Headlamp Comparison for Caving

This comparison focuses on the most commonly used caving models in France: Petzl (DUO RL/DUO S), Stoots (Yeti), Scurion, Armytek, Sofirn, Meandre, Phaeton, and Argolamp. It is built from practical use and field feedback: wet-environment behavior, beam quality in progression, regulation stability, handling comfort, and medium/long-term reliability. Each lamp sheet highlights observed strengths (robustness, availability, versatility) and recurring limits from real use (total cost, glove ergonomics, weight, reliability issues on some setups). The technical table helps compare the differences that matter for your profile and commitment level, while keeping maintenance and budget constraints visible.

All brands Petzl Armytek Stoots Scurion Meandre Sofirn Phaethon Argolamp

Beginner profile (budget / simple) Armytek Wizard (ideally warm tint) + standard cells.

Intermediate profile (club / progression) Stoots Yeti: balance of weight / beams / regulation.

Advanced / exploration profile (long / committed / equipment) Argolamp 2.0 or Scurion 1500 or Meandre Prowide 4.5: runtime / waterproofing / robustness - plan redundancy.

Cave-diving profile Phaethon Dual or Argolamp: stated depth + glove-friendly interfaces.

Scoring table (dynamic average)

Reliability Runtime Output Weight Waterproofing Beam options Regulation Glove ergonomics Survey (magnets) Performance / price Battery cost

All None Reset

Brand / Model	Reliability i Overall robustness: resistance to mud/water/impacts + field feedback + hard-use tolerance.	Runtime i Useful runtime: capacity + regulation + stability (not only eco mode).	Output i Caving use: usable lit volume + practical beam, beyond marketing peak output.	Weight guide i Long-session comfort: neck fatigue + helmet balance.	Waterproofing i Rain/runoff vs immersion: IP and/or stated depth + weak points (connectors).	Survey (magnets) i Compass compatibility: nearby magnets may distort readings.	Beam options guide i Wide + spot : comfort for progression + reading + pointing.	Regulation guide i Stability: controlled output vs quick drop, with fine control when useful.	Glove ergonomics i Ergonomics: buttons, lockout, feedback, use with cold hands / thick gloves.	Battery cost i Redundancy cost: standard cells (often cheaper) vs proprietary packs.	Performance / price i Ratio: useful performance (reliability, waterproofing, beam) vs budget.	Average i Simple average of selected criteria (all equally weighted).
PetzlDUO RLLamp sheet	4	4	4	3	4	5	4	5	4	2	2	- /5
PetzlDUO SLamp sheet	4	4	3	3	4	5	4	4	4	2	1	- /5
ArmytekWizard C2 Pro MaxLamp sheet	3	3	4	5	4	1	3	4	3	5	5	- /5
StootsYetiLamp sheet	4	4	3	5	5	5	4	5	3	3	3	- /5
Scurion1500 SpeleoLamp sheet	5	5	3	1	5	5	4	5	4	2	2	- /5
MeandreProwide 4.5Lamp sheet	5	5	5	2	4	5	4	4	4	2	2	- /5
SofirnHS20Lamp sheet	1	2	3	5	3	5	3	2	2	5	5	- /5
PhaethonDualLamp sheet	4	4	4	3	5	5	4	3	4	5	3	- /5
ArgolampArgolamp 2.0Lamp sheet	5	4	4	3	5	5	5	3	5	5	2	- /5

