SureFire Minimus Variable Output LED Headlamp with MaxVision Reflector, Black

This is a really good head lamp. I have quite a few, but this now my go-to. The only draw back is the size/weight. It is metal and solid, so it weighs a bit more than the plastic competitors. The light pattern is fantastic. It projects enough to find trails and see markers, but is floody enough to light the entire area you are in. Great for working around camp and hiking. The rotating barrel is a great way to dim and leaves you with a lot of options between dim and full bright. It seems brighter than my new Black Diamond Storm that is rated at higher lumens while having much better flood and about equal projection. It comes with a red lens cover as well, which is not a convenient as an integrated red bulb, but there is not an overly complicated series of button pushes to operate either. Push button activation and rotate to dim. The only con I can find is that it appears that you would need to replace the entire band and mount if you need a band as it is sewn in place. Overall, it is my favorite light out of a couple dozen.

I don't normally write reviews, but in this case I have a unique outlook on the product. I owned this headlamp for at least 6 years, a wore it to failure.I'm an aircraft mechanic and carried this headlamp daily in my cargo pocket. 123 batteries are free at work, so it was a no brainer, plus I love their other products.Love the simplicity of the design, aka "Minimus". No over the top strap, no rear battery pack with a wire to deal with. No plastic hinges to wear out and get floppy or break. Sealed aluminum housing. Surefire quality, exactly why I purchased this headlamp.I thought for sure the strap would stretch out and or break first. I was wrong. Aside from a few fuzzies over the years, it never failed.The first part to go was the neoprene sweat pad. I replaced it with some moleskin and carried on.It did feel like the lamp wasn't as bright after 6 years, but honestly don't know if it was just my memory or not. Maybe old, dirty or surface corroded connections. Not sure. Again, I may just not remember how bright it initially was. Still got the job done.The area that finally failed was the plastic bracket. Cracks developed around the pins, until it eventually split.At first, co-workers scoffed at me paying $200 for a headlamp. Up until then I was going through cheaper plastic headlamps at a rate of one per year. If you figure 6 years into the equation, that's $33! Not bad at all. Co-workers don't poke fun anymore.I would highly recommend this headlamp to anyone. Was a constant companion over those 6 years. At work wrenching in freezing to hot and rainy conditions. Hiking the Appalachian trail, kayaking, quads at night, road trips, etc.P.S. The light itself still works great, just nothing to attach it to.

I waited patiently for Surefire to upgrade the Minimus and it was worth the wait. Bright, great beam quality and super comfortable headband. It is a bit more expensive but I don't mind since I get a lifetime warrantee from Surefire for the headlamp. It is by far more comfortable than the headband of Zebralight and other headlamp manufacturers. All the specs are on the Surefire website and there is no need for me to repeat it in my review. Very happy with this purchase!

Great quality.

I am not sure judging by the other positive reviews if mine was just a defect or not but this thing crapped out after a couple weeks of use and has been sitting on my desk. I did not get around to returning it in time but, there are plenty of other good headlamps out there that are far less expensive that will work just fine.

Very powerful and comfortable

The SUREFIRE MINIMUS headlamps are very high quality and durable headlamps/flashlights produced by SUREFIRE. I own many different SUREFIRE flashlights, including this model of headlamp and I do for a reason, they ALWAYS work. They are all top tier flashlights/headlamps !!!John K. Lowrance

My original Saint Minimus has proven indispensible for dark damp walks to the outbuildings; for roving the woods at night; for clipping my toenails; for repairing eyeglasses; for peering into the dark corners of appliances. It still works great but I decided to treat myself to the latest/greatest.On to the new.The build quality, and light quality, are superb. I don't see much point in a click-graduated brightness adjustment. First of all, the clicks are nearly impossible to detect, but also, the adjuster keeps spinning after it's hit the maximum. Why?I suppose the click-on power switch is more convenient, but there's a trade-off on weight. My original Minimus is still going strong, a little frayed and old, but a reliable workhorse, and substantially lighter. The original: 3 3/8 oz. The new "improved": 4 5/8 oz. That's a 37% weight gain. Highly noticeable.The original was easy on battery consumption. We'll see how the new one works out.About the headstrap: I've examined both devices and for the life of me, I can't easily see how you would replace the head strap. It is sewed on there! I suppose there's a trick to it, and you probably have to replace the whole mounting bracket. Again, why? But having said that, my original has held up for many years of harsh use - the headstrap feels "limp" but it still feels secure.I'd give it 5 stars if it weren't for the weight.Final comment: Surefire Saint Minimus headlamps are of superlative quality. If you've ever tried other brands, you'll notice the difference immediately. I wish I could say the same thing about the latest Backup MV. It chews up batteries, it flickers, it gives very little warning before going dark. This is true of at least two units I've purchased. I use the MV for EDC but the older Backups were way better. Surefire, your quality is slipping on the Backup MV.