Rod Hill
- 12/28/2005
Incredible output for size with a (just) justifyable price!
I started off with a Petzel Zoom, moved up to a Petzel Duo (3 LED) when they came out, and have now been astounded by the minute size and extodinary output of the XP. After having a problem with my Duo and having it fixed under 3 year warranty, I am sold on Petzel service - it's the best. I was so impressed that when the XP came out I decided to part with my $AUD 100 and buy one. The power output for size is remanrkable - I can even ride my mountain bike by it's light - and middle or economy setting are more than enough for normal after dark hiking. Whilst it may not be as waterproof as my Duo (boughy partly because another of my persuits is white water canoeing), the XP is more than good enough to survive a heavy rain storm and is now my back-up lighting for mountain biking, hiking or running my dog after dark.
JR
- 12/25/2005
Nice Lamp!
It's cool. Brighter than I expected. Another good job by Petzl.
Etienne
- 11/02/2005
Very light and sturdy gear
Very easy to use, only 2 batteries to operate the system, last for many hours, waterproof although I would not with it, I like the possibility of easily finding something in my tent during the night wide angle torch as well as checking out what was the weird noise I just heard in the nearby woods using the far reaching light...
Darin
- 09/08/2005
Great output - good battery life
The Petzl Tikka XP is a great backpacking headlamp. The included alkaline AAA batteries provided about 5 hours of light on the high setting before noticeably dimming. The unit also has a sliding diffuser that helps to disperse the light when around camp. On high beam mode, the beam reaches a good 60 feet, providing plenty of light along the trail. I was considering using AAA Lithium batteries for longer life. I e-mailed Petzl and they wrote back stating that the Tikka XP will also run on lithium AAA batteries (the manual states nothing about lithium batteries). I've also had good luck with Eveready NiMh 850mah cells. They provide almost the same battery life as alkalines. The strap is comfortable, and is long enough to stretch over a ballcap for use. Batteries are easy to change, and the battery compartment is sealed with a rubber gasket. The unit is not rated for underwater use, but handles rain and damp weather without any leaks. The Tikka XP also has a small LED on the side of the case which indicates current battery life. The closest competition to the XP would be the Princeton Tec EOS. Drawback: The only drawback I see of the Tikka XP is the price. I paid $50 for the unit; a comparable PT EOS can be found for less than $30 on the internet.
jacques
- 08/22/2006
Light and comfotable
IT feels a bit plasticy and flimsy, compared to my maglight, but I am confident that the Tikka XP is more sturdy than it feels. Very good light output even on economy mode. Cannot coment on battery life yet, but after 4-5 hrs on economy - no dimming yet. Comfortable and light to wear, not used in the rain as of yet. Diffuser good around camp and hiking, spot if you need to see a little further ahead