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Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp
By: Petzl       Average Rating: 5.0     Total Reviews: 114
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Like an extra set of hands.     On: 2010-03-13

The light is very bright. There are three brightness levels and a flashing mode. The ability to aim the light is convenient. The unit is so light weight that I do not notice it on my head. The band is adjustable for head size too.

The red filter is an added bonus too. On the lowest light setting I can read books without disturbing my spouse in bed. I agree with other reviewers that it the tab to turn the filter on its hinge is small and makes it difficult to use quickly. It is still easy to use though and not a issue in my mind.

I am looking forward to using the light on projects around the house. No more struggling with tools and flashlights in my hands or trying to add a electrical circuit in the dark. Yes!
super head light     On: 2010-03-09

I like to walk at night, and I have to with my dogs, and I wanted to have free hands. After some research on Amazon, I bought this headlamp. It is really super because it has 3 brightness choices and a blinking light AND it has a red filter, that I often use. The red filter flips down over the LEDs; I prefer the red filtered light because its just that much darker. I imagine, that if I were to get injured in the woods at night, I could use the red blinking light, and maybe someone might find me ... hopefully Ill never need to find out. Anyway, I have used it every night for several months, I have accidentally bumped it and even dropped it a couple times and its still working wonderfully. I bought one for my mom recently and she likes it too. My mom had gotten me a cheap one and there is a tremendous difference; dont bother with the cheap ones.
Excellent headlight     On: 2010-03-06

I purchased this headlight to use for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at night. It has not disappointed me. The illumination both side to side and ahead of me works well. I am able to be confident on the darkest nights.
Fantastic     On: 2010-02-17

I work security on third shift. Some of the buildings I have to check are in darkness. The Petzl E49P TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp works great. It illuminates a large area and frees my hands for checking doors to make sure they are secure.
Petzel E49P     On: 2010-02-12

Very versatile and convenient. Red lens flips up from below led bulbs. This product is rated at 35 Lumens, which is bright enough. Different light modes is handy as well. I am happy with my purchase.
very glad I purchased this item     On: 2010-02-08

Im an experienced day hiker but recently I started hiking in the evenings and needed a lamp. I started with a flashlight but it was so heavy. I did clip it to my pack so it was hands free, but it was difficult to get it aimed right and the pack moved around a lot more than me so the illuminated area of ground was unpredictable.

This is the first headlamp Ive tried and I chose it based on all the great reviews. My experience with it was nothing less than stellar. I took it up into Griffith Park at night, used it to climb up to Amirs Garden and back down, then through the old zoo cage area, and pack to the parking lot. Because of the recent rain the path and stairs were all eroded and carved out by water. White lights are not approved with my group so I flipped down the little red visor with one hand and was ready to go.

I found the light to be bright and I like that it seemed to illuminate a much larger surface area then my flashlight, making it a lot easier for me to find my footing and anticipate the steps to come. I am very happy with this and would buy it again if something happens to this one.
Used on deployment to Iraq     On: 2010-02-01

This thing holds up where other lamps fall apart. I used it every night while deployed to Iraq since that is when we did our work. We would use it around our necks and upside down since we didnt need it on our helmets. I love it. Now I need to get it back from my son so I can use it again.
Petzl E49P     On: 2010-01-28

I have been using the headlamp for about a month. It works very well, is comfortable on the head or over a cap... adjustable strap is good. Light settings are perfect for my use... ice fishing, finding equipment in my fishtrap. The flip up red filter and on/off switch requires some dexterity, but with practice it is fine. The lights are bright for the size of the lamps. It is small and compact... a plus when you wear it on your head for extended periods of time. I think it is perfect for my use... a set of 3 AA batteries will probably last all season. I would recommend it.
Petzl E49P TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp     On: 2010-01-18

This is a great product, is well made, and is very handy for when you need both hands free and still need to see what you are doing. I would buy it again.
Great product.     On: 2010-01-07

This is a great light. It has a wide beam that is very nice for hiking or under the hood. Great battery life. I would have given it 5 stars if it had two focus options like the original Tikka that I like and have had for years. The wide beam reaches the same distance of the original, just slightly dimmer.
terrific for night calving!     On: 2010-01-02

My husband lost his first one in a trail riding accident last year so Santa, ih her infinite wisdom, got him another this year. We have cows who seem to like to give birth at night and this means frequent trips to the barn in the dark to check their progress. He can work hands free but then almost any head lamp can help do that. What we especially like about this one is the ability to have a blinking light. I watch from the window and if he blinks the white light to me I know its ok to go back to bed. If I see a blinking red light I quickly don my snow boots and coat and trek out to help. What a great feature! The only thing we would change is to make the switch from white to red easier to do. He has to take his gloves off to do this one. All in all were VERY happy with this product.
bedtime reader     On: 2009-12-31

I find that I can get to sleep faster when I read in bed so I use this light for bed time reading and the red filter when I am traveling and I have to get up at night in my hotel room. Ive been using the light for a couple of months now and am very happy with its performance. There is no noticable decrease in LED brightness as with the cheapy light I had prior to this one. Reading the other reviews before making my purchase helped me make the right choice so I hope I can return the favor.
Excellent product!!!     On: 2009-12-17

This headlamp is awesome!

different intensities makes it perfect for different situations.

Very good value/price relation!
Possibly the Best headlamp Available     On: 2009-12-15

I bought this headlamp on a whim several years ago. It cost more than I wanted to pay, but it looked cool and I decided to splurge. I have not been disappointed.

The lamp is small, lightweight and very comfortable. I was wearing it tonight while working outside in the dark and when I came in I forgot I had it on. The light is bright enough for most activities, and there are three brightness levels to choose from, plus a blinking option.

I thought the red flip-up filter would end up going unused, but it turns out that I use it quite a bit. Its handy if youre out at night and you want light without ruining your night vision. I also use it when Im talking to others on camping trips. I can see them without blinding them.

The light uses very little energy. I cant remember the last time I had to change the batteries on mine.

