The LED-Duet 1Watt + 3 LED Headlamp (HLX-513AA) is a dual light source headlamp that utilizes three 5mm LEDs for a broad close-up beam and a Luxeon I side emitter LED for longer distance spotting. A DC-DC regulator helps maintain brightness. The headlamp uses a 3 point strap system, includes a battery level indicator, and runs on 3 AA cells.

The "body" consists of the bezel up front, a 3 point elastic headband frame, and a battery pack in the rear. The bezel and battery pack are attached by a tough rubber covered cord with a coiled section for expansion.

The bezel consists of two separate sections for the 5mm LEDs and the Luxeon LED. The Luxeon is in a smooth reflector which is kept perfectly round by keeping the 5mm LEDs in their own, separate, reflector. The 5mm LEDs sit below the main lamp and are pointed at a relative downward angle compared to the main lamp giving them nearly perfect alignment for close-up work. As you can see in the photo, the three 5mm LEDs were out of alignment with each other. This really didn't affect their use at close ranges at all. The switch is on the top of the bezel and on the rear you will find the three color battery status indicator. The battery power indicator consists of 3 LEDs that light as the circuitry detects the available power in the batteries. Green: 100% - 50%, yellow: 50% - 20%, red: 20% or below.

Output from the 5mm LEDs is a typical bluish tinted flood of light. Output from the Luxeon was a surprisingly warm, eye pleasing white. Since the Luxeon uses a smooth reflector, some swirls/aritfacts could be seen near the beam center, but nothing really worth complaining too much about. The switch is a series click switch and the modes are as follows: 1 LED, 2 LED, 3 LED, Luxeon, off. You can press and hold the switch to access a blink mode (Luxeon only).

   
Beam at one meter at target center and LED beam (LED beam enhanced for clarity)

Runtime Plot: Good steady regulaton was found with the Luxeon LED on. Slightly over 4 hours pass before the light drops out of regulation, but when it drops, it drops like a stone! Luckily, since it is a headlamp and it's probably on your head, you can reach back up and click it back on at lower output level using the 5mm LEDs and you should get several hours of diminishing output. Note too, that the manufacturer estimates only 3 hours on Luxeon mode, and I found it ran for over 4 hours. Finally! A manufacturer who gives realistic and conservative estimates on runtimes!!! As a result, I expect that the manufacturer's estimates runtimes of the other modes are pretty close as well.

Runtime completed with included "Duracell" batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

The switch is a little unusual. There is an oval trace line in the top of the bezel rubbery material and the switch rests directly below this oval. Press in and the switch clicks. It is necessary to progress through all of the modes of the light to turn the light back off again.

The bezel, not intended for disassembly, is sealed with an large O-ring for water resistance. The cord connection points are sealed with flexible rubber grommits. The battery box has a rubber seal. Overall I'd say it's pretty darn waterproof!

Ergonomics: Unfortunately, I ran into a little problem here. The manufacturer put a rubber pad on the back of the battery pack to try to make it more comfortable. However, the pad presses against the back of the head and creates a very irritiating pressure point. The solution - rip off the pad! Seriously! I'm typing using the headlamp right now and it's very comfortable without the pad on the back. Also note that I have the straps expanded to their maximum and it fits fine. If you have a larger than average head the straps may be a bit snug.

Three AA cells power the light. The battery box rests at the back of the user's head. A lever on one side catches a lip and pulls the top down tightly against the body of the battery box. You need to press down pretty hard on the lid to get the lever to catch. Lifting the lever opens the battery box back up. You may need a makeshift tool to help with lifting the lever - it's really tight. I used a ballpoint pen barrel. The batteries themselves go in with the positive up on either end and the center battery with the positive down.

Batteries are included with the unit.

What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact resistant, Regulated(?), Bright, Easy battery change, Lots of output options

What I Didn't Like: Rip the pad off of the back battery compartment and use a piece of clear tape to remove the sticky residue. It creates an uncomfortable pressure point, but its removal fixes the problem completely.

Other Things I Noticed: Straps a bit short - small/average heads will be OK, large heads may find them tight.

Conclusions: I do like this headlamp. There is nothing quite like having the option of using a single 5mm LED in the pitch dark - one LED provides just enough light for almost all your normal tasks. The multi LED settings provide a nice flood and the Luxeon can reach a pretty darn good distance. A good package altogether.

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