Technical table

Brand / Model	Availability (FR market) i Qualitative indicator (observed): wide distribution / often in stock / made to order / possible stockouts.	Max lumens i Manufacturer peak. In practice, many headlamps step down afterwards (thermal/electronic management).	Beam options guide i Multi-beam: wide (progression/reading) + spot (volume/pointing) or combined.	Batteries / energy i Formats (18650/21700) = simple logistics. Proprietary pack = dedicated battery with higher redundancy cost.	Battery price / Wh i Cost ratio: price of the most common replacement battery divided by battery energy (Wh).	Water (IP / depth) i IP = dust + immersion rating. Depth = manufacturer claim (pressure): also depends on connectors/seals.	Weight (g) guide i Direct comparison: ideally lamp + battery (otherwise specified). Lighter = better (neck fatigue).	Magnets (survey) i Magnets / magnetic charging: may distort a compass if used too close to measurements.	Driver & efficiency guide i Efficiency = LED driver efficiency. Switching is often high efficiency. Linear depends on Vf/Vbat and heats more at high output.	Pros i Field summary: positive points for caving (mud, impacts, gloves, runtime).	Cons i Field summary: typical limits (weight, proprietary packs, heat, mounting, survey use).
PetzlDUO RLLamp sheet	Large distribution	2800	Medium/Wide optic + dedicated spotno bare LED	Proprietary packdedicated battery (23.7 Wh)	~3.2-3.8 €/Whcommon pack (~76-89 EUR / 23.68 Wh)	IP67	390lamp + battery	No	Efficiency ~ 78–90%regulated driver, likely switching (not published)	Proven robustness for regular use. Wide availability of products, spare parts, and retailers. RL mode is practical during real progression.	High price in the premium caving range. More closed ecosystem than standard cells. RL/CL setup is more complex than simpler interfaces. Isolated field feedback mentions a waterproofing issue. Weight/bulk remain significant versus compact options.
PetzlDUO SLamp sheet	Variable availabilityolder model	1100BOOST mode	Medium/Wide optic + dedicated spotno bare LED	Proprietary packR2 battery (23.68 Wh)	~3.2-3.8 €/Whcommon pack (~76-89 EUR / 23.68 Wh)	IP67	370lamp + battery	No	Efficiency ~ 76–88%constant regulation (order of magnitude)	Robust DUO platform used in caving for many years. Beam options are useful in progression and large passages.	Proprietary R2 battery remains expensive for redundancy. BOOST mode is less sustainable thermally in long use. Availability varies depending on retailers. Power/price ratio remains weak versus newer alternatives. Max output clearly below DUO RL.
ArmytekWizard C2 Pro MaxLamp sheet	Often in stock	4150peak + thermal step-down	Medium/Wide opticno dedicated spot	1×21700magnetic charging	~1.4-1.6 €/Whcommon pack (~24.9-28.9 EUR / 18 Wh)	IP68claim 10 m / 5 h	151lamp + cell	Yesmagnet / charging	Efficiency ~ 75–88%likely switching (not published)	Overall reliability is good in caving use outside magnetic topo constraints. Excellent output/price ratio. Standard cells are easy to share across setups. Customer support is often described as reactive.	Magnetic interference with DistoX reported in surveying. Ergonomics/mounting are more general-purpose than dedicated caving setups. Marked thermal step-down in turbo mode. Isolated reports mention accidental activation/overheating in transport.
StootsYetiLamp sheet	Observed in stock	1400	Medium/Wide optic + dedicated spotno bare LED	1×21700easyLock, 17.7 Wh	~2.2-2.3 €/Whcommon pack (~40 EUR / 17.7 Wh)	IP68	134lamp + battery	No	Efficiency ~ 85–92%regulated switching (manufacturer)	Overall reliability is considered good on key models. Compact with useful output in progression. Very good waterproofing level on key models. Ergonomics and beam options suited to wet use.	Higher entry budget than several alternatives. Total cost increases with dedicated batteries/accessories. Historical feedback mentions fragility on some mounting/support setups. Paddle button ergonomics are less convenient with thick muddy gloves. Video flicker is present: visible banding or pulsing brightness appears on camera when lamp driver frequency and camera frame rate are out of sync.
Scurion1500 SpeleoLamp sheet	Possible stockouts	1300ANSI	Very wide (bare LED) + dedicated spotseparate channels	Proprietary pack4-cell pack (~49 Wh)	~1.9-2.3 €/Whcommon pack (~95-112 EUR / 49 Wh)	IP68claim -20 m	510full kit	No	Efficiency ~ 88–94%switching (published "up to")	Reliability/robustness are often cited over the long term. Maintenance and spare-parts ecosystem is generally well documented. Homogeneous beam appreciated in large passages and photography.	High purchase price and total cost. Weight varies significantly with battery configuration. Connector/charging points are sometimes cited as watch items.
MeandreProwide 4.5Lamp sheet	Observed in stock	~4500depending on version	Very wide (bare LED) + dedicated spotdepending on variant	3 cells in series10.9 V · 3.5 Ah	~2.0 €/Whcommon pack (~75 EUR / 37.8 Wh)	IP69claim -200 m	4503-cell kit	No	Efficiency ~ 85–92%likely switching (not published)	Highly specialized caving/diving product. Reliability is often cited positively. Clear technical approach for expert use.	High entry price. Total weight can be significant depending on battery/kit configuration. Fewer recent public reports than major brands. Availability and lead times vary by reseller.
SofirnHS20Lamp sheet	Very easy to buy	2300–2700depending on versions	Medium/Wide opticno dedicated spot	1×18650USB-C	~0.4-0.7 €/Whcommon pack (~4-8 EUR / 10.8 Wh)	IP68 / IPX8not rated for cave diving	~124–175with battery	N/A	Efficiency ~ 60–80%order of magnitude	Simple and generally reliable as a budget backup setup. Competitive price for beginner or backup use. Standard cells and simple maintenance. Good second setup with controlled budget.	Fewer reports in highly committed caving. Useful output and long-run stability are below premium models. Regulation can vary more with battery voltage than premium dedicated lights. PWM/flicker can appear depending on mode and video use. Reports of intermittent contacts exist on some configurations. Medium/long-term reliability is less documented than on premium caving lines. Finish/quality perception is more variable.
PhaethonDualLamp sheet	Made to order	2000	Very wide (bare LED) + dedicated spotpanoramic wide + spot	2×18650replaceable cells	~0.4-0.8 €/Whcommon pack (~10-20 EUR / 25.2 Wh)	Diving -250 mclaim	395with batteries	No	Efficiency ~ 65–90%linear: efficiency ~ Vf/Vbat	Caving/diving oriented with extensive customization. Fine beam control for advanced profiles. Perceived robustness is positive in committed use.	Premium pricing. Switch/ergonomics can be difficult with muddy gloves (field feedback). More limited distribution in France. Handling requires adaptation.
ArgolampArgolamp 2.0Lamp sheet	Manufacturer direct order	24002×1200	Mixed (bare LED + medium/wide optic) + dedicated spotprogression mix + long throw	2×21700stated 6800 mAh pack	~0.2-0.8 €/Wh2x21700 standard cells (~8-30 EUR / ~36-40 Wh)	Up to 150 mclaim	370lamp + battery	No	Efficiency ~ 65–90%linear: efficiency ~ Vf/Vbat	Clear caving/immersion positioning. Interesting 21700/18650 compatibility. Field-oriented controls and mounting ergonomics.	Premium pricing and after-sales service to verify by country. Fewer recent public reports. Few independent benchmarks available.

See also the dedicated lamp sheets: Stoots, Scurion, Argolamp, Phaeton, Meandre, Petzl DUO RL and Petzl DUO S, Armytek, and Sofirn.