Overall, a very well-designed headlamp and very handy to have around.
Nice headlamp!     On: 2009-12-15

This is my second Petzl headlamp...I just wasnt getting enough light from my other one for night trail running. This lamp is great. Good power and stays put on your head nicely. I love the adjustability of the beam angle. Havent had a use for the red lens yet, but it looks cool : ).
Husband likes it     On: 2009-12-01

It just arrived today and my husband likes it a lot. I got it for him for walking around our place at night when he does a nightly check. Hes also very handy and often has a project going such as plumbing or cleaning out the computers when they get dusty inside. He saw the possibilities as soon as he opened the package.
Good for Night Running     On: 2009-11-23

I am happy with this headlight works well for night running. I often run on sidewalks next to a poorly-lit road, so proper lighting is important for me. The adjustable brightness and position are easy to configure while in stride, and the flashing light setting adds offers additional safety. I also have a Black Diamond Ion, but this headlamp is much more useful versatile.

Pros:
1) Multiple brightness settings
2) Flashing light setting
3) Locking lamp positioning, which minimizes
4) Lightweight

Cons:
1) No rear flashing safety light
2) Band is too thick
3) Lamp should have a lower profile--looks a little goofy

great night light, but not optimum for every runner     On: 2009-11-13

I purchased this Petzl light on the basis of price and the generally high reviews. Im a runner, and I purchased it for that specific purpose: night runs. More specifically still, I wanted a light that would help me run not so much on roads and darkened park paths as on one particular gravel path that heads directly into the forest here in Oxford, Mississippi (the so-called Whirlpool woods, with a trailhead directly adjacent to a Whirlpool manufacturing plant).

Although the unit works beautifully, as advertised, it just doesnt have quite enough light to make THAT sort of night running comfortable. It worked great in a somewhat more open setting, Lake Patsy Park, where there was a bit of ambient light here and there from streetlights, park lights, etc. It works really well on darkened (but not pitch-black) country roads. But when youre heading directly into a forest where deer are often found, and where there have been confirmed reports of coyotes and the occasional bobcat--well, I did that last night, and only made it one mile in before turning around and heading back. Its a fine little light, but some trail-running applications, I think, demand something more. The $40 I spent were NOT wasted; Ill use this baby for many less-demanding night-running applications. But Ive decided to spring $100 for the Petzl RYO.
Worth the money     On: 2009-11-11

The Petzl E49P is lightweight and bright enough for close-in tasks. What I like about this is the fact that it uses only 3 AAA batteries, LEDs and battery life. Like I mentioned before its lightweight, and it does not cause any forehead discomfort for long extended use. I am very satisfied with this product. Just keep in mind that this lamp is good for "arms length" illumination. It can guide you through a dark forest, but dont expect it to perform like a SureFire and light up the whole hillside.
Headlamp comments     On: 2009-10-16

The light is easy to use and lights up a wide area on the medium setting. My husband and I walk together before its light in the morning and our streets have no street lights. We are able to walk side by side and only need the one light.
Fantastic Trail Light     On: 2009-09-25

I am impressed! This is just a fantastic light for trail running. Its hard to think about those runs in the wood at night with a flash light. From the first time I used it is was a WOW. It provides ample light to run on the single track trails at night with multiple settings. It is comfortable on the head and easy to adjust or turn on and off. Its opened up a hole new world. PS: My daughter thought is was so cool to go running in the woods at night. It must be good!
A little expensive, but well worth it!     On: 2009-09-10

I purchased three of the Petzl Tactika Plus headlamps for myself, my son and father in law. I received them in short order from Amazon, and put mine to work and gifted the other two. I use mine daily for night trips to my detached garage/shop where the white illumination is excellent in lighting the path. On the low setting with the red flip down filter, close up tasks become effortless without disturbing a sleeping spouse.

I consider the adjustable angle essential. I have another brand with no angle adjustment, and its useless for arms-length tasks. The light is never in the right spot or is too bright. Not so with the TP.

The integrated red filter is a must. No loose filters to keep track of, and its always ready. I find myself not even noticing that it is on. I can just see in the dark!

Battery life is excellent.

My only complaint would be the battery cover: Its a little tricky to secure properly. Not THAT difficult, but something I wouldnt want to do in pitch black by feel alone. All in all, 5 stars!

Happy with the purchase     On: 2009-09-07

Lightweight, long lasting battery life, comfortable to wear. Ive been pleased with this purchase so far. I wore an older model of this headlamp every night for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa, and Petzls product was durable and reliable the whole time. The red light feature is a nice touch for not blinding fellow campers late at night. Highly recommend this.
Perfect for Pilots!     On: 2009-08-22

Im a pilot and I cannot tell you how invaluable this headlamp is when flying at night. With three levels of brightness and a red lens, its an incredible tool. It fits my large Scandinavian noggin quite comfortably and does not get in the way of my headset. Its perfect for preflighting the plane in the dark.Its a permanent fixture in the cockpit. I wouldnt fly without it.
It's a wonder...     On: 2009-08-19

Had this light along on a camping trip and ended up using it a lot. It is very convenient to NOT have to be holding a flashlight while doing other things. I was also close to amazed by the amount of light put out on the high setting...seems almost as bright as a car headlight...or at least a motorcycle. Nothins going to sneak up on you in the boonies...though it might know where to find you. ;-)

Only problem I had was the difficulty of opening and closing the red filter...but Im guessing it was made this way so it wouldnt catch on things in the brush or whatever....same with the switch. I didnt use the high setting much at all...but the batteries are still good after 2 weeks use. Comfortable to wear...stays where you put it.
overall good headlamp, red filter needs revision.     On: 2009-08-13

overall, this headlamp is designed well and operates well. the only two complaints i have is with the red filter. when the red lens cover is snapped over the white leds, there is a small light gap and not all red light is seen. also, its very challenging to find the tab in which enables you to add/ remove the red lens. if you plan on using this primarily for the red light, i wouldnt recommend this headlamp.
Awesome light.     On: 2009-08-06

