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Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 1:04 pm
by Lava
I've been using a Spark ST-6 headlamp for awhile now and really like it. I was considering getting an SD-6 as a backup light and for evenly lighting a scene for photo work, but a friend mentioned that hers died on her and that she knew two others who had failures. Just curious, if you own a Spark headlamp have you had it fail?

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 2:19 pm
by GroundquestMSA
I bought a Spark ST-6 for my brother, and while it hasn't failed exactly, it does burn through batteries very quickly. The last time we used it, two "fully charged" batteries were depleted in only about 3 hours. The light was operated on the medium modes with occasional bursts of high. The light switches off with no warning and refuses to switch back on, which was a bit of a problem in one case since he was climbing a steep, difficult mudbank. He has been using the Ultrafire batteries and charger that came with the light. We're in the proccess of figuring out if it's a battery, charger, or light problem. I'm guessing battery/charger.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 3:18 pm
by Chads93GT
Mine works fine no issues

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 4:24 pm
by rlboyce
There is no substitute for a good warranty.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 6:10 pm
by BenS
Those batteries are well known for their problems. You should check there first.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 6:45 pm
by Chads93GT
Those batteries and charger are both junk. Mine is the st6 500-cw. Use it with the frost expense on low for sketching so I don't blind myself with a whiteout.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 7:28 pm
by PeterFJohnson
I haven't had any problems and am pretty happy with mine. I currently use a ST6 360-CW with AW batteries. I use the supplied charger. I haven't had any issues with the supplied charger but have been thinking about upgrading because I like a charger that tells me how many mAh the battery has been charged to.

I have had mine turn off, but this seems to be the built in warning that the battery is low. It will then turn back on and run for awhile before it dies for real. The only time I have had this occur is when the battery was nearing the stated burn times.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 8, 2013 8:41 pm
by GroundquestMSA
Chads93GT wrote:Those batteries and charger are both junk.


Yep. I bought the light before doing any research on batteries and took the extras that were offered.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 9, 2013 10:17 am
by Chads93GT
i did the same. was my first 18650 light and i didnt know where to get good cell.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 10, 2013 8:18 am
by Caver John
I've been using the st-6 and sd-6 in combo for a while with no issues. These two lights give alot of versatility and lots o lumens. Great for videography.
My only gripe is that the combo make a helmet front heavy, however I've gotten used to it. I think the zebralight is much lighter.

Re: Spark Headlamps - Any Problems?

PostPosted: Jul 10, 2013 8:19 am
by Caver John
I've been using the Tenergy cells with great results. Posted runtimes are spot on with these batteries.