Petzl NAO - high-tech headlamp review.

[feifei]

Thanks for the great review,love Petzl headlamp

 

[cue003]

I have the 2014 version on its way. Should be fun. I will run it through it paces compared to the many many other headlamps I have purchased this year and some left over from last year that I haven't gotten rid of yet.

 

[TSellers]

I've been curious regarding the following:

1: Has reactive lighting become something that other headlamp engineers have adopted, or is it unique to this model only? (If so, it makes me wonder why the other high end brands have not jumped on the reactive band wagon?)

2: Are wavelengths that offer higher CRI values of any signficant importance, and if so, are they available in this model without the need to do a modification?

 

[Szemhazai]

1 - no it's only Petzl specific technology for Nao and Tikka R / RXP models.
2 - not so much, honestly speaking the CT around 5000K is more important than higher CRI for outdoor activities.

 

[TSellers]

honestly speaking the CT around 5000K is more important than higher CRI for outdoor activities.

Based on my experience, which is more than casual, , I'd disagree.

 

[Ggmesquita]

Congrats on modding the light. Any before and after pics of the beam/output?

Is the battery drain you are experiencing on the modded battery or the default battery from Petzl or it doesn't matter and happens on any/all battery packs?

Thanks cue.
Problem is I only have 1 battery pack at this moment. A modded one. After aditional testing, I've concluded it does have some drain issue even when disconnected. It is about 0,01V every 48 hours or so.
I have a new battery pack in the mail. When I get it, I will test both the original and the modded one and post results.
Also, when I get the batt, I will post a beamshot pic.

Gg

 

[chele519]

Hi. I just got the updated Nao and am having some trouble customizing the settings. The instructions are not very helpful and I cannot find a customer service number to call Petzl. I'm hoping someone here might be able to help. I set up a 2nd profile but can't figure out how to upload it to the lamp. When I try to change profiles by holding the switch for 10 seconds, the light is supposed to flash but doesn't, it only goes from reactive to constant after 2 seconds. Holding it longer has no effect. I'm thinking that may be because there is only one profile but I'm not sure. There are 2 showing in the software. If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[illetrikflowz]

just picked up the latest nao
any updates on the mods?

 

[Szemhazai]

The new nao is allready on Cree XP-G2 co there is almost no point in led replacement (only if you want to change CT or CRI).

 

[grimloktt]

All,

I'm looking to buy a new headlamp but this site didn't paint a very good review. The site shows the Coast Hl7 as a better value. Thoughts?
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Headlamp-Reviews/Petzl-NAO

 

[TSellers]

This fall, our Visitor Safety Specialists, got a dozen of the new model NAO for avalanche rescue. A few weeks ago some the Human Wildlife Conflict Specialists tried them and did not like the tint, so they went for Spark headlamps with T5 emitters instead. Given that Gear Lab does not appear to give any hard stat's such as emitter types, or CRI values in their questionable reviews, that Coast (which seems to be made in the same Chinese facility that makes LED Lenser) does not have nearly the quality of manufacturing standards of either the Petzl or the Spark's however, I so I don't think there's much comparison there. Personally, I think you'll get more solid information from this forum that from those Gearlab reviews.

 

[Szemhazai]

Sorry grimloktt but comparing NAO with Coast Hl7 is a :lolsign:.
NAO is currently one of the most popular headlamp for trail/ultra runners, thats all .

 

[grimloktt]

This fall, our Visitor Safety Specialists, got a dozen of the new model NAO for avalanche rescue. A few weeks ago some the Human Wildlife Conflict Specialists tried them and did not like the tint, so they went for Spark headlamps with T5 emitters instead. Given that Gear Lab does not appear to give any hard stat's such as emitter types, or CRI values in their questionable reviews, that Coast (which seems to be made in the same Chinese facility that makes LED Lenser) does not have nearly the quality of manufacturing standards of either the Petzl or the Spark's however, I so I don't think there's much comparison there. Personally, I think you'll get more solid information from this forum that from those Gearlab reviews.

Sorry grimloktt but comparing NAO with Coast Hl7 is a :lolsign:.
NAO is currently one of the most popular headlamp for trail/ultra runners, thats all .

Thnx guys for your responses. I'm new to researching headlamps (been wearing a cheapo for years, though). Maybe you can check out this thread and share your thoughts? http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...oast-HL8-LED-Lenser-14R-2-Nitecore-HC50-or-90

 

[DasVeldermaus]

Hi All,


This is my first post on the Candlepowerforum. That being said, I've been reading around here for over a year.


It was this forum that taught me the meaning of Lumens, Lux, Chinese Lumens, protected & unprotected 18650's etc. So, I wanted to start with a thank you to all of you inspiring people out there.


Now, getting to business. I'm a huge Nao fan, but like the rest of you, I'm dissapointed by the battery pack design. What is the use of a 18650 powered headlamp, and a big-bag-o 18650's if you can't use them?

So, I tried a first mod which ended badly. My approach was to extract the PCB from the original Nao cell, and attach that to 18650 holder clips so a actual battery holder would not be needed. Result was not desirable.

Second try: I decided to change approach. Instead of changeable cells I decided to go for an external belt mounted battery pack which would allow the NAO to run all night (at least) on it's highest output setting.

For that, I bought the Nao extension cord and scrabled together four flat form factor 2200 mAh batteries and checked if they were still healthy.

Then, I glued them together, sealed the package with tent-repair kit fabric, and used Velcro + an 18650 sized lipstick to "interface" it with the Nao's battery holder.

Result:

It does not win prices for it's looks, but my initial run with this thing at my belt indicated that it should last at least a couple of hours more than the original battery.

My question to you guys is : Did any of you do any (successful) mods of different form factor battery's than single 18650? Am looking to improve this thing

 

[Szemhazai]

Yes it can be done - If you connect only the black and red wire (in the extension cord or in the original cord) the lamp will work until the PCB inside the cell / battery pack will cut off the power.

 

[PunkBuster]

Does light sensor still not work in fog?

 

[hongchai90]

Does light sensor still not work in fog?

Mine works but for heavy fog haven't tested out yet ..

 

[carrot]

Does light sensor still not work in fog?

It works quite correctly in the fog. If it is bright, the backscatter prevents you from seeing anyway, so it dims. You can choose to override it, or better yet, use a handheld under these conditions, where the backscatter will be less of an issue.

 

[ThreeStripes]

Custom Three (3) Panasonic cell 18650 3400mAhs with LCD that displays battery meter and charge percentage. Primary single, but modified cell pack is retained so this is essentially a four (4) 18650 cell modified Petzl Nao. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can go to hell and back and still have light for days with this bad boy. :devil:

 

[hongchai90]

Custom Three (3) Panasonic cell 18650 3400mAhs with LCD that displays battery meter and charge percentage. Primary single, but modified cell pack is retained so this is essentially a four (4) 18650 cell modified Petzl Nao. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can go to hell and back and still have light for days with this bad boy. :devil:

This is one piece of godlike modding