Petzl Headtorches

Richard Phillips

Hello all,

I bought a Myolite 3 last weekend, salesman convinced me it was a good one.
Normally I do lots of research before buying stuff, this was a bit more
"heat of the moment" purchasing though. Having read a little more about it,
it seems the Myolite 3 is aimed at night running, hence it has a long
distance beam and is rather heavy and bulky! Plus, the batteries won't last
long at all with the main zenon beam...

So, I'm thinking on changing to a Tikka. Anyone use them? Opinions?

Regards,
R.

Dominic Sexton

In article <fj3cj2$2hb$1@aioe.org>, Richard Phillips
<raphillips@ntlworld.com> writes
>Hello all,
>
>I bought a Myolite 3 last weekend, salesman convinced me it was a good one.
>Normally I do lots of research before buying stuff, this was a bit more
>"heat of the moment" purchasing though. Having read a little more about it,
>it seems the Myolite 3 is aimed at night running, hence it has a long
>distance beam and is rather heavy and bulky! Plus, the batteries won't last
>long at all with the main zenon beam...
>
>So, I'm thinking on changing to a Tikka. Anyone use them? Opinions?
>

I recently got a Tikka XP. It weighs about 20g more than the Tikka /
Tikka Plus (with batteries) and takes 3 AAAs like the others. It has a
single LED with three lighting levels and a boost function if you need
and extra long beam. There is a diffuser that can be slid across to
spread the beam out. It is much more versatile and powerful (when
needed) than the Tikka / Tikka Plus.

I'm very impressed - for the size and weight it is excellent. They cost
about £33.

http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=555

--

Dominic Sexton

Peter Clinch

Richard Phillips wrote:

> So, I'm thinking on changing to a Tikka. Anyone use them? Opinions?

I have a Tikka, Roos a Tikka Plus. They're /excellent/ for where you
want short range ambient light, such as cooking or other housekeeping in
a tent or bothy. They're adequate, but not really more than that, for
if you're coming off the hill a little later than anticipated (guess how
I know that...).

If you're planning a night walk I'd suggest something with rather more
poke, but as a camping utility or emergency lamp with batteries that
last yonks they're excellent.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Richard Phillips

Dominic Sexton wrote:
> In article <fj3cj2$2hb$1@aioe.org>, Richard Phillips
> <raphillips@ntlworld.com> writes
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I bought a Myolite 3 last weekend, salesman convinced me it was a
>> good one. Normally I do lots of research before buying stuff, this
>> was a bit more "heat of the moment" purchasing though. Having read
>> a little more about it, it seems the Myolite 3 is aimed at night
>> running, hence it has a long distance beam and is rather heavy and
>> bulky! Plus, the batteries won't last long at all with the main
>> zenon beam... So, I'm thinking on changing to a Tikka. Anyone use them?
>> Opinions?
>>
>
> I recently got a Tikka XP. It weighs about 20g more than the Tikka /
> Tikka Plus (with batteries) and takes 3 AAAs like the others. It has a
> single LED with three lighting levels and a boost function if you need
> and extra long beam. There is a diffuser that can be slid across to
> spread the beam out. It is much more versatile and powerful (when
> needed) than the Tikka / Tikka Plus.
>
> I'm very impressed - for the size and weight it is excellent. They
> cost about £33.
>
> http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=555

The Tikka XP still weighs a lot less than the Myolite 3 though! I see the
boost function times out after 20secs, how good is the beam for walking at
night without using the boost function? How long would the batteries last
in this scenario?

Cheers,
R.

Dave N

In message <5rkuk0F15e1j5U1@mid.individual.net>, Peter Clinch
<p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk> writes
[...]
>If you're planning a night walk I'd suggest something with rather more
>poke, but as a camping utility or emergency lamp with batteries that
>last yonks they're excellent.

"Yonks". I haven't heard that word in a long time. I remember its
meaning but I looked it up (on-line) anyway because it struck me as
interesting and evocative. I could only find one reference in Chambers
English Dictionary which describes it as a colloquialism, without any
elaboration. I wonder where it originated?

--
Dave N

N.B. Mail to nospam is rejected. Reply-To does work.

Richard Phillips

Peter Clinch wrote:
> Richard Phillips wrote:
>
>> So, I'm thinking on changing to a Tikka. Anyone use them? Opinions?
>
> I have a Tikka, Roos a Tikka Plus. They're /excellent/ for where you
> want short range ambient light, such as cooking or other housekeeping
> in a tent or bothy. They're adequate, but not really more than that,
> for if you're coming off the hill a little later than anticipated
> (guess how I know that...).
>
> If you're planning a night walk I'd suggest something with rather more
> poke, but as a camping utility or emergency lamp with batteries that
> last yonks they're excellent.
>
> Pete.

