Help me pick a Headlamp

[DaveT]

I've started thinking about a dedicated headlamp (instead of the Infinity Ultra in a headband).
I've narrowed my interest to these three:
Tikka Plus
Countycomm's Taktikka
Photon Fusion

Like you all, I've got my pile of general flashlights and specific-use lights, so the headlamps (would probably buy one for me and one for the wife) would be for occasional use - likely kept in the car for tire changes, brought into the home for power outage use, the occasional camping trip - not dedicated spelunking use, not daily use.
(And yes, in CPF fashion, I've considered buying both - but let's pretend I'll just buy one of them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
In the plus column for the Tikka-size lights, I like the size and weight. For the Fusion - AA commonality, tabletop/hand use flexibility, more light levels.
All things being equal for the Petzl lights, I'd prefer the added Taktikka red filter, plus the black band is much better than that goofy print on the Tikka Plus.

So, some questions:
Tikka Plus shows 4 LEDs and three levels plus a strobe, countycomm's Taktikka show 3 LEDs, three levels and a strobe. Is there a major difference in outputs? Also, I'm seeing (on REI.com) a TakTikka Plus - with 4 LEDs (and nearly double the price). Would anyone rate the output with a fourth LED a big difference?
Also, Tikka Plus claims ratcheting head...Countycomm and REI are mum on this point for their Taktikkas. Is this correct - no Taktikka versions tilt? Is this enough of a plus to those who've used the lights to rule out or weigh heavily against the non-tilting lights?
And lithiums - can these Tikka variants use lithium AAAs?
And finally, the Fusion - is the weight/size difference enough that it's a very noticeable/major difference - does the Fusion seem bulky after prolonged use?
Especially for those who have used both, if you were going to pick one of these three as your only dedicated headlamp, which would you go with?

Thanks guys
Dave

 

[DaveT]

Anyone?
Bueller?

 

[Hoghead]

I think the lack of posts is due to members not having the three headlamps you asked about. I don't have them either, but I have several headlamps and I have handled the Tikka Plus. I plan on buying two Tikka Plus in the future.

The Tikka Plus is a nice if you want a light weight headlamp with batteries in the front. The tilt is a good feature and with batteries in the front it's more comfortable to read when you're in a sleeping bag.

Of the three you picked I'd prefer the Tikka Plus.

Other headlamps that I like are the PT Yukon HL and the Corona.

I like the Yukon HL for throw & flood.

I like the Corona for it's dimming feature.

If I were to pick two headlamps to do everything, the Yukon HL and either the Tikka Plus or the Zipka would be my choice.

I have two Zipkas and I'm still going to get 2 Tikka Plus because of the tilt feature.

The extra LED is welcome, but it doesn't make a huge difference.

 

[DaveT]

Thanks Hoghead...I was just hoping for piecemeal assessments, or perhaps folks who could compare one against the other...although I'd hoped one or two CPFers would have experienced all three.

I appreciate your insights.
Dave

 

[Stanley]

Dave, Hoghead's right i think.... I for one don't have any of those you mentioned above, but I do have a Pelican Headsup 3Led 3AAA headlamp, similar to the Tikka, I'd say. I'd also agree that a tilt feature is nice to have, as I have to adjust the whole headlamp to point to a specific point when I want to look at something, esp when reading.

I would say that if you don't need the red filter, then go with the Tikka plus, also because of the compact size of it. You won't even realize you have it with you till you need it...

 

[SunSlinger]

Another vote for the Tikka Plus here.

I purchased the clear, green & red filter kit for it also.

The tilt is a very good feature. I don't use lithiums, but rechargeable NiMH batteries work fine.

It's nice & bright with 4 LEDs on & the other levels let you get just the amount of light you want.

With 4 LEDs instead of 3, I'd say the light output is 25% greater than the old version /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Have'nt seen 'em side by side, but when hiking at night mine lights the way far enough in advance so that you can see where you're going, not just what's at your feet.

Good light for night fishing BTW. The tilt function makes it easy to tie on hooks & do close work, then quickly move the beam out for walking. The Taktikka also tilts. Got mine here.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jhtml;jsessionid=1U4WK2KVEH3YYCWQNVCSCOIK0BWUMIWE?id=0013213&navAction=jump&navCount=0&indexId=&parentId=&parentType=&rid=&cmCat=search

 

[cave dave]

Only the taktikka "plus" tilts. I think there is a non tilting taktikka. The tilt is a very worthwhile feature.

I can't see the use for red myself.

I have a Tikka Plus, Aurora, and had a Tikka. I like the Tikka Plus the best with the Aurora a close second and got rid of the tikka because of the lack of tilt.

 

[mrme]

Another reason you aren't getting a lot of replies is that those headlamps are so similar.

I have never been impressed with Petzl's Tikka and similar models. They did recently add a tilting feature, but it still does not tilt much. They aren't especailly hardy, but they are costly.

If you are buying a Tikka or similar light, it is usually because you want cheap light. Those aaa LED lights last a long time between battery changes. If you don't mind dumping in Lithiums, you might consider the PT Scout. Light output is about the same as the Tikka, but the size is miniscule and weighs less than 2 oz. It tilts better, too. It runs on 4 lithium 2032 batteries. It will be less than lithium aaa's, but will end up more costly than alkaline aaa's in a Tikka.

