So, I came up to the White Mountains to teach a course in mountain medicine but before doing so took a major detour to REI in Mass. Purchased 3 new lights for comparison. Here are my thoughts:
They all use the 1W Luxeon. In order of brightness
Zenix (3AAA)
Matrix 2 (2AA)
Yukon (3AA)
I showed the lights to another ranger and also someone who had been a ranger for many years and does SAR for the AMC.
I'd say compared to the others the Zenix was the least impressive. Both the 2 LED and the 1W Luxeon have what appears to be almost the same brightness for trail hiking, although of course the spot from the 1W is nice. The problem is that it seems overly complicated...perhaps if it didn't have an over-the-top headband it would seem less gangly.
The best all-around light was the Matrix 2. Least complicated, best light-weight ratio, simple to get batteries for and with lithiums, it doesn't weigh much and will work for winter operations. Definately the most simple to use. Also, batteries not in the back so you can lie down and read at night without that bump in the back of your head.
The forward bezel on both PTs allows for easy climbing AND descending without having light spill into your eyes.
For SAR use I would say the Yukon, having the best spot, snuggest fit, and easy helmet placement would fit the bill.
So, I next time I head up the mountains I would take the following:
Yukon and/or Matrix 2
PT Aurora
BD Ion and Petzl Tikka plus to keep on me at all times (in my radio harness, which never leaves me.)
They all use the 1W Luxeon. In order of brightness
Zenix (3AAA)
Matrix 2 (2AA)
Yukon (3AA)
I showed the lights to another ranger and also someone who had been a ranger for many years and does SAR for the AMC.
I'd say compared to the others the Zenix was the least impressive. Both the 2 LED and the 1W Luxeon have what appears to be almost the same brightness for trail hiking, although of course the spot from the 1W is nice. The problem is that it seems overly complicated...perhaps if it didn't have an over-the-top headband it would seem less gangly.
The best all-around light was the Matrix 2. Least complicated, best light-weight ratio, simple to get batteries for and with lithiums, it doesn't weigh much and will work for winter operations. Definately the most simple to use. Also, batteries not in the back so you can lie down and read at night without that bump in the back of your head.
The forward bezel on both PTs allows for easy climbing AND descending without having light spill into your eyes.
For SAR use I would say the Yukon, having the best spot, snuggest fit, and easy helmet placement would fit the bill.
So, I next time I head up the mountains I would take the following:
Yukon and/or Matrix 2
PT Aurora
BD Ion and Petzl Tikka plus to keep on me at all times (in my radio harness, which never leaves me.)