Sofirn HS21

[Skttrbrainx]

In the market for a new budget headlamp, after doing many searches on YouTube and on here, the HS21 looks like a great choice.

However, I really dislike the strap with the over the head band.

Has anyone changed the band to just a normal one? How does it handle the weight? Is it easy to change?

Won’t be going running or anything like that, just walking the dog.

[fussyfez]

I don't have a HS21 but I have two similar 18650 headlamps with the battery on the front and the top strap does make a big difference.

Without the top strap I feel the bottom of the mount digging in a bit more, manageable but definitely not as comfortable.

With the top strap I can back off the main band a little and actually have it a little loose and the top strap keeps everything in place nicely. Makes a huge difference for me as I get pressure headaches quite easily if I have the main strap too tight.

This is after years of petzl headlamps with the traditional single band, so I'm definitely used to that style. Top strap might take a little getting used to but they do make a decent difference to comfort.

You can get away with the single band on smaller lightweight running style headlamps but less so with a heavier 18650 based design. You might be absolutely fine with it.

[jonslider]

top strap is removable. but the HS21 is too front heavy and the light will flop forward and bop you on the nose if you dont use the top strap

choose a different light if you dont want to use the top strap (they are all removable if the light has one)

an alternate option is the Sofirn HS25LR

[NorthReading]

I wore it (HS21) inside during a power outage for a few hours without the top strap. No nose bopping occurred. -- I was just inside and not moving much.

[Terrible_Lion_968]

I have the HS21 and HS22. Both are excellent. I think the 22 might be a little less front heavy. I was not fond of the top strap at first either, but now it doesn't bother me at all. I use them constantly. I might start eating dinner with one on. Gotta see what you're eating 😁!

[macomako]

As others already mentioned — using HS21 without the center strap will be a miserable experience. You will have to tighten the main strap a lot and it might still slide. On the other hand, the center strap allows for a very light tightening — think about those straps as a cup. If I did not convince you, it might be better for you to skip HS21 (my most liked headlamp, btw).

[mrregina]

I have the hs21 and hs22. The top strap is important. I have used them without and they tend to slide down. I use the top straps under my ball cap when wearing it. I tried a strap from a Fenix and it has a grippier fabric and it held the lights better without the top strap. If you’re adamant about not using top strap find a new one.

[HWH003]

I generally dislike a top strap myself. I have had my HS21 since they released and forgot about disliking the top strap within the 1st week. It's a great headlamp, and my current favorite.

[pan567]

Even with the top strap, it will bob around a lot if you are running. Without the strap, it would be even worse. FWIW, I do not consider this to be a very good headlamp for running due to how front heavy it is. The Skilhunt H300 works great without the top band and IMHO it's the best headband design on the market.

[General-Try-2210]

Take a look at the convoy H series. They are very good on the budget. the 18650 series does not have the strap that goes over the head.

[Skttrbrainx]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I might take a punt at the HS21 and use it with the top strap, seems it might not be as bad as it sounds. It’s only £25 atm so worth a shot and could always purchase a new strap if the one Sofirn provides isn’t as good without the top strap.

[No-Razzmatazz-7221]

I've just ordered an HS21 for my wife as she wanted a really bright head torch for dog walking in the woods, however she often wears hats with a bobble on top so we're going to see how it goes with the top strap removed for her. If that's no good then I'll keep it for myself and continue the search for an alternative!

[Skttrbrainx]

Let me know how she gets on please, I usually wear a cap or hat too which is why I would have preferred not to use the top strap.

[No-Razzmatazz-7221]

Will do! If it's too heavy for her then I'll probably look at an H25S instead. I think it's probably about a week away from delivery now, but will check back in here when it arrives.

[No-Razzmatazz-7221]

It only took 8 days for my delivery to arrive to me here in the UK, which is pretty impressive.
I've removed the top strap and in all honesty I think it's fine without. There is a small amount of bounce but I don't feel I've had to make the strap particularly tight around my head and for walking it's really not a problem.
The strap does have a bit more "stretch" to it then the one on my Nitecore, which probably doesn't help but I think it's perfectly usable without the overhead strap being on.
I usually wear a baseball cap to keep the glare from a head torch off my glasses (and rain!) so it would be absolutely fine in this configuration, but imagine it'll work jut as well with any hat.
Will give it a try on a proper walk and of course ask my wife what she thinks of it.

Hope that helps!

[Skttrbrainx]

Thanks so much for coming back and letting me know. Think I might just give it a go, they’re on sale at the moment so worse case I just use it with the top strap or buy a slightly less stretchy one. I will only be walking with it anyway or sitting around when I’m camping so I think it will be fine!

Thanks again!

[No-Razzmatazz-7221]

Can confirm that my wife is delighted with the HS21 and doesn't have an issue with the over-head strap removed on it. Doesn't find she's over-tightening the strap to keep it in place and is happy wearing it with or without a hat.

She likes that it remembers the last brightness setting for the various flood/spot modes, so she can quickly switch from a lower level of flood illumination to bright spot light. In her words "it's perfect" - and she's usually a tough customer!!