I did the research and I'm amazed some guys said they don't like a bow mounted light. When its 5:am, freezing and your oozing thru a stump mine field that front light is great to have. I keep a hand held spot in my storage that I can connect to the socket on my switch plate but I never seem to need it. But its nice to know I got it in the boat should my bow light go out. Once I'm in my hunt spot I keep a streamlight flashlight in my waders for "spotting" the general area. Its about 2.5 inches long and lights up the area. For up close light I use a head light. BTW I run a longtail on my boat...one hand on the throttle and the other on a grab bar. I can't imagine holding a spot while running the timber.

IMO, this is the safest way to travel. I can keep one hand on the throttle, one hand on the steering wheel, and I have light everywhere I look.

Can buy them everywhere in Louisiana, or purchase everything you need at your local hardware store and make one yourself.

I do recommend using rivets and an aluminum cone if you have the tools. Most you buy back home have cones that are silicone into the hardhat, and eventually the silicone will break free with the heat from the light.

Work great for frogging from the boat as well.

I have not tried the hard hat light so I cannot comment on it. But I have learned one thing for sure....I ALWAYS want a CONSTANT light shining the same direction my boat is heading.