I am planning to be able to use my headlamp in both ways; I do intend to try
some night walking with it, probably just for an hour or 3 at a time, but I
would like to be able to use it round the campsite too, so I don't have to
bother packing a seperate torch. The Myolite 3 has a zeonon bulb for "night
running", but also has a 3 LED array for tent reading etc.

Maybe I'm best off sticking with the Myolite 3 then? Is the zenon bulb (I'm
guessing it's bright but it'll eat batteries... I use rechargeables though
so apart from the risk of running out of charge, I don't care about the
cost) better for night walking uses?

Cheers,
R.

Boo

> "Yonks". I haven't heard that word in a long time. I remember its
> meaning but I looked it up (on-line) anyway because it struck me as
> interesting and evocative. I could only find one reference in Chambers
> English Dictionary which describes it as a colloquialism, without any
> elaboration. I wonder where it originated?

Maybe from "donkeys years" ie a long time ?

Boo

Doug B

Energiser headtorch. Tesco,s £9.99.
Takes 3AAA batteries, twin LED plus single red LED to preserve night vision
if needed.Similar battery life to my four LED Petzl. Energizer slightly
brighter in direct comparison.Why pay £30 when you can pay £10.

Dominic Sexton

In article <fj3ids$n12$1@aioe.org>, Richard Phillips
<raphillips@ntlworld.com> writes
>Dominic Sexton wrote:
>>
>> I recently got a Tikka XP.
>> http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=555
>
>The Tikka XP still weighs a lot less than the Myolite 3 though!

It does. I have the Myolite 3 too.

> I see the
>boost function times out after 20secs, how good is the beam for walking at
>night without using the boost function?

It is fine for general walking on the dimmest setting. If you want to
pick your way through tricky terrain you need the brighter beams. The
brightest (without the boost) is almost as good as the Myolite beam with
fresh batteries.

> How long would the batteries last
>in this scenario?

I couldn't say for sure because I've only had it a month. I have been
out with it three times and have been playing with the different powers
for about an hour each time.

Petzl claims on the packaging that the high power mode will still be
good for 20m after ten hours of use (they claim 35m with fresh
batteries).

Overall I really am very impressed with it and will be using it as my
head torch or choice for nearly all applications. If I feel I really
need more power I also have a Princton Tec Apex which has a very
powerful beam but weighs three times the Tikka XP.

--

Dominic Sexton

Peter Clinch

Richard Phillips wrote:

> Maybe I'm best off sticking with the Myolite 3 then? Is the zenon bulb (I'm
> guessing it's bright but it'll eat batteries... I use rechargeables though
> so apart from the risk of running out of charge, I don't care about the
> cost) better for night walking uses?

The thing about night walking is you don't typically need much light
beyond your immediate footfalls a lot of the time, but when you do it
can make a crucial difference. Think of finding a good place to ford a
large and fast stream or working out a good descent from a scramble, for
example: you really want a power spot for that particular sort of game,
but once you're over/down you can probably go back to less oomph (quite
possibly none at all in many situations, especially if there's a good moon).
Looks to me like the Myo 3 should do what you want, though worth getting
into the habit of getting away with LEDs as much as possible.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Neil

In message <47556268$0$13942$fa0fcedb@news.zen.co.uk>, Doug B
<?@bay7.myzen.co.uk.invalid> writes
>Energiser headtorch. Tesco,s £9.99.
>Takes 3AAA batteries, twin LED plus single red LED to preserve night vision
>if needed.Similar battery life to my four LED Petzl. Energizer slightly
>brighter in direct comparison.Why pay £30 when you can pay £10.
>
>
I've got a Tikka. I agree with what others have said here, it's not the
brightest beast in the world, but for illuminating the path directly in
front of you it's fine. Very small and light, I carry it most of the
time just in case.

See:

http://www.7dayshop.com/

and search on 'Outdoors' and 'Torches'.

"VERY Limited Stock - An incredibly bright 19x LED headlight - look into
it on full power and it hurts (not recommended!). Comfortable to wear
and has lots of uses including cycling, walking, in the garage and
anywhere you need hands free lighting - nice product at a great price !
Silver body with black/grey strap
Requires 3 x AAA (LR03) batteries (not included in price)
4 modes: Low (1 uses just bulb), Med (uses 7 bulbs), High (uses all 19
LED's) and a flashing mode (using all bulbs)
Also supplied with elasticated around (and over head) strap. Fitted with
a padded forehead section for extra comfort "

No experience of it, but £3.99 - cheap as chips!

