The Lumeo Pro 230 is the best Running Headlamp We’ve Tried

We took the Lumeo pro 230 on the road to see how it fares and it turns out it’s the best running headlamp we’ve tried.

Back in the day when Zissy and I were training for Comrades we used to regularly run in the dark, before the crack of dawn without a blink. The running headlamps we used were bulky, heavy and ran on 3x AAA batteries. They didn’t last long, changing out the batteries was always a hassle and naturally we usually only realised the batteries were flat while trying to run out the door in a hurry.

Since then, we have become averse to running in the dark. We shoved those lamps in a drawer and have forgotten which drawer.. Then this year when winter hit, we both wanted to get out the door earlier. Waiting till the first light of day (6.30 in winter) isn’t practical when you have jam-packed work days. It was either running in the dark, starting late or not running at all.

Lumeo Pro 230 Headlamp First impressions

After a few runs using a mini pen sized spotlight which while light is also light on the light it shines, I started looking for headlamps. I had seen the Lumeo Pro 230 headlamp advertised and was incredibly curious as to how good it really was. So to find out we took them to the road…

It comes in the tiniest box, sized like a small light globe. It’s hard to imagine that something packed so compactly could unwrap to be a useful running headlamp, but nevertheless it does!

It has a very sleek and minimal look with the bulkiest part being the control box which sits to the side. The control box extends into a thin soft rubbery section, in which the wide LED lighting strip sits. The other half of the lamp is the adjustable strap. It has a soft elastic waistband feel to it and it adjusts to size incredibly easily.

There is an instruction leaflet inside the box but it’s pretty intuitive to use. It instructs you to charge before your first use, this took us 2 hours. Charge (or lack thereof) is indicated with a charge symbol shaped light on the control box. It turns green once charged.

Once you place it on your head and are ready to get going, the level of light it provides indoors is incredibly powerful. It would brighten a room substantially during load shedding! Outdoors, it doesn’t come across as bright but is more than adequate for you to see where you are going and for you to stand out like a beacon to any oncoming traffic, making it the perfect running headlamp.

Our Experience using the Lumeo Pro 230 Headlamp

Running with it was a seamless and pleasant experience. When worn over a buff, you can not feel it at all. It is lightweight, comfortable and functional. When worn directly on your head, I found it less comfortable. I could feel the control box near my ear which was a little irritating. Perhaps adjusted it would feel better but it’s so cold in winter that running with a buff is essential anyway.

After one week of use we were both convinced that it is the best running headlamp and here’s why.

Compact & Lightweight

This headlamp folds up incredibly small making it easy to store, ideal for travel and ultimately translates into a very lightweight headlamp which you can barely feel.

Adjustable

Zissy and I are both petite. Often caps and headlamps don’t adjust far down enough to fit well on our heads. This headlamp adjusts perfectly and it could go even smaller, kid sized maybe? I can’t imagine this not fitting anyone.

Wide light beam

The LED strip that sits across the whole forehead portion is simply brilliant. The headlamps I have experience with are spotlights on a band. This 230° light offers a wide band of light meaning you have a whole portion in front of you well litten. It made a substantial difference for seeing the road clearly. I can see it being excellent for camping, braaing outdoors at night and I wish I had this during the beginning days of loadshedding when none of us had alternate solutions and had to cook and work in the dark.

Multiple lighting options

The Lumeo headlamp offers 6 different functions making it super versatile.

It has 2 brightness settings for both the LED strip and the spotlight. The spotlight also has a flashing light function and the LED strip has a sensor function, so waving your hand over it turns the light on and off.

One press of the power button toggles between the first four settings, a hard press of the power button activates the flashing spotlight and a press of the power button, followed by a press of the signal button turns on the sensor function.

It has a brightness of 350 lumens, be careful where you aim it indoors – I’m not exaggerating the brightness and blinding potential this light has. Whenever I turn it on indoors, it feels like my eyes need to readjust to normal levels afterwards.

Battery System

AA & AAA batteries are so old school. Replacing them is a pain, expensive and they add unnecessary weight to something that sits on your head. The Lumeo pro comes with a powerful 1200 mAh battery which charges with a supplied USB-C cable. It took 2 hours to charge out of the box and the battery lasted a full week of running (close on 3 hours). The battery wasn’t dead by the end of the week but is said to last between 3 & 8 so it made sense to charge it for the next week ahead.