What Makes Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED Stand Out?
The Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED headlamp, manufactured by Police Security Flashlights, aims to deliver hands-free illumination with a powerful 1000-lumen output and adjustable focus. Its rechargeable design, multiple light modes, and pivoting head offer versatility for various tasks, making it seem like a solid contender in the headlamp market. This headlamp promises a blend of brightness, convenience, and durability, making it worthy of a closer look.
As an experienced outdoor enthusiast and gear specialist, I’ve used countless headlamps over the years. I was looking for a reliable, rechargeable headlamp that could handle everything from navigating dark trails to setting up camp in low-light conditions. The Blackout-R’s high lumen output and focus adjustability caught my eye, promising to be an upgrade over my older, less powerful models.
Upon unboxing, the Blackout-R felt surprisingly lightweight despite the presence of the battery pack. The build quality appeared decent, with sturdy plastic components and comfortable adjustable straps, although the plastic casing felt a bit less rugged than some of my more expensive headlamps. The pivoting head moved smoothly, and the slide focus felt solid and responsive.
Compared to my old Petzl Tikka and a more recent Black Diamond Spot, the Blackout-R boasts a significantly higher maximum lumen output and rechargeable battery, giving it an edge in brightness and convenience. While the Petzl is lighter and more compact, and the Black Diamond offers better water resistance, the Blackout-R’s combination of features and price made it an interesting option to test. The promise of a Police Security Limited Lifetime Warranty also swayed me towards this product.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The features looked promising, but the lower price point compared to other high-output headlamps made me wonder about long-term durability and performance. I was excited to put it to the test in some demanding real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED on a night hike in the local state park. The trail was rocky and uneven, making good visibility crucial.
The headlamp performed admirably in dry conditions, illuminating the path clearly with its 1000 Lumen Output on the highest setting. The slide focus worked well, allowing me to switch between a wide flood beam for general visibility and a focused spot beam for spotting distant trail markers. I found it very easy to adjust the beam as needed.
The headlamp was easy to use right out of the box, with a simple rear-mounted push button controlling the different light modes. However, I did find that the button was a bit small and difficult to locate with gloves on. I also noticed the headlamp tilted down slightly when jogging due to its weight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a weekend camping trip and numerous evening dog walks, the Blackout-R has held up reasonably well. I’ve used it for approximately 30 hours in total.
There are no major signs of wear and tear, although the plastic casing has picked up a few minor scratches. The adjustable straps remain comfortable and secure, and the pivoting head still functions smoothly.
Maintaining the headlamp is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my previous headlamps, the rechargeable battery is a significant upgrade in terms of convenience and cost savings, even if the beam isn’t quite as concentrated as some of my more expensive lights.
Breaking Down the Features of Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED
Specifications
The Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Police Security Flashlights.
- Color: White light output on a black headlamp.
Other notable specifications include:
- Light Output: Ranging from 280 to 1000 Lumens.
- Bulb Type: LED, known for its energy efficiency and long lifespan.
- Diameter: 3.11 inches (presumably the headlamp body) and 2.95 inches (likely the lens diameter).
- Weight: 9.44 oz, which is a bit heavier than some comparable headlamps.
- Water Resistance Level: Yes, indicating some level of protection against moisture.
- Additional Features: Rear Mounted Push Button for easy operation.
- Battery Type: Lithium Polymer, offering rechargeable convenience.
These specifications impact the user experience in several ways. The 1000 Lumen Output is crucial for providing bright, clear illumination in dark environments, enhancing safety and visibility. The LED bulb ensures long battery life and reliable performance, while the rechargeable battery saves money on disposable batteries.
Performance & Functionality
The Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED performs its primary function—providing light—exceptionally well, particularly on its highest setting. The Slide Focus feature is handy for adjusting the beam to suit different tasks, and the pivoting head allows for precise light placement.
The headlamp’s strengths lie in its brightness and rechargeable battery. However, the small button and the weight distribution could be improved. I find that the water resistance level is sufficient for light rain or splashing, but extended submersion could pose a problem.
Overall, the Blackout-R mostly meets expectations for a headlamp in its price range. It delivers a good balance of brightness, features, and value, even if it falls short of some higher-end models in certain aspects.
Design & Ergonomics
The Blackout-R features a mostly plastic build, which helps keep the weight down, although it does make it feel less premium than some metal-bodied headlamps. The adjustable straps are comfortable and easily customizable to fit different head sizes, even when wearing a hat.
The rear-mounted battery pack adds some bulk, but it also helps balance the weight of the headlamp. The user-friendly design ensures that even first-time users can quickly figure out how to operate the light.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED appears reasonably durable. The plastic casing seems capable of withstanding everyday bumps and scrapes, although it might not hold up to extreme abuse.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The fact that it comes with a Police Security Limited Lifetime Warranty gives me confidence that this headlamp will last.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blackout-R comes with a USB charging cable, which is convenient for recharging from various power sources. There are no listed customization options from the manufacturer.
However, due to its standard design, it might be possible to replace the straps with aftermarket options for improved comfort or durability. As far as I can see though, there’s not much to customize.
Pros and Cons of Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED
Pros
- High Lumen Output: The 1000 Lumen Output provides excellent visibility in dark conditions.
- Rechargeable Battery: The Lithium Polymer battery is convenient and saves money on disposable batteries.
- Adjustable Focus: The Slide Focus allows for versatile beam control, from wide flood to focused spot.
- Affordable Price: The Blackout-R offers a good balance of features and value.
- Lifetime Warranty: The Police Security Limited Lifetime Warranty ensures long-term peace of mind.
Cons
- Small Rear Button: Can be difficult to locate with gloves on.
- Weight Distribution: Can tilt forward slightly during high-impact activities.
Who Should Buy Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED?
The Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED is perfect for campers, hikers, and anyone needing hands-free illumination for tasks around the house or in the yard. It’s also a good option for emergency preparedness kits due to its rechargeable battery and bright light output.
This product might not be ideal for serious mountaineers or spelunkers who require a more rugged and waterproof headlamp. Those who prefer an extremely lightweight headlamp may also find the Blackout-R a bit bulky.
A must-have accessory is a portable power bank for recharging the headlamp on extended trips where access to a wall outlet is limited. A carrying case would be another beneficial add-on to protect the headlamp from damage during storage and transport.
Conclusion on Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED
The Lb Marketing 98730 Blackout-R Black 280/1,000 Lumens White LED offers a solid blend of brightness, features, and value for its price. The rechargeable battery and adjustable focus are significant selling points, while the Police Security Limited Lifetime Warranty provides added peace of mind.
The price is definitely justified. It delivers a compelling balance between performance and affordability.
I would personally recommend the Blackout-R to anyone seeking a reliable, rechargeable headlamp for general outdoor and indoor use. Buy it, try it, and light up your world!