Headworn Lights

[sdnative]

Not to be confused with headlights

I am in the market for a headworn light (lamp, torch, etc). Anyone have practical experience with these? I know I can research more specific forums (and I have), but wanted to throw it out there too.

I am giving serious consideration to these:

Princeton Tec Apex:


or the Petzl Tikka XP2:



The Apex is larger and has a seperate battery pack, but light output is incredible and used AA batteries, which I am trying to standardize on (radio, gps, etc all use AA). The Tikka is a general purpose light, smaller, not as bright, lighter, and uses AAA batteries. The Apex has a regulated output meaning consistent light for a length of time before dimming. The Tikka is unregulated, meaning the light level will be proportional to the battery charge.

I plan to have this in my truck for emergency use, and carrying it with me while adventuring outside my truck (e.g. hiking)

Any comments, reviews or criticism? I know Tom is always talking about these so I'd like to get his input as well.

[Chazz Layne]

It depends on the purpose, and IMO it is hard to be multi-purpose with a single headlamp.

For a general "working area" light to wear when fixing stuff, running radios, reading/writing, etc. the Petzl Tikka models can't be beat. They are light enough to forget you're wearing them, the beam pattern is smooth and usefully spread, and the brightness is at a comfortable "work" level so you aren't bleeding out the details and aren't straining to see in the dark. I do also use mine when night hiking, but I prefer to have a dim light that doesn't affect my night vision too much when doing that. I carry a regular Surefire for anything I actually want to see beyond the trail when night hiking.

If I were going to explore caves, lava tubes, etc. I'd want the bigger, brighter headlamp. If the goal is to be hands-free in such an environment (where you're more focused on ropes or whatever) I'd definitely want something brighter than a Tikka.


Also, on regulated vs. unregulated - our experience with the Tikkas has been that they are consistent until the battery is dead, then they'll flicker for about 5 minutes before going out entirely.

[xtatik]

Tikka Plus. One in the console. One in the hunting vest. One in the fishing vest. One in the backpack.........And, one in the bedside stand.

[cruiserlarry]

Tikka Plus. One in the console. One in the hunting vest. One in the fishing vest. One in the backpack.........And, one in the bedside stand.

I observed the Tikka Plus in action with Randy at Field Day, and it was impressive to me...lots of well-focused, usable light, bright, and relatively lightweight. And I prefer units that use standard batteries, as opposed to lithium cells, as they are harder to come by out in the boonies....

[sdnative]

Also, on regulated vs. unregulated - our experience with the Tikkas has been that they are consistent until the battery is dead, then they'll flicker for about 5 minutes before going out entirely.

Hmm, I read a report on another forum that the Tikkas were unregulated. Good to know.

I prefer units that use standard batteries, as opposed to lithium cells, as they are harder to come by out in the boonies....

Me too. I am just standardizing (or trying to) on the AA. Having a light that takes AAA means I'll have to carry more batteries. No biggie I guess.



The Tikka has a red LED as well. How useful is that?

[cruiserlarry]

The Tikka has a red LED as well. How useful is that?

I haven't used the Tikka myself, but the red LED probably helps you to maintain night vision when using it in situations requiring low light...

[Chazz Layne]

The Tikka has a red LED as well. How useful is that?

I haven't used the Tikka myself, but the red LED probably helps you to maintain night vision when using it in situations requiring low light...

Yup, very much so. It is also less likely to give away your position.

[Chazz Layne]

Hmm, I read a report on another forum that the Tikkas were unregulated. Good to know.

Yep, unregulated... but you wouldn't notice that by using one.

[DennisDawg]

I have a LED Lenser Head Fire Revolution Dual Colour that I picked up someplace. It weighs little, runs on 3 AAA, has 5 white LEDs and 1 red LED, and a dimmer.

I use it all the time when out and about on foot at night, either on my head or just sitting or hanging in my tent. Very useful. Bright enough to read with.

The light itself can tilt if you want it too look down more than straight out.

When trucking it, I use it less, because I can carry all kinds of silly lights in the truck.

The red light is great for at night, so one does not impact night vision but can still track down the toothpaste top!

I picked it up at like Costco or something . . . I am not sure they sell it any more but have the H5, H7 and H14 or something now.

[ssc]

Eric,
What is the intended use? I prefer princton tec as they work and are inexpensive. I keep these headlights around but don't use them much. When I do, I prefer the red light. I did use them a bunch when I was riding, as I always needed two hands to carry junk off the scooter. One thing I will caution you on, is that many times a bright light is a bad thing. I prefer lights that have lower throws, so as not to blind you or reflect when trying to use for close in work. Of course, when light is needed I have a surefire handy--helps to have a friend who works there.

The other thing I found when using headlights, is that I managed to break them and misplace them, so I look at them as disposible units and it is not uncommon for me to buy cheap headlights at walmart and just keep them handy. I have two in the FJ and two on the bike and in my emergency backpack etc. Not that it is a headlight, but my fav is the surefire outdoorsman 2 stage e2l. 90% of the time I use the low power. Of course if your intended purpose is exploring caves, then that is a different animal.

Good luck, Steve