head for the final a number of months throughout duck and deer seasons and whereas SUV tenting. On this BioLite Vary 500 headlamp assessment, I share the way it’s survived rainstorms, foggy mornings, and common searching and camp use.

Specs & Options

Max lumens: 500 Lm
Beam distance: 100 M
Battery: 1634 mAh Li-Ion
Runtime: 200h Low/ 6h Excessive
Weight: 2.6oz
IP score: IP67 (Submersible as much as 1M for half-hour)
Variety of modes: 5 modes (White spot, white strobe, crimson flood, crimson strobe, and white flood)
USB-C quick charging

The BioLite Vary 500 maxes out at 500 lumens and has a most beam distance of 100 meters. It’s IP67-rated, which suggests you’ll be able to submerge it as much as 1 meter for half-hour. The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery has a claimed 6-hour runtime on excessive and 200-hour runtime on low. You possibly can swap between 5 modes: white spot, white strobe, crimson flood, crimson strobe, and white flood.

Beam Sample & Brightness

The dimmable flood beam is superb for working or strolling in shut quarters, akin to in a tent or a wooded space, as a result of it illuminates most of your subject of view. The dimmable spot beam is appropriate for scanning a path, akin to whereas following a blood path. The crimson flood can also be good for the close-up duties. The brilliant white and crimson strobe will make sure you’re rapidly and simply noticed if it is advisable to get somebody’s consideration.

Score:

9 / 10

Consolation & Match

This light-weight, balanced headlamp is without doubt one of the most snug I’ve ever worn (and I’ve worn so much whereas searching and tenting through the years). I’ve almost forgotten I’m sporting it on a number of events as a result of it doesn’t push my hat and glasses into the bridge of my nostril, like heavier headlamps do. The adjustable strap additionally ensures it doesn’t transfer round throughout heavy bodily exercise with out creating stress factors or pinching.

Score:

9 / 10

Controls & Ease of Use

With two easy-to-feel buttons, it’s simple to activate/off and swap between modes, even in full darkness, and whereas sporting gloves. The facility button doubles as a dimmer when held down, and it’s very user-friendly. To activate the strobe modes, double-click the mode-switching button. Tilting the sunshine to probably the most useful place can also be quite simple and will be performed with one hand. You’ll be hard-pressed to discover a extra user-friendly headlamp.

Score:

9 / 10

Battery Life & Charging

Switching between modes, I usually get 6-10 hours of battery life per cost. It rapidly recharges to 80% capability by way of USB-C in half-hour, however takes a little bit longer to completely recharge (it’s nonetheless lightning-fast in comparison with my outdated rechargeable headlamps). I’m okay with it solely utilizing a built-in battery as a result of it lasts lengthy sufficient for all of my single-night journeys. Nonetheless, if I have been occurring a multiple-night journey, I might convey spare battery packs to recharge it.

Score:

8 / 10

Sturdiness & Climate Resistance

I’ve had zero sturdiness points after dropping it or cramming it into my backpack with different heavy gear on prime. I really like that it’s waterproof, which I’ll proceed to place to the take a look at as duck season wears on, however I haven’t had any issues with it after dipping it within the water and sporting it on foggy/drizzling mornings. The IP67 score is legit. I’m nonetheless ready to make use of it in freezing temps to see the way it holds up, however all the pieces I’ve skilled thus far offers me excessive hopes for this headlamp.

Score:

9 / 10

Versatility & Use Instances

The BioLite Vary 500 is without doubt one of the most versatile headlamps I’ve ever used. It’s vibrant sufficient for monitoring recreation trails, letting others know you’re working on the street, or illuminating the space whereas on a late-night hike. It’s dimmable for close-up tent duties, and rugged sufficient for automobile repairs on the aspect of the street on a stormy evening. It doesn’t matter what low-light state of affairs you’re utilizing it in, I’m assured it should provide help to get the job performed.

Score:

9 / 10

Worth & Competitors

At $70, it’s costlier than entry-level headlamps, however the sturdiness, versatility, mild high quality, and waterproofing make it effectively price it. I’ve examined equally priced headlamps that didn’t supply the identical options or carry out as effectively. I might buy this headlamp in a heartbeat, understanding how effectively it really works in comparison with others I’ve used.

Score:

9/ 10

General Score: BioLite Vary 500 Headlamp Overview

The BioLite Vary 500 is without doubt one of the finest headlamps I’ve ever worn whereas waterfowl and deer searching, tenting, and nightly chores across the farm. I really like how snug and sturdy it’s, particularly the waterproofing. It’s very versatile, however you’ll must convey a solution to cost it on prolonged tenting journeys.

Score:

8.9 / 10

BioLite Vary 500 Headlamp Scores