User Review: Petzl Tikka XP

Petzl Tikka XP
Above: The current Tikka XP, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Price Paid: $49

Wonderful, lightweight headlamp. The Tikka XP has the perfect balance of economy and light output. I used it for a 7 hour caving trip on the lowest setting and, when dark adapted (dark adaptation takes the average person about 30 minutes), it was all the light I needed to easily navigate and appreciate speleothems (though there were six of us, three with Petzl Duos). The boost setting does a good job of illuminating big rooms and deep crevices when needed. I used Sanyo 1000 mAh NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries and the XP's battery charge indicator was flashing green at the end of the trip. I plan to try the higher settings on future long trips.

The buttons are easy to feel and use, even when wearing gloves.

About the quality of the light: It has a focused, square-ish beam, much more focused than my Princeton Tech Aurora. And the light is warmer than the traditional white LED. Whereas Petzl's 14-LED Duo has a bluish beam, the XP has almost a neutral to yellow cast. I may buy a Duo in the future if they use newer generation LEDs, but for now I will stick with my XPs (I have two, one as a backup). Just a terrific headlamp.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Tikka XP at 11 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Moosejaw
Tikka XP Headlamp (Spring 2008) - Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice Award 2006$49.95Buy Now

Backcountry.com
Tikka XP Headlamp$44.96Buy Now

Altrec Outdoors
Tikka XP Head Lamp$49.95Buy Now

REI
Tikka XP LED Headlamp$34.99Buy Now

RockCreek
Tikka XP Headlamp$49.95Buy Now

Ramsey Outdoor
Red$49.95Buy Now

OEGear.com
Tikka XP$35.09Buy Now

EMS
Tikka XP Headlamp, 2007$49.95Buy Now

Gear for Adventure
Tikka XP LED headlamp$47.95Buy Now

US Outdoor Store
Tikka XP Red$49.95Buy Now

UpsideOver
Tikka XP Headlamp$44.95Buy Now

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