I use this flashlight every day. I have a lot of watering to do with the hose around my yard, and it lasts past dark most of the time. This light is great, I have both hands for the hose, and it lights up really well. Plus, it is always shining where you are looking. I also use this camping, for a lot of the same reasons I described. I would imagine it would be perfect for reading, as well as just about anything in the dark. It is really a lot better than a handheld flashlight.
great little light     On: 2009-07-30

Love this light. Used it in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and that red light is a great way to navigate in the dark and really helps you see more animals without scaring them off! The white light is bright and it is easy to make the transition from white to red while walking in the dark.
Good piece of gear to have     On: 2009-07-20

I had one of these given to me in Iraq which lasted the entire deployment until I misplaced it recently on another exercise. I purchased one to keep in my truck and to have at home and now getting ready to purchase a third one to replace the lost one as I like to keep a good light readily available in my flight helmet bag. It is essential to use for preflights, post flights and everything in between, and with the different levels of light, you dont blind everyone around you or even yourself- you just have to depress the button quick enough to dim the light.

Comfortable, good light output with different settings although I never used the strobe feature, and very well built. I have had the cheaper versions found at Wal-Mart and elsewhere and they are cheaper for a reason. The switches easily are placed to the on position when in a bag causing dead batteries, short battery life overall, small light output, cheaply made. I mean, they fill a niche, but when you are flying at night and going to some austere places, you want your gear to be able to perform and function which is why I dont mind spending a few extra dollars for a good light. Remember, there is no substitute for light when it is dark except after sunrise. I always carry a headlamp on missions and when flying, it is around my neck as an extra light source. Definitely worth having in you kit bag. Wish they made a strap with the ACU pattern and foiage green light housing with an option to have a blue lens instead of red. Great product overall though- you will definitely not be disapointed.
Great product,but...     On: 2009-07-12

The gear is very comfortable and well built. The red light does not attract many species of flying bugs, this makes it especially helpful in summer night fishing. The only con is that the flap of the red filter is tiny and hard to flip down, I have to repeat trying to get it down.
Amazing light     On: 2009-07-10

I bought this light about 4 months ago because I had some work to do in my ceiling. I must say it has outperformed my expectations, it is very sturdy, the strap is comfortable, it is light (weight) and the lights are super bright. It gives me more than enough light to do what I have to do in the ceiling, even when the light setting is the lowest, but when I amp up I can see clearly far in the distance. When I bought it I also had fishing in mind, but unfortunately I have not gotten out to fish since Ive had it. I cannot comment on whether the red flap helps etc. with the fish. But overall Id say I am very pleased with my purchase an I would recommend this product highly.
Hands free Lighting     On: 2009-07-06

Very Good product to have when working were lighting is bad. Last for Hours and is still bright. I bought one for myself and for my two Sons to keep in there car and walking into the woods for Hunting season, It also has different light settings.
Great price, great shipping     On: 2009-06-29

The product is exactly what I wanted and works perfectly. The instructions on the packaging are a little lacking but I figured it out. The price was good enough I could get the case for just a few dollars more than what I would have spent in the store.
Handy, reliable, good price     On: 2009-06-15

Took this camping a couple of weeks ago. Something leaked in the camp box and soaked the headlamp. I was impressed with how quickly it dried and that it did not affect the function of the lamp at all. Handy that it uses triple A batteries rather than a hard to find variety. I like the feature that allows you to tilt the lamp up and down. I would reccomend this to others.
Waterproof? Oh yeah.     On: 2009-06-11

We use this headlamp for night jogging. It was left in someones pocket, and was laundered in the washing machine. The batteries came out, the battery door came off, everything was loose in the wash. I was sure it was ruined. After letting everything air dry for a couple days, we popped the same batteries back in, and it worked like a charm. This is a tough little light. I am very impressed. Im having to order another one though, someone lost it. :)
Reliability     On: 2009-03-29

I took this product with me when I joined Peace Corps and went travelling. It came in helpful multiple times when I was camping and had to go down to the pit toilet and you dont want to have a hand occupied.

The multiple brightness settings and red flip down were both extremely helpful and it was extremely good with batteries. Over two years of use I didnt need to replace the batteries, although I carried extras. Part of that was using the lowest setting, which still would give plenty of light to see ahead of you on dark trails. It was the right size to toss in the pack on the way out and was almost always one of the first things I would make sure to get out when it would get dark.
Flippin Sweet     On: 2009-03-25

works great and exactly as described. Very useful for camping and recreational activities. Also just handy to have for car repairs if u have something go wrong at a late hour. I use it while kayaking, camping and hiking. Great bang for buck. Put my friends headlamp to shame while hiking. Almost didnt even need his on, this one took the cake. I have another flashlight that i use for spotting things that are alot further away. So i suggest getting a mate for this, like i do.
my only negative is that the flap is very small and hard to put down and up with big fingers, but you get used to it quickly. Red light is perfect for looking for something in your tent at night without blinding someone.

good buy
Great Headlamp!     On: 2009-03-23

Petzl E49P TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black

This is a great headlamp - lightweight, adjustable and bright. The headlamp comes with a small storage bag and batteries as well.
A Beacon in the Darkness     On: 2009-02-04

I saw one of these lights this year and was impressed with the amount of light it put out for it size. There are different options for light selection and the pop-up red lens is a great idea for stealth.
The camo version was unavailable locally so I was pleased to find it on the web. Got a better price too.
The light is handy and very useful for hands-free needs. It is lightweight, adjustable and well designed.
yes! i love it     On: 2009-01-09

I took this to walk my dog and it ROCKS. the leds are extremely bright,casting a nice solid beam, and it lights up the peripherals well. im gonna get like 4 of these camping and wear all of them with two surefire flashlights in both hands and go crazy. this is a great product. u wont be disappointed buying one or five.
Perfect for walking at night     On: 2008-12-16

These make it so much easier to walk the dogs at night. Weve been using them for a year, they are very reliable. They are lightweight and comfortable. The white light is quite bright. The batteries last for months. The red filter is useful at twilight so my eyes arent blinded to the rest of the landscape. My neighbors have gotten used to us walking around with these bobbing lights, but at first, they were rather startled. One lady said we looked like UFOs!
Flip-down feature very useful     On: 2008-12-12

