Now that I’ve fully entered ‘headlamp season’ for my runs I was thinking about switching up my lighting game.
The last few years I’ve been running with a Black Diamond Sprinter. Compared to the previous head lamps it is pretty comfortable (lighter plus it distributes the weight to both sides of the head), it has a decent amount of light (500 lumens), and I like that it has a rear red blinking light.
However I stumbled across the Kogalla Ra the other day. It can be waste or check mounted which (if I could get the setup right) might be more comfortable. And while the headlamp is nice as it shines a light where you are looking, sometimes the more focused beam and the proximity to my eyes can make me feel a little bit disoriented. The Kogalla seems to have a softer more broad throw of its light and seems like it could be better if I include any trails on my runs. I was thinking I could either use it in place of the headlamp or in addition to it. My main concern is how to best mount the battery pack. I have one of those reflective running vests that are just straps (like this) so I was thinking I could somehow mount it to that. Or perhaps use a fuel belt maybe?
Just looking to see if anyone has experience with it and what your thoughts are
I’ve been using a Ra since 2019 and overall I like it. I usually use a Spibelt with the battery in the pocket (medium sized battery) and the light attached to the belt with a couple of velcro straps. It works well though I can feel the battery bouncing sometimes. I’m predominantly a trail runner and that’s the strength for this light.
Pros:
It’s bright and the wide field is really nice.
Great for trail running in the woods, much better than just having a spotlight.
I find headlamp straps uncomfortable.
The brightness stays constant for the life of the battery so no dimming.
Cons:
Because of the wide angle it sacrifices distance and there are times I wish it had a greater depth of field.
On roads and open areas most of the light is being wasted and not lighting the path.
It’s bulky and sometimes the cord to the battery gets in the way since it’s stiff.
The connection to the battery is USB and not waterproof, it’ll short if it gets wet in the rain.
I’ve also noticed after years of use the contacts on one of the battery slots have worn so the light flickers if I use that one.
You may also want to check out Ultraspire, they make an 800 lumen multi sport light that looks very interesting.