Item Receipt:
The Petzl Tikka XP shipped as a complete package (headlamp,
set of Energizer alkaline batteries and instruction guide). The headlamp was
as expected given the information provided on the Petzl website.
First Impressions:
My first impression was that technology has moved on since my first LED
headlamp which is also a compact model. An early use of the Tikka XP
on a night-time geocaching mission has highlighted the increased
functionality of this headlamp as it appears to address a frustration I have
with my current headlamp, no focused long-distance beam, something that I
find is not ideal when undertaking night walks whether bushwalking or
geocaching. Mind you on this initial foray with the Tikka XP I still
managed to walk straight into a lake whilst looking for that elusive cache!
Enough geocaching, back to the interesting Tikka XP. As previously
alluded to, the Tikka XP is a compact integrated headlamp/battery headlamp.
The batteries (three AAA/LR3) fit into the rear of the unit, between the
headlamp proper and the headband/tilt bracket. The battery case is easily
accessed, no special tool/coin etc is required to remove it. The polarity of
the batteries is clearly indicated within the case. Finally the case is
sealed with an o-ring (gasket). On the side of the headlamp is a battery
charge indicator. The indicator changes colour when the batteries are
approximately 70% and 90% discharged. I say approximately as the indicator
is subject to battery type and temperature. See
Chuck Carnes's Initial Report report for a photo of the battery case.
The headlamp secures to one's head via a single adjustable elasticised
band, 25 mm (1 inch) wide. The band attaches to the headlamp via what
Petzl calls a tiltable head. This feature is a ratchet tilt
bracket which allows the headlamp to be tilted 90% downwards.
Moving on to the headlamp itself. On the top of the headlamp are two
yellow buttons. One button controls the boost mode. Boost mode gives a more
intense light for up to 20 seconds. In focused beam mode, it provides a 50
metre (164 feet) beam. The second button controls the light mode (maximum,
optimum, economy and flashing). Rapid clicking of the button moves the
headlamp through the various modes. The case has a raised lipped protecting
the buttons from accidental switching.
On
the front of headlamp is the wide-angle lens. The lens is pulled across the
LED to provide a wide-angle beam and pushed back for focused beam mode. My
initial usage suggest that this is an easy function. Below the LED is a
molded lip, I assume to minimise downward disbursement of the light.
The wide angle lens cover can be replaced and comes in transparent, red,
green and blue colours. The headlamp only came with a clear or transparent
lens. Additional spare parts available from Petzl include a replacement
elastic strap, a maintenance kit (battery cover gasket and silicone grease),
and a protective wide-angle lens case.
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Testing Strategy:
My testing over the four month test period will be based around overnight
backpacking and camping trips and geocaching trips. In particular I will
focus on assessing the following aspects of the headlamp:
- Ease of use of the buttons;
- Functionality of the button protection lip;
- Ease of use of the wide-angle lens;
- Functionality of the lip below the LED light;
- Functionality of the battery charge light;
- Comfort and adjustability of the headband;
- Durability of batteries;
- Function of the light in the field;
- Durability of the light through normal use.