This headlamp is especially versatile because of the red filter that flips up or down. A red filter (for me at least) is easier on the eyes when reading or doing other indoor tasks at close range. This feature is easy to use while youre wearing the headlamp - much more convenient than separate colored filters you have to install.
headband light     On: 2008-10-31

Light weight, well built, unobtrusive, easily adjustable, good light level/type selection, fine battery life, a great choice for daily use, as needed.
Will not ship to APO     On: 2008-09-29

While this is a fine product, excellent military use in field conditions, it cannot be shipped to an APO in Afghanistan. Im not quite sure about the logic in not being able to ship to an APO for a serviceman or someone else serving in a warzone. Its a United States zip code, the military will deliver it from there. Its not a sensitive item in any way shape or form and its a sure bet that those receiving it will not be putting it into the hands of those seeking to do harm with it.
Jeez amazon, get a grip and do a reality check here.
Awesome!     On: 2008-09-02

My fiancee and I each bought one of these super headlamps and just love them. Not only do we use them for camping and backpacking, but we also use them for bicycling in the evening. The red filter is a must have because you wont blind your camp mates with the LED (which are crazy bright even on the lowest setting). Yes this lamp is a bit more pricey that the others I think that it is worth every penny.
Protects your night vision     On: 2008-08-04

Purchased as a replacement for a Rayovac with red & white LEDs, I was impressed from the moment I saw that DURACELL batteries were included.

The red lens is valuable for protecting night vision. This design is super...any of the 3 brightness levels (and blinking function) can be filtered by the red flip cover.

Highly recommended without reservation.
Gotta have the red filter     On: 2008-07-23

Terrific product for reading, camping - and particularly with the red filter for night fishing. Good Battery life and high level illumination.
PRETZEL     On: 2008-07-14

works fine (bright), but looks weak. battery locker doesnt locks properly. Opens easy by itself, when you trying to turn off/on the light.
a bit expensive for such a weak quality.
Used for Ranger school     On: 2008-07-02

The headlamps sold at some of the PXs require you to push the button 4 times to get to the red light used mostly in ranger school. The Petzl Tactikka allows one push to get to red mode. It is light weight, durable, bright and stays in place.
Great for power outage     On: 2008-06-23

I purchased this specifically for power outages. It works great and leaves my hands free from holding a flash light or lantern. I can even read with it. I have also used it for working in spaces with little light. I highly recommend this product.
A quality mid-range headlamp     On: 2008-06-03

I bought this for camping, and it has performed very well. The light is nice and bright, battery life is exceptional, and it is very comfortable on my head. At 2.75 ounces, it is very light and hard to notice its even there. At first I was taking this and a regular flashlight with me, until I realized that this headlamp is all I really need. The actual lamp can tilt up or down about 40 degrees, and locks into place when you tilt it. It has three different modes, although I only ever used the brightest setting. The red lens cover minimizes the brightness of the light, and is useful if youre a burglar or if you need to turn on a light in your tent while your partner is sleeping. Although its not bright enough with this cover to see more than about 2 feet in front of you.

My only complaint with this lamp is that its not as bright as I would like. It has a brightness range of 14 lux at the low setting, to 64 at the high. 64 is fairly bright and will provide a beam distance of 32 meters. However, Petzls next higher model is the Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp, Red #E86PR, which has a range of 20-77, and above that, which I ended up getting, is the Petzl MYO XP 3-Watt LED Headlamp #E83-P, which is 5 times brighter at a range of 72-324 (but three times heavier). Ultimately, it depends on what you need the light for. For general camping this should do just fine, and I would recommend a headlamp over a traditional flashlight in almost every application. It is incredibly useful for doing work on my house in my crawlspace. Specs are below:

Specifications:

Bulb type 4 LEDs
Weight (w/ batteries) 2.75 ounces
Dimensions 2.4 x 2 x 1.7 inches
Brightness (lux @ 2 meters) High: 64 / low: 14
Maximum beam distance High: 32 / low: 15 meters
Brightness levels 3
Beam type Flood
Strobes 1
Regulated output No
Battery life at 70 degrees High: 100 / low: 150 hours
Batteries 3 AAA
Material Plastic
multi uses!     On: 2008-05-30

I bought this for my husband, but I end up using it more. The different brightness levels are a must! Weve used it for reading, fixing the computer, and just to play around with. Hell be sure to take it on deployments with him since it has the red lens feature.
Great-but only if it's the solo light source     On: 2008-05-09

This model of Petzl is really good but only if it has no competing light sources. So for night time,outside, all alone-just awesome. But if you are working in the garage or shop on some car or plumbing thing, the other lights will just wash out the LEDs. You will not get the the pinpoint lightup for the nooks and cranies that you need for work. However, turn out the overhead lighting and the Petzl will blaze. Incandescent light is just a better work light. The Petzl is lightweight, easy on the batteries, and Im keeping it BUT Im not throwing away my AAx4 incandescent tank headbeam quite yet.
Is it Good for Runners?     On: 2008-04-17

Ive only had a chance to use the Tactikka Plus on one 6 mile run. So far I like it very much. Its very lightweight, comfortable and stays in place. Some of the roads I run on are very well lit while others are almost completely dark. I wanted a light that was bright enough for me to see in the dark places even after my eyes had adjusted to the street-lit areas. The packaging for mine did not have the "80% Brighter" sticker that I have seen on similar new Petzl equipment so I wondered if it was going to work well for me. It did. Even at the low setting it was bright enough for me to see potholes and dips in the road. The light covers a wide area and reaches far enough in front that I dont "outrun" it. The switch is easy to use. The adjustable angle housing is essential for dialing in exactly where you want the light pointed without having to hold your head at a weird angle.

The headband does soak up sweat and it did take a few hours to dry out. I dont know if anything can be done to improve this.

Overall, I would recommend it to others. I would also check out the Princeton Tec Quad. It looks to be nearly identical but it is cheaper. It trades the flip up red lens on the Petzl for a waterproof housing.