If you only need an intermittent use headlamp, the Energizer LED headlamp might be the best for you. They cost about half what the Tikkas do, but are pretty similar. The notable difference is that the Energizer model has a red LED and a tighter focus on the white LEDs. I'd take a red LED over a red filter.

 

[ArmyPilot]

Yukon HL and a Tikka are the 2 I've tried. I use my Yukon HL for cross country skiing. I can actually see fine using the dim mode, and I only turn it up to bright if I need to see something farther away. A friend asked if I felt I could mountain bike using it. If you are on a trail/road/path and are going super fast, you could. IF you are going through the woods, or down hills, no way.

My Tikka is in a box somewhere, never used it.

 

[nonbox]

You might want to wait for the Princeton Tec EOS.

Princeton Tec EOS is on the what's new section of the http://www.princetontec.com website.

I got this description off of an online retailer's website:

Princeton Tec EOS Headlamp, Black
Features 1 watt LED with 3 modes. Burn times, 2 hours/9.5 hours/44 hours, run time 6.5 hours/12.5 hours/60 hours. Uses 3AAA alkaline batteries, included

On the PT website the EOS is gray color with a black strap. Is there a black version and a gray version?

Any one have links to larger pics of EOS?

 

[Lurker]

Among the Tikka Plus, Tactikka and Fusion I would recommend the Tikka Plus for general use. The extra LED is good, but the real reason to get one is the swivel feature (compared to the Tactikka) and the low profile and light weight (compared to the Fusion). These features are going to make a real difference in use.

There is also a Tactikka Plus that has a swivel and 4 LEDs and I see no reason not to get that unless price and availability is a problem. I don't see the red lens being a huge draw, but it is another feature that you might use.

The only thing I don't like about my Tikka Plus is that the body is made from a translucent grey plastic instead of a completely opaque plastic. I had to put a piece of tape over the shade to keep 100% of the light out of my eyes. Otherwise, the shade is a nice feature.

I have no experience with the EOS, but it looks good. The throw would outclass the others, but it may be more of a spot light and I prefer a flood for a general use headlamp.

 

[DaveT]

Thanks Lurker.

 

[Blikbok]

I ditched the non-tilting Tikka, and use the PT Aurora right now. I'm watching the new PT products. I hope they work well with NiMH AA's, because a compact, lightwieght, NiMH-compatible, variable brightness LED light that mounts to my head is what I've been waiting for.

 

[Echo63]

i would reckommend the enegizer Led headlamp too
its really cheap
runs on 3x aaas
tilts (really handy feature)
has 2x white leds behind focusing lenses and a wide angle red led too
i use mine all the time (was using it earlier tonight to fix the spotlights on my car) and its still on its original batteries (getting dim though)
dont know about using the Lith AAAs though - cant seem to find any in australia - even if i did i wouldnt be able to afford them anyway

 

[alberto]

I too will endorse the Energizer.

I picked it at Walmart when I needed something in a hurry, figuring I would get something better later. However, I love it. It works great, feels good, and I have (almost) stopped looking for better.

 

[DaGunn]

Ok, here are my headlamps. I am a fly fisherman. Some of the best fishing occurs just as it gets dark,
and hands-free lighting to find one's way back to their vehicle is mandatory.

All of these lights run off of 3 AAA batterys.
Front Row (L->R):
Petzyl Tikka from CountyComm $24 (3 leds on/off)
Petzyl Zipka Plus - $36 ? (4 leds/Adjustable brightness and flash)
Inexpensive Chinese headlamp - $9 (5 LEDs, 7 modes of strobing/flashing/etc.) Magnetic housing.
Back Row (L->R)
Inexpensive Chinese headlamp - $ 16 (10 white LEDs, 2 flashing red LEDs, waterproof, adjustable tilt, magnet)
Inexpensive Chinese headlamp - $ 35 (Low /High brightness Lux 1W High Dome, 2 red flashing LEDs, waterproof, adjustable tilt, magnet)
Inexpensive Chinese headlamp - $ 7.50 (5 LEDs, on/off, magnet)

You can purchase 5 of the 5-LED headlamps for the price of one Petzyl Plus headlamp. I recommend the $7.50 lights for flood lighting and the Luxeon model for spot.

Hope this helps.
Dave

 

[Icarus]

How good/bad is the inexpensive chinese with the 1W emitter?
I suppose it is unregulated? Do you think there is enough room inside for a converter?

 

[nonbox]

I have been using the 3 led tikka with out a tilt and it is too weak. I need the tilt especially when decending stairs. I am going to get a Tactikka Plus.



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http://free.hostdepartment.com/n/nonbox00

 

[DaGunn]

Icarus,
I will post some beamshots this evening, and try to take it apart. It has a nice white LED though with a low and high power setting. Maybe one of those Dorcey AAA circuit boards would fit, will know for sure later this evening.

Dave

 

[DaGunn]

Ok, I don't have time right now for beamshots but here is a downboy in the space behind the reflector. But, to answer your question: Yes, there is room inside behind the reflector for a converter board.