Petzl 2009 models!

[santza]

Hi all. I have seen the new petzl line which is going public in next fall.
They have BIG improvements to their lights:
modern led's multi-modes on all models etc.
Howewer i've been told that there is possibly still no regulation
except the myo RXP. Packaging will be more attractive and
more space-efficient. All models are marketed at least for now as. tikkina 2, tikka 2, tikka plus 2 etc.

Note! This information is from a sales rep. + I have seen the headlamps myself and made the conclusions, so there might be some inaccuracies.
I dont have any documentation of these to verify the data, you just have to trust my memory

(please note the edit line in the bottom of this post before making conclusions)

Here is the new line in nutshell:

Tikkina 2, replaces tikka and tikkina:
3xAAA batteries, alkaline or nimh
2 x 5mm led's (possibly nichia GS, yet ok tint)
More lumens than current gen petzl tikka which has 3 leds.
3 mode circuitry; low mode, high mode and strobe/beacon
Comes in variety of colors incl. blue, pink, lime and yellow,
headband color matches the frame color.
Cheaper than current gen tikka or tikkina


Tikka 2 / Zipka 2, replaces tikka/zipka and tikka plus/zipka plus:
3xAAA batteries, alkaline or nimh
4 x 5mm led's (possibly nichia GS, yet ok tint)
(possibly?) more lumens than current gen petzl tikka plus with 4 leds.
3 mode circuitry; low mode, high mode and strobe/beacon
Comes in different colors, i cant remember which ones but at least two different choices.
Tikka version has casual headband, Zipka has the "zipka" headband
Pricing around current gen tikka

Tikka plus 2 / Zipka plus 2, replaces tikka plus/zipka plus and tikka xp:
3xAAA batteries, alkaline or nimh
1xSSC P4 with optic (both hotspot and spillbeam)
(possibly?) more lumens than current gen tikka XP
3 mode circuitry; low mode, high mode and strobe/beacon
Comes in different colors, i cant remember which ones but at least two different choices.
Tikka version has casual headband, Zipka has the "zipka" headband
Pricing around current gen tikka plus

Tikka XP 2 (note, only tikka, no zipka):
3xAAA batteries, alkaline or nimh
1xSSC p4 with optic + myo xp style diffuser
LOTS of lumens, many many more than the new tikka plus. (above)
1x low output red led with flood beam
3 mode circuitry; low mode, high mode and strobe/beacon
both led's have the multimode interface! (IIRC)
Comes in different colors, at least two different choices (black and blue).
Pricing around current gen tikka xp

Tikka 2 series adapt kit:
adapt kit for new headlamps.
fit's all the new tikka 2 series.
basically it's headband that goes also over your head as the older petzl adapt models.

Any comments?



EDIT: Seems that I didnt remember quite correct.

In researching the question of the Boost mode's 20 second cut-off, I queried the Petzl rep about their upcoming lights.

To the best of his memory (and mine now … what's that game where you pass info around a room?) the only light going to 3 modes (low, high, blinky) is the Tikina. LED counts are correct, though he couldn't verify the 5mm manufacturer. The Tikka, Tikka +, and Tikka XP will actually have more output levels, 5 or 6, with the Tikka + and Tikka XP getting a 5mm RED mode. Still no regulation, still not waterproof, and I forgot to ask about pricing or availability.

So, maybe not so bad, depending on your love/hate of AAA x 3 and regulation. Still, I'm beginning to think this early info is "the :devil: devil's :devil: workshop" for getting all in a lather over nothing.

I will ask the rep. the specs. I will correct this post later.

Sorry for inconvenience.

 

[paulr]

I really wish they'd do a 1aa version of the zipka. The zipka headband plus 1aa power ... sweeeeet.

 

[noelex]

Have they fixed the wiring problem for the 2009 models or do they still just have fuse?

 

[tnuckels]

Santza, thanks for these updates. I've always liked the Adapt system so it's nice to see they've extended its versatility. Where did you see all this?

Have they fixed the wiring problem for the 2009 models or do they still just have fuse?

I don't think concerns about wire wear and tear issues have any relevance here, as none of models mentioned by Santza have external wires. :green:

EDIT: Spell checker liked Stanza better. Sorry ...

 

[santza]

Stanza, thanks for these updates. I've always liked the Adapt system so it's nice to see they've extended its versatility. Where did you see all this?