*** UPDATE ***
Ive now had this headlamp for 5 months and use it many times per week. Everything I liked about it initially I still like. For no apparent reason the lamp now will not turn off. Instead it goes into an ultra dim mode that you may not notice at first but continues to drain the batteries. I have not dropped or physically damaged the light. Ive tried new batteries twice. Then I sent the lamp back to Petzl at my expense for their review. Customer service was excellent and prompt. They sent me a new lamp but unfortunately it is a Tactikka instead of a Tactikka Plus which means it only turns on or off. This is a shame because I use the lamp almost exclusively in the low setting.

While my old lamp was being evaluated I used a Princton Tec Fuel. Unfortunately for Petzl even though this lamp has only three LEDs it is an improvement over my Tactikka plus in every way except comfort. It is only slightly less comfortable to wear and the flood pattern is better (it has more of a spotlight in the center with a wider flood light on the sides). I ended up never using the red flip up filter on the Tactikka Plus because I wanted to make sure oncoming traffic could see me easily. Ill be using the Fuel instead of the Tacktikka now.
great buy     On: 2008-04-05

I bought this to wear while walking my dogs at night and it is perfect for the job! Easy to wear, bright light with a wide enough angle to make walking after dark safer.
Useful in so many ways     On: 2008-03-23


This is a great product. It fits well, it feels good on the head and it puts out plenty of light. To save batteries you can set the light to different levels of brightness including a blinking mode.

I originally bought it to help with cleaning my digital cameras sensor. Since then Ive used it for many other purposes. One of the best uses of this product I hadnt originally thought of was for reading books in low light. I bought a clamp-on book light a year ago and its fine, but sometimes awkward. The headlamp does a much better job though.

The uses for this great product stretch perhaps as far as your imagination.
very good lamp     On: 2008-02-25

Not only lets me protect my dogs while walking at night but light reflects back from their eyes. Always can see theirs eyes from any distance. always know where they are at.
Useful Light     On: 2008-02-19

At first glance the headlamp looked flimsy but it does everything well.Turned off the lights in the house to try it out as soon as I could put batteries in.It does its job so well that I quickly forgot the light were out.You can do any chore with both hands free and the light directed at whatever you are looking at.No long term report but I am pleased with this purchase.

Best headlamp ever!!!     On: 2008-02-15

This is a great headlamp. Ive actually purchased 12 of them for our field work. Its lightweight and the flip down red filter is so much simpler to use than the snap in filters, especially when you need to be switching back and forth between white light and red light like we do. The battery compartment is a little hard to open up, but not that big of a deal, so long as you have a tool (e.g., coin). Would be nice if they came with a little carrying case, but you can always pick something up for this.
A great little headlamp     On: 2008-01-24

I got this as a gift for my brother, who duck hunts. I solicited his opinion on the product, and this is what he said.
------------------------------
it is fantastic, i have used it at least 25 times, at least once a day,
since you gave it to me. no complaints except that the button/filter are
hard to operate with big gloves on. but really, everything is hard to
operate with big gloves on(ever tried to unzip and pee witth gloves on!!)
give the product a highly favorable review.

ps installing light fixtures in a dark room has never been easier-two
hands good.
------------------------------

So thats the story. Besides that, I can tell you that its not too bulky, battery life is great, adjustable brightness is nice to have, aimable beam is very beneficial for different tasks and something more compact units dont often offer, red filter is a must for hunting.
My Sister is a Quilter     On: 2008-01-19

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my sister who is a quilter. She raved about it once she tried it on, loves the light weight and the concentration of light on the areas of the quilt shes working on. The best comments I can give for this review is that she recommended it to several of her friends within days of using it.
Wonderful Utility for Light     On: 2008-01-18

Bought for my husband and he loves it. It frees your hands when you need a light over an object or project youre working on. Think Ill get one for myself, because you can use it for reading at night, without the need of a full lamp. Great little gadget.
Very Useful     On: 2008-01-14

I use it for camping and just last week, in the early AM as we were leaving on vacation, the power went out. We had to catch a plane so there wasnt a delay option. I broke out the Petzl and it was almost like finishing the packing and getting ready in daylight.

Its been a more useful tool than I expected. When youre talking to somebody, flip down the tint and when you are looking for something, full LED power!
Powerful Little Light!     On: 2008-01-14

Quite a powerful light, considering how small and light it is. One of these headlights could possibly be used for a small group of hikers when switched to full power. Cant wait to try it out on my next camping trip.
Great product     On: 2008-01-14

What a great light. Doesnt bounce around when you walk, adjustable for light output and angle of beam. Read the reviews of this and other similar headlamps on Amazon and purchased it on strenght of recomendations from others. They were right on.
Exceptional buy     On: 2008-01-14

I did a lot of research on Headlamps and this one always came up as a good buy. I purchased it as a gift for a man who does a lot of backpacking and other outdoor activities. He just loves it. It is light weight, has various light intensities, and long lasting batteries. We actually used it this weekend while grilling at night to test the doneness of our steak.
Very Useful For Camping; Amazing Quality!!     On: 2007-12-26

Headlamps are the greatest inventions known to man! They are very useful for reading on a camping trip, and are of amazing quality. Petzl headlamp is really cool and useful and if you get annoyed of holding a flashlight to read a book, then headlamps are for you. Petzl is of great quality and is the best one you can find on Amazon, in my opinion.
Excellent product     On: 2007-12-24

I have bought petzl products before and this one is no different. It lived up to expectations. Very durable and bright. I would recommend it for camping, house work, mechanics etc.
Very good Product     On: 2007-12-22

Only complaint I have is the batteries fall out sometimes. But if careful, this will not happen.
I didn't realize I'd always needed one!     On: 2007-12-18

Im not sure if I can fully express how pleased I am with my spontaneous decision to purchase this headlamp. This device works marvelously. It is quite comfortable and the head strap is easily adjustable. I do not find it bothersome to wear for even extended periods. I find I primarily make use of the lowest and highest brightness levels without the red filter, and the highest brightness level with the red filter.

