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Petzl Tikka

rated 4.0 of 5 stars
photo: Petzl Tikka headlamp

This headlamp has good battery life, is fairly durable, and comes with an affordable price. The only drawback is the highest brightness setting, which isn't incredibly bright, but given the size and the price, it's a great buy.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • Not very bright

This headlamp offers multiple light settings and uses the batteries well for each setting well. It's also durable, though the casing can open if given a significant drop. It's easy to operate and offers good functionality for low-demand tasks. The only drawback is that the highest beam intensity isn't that bright.

All this considered, the price is fantastic for the quality of the product and, at the price, you can't do any better. This is excellent for reading at night or walking around camp. It's isn't a high-end technical headlamp, and it doesn't pretend to be.

If you're looking for a simple headlamp, this is the best one for your money.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $25

Solid headlamp.

Pros

  • It lights up the dark
  • Battery life

Cons

  • Not as bright as other headlamps

As others have noted, this headlamp isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch, but usually you can find this for cheap and if it's between this and nothing, get this.

It is solid, the battery life is good, and it's not like you are trying to read by candlelight with this puppy, it will illuminate things. A solid headlamp.

Source: bought it new

This is a great headlamp -- runs on 3 AAA's that last a long time. It replaced a minimag 2AA. )Only thing better is a Tikka Plus which didn't exist when I got this one. The pattern is not too deep, only about 20' or so, but it's wide and even -- great for tasks around camp or in the tent. I don't really night hike, other than the trip through the woods to hang a bearbag and such, but this light works well for that.

Price Paid: $28 at Campmor (2002)

This is an outdated headlamp; others have more power and versatility. It is always in my daysack as an emergency lamp due to its lightweight construction. Unfortunately the housing has started to crack, probably due to the difficulty involved in trying to change the batteries.

Simple switch is not that easy to use, light cannot be dimmed, plastic is not robust, closure of the battery compartment is crude and it would be better if it took AA batteries instead of AAA's.

For its day, this was the best ultralight flashlight. Unfortunately, its day was several years ago. Today its clunky non-waterproof sliding switch, inability to pivot up and down, and single intensity (3 LED's, period) make it a non-starter. Get the latest revision with the four LED's, pivoting head, and waterproof switch if you don't want the added weight and complexity of the Tikka XL, or get the Tikka XL.

Simple things just work.

Pros

  • Simple and reliable
  • Battery life

Cons

  • None

Simple things just work.

Simple ... Lightweight ... Easy to find since it glows in the dark ... Long battery life ... Reliable.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $25

Wasn't sure to write the review here or not since I got the mil version with the red lens cover. Anyway, not the brightest in the world, but if I had wanted something brighter I would have bought it. This one has worked like a champ. It goes with me every time I am out camping.

Price Paid: $30

This light represents all that I need on hikes. A basic light that works. Through four epic hikes, and countless overnighters, this light simply works.

Price Paid: $24

My favorite piece of gear is a headlamp...being out backpacking or just at home. I have had my Tikka for five years now but like others have mentioned, the case cracked and now it isn't consistent. The light doesn't always work due to the disconnect with the batteries now. This also happened to a friend and she had to get a different headlamp. A little disappointed but it has been a good headlamp for five years!

Price Paid: $30

The headlamp has worked well in a number of different circumstances. However, the case is cracking and no longer snaps closed - light flickers because battery contact cuts in and out. Resorted to using duct tape to keep it closed.

Disappointed with having to do this because of the money spent on this product. Have used this lamp on and off for about 4.5 years.

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The Tikka replaced the Petzl Tikka XP 2.

Specs

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Price MSRP: $29.95
Current Retail: $29.95-$34.95
Historic Range: $12.60-$34.95
Reviewers Paid: $24.00-$30.00
Weight 85 g
Lumens 100 20
Max Distance 55 m 25 m
Max Burn Time 120 m 180 m
Beam Pattern Wide
IXP Rating IP X4
Batteries 3 AAA/LR03
Battery compatibility rechargeable Ni-MH
Product Details from Petzl »

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