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Energizer Vision HD Review

Good enough performance, at a good price, but the Tikkina is a better long-term value
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Price:  $19 List | $9.47 at Amazon
Pros:  Attractive price, good flood lighting, easy to use
Cons:  Below average spot beam, below average quality
Manufacturer:   Energizer
By RJ Spurrier ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  May 28, 2018
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52
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#18 of 27
  • Trail Finding - 35% 3
  • Close Proximity - 20% 5
  • Battery Life - 15% 6
  • Weight - 15% 6
  • Ease of Use - 15% 9

Our Verdict

The Energizer Vision HD is a low-cost light that provides good close proximity beam quality and reasonable overall performance. The Petzl Tikkina, offers a better value in the long-run with better performance on multiple counts, and overall better construction quality.


Compare to Similar Products

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This Product
Energizer Vision HD
Awards  Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award  
Price $9.47 at Amazon$89.00 at Amazon$39.99 at Amazon$39.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$43.12 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Attractive price, good flood lighting, easy to useBright wide beam, good battery life, durable design, rechargeableExcellent trail finding and close proximity beam, waterproof, above average battery lifeExcellent spot light capability, wide evenly lit flood beam, above average in most waysExcellent brightness and beam control, often available online at discount
Cons Below average spot beam, below average qualityExpensive, 18650 Li-ion battery is not included, heavier than averageMore expensive, heavier than average, claimed battery life is very misleadingBelow average battery life, claimed battery life is wildly misleading, single button hard to use, lame waterproofingAverage battery life, heavier and bulkier than most
Bottom Line Good enough performance, at a good price, but the Tikkina is a better long-term valueAn impressive, powerful light in a small package that won't disappoint if you can get past the priceA durable light that will last for years with a bright high-quality beam, slightly higher in cost and weightA quality, durable, and bright light that hits the sweet spot for most people's needs, despite dubious marketing claimsPreviously one of our favorites, but hasn't kept pace with competitor's innovations
Rating Categories Energizer Vision HD Zebralight H600w Mk IV Black Diamond Storm Black Diamond Spot Coast HL7
Trail Finding (35%)
10
0
3
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
Close Proximity (20%)
10
0
5
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
7
Battery Life (15%)
10
0
6
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
4
10
0
5
Weight (15%)
10
0
6
10
0
4
10
0
5
10
0
6
10
0
4
Ease Of Use (15%)
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
8
Specs Energizer Vision HD Zebralight H600w... Black Diamond Storm Black Diamond Spot Coast HL7
Measured Beam Distance 45 m 121 m 91 m 94 m 112 m
Claimed Distance 40 m Not specified 85 m 80 m 119 m
Measured High Mode Run-time (ANSI) 8.7 hrs 3.1 hrs 5 hrs 2.9 hrs 3.1 hrs
Claimed High Mode Run-time 8 hrs 2.9 hrs 40 hrs 30 hrs 1.5 hrs
Measured Low Mode Run-time 74 hrs 232 hrs 42 hrs 9.7 hrs 25 hrs
Claimed Low Mode Run-time 8 hrs 203 hrs 120 hrs 175 hrs 70 hrs
Measured Weight 3.1 oz, 89 g 4.5 oz, 127 g 4 oz, 112 g 3.1 oz, 89 g 4.5 oz, 127 g
Battery Type 3 AAA 18650 rechargeable Li-ion 4 AAA 3 AAA 3 AAA
Water Resistance water resistant IPX8 waterproof to 2 meters, 30 minutes IP67 waterproof to one meter and dustproof Splash proof (dubious IPX8 claim) water resistant
Manuf Claimed Lumens 180 lumens 1400 lumens 350 lumens 300 lumens 285 lumens
Beam Type flood/spot flood flood/spot flood/spot flood/spot
Red Light no no yes, red/green/blue night-vision modes yes no
On Switch Lock no yes (tailcap lockout) yes yes no

Our Analysis and Test Results

In a competitive field, this product, which almost seems like an afterthought from a huge battery manufacturer, actually has some attributes to offer potential customers.

Performance Comparison



Trail Finding


The trail finding score for this headlamp is well below average at 3 of 10.


Beam Distance Photos
Beam photo of Energizer Vision HD
Beam photo of Petzl Tikkina

Energizer Vision HD
Petzl Tikkina

Close Proximity


The Energizer's close proximity score falls right in the middle of the pack because it casts an even beam; it's just not very wide. If close proximity is very important to you, check out the Black Diamond Gizmo ($20), which scored very high in this metric and has a long battery life.


Battery Life


The battery life score is surprisingly good. It has an ANSI measured high mode run time of 8.7 hours and a pretty good 74 hours in low-mode. These are solid run-time numbers, but the low-mode run-time pales when compared to the similarly priced Petzl Tikkina which delivered an amazing 223 hours in low mode.



Weight


At 3.1 ounces or 89 grams, this is lamp is toward the lighter end of the spectrum.


Ease of Use


This headlamp earned one of the highest ease-of-use scores. For infrequent headlamp users, it's nice to have a light that is intuitive and doesn't require learning the various features. It is also manageable even with gloves.


It must be pointed out that this light is by far the most troublesome when it comes to inadvertently turning on. Almost more often than not, we'd find it turned on in our pack. The switch has no lock mode and the large button seems more vulnerable than most to bumping and jostling.


Conclusion


If you're on a budget, this is a very functional headlamp that is offered at an attractive $19 list price. We think the $20 list Petzl Tikkina offers a better value though, both in the near term due to stronger performance, and in the long-run due to better quality and durability.


— RJ Spurrier