Regards,
--
Neil Pugh

Richard Phillips

Dominic Sexton wrote:
> In article <fj3ids$n12$1@aioe.org>, Richard Phillips
> <raphillips@ntlworld.com> writes
>> Dominic Sexton wrote:
>>>
>>> I recently got a Tikka XP.
>>> http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=555
>>
>> The Tikka XP still weighs a lot less than the Myolite 3 though!
>
> It does. I have the Myolite 3 too.
>
>> I see the
>> boost function times out after 20secs, how good is the beam for
>> walking at night without using the boost function?
>
> It is fine for general walking on the dimmest setting. If you want to
> pick your way through tricky terrain you need the brighter beams. The
> brightest (without the boost) is almost as good as the Myolite beam
> with fresh batteries.
>
>> How long would the batteries last
>> in this scenario?
>
> I couldn't say for sure because I've only had it a month. I have been
> out with it three times and have been playing with the different
> powers for about an hour each time.
>
> Petzl claims on the packaging that the high power mode will still be
> good for 20m after ten hours of use (they claim 35m with fresh
> batteries).
>
> Overall I really am very impressed with it and will be using it as my
> head torch or choice for nearly all applications. If I feel I really
> need more power I also have a Princton Tec Apex which has a very
> powerful beam but weighs three times the Tikka XP.

Why did you buy the Tikka XP when you already had the Myolite 3? Do you see
any scenario where you'd prefer the Myolite 3 over the Tikka XP?
How do you think they compare? What's the beam length on the Tikka XP like
compared to the Myolite 3?

Cheers,
R.

Richard Phillips

Peter Clinch wrote:
> Richard Phillips wrote:
>
>> Maybe I'm best off sticking with the Myolite 3 then? Is the zenon
>> bulb (I'm guessing it's bright but it'll eat batteries... I use
>> rechargeables though so apart from the risk of running out of
>> charge, I don't care about the cost) better for night walking uses?
>
> The thing about night walking is you don't typically need much light
> beyond your immediate footfalls a lot of the time, but when you do it
> can make a crucial difference. Think of finding a good place to ford
> a large and fast stream or working out a good descent from a
> scramble, for example: you really want a power spot for that
> particular sort of game,
> but once you're over/down you can probably go back to less oomph
> (quite possibly none at all in many situations, especially if there's
> a good moon). Looks to me like the Myo 3 should do what you want,
> though worth getting into the habit of getting away with LEDs as much
> as possible.
>
> Pete.

Good points Pete. I think the Myo 3 might well do what I want, but Dominic
has made quite a good case for the Tikka XP too :-/

Cheers,
R.

Rob G

On 4 Dec, 14:57, Neil <n...@nospam.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <47556268$0$13942$fa0fc...@news.zen.co.uk>, Doug B
> <?...@bay7.myzen.co.uk.invalid> writes>Energiser headtorch. Tesco,s £9.99.
> >Takes 3AAA batteries, twin LED plus single red LED to preserve night vision
> >if needed.Similar battery life to my four LED Petzl. Energizer slightly
> >brighter in direct comparison.Why pay £30 when you can pay £10.
>
> I've got a Tikka. I agree with what others have said here, it's not the
> brightest beast in the world, but for illuminating the path directly in
> front of you it's fine. Very small and light, I carry it most of the
> time just in case.
>
> See:
>
> http://www.7dayshop.com/
>
> and search on 'Outdoors' and 'Torches'.
>
> "VERY Limited Stock - An incredibly bright 19x LED headlight - look into
> it on full power and it hurts (not recommended!). Comfortable to wear
> and has lots of uses including cycling, walking, in the garage and
> anywhere you need hands free lighting - nice product at a great price !
> Silver body with black/grey strap
> Requires 3 x AAA (LR03) batteries (not included in price)
> 4 modes: Low (1 uses just bulb), Med (uses 7 bulbs), High (uses all 19
> LED's) and a flashing mode (using all bulbs)
> Also supplied with elasticated around (and over head) strap. Fitted with
> a padded forehead section for extra comfort "
>
> No experience of it, but £3.99 - cheap as chips!
>
> Regards,
> --
> Neil Pugh

Neil
Had a quick look at these. Keep away unless you are wanting something
just for camp. The head strap system is c**p on these very cheap ones
- I bought one of the single LED 1W ones which put out a good light in
a reasonable beam but the strapping was useless. I ended up
canabalising an old Petzl and mounting it on that.

The 3W versions with the back of head battery pack showing up on Ebay
have a much better head frame.

Rob