I use the Tikka XP for about everything. I've been running with it recently, usually only need the low setting. It's bigger than some, but it's been fine for my 3-4 mile runs. I also snowshoe with it in the winter, and I just came in from the woods when I used it to check on a game camera I've got out back. I've tried a few headlights, and I have to say this is my favorite all-around light. I also put in the red diffuser for when I go flying, then I have a good backup light in case of electrical failure. The only time I don't like it (or any headlight for that matter) is when I'm out and my breath/vapor is so thick/visible that the light illuminates it and blinds me. The convenience of a headlight sure is nice though. On last nights run I decided to carry two other flashlights for comparison on the run. One was the ROV 3watt 2AA...about 1/2 way through the run a neighbors dog was out. Normally they're not a problem, but with the time change they're not used to us running after dark. I could hear the dog barking a bit aggressively as we approached, then it made the run, blasting across the lawn and into the road, now snarling a bit. We stopped, Robin got the OCS ready, but when it was 10' away I lit it up with the ROV...Dead silence and it came to a skidding halt! It's eyes were like saucers in the light. Then it just turned around and went back up to the house with a few meek barks along the way. It was nice to not have to hit it with the OCS.
-Gerry
-Gerry