Perfect torch for features vs cost (Petzl TACTIKKA 3 LED Headlamp)

Member Name: alsion

Product:	Petzl TACTIKKA 3 LED Headlamp
Date:	30/09/09 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Strong beam, robust build, comfy to wear

Disadvantages: None

Having bought numerous cheaper head torches over the years only to find them break in various ways, I decided to do a bit of research and fork out for a good quality head torch.

(N.B. This unit comes in black or green camouflage colours - picture shows on the green one, but mine is black.)

WHY A HEADTORCH? I have always needed one for travelling and it's invaluable when in places with no electricity/blackouts, camping, reading on buses, casual exploration of a chanced upon cave or ruin (not serious caving). I know other people who use them for fixing their car, reading in bed without disturbing their partner, etc - anything where you need free hands and light! (I first got one as we were camping without facilities and spending a penny (ladies) in the dark / with torch in my teeth was quite tricky!)

PETZL. From my research, Petzl seem firmly established as a brand leader and get great reviews in terms of compact size, beam, robustness and battery life. Certainly my new torch conpares very favourably with other (cheaper) ones I have had over the years.
http://www.petzl.com/

LIGHT. This model has 3 LED lights. The standard beam is white but there is a flip down red transparent cover which converts the light into a duller red beam. The main beam is very strong - sufficient for lighting up my entire room at home, and all the uses listed above. A friend has a (more expensive) 4 light LED and suggested it might be too bright sometimes. The red flip cover is extremely useful - this allows you to be more unobtrusive e.g. reading on a bus or in bed when others are sleeping. Some emergency Petzl models have various flashing SOS modes but I haven't found this necessary for me.

BATTERIES. It takes 3 AAA batteries (which were included in the unit I bought). This is useful to me as I can buy these on the road in other countries more easily than odd disc-shaped batteries (and I believe the 3 AA batteries last longer too). The batteries so far haven't died on me and I have read favourably about the battery life.

BUILD. The best bit for me, is the build. The beam is as powerful as other torches I have owned which have been far larger and bulkier. Despite taking AAA batteries, the unit is still slim and compact, fitting both nicely on the head and packing easily into a crammed bag. The beam angle can be adjusted and this is built very sturdily (helped by the shape/design which doesn't get caught on things in your bag). This has broken in other torches I have had, leaving the beam dangling to my feet and useless worn on the head. The battery clip is also extremely firm and impossible to accidentally catch - you have to push a narrow release button using a key/coin or similar (there's a picture of how to do this in the instructions). I think this torch is worth the money because it will last for ages.

HEADSTRAP. There is a single wide elasticated strap around the head which was very comfortable - other torches have been too tight or a plastic part has dug into my head. The slim, lightweight torch bit means it doesn't droop forward on your forehead. The strap is easy to adjust for size, and has impressive grippy "teeth" on the plastic adjuster so it doesn't come loose while wearing.

EXTRAS. The torch does not come in a carry case, but I don't think that's a problem as it seems small and robust enough to stand my normal packing routine.

PRICE. I'm sure the price will change newer models come out, but overall I think this is excellent value for money. The quality and build will mean it outlasts cheaper torches, so better value in the long run. Although I can't directly compare, I don't think I needed the extra LED on the more expensive models. This one was just right.

Summary: Recommended highly!