The BioLite 750 Headlamp is a wonderfully bright lamp with seven different modes and a rechargeable battery. It also has some usability issues that will require the average user to spend time learning how to operate it before use.
Comfortable by Design
Right out of the very fancy black box, the BioLite 750 was easy to wear and comfortable. I was able to quickly adjust the headband for a custom, secure fit. I really like how BioLite has integrated the light housing into a thin, wide neoprene-like material on the front of the band. The wide width means the pressure of the housing (which is sort of retro and extremely lightweight) is distributed more evenly over a large area rather than resting/pressing against my forehead. I have worn too many headlamps where the light housing ends up as a pressure point against my forehead, so kudos to BioLite for a more thoughtful headband design.
The band is also designed to wick away moisture, which is a handy feature when I wear it for a long period of time. It stays dry and comfortable. The battery/back light was a bit heavy, but it turned out that it didn’t bother me during use.
Recharge or Always Charge
According to Biolite, the BioLite 750 has a rechargeable battery that holds a charge for seven to 150 hours, depending on the strength of beam I use. The back light has tiny indicator lights to let me know how much battery life is left, although I rarely need to charge it. I have several rechargeable lights, so I tend to keep them on the shelves in the entryway to my house, along with charging cables, so I can plug them in while I’m getting ready to go out. It’s easier for me to regularly top them off than worry about running out of juice when I’m out.
I really appreciate not having to carry around extra batteries (or use them at all), and I love the BioLite 750’s “Constant Mode” setting. The light comes with a three-foot-long mirror USB power cord so I can stash a power source in a pocket and keep the light plugged in while I use it.
Illuminating and Visible
I tested the Biolite 750 during several of my favorite nighttime activities, including: long walks, squid fishing, and swimming in the lake. In the first case, I like that the front light has three adjustment settings so I can direct the beam right in front of my feet or farther out, depending on how dark it is where I’m walking. For safety I use the back light in flashing red mode (Red Rear Strobe) so that I’m highly visible to cars.
When I’m fishing I need my hands free to cast and reel in my line. I usually have a much more powerful light hanging off the fence on the pier when I fish for squid at night, but when I’m in a hurry I just grab my Biolite 750. It does a good job of throwing light over the area where my line is so I can see if my bobber moves (I’m supposed to be able to feel it, but I never have!). It’s also handy for times I have to lay my pole on the dock and untangle the line (this happens to me a lot. I’m actually terrible at fishing, but I still love it.) It’s also just nice to have a big light since the it’s pitch black out there.
For night swimming, I have used the Biolite 750 two ways:
1. I have placed it inside my swim buoy with both front and back lights in flood mode to light up the bag. This makes my buoy visible in the dark so my on-the-beach spotter can see me while I splash around. Also, the lit buoy lights up the water around me so I can see more in the water.
2.I have left the Biolite 750 on the beach for my spotter to wear so she can light up the beach and keep me visible.
A Few Pain Points
As a usability expert I have to comment on the user experience I had trying to figure out the Biolite 750. It was pretty confusing. I rarely read instructions; I’m a grab and go type of gal. I wasn’t able to do that with this headlamp.
I tried to read the instructions but felt overwhelmed by them. Biolite’s instructional video is helpful, but there is still a lot of cognitive load using this light. So many functions on the front light button. I simply had to spend time learning how to use it, made many mistakes, came back to the instructions and video several times. Even when I was able to click through the modes on the front of the light, the modes didn’t seem to correspond with the instructions.
It’s worth spending time watching the instructional video because the headlamp is so bright and has worked well for me on many evening outings. (See our review of Biolite’s 200 Headlamp.)
Details
Available in light green and grey. 750 lumens. Dimmable. 3000 mAh li-ion battery. Micro USB charge cable included.
Bottom Line
All things considered, I really like the Biolite 750 and use it at least a couple of times a week. I like how strong the beam is, and I especially like that I don’t need batteries. It also fits easily into my jacket pocket. I hope more companies will start making rechargeable lighting products.
Manufacturer: https://www.bioliteenergy.com
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