See the Light: Stock Headlamps

Bowhunters who pursue whitetails and other big game (and wild turkeys) spend a lot of time hiking in the field before and after sunset, so it makes sense they would rely on headlamps for handy hands-free lighting. If you stock a handful of headlamps to show to your customers, I think you’re making a smart decision. However, if headlamps aren’t part of your inventory plan, it’s time to start.

The good news for archery retailers is it doesn’t take a major investment to get into the headlamp game, and the amount of space required to display them is minimal. I recommend a lineup of only three products; there’s no need to give customers so many choices that they can’t make a decision while standing in your store. Your sales team will also appreciate having to learn only three new products instead of several. To make it even simpler, consider sticking with only one manufacturer.

I recommend a lineup such as the one below that includes three headlamps from Streamlight. Of course, several other companies offer top-notch headlamps, too. I've relied on the same Petzl light for nearly two decades of bowhunting whitetails and turkeys, and all I've done to keep it running is replacing batteries when needed. The ancient and inexpensive model I own looks similar to the company's current Tactikka model (MSRP: $29.95). This spring during turkey season I plan to try a rechargeable battery headlamp from Cyclops, specifically the EFLEX 400.

Note that I haven’t chosen high-priced models. (Street prices are about 25 percent lower than the MSRPs shown below.) Hunters don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to own a functional and dependable headlamp. In fact, don’t be surprised if your customers buy two just to have a backup on-hand in case they lose one in the field.

Streamlight 61400 Enduro LED  (MSRP: $24.15)

Weighing only 2.75 ounces, the Enduro LED is the definition of “compact.” It’s powered by two AAA batteries (included) and has a comfortable, adjustable head strap. The Enduro LED also has an integral hat clip that allows the light to be attached to a hat brim or on a hunter’s jacket without need for the head strap.

This headlight tilts up or down and is protected by an impact-resistant ABS case (IPX7 – waterproof; all openings o-ring sealed) and nearly unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. It offers two lighting modes; on high, the Enduro LED produces 50 lumens and runs for 5.5 hours; on low, it runs for 25 hours.

Streamlight 61422 Enduro Pro  (MSRP: $39.38)

The 3.4-ounce Enduro Pro features two C4 power white LEDs, two red LEDs, and a total of eight output modes. It’s powered by three AAA batteries (alkaline or lithium; alkaline included). Hunters can choose spot beam for focused lighting (three levels), flood for soft area illumination (three levels), or red LEDs to preserve night vision (two levels).

The Enduro Pro is protected by a tough polycarbonate thermoplastic construction, and has nearly unbreakable polycarbonate lenses (IPX4 – water-resistant; 2 meter impact resistance tested). The multi-function push-button switch is easy to use even with gloves. On the high setting, the headlamp produces 200 lumens and runs for 6 hours; on low, it runs for 38 hours. A 45-degree tilting head makes it easy to light up the trail on your way to treestands in the dark.

Streamlight 61051 Green Trident LED (MSRP: $41.92)

The 5.5-ounce Streamlight Green Trident LED has a single C4 power LED plus three ultra-bright 5mm LEDs for long and close distance light in one package. It also has a single green LED, which won’t spook game and helps to preserve night vision. It’s powered by three AAA alkaline batteries (included) and produces 80 lumens on high and runs for 5 hours; on the single white LED setting, it’ll run for 53 hours; on the single green LED, it’ll run for 63 hours. It’s equipped with a low battery warning indicator, too.

The push-button switch is easy to use when wearing gloves and the Green Trident’s 90-degree tilting head features a robust ratcheting system and prevents neck fatigue. The headlamp is protected by a tough polycarbonate thermoplastic construction, and has nearly unbreakable polycarbonate lenses (IPX4 –water-resistant; 2 meter impact resistance tested).

Author’s note: If you like the three products described above and wish to sell Streamlight headlamps in your archery shop, click here for dealer information, or call (800) 523-7488.