I don't think concerns about wire wear and tear issues have any relevance here, as none of models mentioned by Stanza have external wires. :green:

Btw. it's santza, not stanza..

Petzl importer's sales representative had them all in a nice-looking case.
I made a quite big discounted pre-order for them to next fall, so our dept. store has lots of good headlamps to sell.
Keeping in mind that these are likely to run out of their stock fast just like the SSC myo XP did last year.

And yes, the wiring in these models is completely internal.

 

[tnuckels]

So, I guess lights don't come out like automobiles where the new models available in the Fall count as the early release of next year's goodies? Still, Fall of '09 seems sort of late for "2009" lights, but close to Christmas gives everyone an excuse to buy.

Must be an "outdoors" department store to carry such goods or just not in the States. When would you expect these to start hitting the shelves?

The Tikka XP 2 sounds like a buyer. Everything I already like, plus red for night vision. Cool!

I really wish they'd do a 1aa version of the zipka. The zipka headband plus 1aa power ... sweeeeet.

That would be one small package. I remember some CPFer cannibalized a Zipka for the retention system and attach it to a … something else … maybe a Zebra?

 

[moonfish]

I also could could be blessed never to waste my time with another AAAx3 setup.

 

[cave dave]

So some time fall '09 Petzl will catch up to what the modders were doing two years ago?

I think I will pass.
:sigh:
Maybe at least try something innovative like a 1AA light?

 

[gajslk]

Sorry, no regulation, no sale. Better luck next year.

 

[Shorty66]

That would be one small package. I remember some CPFer cannibalized a Zipka for the retention system and attach it to a … something else … maybe a Zebra?

It was me. Zipka Headband + H60:

 

[uk_caver]

They certainly seem to think people really want strobes.

Personally, unless low and high were very close together (x3 or less) I'd always choose a low/medium/high setup over low/high/strobe.

Especially where battery life is an issue, having an intermediate option can give much more runtime in situations where the low setting isn't bright enough, and I imagine that all the places I need a headlight, I'd be far more likely to be in a situation where runtime might be an issue than where I might have need of a strobe in order to be found by potential rescuers.

Particularly with the Tikka XP 2, having a light that is potentially very bright on full, runs off AAAs but still only has 2 levels seems a strange design, though I guess they're maybe hobbling it somewhat in the hope people will choose a Myo instead.

 

[tnuckels]

Hmm, I only read as far as "3 mode", my brain filled in High, Med, Low, and I carried on reading the next line. That does seem a drawback, not having a middle power level, and smacks of marketing rather than engineering. Much rather have a 3d power level than the rarely, if ever, used blinky mode.

Santza, can you confirm this, and are you really on a secret fact finding mission from Petzl and testing the waters for new design combinations?

Just askin' is all … :tinfoil:

 

[Woods Walker]

Seems like they are looking to play catch up with PT and like most headlamp makers PT took forever to upgrade. Still no regulation with many of them. Oh no that means no lithium. Come on. I guess a brighter Tikka plus would be nice as the Tikka plus is a very good direct drive headlmap however mine is bright enough and will not spend money just to get a few more lumens. Now if I lost my Tikka plus guessing the upgrade would be enough reason for another.

 

[tnuckels]

Dang, off composing and Woodsy beats me to the punch!

So some time fall '09 Petzl will catch up to what the modders were doing two years ago? I think I will pass.

It seems like this could be applied equally to almost all of the older, more established, mainstream headlamp makers out there. Still, better late than never. However, with them off in their LuxI & LuxIII daydream it was a good day to be a modder, right? What fun will be left to be had when everyone is up to date?

I also could be blessed never to waste my time with another AAAx3 setup.

Sorry, no regulation, no sale. Better luck next year.

I don't quite follow the logic concerning the next two items: AAA x 3 lights and Regulation, and hear them thrown around so much as flaws that they begin to feel like "buzz-words" that have been elevated beyond their merits because everyone is supposed to dislike them.

I completely understand the benefits of a more robust battery, but if you're willing to give up some runtime for diminished size/weight, and you don't have to contend with some goofy, fragile AAAx3 battery carrier, then what's the harm in this power source?

