I got this for caving and I think it will do a good job for me. Controls work easily, five light levels (plus an SOS mode), and swinging the lamp all the way back hides the controls to protect from inadvertent activation during transport. Uses four common AA batteries (included with the lamp), mounted in the rear, instead of needing specialized rechargeables. The rear-mounted batteries add some bulk & weight there, but it keeps the weight down in front. The top strap can be removed, which works better for helmet mounting. Weighs 171 g (6.05 oz.) without batteries or the top strap, add 10 g (0.35 oz.) for the top strap.

The top strap is key to comfortable wearing of a headlamp for long periods of time. In addition to this comfort, reasonable brightness and good battery life ensure this is my go-to headlamp for most tasks. While not unreasonably heavy, the only time it does not go is when super-light weight is the priority. Great light!

Someone I climbed with was also a spelunker. She touted the absolute necessity of having both hands free climbing in the dark. When I needed a utility light for the construction work I got in to this light fit everything I needed. Other lights take uncommon or expensive batteries, or can only function if you remember to charge them. This is the best light in Fenix' lineup that has a turbo mode for when I had to light up the side of the bridge I was working on AND took batteries that I could ask any coworker for spares. The clips worked over the brim of a hard hat. Yes it's a little heavy, but compared to the lighter and equally powerful Lights from other brands, well I literally got burned. This one gets hot but steps itself down as a safety feature. It's now going on four years. This light is still my go to when I need light while doing something. Worth every single dollar. Paired with a nite core charger, eneloops for storage and Amazonbasic batteries for daily use.

Quality and definitely dependable!

I love this headlamp. After having tested several other high quality AA battery headlamps, this one holds up in the elements and has high lumen power for several hours. The wiring is durable in the sub zero temps of Alaska and the casing is also impervious to the harsh climate here that often causes plastic to crack. By far a high quality product!

The best head lamp around. Takes AA batts, comes on where you left the setting, has a lock out on power, and feels great on the head with all the light you need. My favorite headlamp, I have three and have given to those who use lamps all the time, they love them. Hard to find one like this that is not a recharge battery model.