In my experience there is no one light that is good for SAR work because it depends on what you want to use the light for. For example a light which works well to illuminate at a distance might be too bright or have too much of a hot spot for effective mantracking in low light.

Most SAR folks I know carry at least 2 lights and usually one of those either has multiple intensities or multiple bulbs (either 2 different LED types or LED + Incandescant).

I have to say however that I've never used the Ritter light so I can't say what type of SAR work it would be best suited for.

Thanks for your input. I'm new to SAR and I can't decide on a headlamp. Every time I think I've decided which one to get, I change my mind. I just don't want to spend a bunch of money on something that I won't be satisfied with. I suppose any light is better than no light!

Troden,

You may as well give in the Dark Side. You will be spending money on gear ad nauseum. You will succumb to the disease of being a gear addict. You will be forever optimistic that the next piece of gear is going to fill "the need" perfectly. That is, until the need changes.

The first step towards "normalcy" is to admit you love gear.

Welcome to the party! Feel free to jump in with both feet.

You know you're really sick when you have a flashlight that works fine but you buy another one because it matches your SAR uniform

I own more Yellow gear now than I ever thought I would.

MoBOB,

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm sure I won't have any more problems deciding what to get. I try to jump in with both feet but my wife keeps hanging on to one of them!

If you wear shoes or boots that don't tie, they will slip off and you will be a free man.....