Likewise, I enjoy a knowing that when I turn a light on I'm going to get X amount of light every time, or nothing at all, or perhaps some sort of "moon" mode. I also like the thought of squeezing every drop of juice out of my batteries. However, since NiMH rechargeables have reached the point of consistent usability, sucking batteries dry has diminished in importance to me. I've also never had a problem with unregulated lights, especially headlamps, which, if my experience is anything like the norm, probably see longer duration usage intervals than do handheld lights. Sure, you get more light to begin with that then tapers off in an unattractive diminishing curve, but because you're using them for longer periods of time your eyes adjust and don't really notice it much till it's almost time for new batteries.

Well, that's my contrarian take on it anyway, and though the brand being discussed is Petzl, my thoughts extend well beyond a single manufacturer.

 

[276]

I like the current setup that has 4 modes high, med, low then strobe/ beacon.

 

[Shorty66]

Lithium Batterys are lighter and as you dont need three cells you can make smaller lamps wich means another weight reduction.

3AAA NIMHs have less runtime than one 14500.

Wether you like regulation or not is perhaps a question of taste, but regulated lights are usally more efficient than unregulated ones because you get usable light for a longer time.

 

[tnuckels]

In researching the question of the Boost mode's 20 second cut-off, I queried the Petzl rep about their upcoming lights.

To the best of his memory (and mine now … what's that game where you pass info around a room?) the only light going to 3 modes (low, high, blinky) is the Tikina. LED counts are correct, though he couldn't verify the 5mm manufacturer. The Tikka, Tikka +, and Tikka XP will actually have more output levels, 5 or 6, with the Tikka + and Tikka XP getting a 5mm RED mode. Still no regulation, still not waterproof, and I forgot to ask about pricing or availability.

So, maybe not so bad, depending on your love/hate of AAA x 3 and regulation. Still, I'm beginning to think this early info is "the :devil: devil's :devil: workshop" for getting all in a lather over nothing.

 

[tnuckels]

Lithium Batteries are lighter and as you don't need three cells you can make smaller lamps which means another weight reduction.

3AAA NIMHs have less runtime than one 14500.

I understand completely and agree with your assessment. But, for the "average-Joe" out there, alkalines are their default battery, rechargeable NiMH are for "Green-Hugger-Liberals", and anything else should plumb be illegal. Perhaps an extreme illustration, but I'm sure you take my point.

Also, many of the more exotic rechargeables carry a level of danger associated with their use and recharge cycle and probably should not be handled by casual users. Even being careful around my own house, I can't tell you how many times my younger children have put primaries on the charger, so far to no ill effect.

You could even muster a decent argument against lithium primaries, unless you need them for winter conditions, considering their street price. So, mainstream manufacturers are mostly concerned with servicing mainstream buyers, and perhaps immune to some degree of criticism leveled at them by CPFers, no mater how well founded the logic.

Whether you like regulation or not is perhaps a question of taste, but regulated lights are usually more efficient than unregulated ones because you get usable light for a longer time.

Oh, I like regulation, but feel its merits loose a bit of their luster when discussed in the context of headlamps. Perhaps we could define "usable light". Oddly enough I find that I need more lumens using my headlamp during the day than at night to overcome the sunshine and pierce the remaining shadows. And even at night I'll turn off some distracting lights around me because it seems to make my headlamp work better at lower levels. But, in the deep dark places of the world it's surprising what amounts to enough light, a mere handful of lumens, and I think we tend to discount what our own eyes can do, enchanted as we are with our bright, shiny toys.

 

[hopkins]

Originally Posted by Shorty66
Whether you like regulation or not is perhaps a question of taste, but regulated lights are usually more efficient than unregulated ones because you get usable light for a longer time.

Depends on your definition of what 'is' is... 'usable'...:green:

One thing headlamp makers could add is glow in the dark material inside the battery compartment +/- symbols for those who may need to replace batteries
in the dark.
Some battery holders do not have coil springs anymore so some helpful glow
+/- signs would be nice to get the batteries in the correct polarity.

 

[d1337]

One thing headlamp makers could add is glow in the dark material inside the battery compartment +/- symbols for those who may need to replace batteries
in the dark.
Some battery holders do not have coil springs anymore so some helpful glow
+/- signs would be nice to get the batteries in the correct polarity.[/quote]

Glow in the dark material in the battery compartment is a interesting idea but don't forget that 99% of all glow in the dark material needs to "charge" up in bright light. Battery compartments don't usually see much sun. Trits would work but Petzl would never use trits. Maybe just continuing to use springs is the answer.