These innovative lamps deserve praise – but there are a few downsides to the Silva Free 1200XS lamp.
The Silva Free series of headlamps are innovative, the first headlamps with interchangeable batteries and lamps and that’s no different in the Silva Free 1200XS. This is a superb idea and Silva deserve praise and the awards it has won. But the first iterations of the Free series are heavy. The cost is very high too. The 1200XS is the lightest and is still much heavier than the other headlamps tested. The run time is short too.
Chris Townsend Recommends
The Free series of headlamps are innovative, the first headlamps with interchangeable batteries and lamps. But this comes at a cost and a few compromises.- Simple controls
- Modular
- Cable in headband
- Battery life
- No red light
- Heavy and exprensive
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £140 | $150 Weight: 230g Power: 2000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery Battery Life: 1-2 hours – 15 hours Brightness: 80 – 1200 lumens/ 45 metres – 150 metres Features: modular – battery and lamp can be changed, 3 light levels, headband with integrated electronics, water resistant (IPX5), combined long reach spotlight and close flood light https://silvasweden.uk |
Against this, the Silva Free 1200XS is well-designed and works well. The battery sits on the back of the head. The cable attaching it to the light unit is integrated into the headband rather than hanging loose, an excellent feature. The small lamp unit pivots through 90° and stays in place once adjusted.
There’s just one button, on the side of the light, and single presses cycle through the three light levels with a long press switching if off. This is simple and easy to use. On full power the lamp is very bright. However with a run time of 1-2 hours this is not something to use for long. In fact the minimum mode is adequate most of the time and far brighter than the same mode with many other headlamps.
In use I found the headband on the Silva Free 1200XS comfortable and the high weight not really noticeable. The headlamp doesn’t bounce when walking on rough steep ground either. The only flaw I found in the design is that it’s easy to catch the bulky battery on a tent door when getting in or out and flipping it off so the lamp goes out.
The design is brilliant but it would be good to see a lighter option with a longer runtime.
Testing Notes
Chris tested the Silva Free 1200XS on night walks and when camping in the Scottish Highlands, mainly the Cairngorms, throughout 2024. This comparative review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. His other reviews in this comparative test can be found in our guide to the best head torches.