The lamp aim can be easily adjusted vertically using one hand, locks solidly in place, and always points where you want. The center of gravity is so close to where it contacts your head that even nodding my head would not displace the aim at all or its position on my head.

After showing it to other family members, one went out and purchased cheaper models from other companies, but these others did not, to me, compare with the Petzl. I found the Petzl to be lighter, much smaller, and it produces a whiter light than these other two LED headlamps which tended to be a little blue-tinted.

The only minor complaint I have is the button that closes the battery compartment doesnt latch very well, but even so, it has not popped open on me even once.

If youve never owned a headlamp like this before, I suggest you buy one, and this TacTikka Plus is definitely a great choice. I had previously never owned one, but Ive used this one, on average, twice per day since it arrived. Its perfect for working under desks or inside computers. The quality of the light was even good enough that I used it as a reading lamp with little or no eye strain.

While its a little pricier than those youll find at local B&Ms, I do not hesitate to recommend you spend a bit more for this.
petzl     On: 2007-12-14

Very comfortable to wear and gives a bright beam. Light weight. Built in cover for leds. I use it, when I am running at night.
Perfect headlamp     On: 2007-12-08

Ive used this product for camping and running on my personal time, as well as plenty of outdoor stuff in my professional life as a soldier. It is rugged and its brighter than any other headlamp Ive ever used. The angle of tilt is adjustable and it has a remarkably long battery life. Finally, it is very lightweight, comfortable to wear, and small enough to comfortably fit in a pocket after the sun has risen. I honestly cannot thing of a way this product can be improved.
A suitable replacement for a Tikka     On: 2007-12-08

I purchased this after loosing my old Tikka a few weeks back. The red lense worked great for hunting season, sneaking into my stand early AM and allowing me not to make too much noise. Another winner from Petzl!
Petzl tacTikka.........impressive little headlamp.     On: 2007-11-29

This headlamp is a great little headlamp to have stowed away in your hunting or camping gear. Very comfortable, light, and bright enough to see where you are hiking. The red filter is very handy when looking at maps or near work in camp. This is not the lamp to use if you need alot of light out ahead of you and the red filter does decrease some of the light emitted from the lamp, making it not produce as wide a beam or as distant. Overall this is a very effecient, handy headlamp that will fit the needs of almost all outdoor enthusiasts.
Perfect for the pilot     On: 2007-11-25

This is perfect if you are pilot and need some additional lighting. Its bright white LEDs give you plenty of light to do your preflight on the darkest of nights. With a simple loop around the yoke, flip down the red filter and you now have a in cockpit light to read your charts on your knee board or provide emergency illumination of the instruments.
LIGHTWEIGHT, BRIGHT     On: 2007-11-15

Nice product - bright LED, light weight, well designed, Made in France - cant ask for much more.
Versatile headlamp     On: 2007-11-09

I bought this headlamp after a camping trip where my brother had this lamp, and I had an older model by another manufacturer. Having the option of the red filter really helped for two reasons: 1) preserved night vision 2)greatly reduced the number of insects attracted and flying around your eyes when cooking a meal after dark.

The very bright white light, wide angle, with long battery life, was a great help when we had to hike out at night. In summary, a well-designed, lightweight and versatile headlamp.
as good as it's reputation     On: 2007-10-27

The Petzel lamp is as bright and rugged as promised on the Kit Up web site.
Very impressive for an LED lamp.
Amazing Product     On: 2007-10-27

This worked just as advertised. The red filter is a nice touch and helps protect the LEDS during storage or carrying it. It is quite bright, and is the only light source you need when in complete darkness! Highly recommended.
Hunting headlamp     On: 2007-10-22

I bought this headlamp for use while hunting. Since I normally go into
the woods before sun up and come out after sun set,I was looking for a
headlamp that was light,had adequate brightness and didnt have large
batteries. This light is perfect for my use. It fits my head,weighs
almost nothing,illuminates very good and lasts a long time on 2
small batteries.Also you can take it to your favorite restaurant
and be able to read the menu. I highly recommend this light.
My 2nd LED headband light and the best of the two!!!     On: 2007-10-20

Previously I had purchased an inexpensive LED headband light to be used for spot illumination in low light areas. That light constantly flickered and even would go off then on a couple of times. I traced the apparent problem to a really cheap slide switch. Could not ever fix/improve that switch so I just gave up and bought the Petzl TacTikka Plus on the recommendation of a friend. What an amazing difference, constant even light in four modes with the added flip down red filter. Never thought I would use all those modes but I have found an actual usage for each mode. The switch is a quality push button switch instead of the cheap slide type switch used on my previous light. Possibly one of the better buys I have made!!!
This item comes in handy!     On: 2007-10-19


Excellent product! A must have! Helps out in so many ways!
Keep your area illuminated at night!     On: 2007-10-19

We discovered these LED headlamps when my son went camping with boy scouts. You keep your hands free and these put out great light and this one also has a red shade for night vision. I use it to walk my dog at night. I feel like oncoming traffic can see us and I can see to scoop the poop (no excuses for not doing the duty)! My husband uses it to grill. He can see his work area and read the meat thermometer. My son uses it when he camps out. I prefer this brand to others Ive tried. It is very comfortable on the forehead and is adjustable. The batteries also seem to last a lot longer than in the ones Ive bought at the local store (which were flat and hurt my head). Great product! Worth the money!
Best headlamp that I have used!     On: 2007-09-29

