next The Highstar is a 2,300-lumen professional headlamp designed for hunting, fishing and outdoor use, as well as tactical and law enforcement applications. The quick-release mechanism is the feature that immediately sets it apart from standard headlamps. The HighStar detaches from its headband and mounts directly onto a ballistic helmet, industrial hardhat, or serves as a standalone work light. This versatility isn’t typical at this price point and makes it a really useful kit for anyone who needs hands-free lighting in more than one context.
The optics are understandable. next Built around its proprietary Claw Optics lens system, the HighStar produces a focused 12-degree spot beam with a 279-yard throw and a 100-degree flood beam for wide area coverage. The spot-to-flood transition is smooth rather than stepped, eliminating the harsh hotspot problem that makes it difficult to use a lot of headlamps in close work or camping situations. Both white and red LEDs are integrated into a single compact system, with the red output preserving night vision and reducing light interference in the field.
The Gen 3 active heat buffering system with thermal control and cooling vents handles sustained runtime without heat degradation, which is a real concern when running any high-output light for long periods of time.
- Output: up to 2,300 lumens
- Spot beam: 12 degrees, 279-yard throw
- Flood beam: 100 degrees
- LEDs: dual white and red, plus SOS
- Battery: 3400mAh rechargeable 18650 via USB-C, or 2x CR123A
- Housing: Magnesium alloy
- Waterproof: IP67
- Impact resistant: 3.2 feet
- Weight: 3.3 ounces without battery, 5.2 ounces with battery and headband
- Dimensions: 3.2″ x 1.8″ x 1.4″
- Headband: 7A-Grade Antimicrobial, Odor-Resistant, Reflective, Ventilated, Adjustable
- Thermal Management: Gen 3 Active Heat Buffering
- Quick-release: Converts to a helmet light, hardhat, or standalone work light
- MSRP: $109.99
The antimicrobial headband is a practical feature for hunters running headlamps for long periods of time before dawn in hot weather. At $109.99 for IP67 waterproofing, 2,300 lumens, dual-power compatibility, and quick-release multi-mount setup, next It is aggressively priced compared to comparable professional-grade headlamps.
Is helmet and hardhat compatibility something that depends on how you use the headlamp, and does the spot-flood combination in one unit appeal to you? Let us know in the comments below. We always appreciate feedback.
