Customer Reviews

Petzl Tikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not much of a camper, but I know that a good hands-free light source is important when doing the outdoor thing. So when I was planning that aspect of my '04 Sturgis motorcycle trip, I did some research along those lines. I read a number of positive reviews for the Petzls on Amazon.com, and decided that one of those would do. However, I wanted to make sure by doing some hands-on research, so I went off to my local outdoors shop for that purpose.

I was going to buy the Petzl with the retractable string headband, since it was the most compact. But after trying it on, I was afraid the thin string would break at the worst possible moment, and I'd be sucking wind. I looked at other Petzls, and finally settled on the Tikka Plus. I liked that the lamp had adjustable pointing positions, and it seemed bright even in a well-lit store. Plus the sturdy headband fit well; it didn't feel like it would fly off if I sneezed too hard, or break under heavy use. Also, the Tikka Plus was light, compact even with the wide elastic headband, and ran on easily replaceable AAA batteries. Finally, the price was right, especially compared to some of the high-end, rechargeable models I saw.

I knew I'd made the right choice after the first night outside. It still fit my head snug and comfortably, even while walking or moving around in close quarters. As for the light's brightness, it was more than sufficient. I was able to read just fine after dark in my small tent, and it made finding that elusive item at the bottom of my pack much easier. Also, the Petzl came in handy when I had to cross a grassy, wooded campground for that late-night bathroom break. Others have complained about the push button light switch, but I had no real issues with it. The different light intensities were a nice feature - I used the highest one the most, followed by the second brightest for night reading at sack time (this is where the light's tilt function came in handy; it helped me achieve a comfortable reading position).

The Petzl Tikka Plus was one of the single most useful camping items I brought along on my Sturgis trip. If you camp a lot, then perhaps a higher-end lamp would suit you better. But for an infrequent camper like me, this one was just fine.

This is a great little headlamp, very useful, and very bright. I mostly use mine while I'm knitting, to cast a bright light on my work. Before I got it, no matter how many lamps I positioned around me, there was always some little spot in shadow. Now, I can see what I'm doing clearly, even with very dark yarn.

The thick strap on the light keeps it from slipping, even on my silky, slick hair, and the light itself is adjustable, so that I can point it at whatever angle I need.

And when I want to read in bed late at night while my fiance sleeps, I can dim the light with a few clicks, and it lights up my book perfectly, without the added hassle of dealing with something clipped to the top that has to be shifted around as I change positions or turn the pages.

My only complaint is the battery life. I'll admit that I have the light turned on a lot, and for long periods at a stretch, but I've only had it for a little over a month, and I've already had to replace the three AAA batteries. I'd recommend if you plan to use it a lot, you buy some rechargeable batteries to cut down on the cost.

This is an excellent product - I always bring it with me in my backpack.

I'm writing another review because my wife likes these so much she wants one with a soft headband now. I still the think the clever design of the headband (the older Zipkas) and how it retracts into the back of the light for storage, is genius. But to each their own. Either way, very well done!

We lose power constantly in NH and I've used one of the Zipka headlamps for about 5-6 years. You can't beat these Petzl lights - 150 hours before you have to replace the batteries?? That's tough to beat. Also, these things weigh about 65-90 grams. That's right. You can't even tell you're wearing them. My wife finds the pressure on the forehead a little annoying so she wears hers on top of a baseball cap.

- great for walking around inside or outside - throws off plenty of light

- keeps your hands free

- white light makes it much easier to perform tasks like reading

- batteries last forever (150 hours?)

- so light you can't tell you're wearing it

- so small and light, I bring it with me in my backpack wherever I go

- solid construction - never had any problems

- I've never had any issues with the 3-LED but the four is even better of course.

I Highly recommend.

I've been running for several years, and just now got a headlamp for night running. This unit is excellent for night running. It's very bright, and on clear nights I often only need to set it on "2" (4 being the brightest). The lamp pivots easily so that it can be aimed at the ground or farther out. Finally, the unit is light enough so that you forget it is there, and doesn't move, shift, or bounce while running. I would highly recommend this for runners.

I loved this item! I took it on a trip to Madagascar, where the tilt feature proved to be REALLY useful. You can incline it upward to look in trees at night (which is, sometimes, pretty useful), or incline it all the way down for lighting your path.

This throws a nice, wide area of light, and all three brightness settings are handy (still haven't found the point of the "strobe" feature).

The only complaint I have with the product is one that might not bother anyone less clumsy - any time you drop this headlamp, it pops open and the batteries fly out. They're easy to put back in, and my lamp was never damaged, but if you find yourself wearing this lamp with a hat, it is easy to launch the thing.

I recommend anyone go ahead and buy this lamp, but practice putting the batteries in when it's light out and, if you're WAY OUT in the boonies, carry a couple extras where you can find them (in the dark).

Other than that - comfort was great, it was easy to use, and I'd recommend to anyone.

I have read all the other reviews for all the other versions and found this to be a great product. I needed one asap so I had to go to REI and since I do night hiking I needed one with a red lens. Naturally I was gonna buy the TekTikka but that was going to take too long so I got a lens kit and overall it was 10 bucks more and everything you need. The XP is great but this is definitely enough for 2 people hiking on a dark night up Mt. Wilson. I will be ordering a TekTikka for a backup, but the exchangeable lens set was all I needed. The only nice thing with the TEK is the red lens flips down allowing white and red, instead of a quick trail change with your knife. But you cannot change the colors in the future if needed.

This headlamp is perfect. I often walk at dusk or dark on roads with no sidewalks. Drivers really see me coming now! I use it on the lowest brightness, which is quite adequate for seeing the road ahead. I bought it for walking, but I've used it twice already for hands-free lighting while doing projects in the house like rewiring an electrical outlet (with the power turned off of course), and adding memory to my PC.

Needed to change my running schedule to mornings, but I've got to deal with a few months of pitch black (and cold, but that's another story...). Tried my old, heavy headlamp, no good. Read a few good reviews of this one, and now I'm adding my name to the list. Incredibly lightweight, don't even know it's there. Excellent amount of light, and it's adjustable to three different brightnesses (though I do always use the brightest setting). Doesn't shine a mile ahead like a regular flashlight (which I sometimes carry also), but it's not designed for that. Puts the light on the road, where I need it. Easy on/off switch. Can also adjust the angle easily. Have used it in light rain, no problem, seems pretty weatherproof. I'm sure it would work for many uses, but for running, this one wins my race. Great headlamp. Highly recommended.

I run at night and was looking for something to light up the path in front of me and this does a great job of that. It's high quality and it's comfortable. I wear it over a baseball cap or over just a regular winter cap. The light is bright and adjustable. It also adjusts up or down depending if if you want the light to hit the pavement right in front of you or further out.

I've also used this when doing home repairs.

You won't be disappointed.

Great, compact little headlamp. The design and the elastic band is very comfortable to wear. It is a bit pricey in comparison to other brands and comparable products, in my opinion. I am a bit disappointed in the strength/power of the light that this headlamp provides, but it can only be expected as it uses LED bulbs. Still a good purchase though and very handy. It works very well in small spaces, but does not provide a powerful enough beam for most outdoor field-hiking situations.