I have used several other headlamps, incandescent and LED, over the years and this is by far the best.
1. Light dispersion. The light pattern from this very uniform. The center of the pattern is brighter but the transition to the edges is very uniform with no discernable hot-spots. The pattern is wide enough to provide good peripheral visibility. When you are hiking at night there is no need to keep moving your head around to see the edges of the trail. The middle brightness level provides plenty of light for night hiking even for my old eyes. Younger eyes will do fine with the lamp at its lowest brightness level which will really extend the already great battery life.
2. Light weight and compact. The three AAA cells are carried close to your forehead. You hardly notice the presence of the lamp. Other headlamps that I have used have placed the lamp assembly so far out from the head that the lamp tends to bob up and down when you walk. Others with the battery pack at the back of the head or on the belt balance alright but the battery pack and wiring snag on brush, bump on the backpack or prevent you from resting you head on a pillow. The Petzl is compact enough to wear either over or beneath a hat when the rain begins.
3. Tough. I have dropped my Petzl on rock or concrete a couple of times. The worst that happened was the the battery compartment popped open. The headlamp was undamaged and went right back into service.
4. Standard batteries. AAA cells are as common as dirt. When they do finally have to be replaced there is no problem finding new cells.
A bit pricey but great...     On: 2007-09-19

This thing has sufficient amount of light power for camping, or working in the dark night. The light setting is great because normally using it on the lowest setting works well. The only problem I have with this unit is the red lense cover that flips over the white LED light to "produce" a red LED lighting. For those who need true red LED this will not work for them because white light escapes through the side of the red lense cover. This wouldnt apply to most people who will use this headlamp, however, for those who work on aircraft carriers, they know how important it is not to have white light escaping from the headlamps otherwise theyll blind the pilots using night vision goggles. Otherwise, I recommend this headlamp, even bought one for my brother for Iraq.
Fantastic Product     On: 2007-09-16

We used two of these headlamps in a lava tube and during a night hike at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Excellent amount of light, long-lasting battery life - a terrific and very practical product for hiking.
Best Flashlight For A Professional     On: 2007-09-15

Im an Electrician and I just used this light on a service replacement job. It worked great. The fact that its on my head is perfect, the fact that the battery life is phenomenal, is perfect and the fact that its super bright makes this a winner for the professional. I have 2; one for me and one for my helper. Dont bother with handheld flashlights if you need to use your hands. Im going to get one for my Nephew as a gift, hes also in the Trade.
Nice headlamp, very bright!     On: 2007-09-14

This headlamp fits well, adjusts nicely and is very bright. Pretty good product and the seller got it to me very quickly.
Works like a champ     On: 2007-09-12

I love this headlamp! Its easy to use, and has stood up to mild abuse over my last 3 camping trips. It is PLENTY bright, I almost always use the lowest setting, but I still appreciate that it has 3 intensities. The flip-down red filter is great for extra-late nights around the campfire. My first headlamp was a cheap piece of junk from Wal-Mart, and I got what I paid for. This Petzl has made me proud.
Excellent!     On: 2007-09-12

This headlamp came just in time for me to do a 4-mile run in the dark. I needed something to provide light so I could see the road and drivers could see me. Getting a headlamp seemed like a really good option (carrying a flashlight while running is a pain), and I was very curious about the TacTikka Plus after reading all the rave reviews.

I was really concerned, though about the comfort. I usually get headaches from headbands or hats--but not this. It was very ergonomic and stayed on my head without bouncing off. It also provided me with amazing visibility which made me feel very safe on my run. My husband works on electrical equipment and is now very interested in obtaining more of these lamps for his work.
You NEED THIS!!     On: 2007-09-11

Survivalists, Operators, Soldiers, Tacticians....this is one of the best investments! You can use it with the red lens on its lowest power setting and still have enough light to accomplish tasks and still maintain light discipline. Are you a medic? Free your hands while doing what you do best. Performing a tactical entry? Put light where ever YOU look while keeping your hands free. Performing maintenance on your weapon in low light? This is what you need. No matter who you are and what you do, you need light, dependable light! This is very comfortable, lighweight, and on 3AAA batteries, last for a very long time. Great for multi-purpose use. Save the BRIGHT, Xenon, tactical weapon light for lighting up those targets and threats when you need it the most. Use this light for every other time! GODSPEED TO OUR WARRIORS!
We need this! Why won't you mail it?     On: 2007-09-10

They say its designed for fishing - thats not true. Thats an item designed for Iraq, but amazon wont ship it to overseas military addresses so we cant get it.
This headlamp fits and it is ergonomic and light on your head!     On: 2007-08-13

Ive done a lot of research prior to buying, and now that I own I can safely say Im thoroughly impressed with the three light settings, the red flip-down lamp feature, and love using it even in bed at home at night when reading - cant wait to take it with me on my first camp excursion this month!
great little lamp     On: 2007-08-12

great for all kinds of situations needing extra light when you dont have a 3rd hand to hold and direct the light where you need it!
REALLY Bright     On: 2007-07-12

Three different light settings (Low, Med & High) are all very bright, more than adequate for reading, even better for trying to find something at night at the camp site. Red filter is very easy to use. Durable. Battery compartment is a little tough to get to.
great for camping, climbing     On: 2007-07-08

Ive always bought Petzl since my frist headlamp in 2000 and they are the best. This is great for camping , with the red flip-up filter if youre sitting near someone or trying to be polite to other campers. And the different brightness settings are excellent for night-climbing or hiking in the dark. Cant be beat!
Perfect for Iraq     On: 2007-07-07

I got this so I would not have to disturb my roommate while we were in Iraq. It is *perfect*. The three light settings, plus the flip-up red lens makes it easy for reading and moving about.
I am thinking about getting a second one just in case this one gets lost.
Handy and Fun     On: 2007-06-15

Handy for yard work or car work late at night, or working behind the computer or the TV. Lights well - objects close up and far away. Fun for the kids at night, indoor or out. High quality build. Adjustable.
Works well     On: 2007-06-10

The headlamp works as advertised. It is bright enough for most uses, and can be set dim enough to read in the dark.
Great little light     On: 2007-06-08

I bought two of these, one for my boy scout grandson and one for myself. It came in very handy when I had to do some plumbing in a dark closet replacing my water heater. Nothing like having that light on your head and being able to use both hands. It also worked well during a power outage. Its very bright and can be irritating to people nearby. The strap is comfortable for long periods of use. Very light weight, you almost forget its there. Highly recommend this light, and the price was excellent.
Low cost solution     On: 2007-05-18

My friend used it in a difficult surgery and was wondering why similar medical headlamps cost almost 10 times more. This is excellent.
Great Product     On: 2007-05-06

We bought the headlamps for a one week camping trip through different National Parks in the United States and we used them in every weather condition. From heat in the desert to rain, ice and snow in the mountains. The performance was always very good and satisfying! The batteries lasted all the time and we did not need to change them once.

The red light keeps your nightvision and there is still enough light to see and read. The white light comes in three different brightnesses.

If ever I had to buy another headlight, I would buy this again!

Versatile Head Gear     On: 2007-03-24

Lightweight, tuff and easy to use. I researched this product class and this item was the highest rated lamp I found. It IS living up to the rating.
Completely Awesome     On: 2007-02-26

This headlamp is identical to the E49P except its camoflauge instead of black. The brightness of this headlamp is amazing. I love the red filter for night hikes or just so I dont blind other people (or myself when trying to save night vision). The headlamp is light (only 78 grams w/ batteries) and also extremely comfortable and stable on my head. The battery life is unbeatable, ranging from 100-150 hours on 3 AAA batteries. I cant find a thing wrong with this headlamp other than its not 100% waterproof, but it is water resistant. For this price, I think the Tac Tikka Plus is easily the best.
Even Better Than Before     On: 2007-02-11

A few years ago I thought to get one of these for hikes, night photography, and simply having a lightweight flashlight in my camera bag or for when the power goes out. I read up on them, found Petzl to be the best, and yet the complaints were that the Petzl model at the time had only one brightness setting, didnt tilt, wasnt water resistant, and had no red filter. A year later Petzl came out with this model, and everything had been fixed to perfection.

Needless to say, I got one and loved it. For those new to LED headlamps, whats great about them is they leave your hands free and you never have to think about aiming the light. If the powers out, and youre tying your shoes and then looking under a cupboard and carrying out blankets, the light is always right where you need it.

Also, for walking at night, a flashlight will light up just a pizza-size spot in the middle of the road, but this headlamp casts a wide swath of light completely across a small road, so you dont have to scan for fallen limbs or porcupines - everything is lit up evenly and its much easier finding your way about.

The only downside to having the lamp right over your eyes is when its foggy or snowing, since it lights up everything right in front of your face. But simply take it in hand, as a very light flashlight, or attach it to your belt, and all is well again. In fact, it works so that you can press the button in for when you want to check something, and then let it go and itll go off. Much better than clicking through the four brightness settings time and again.

So I loved using this headlamp, and then I accidentally dropped it in salt water when kayaking. Not recommended. The directions actually say you can wash it out with fresh water and dry it, but I didnt get to it for a couple of days, and it had of course corroded.

Well, I had to order a new one, and what do you know - it came with a little sticker on it that says, "New LED Technology, +80%." What was this about?

I dug out the specs, and sure enough, they boosted the reach from 17m (at Maximum brightness) to 32m. And not only that, but they extended the battery life at Maximum from 80 to 100 hrs. In short, the Maximum setting on my old one is now the Economical setting and lasts twice as long. You can really see the difference - the Maximum setting lights up a yard and the red filter is now bright enough to hike by, when before it was best for reading or up-close work.

Way to go, Petzl.
Exceeded my expectations     On: 2007-02-04

I bought this headlight to use on a 11 day yacht delivery ocean sail. I used it to get around the cabin at night when others were sleeping and I had to get up for my watch or was returning from my watch. I also used it on deck at night to shine on the sails, etc.
I found the Petzl to be very durable. Over the course of the 11 days it got sprayed and soaked with salt water regularly and it constantly got banged around when I was moving about in the cabin. It withstood the abuse without any problems and it was clearly the best headlamp among the ones used by my crewmates.
The redlight filter was crucial and very easy to use and the white light was strong enough to go pretty far when used on deck. The different levels of light intensity also came in very handy when trying to do something below deck without waking up everybody else which required only minimal visibility.
Excellent     On: 2007-01-17

Works great. I like the red lense cover for keeping my night eyes.
versatile and practical     On: 2007-01-12

comfortable, appropriate and practical settings and adjustments. good price for the quality
Exactly what I needed... for my navigator.     On: 2007-01-10

This is a great headlamp. Its light, compact, and very comfortable compared to others Ive tried. Its also perfect for night use with red light cover. The operator can have the light on without blinding others around, which is why I had purchased it. Id say its a great choice for anyone looking to do any reading or navigating in the dark (i.e. camping, road rallies).
Awesome Head Lamp     On: 2007-01-09

I would recommend this product highly. This is a very bright LED head lamp with a very good battery life. I bought this product for hunting in the Rocky Mtns. of Colorado and it served its purpose well. The Red lens provides ample light for walking at dawn and does not kill your night vision when you turn the LED off. I liked it so much I bought my brother one for Xmas this year! If you need a head lamp that will light up the night, Ild recommend this Petzl 4 LED.
Great for Astronomy     On: 2006-12-11

Hi... I used to be a climber and a hiker and one of my must in my backpack always was a Petzl Headlamp. Now that I change my hobbie for astronomy and I need to move in the dark with out a white light. I bought the red beam hand flash light, and I realize that wasnt that useful to have in one hand the flashlight and the other to use in the important things, like grab the map or make a sketch of the DSO you are watching. So I came back to my headlamp experience and I found this perfect flashlight. 3 different bright positions that let you choose if you have you need to read something or look for that EP is far from you!. I recommended... Also the good thing is that when you finish your night you can pull down the red filter and work easier fixing the mess around your telescope.
pretty good for hike     On: 2006-11-15

I used this for my early morning (2am) hike on Mt Whitney. It was pretty good going by brightness level. Fitting was also good. I think the battery life is long compared with some of the others, as I saw many hikers who battery died after 4-5 hours and were following me on the hike. Hope my review helps you in buying this product.
Fantastic power, long battery life, rugged     On: 2005-12-03

Ive been using this lamp for some pretty tough situations for almost a year, and I only replaced the batteries last week. It has survived three extended field exercises, and the band is elastic enough to fit easily over both an old style kevlar helmet or the new ACH. I recommend it highly.

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