Comments on: Petzl Headlamps: The Cadillac of Geeky Flashlights http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:56:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: MT http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-112269 MT Sat, 01 Sep 2007 19:21:09 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-112269 I've had a Zipka (old version) for 5 years and love it. It's not in as good shape as it used to be, but still work plenty-fine for me. I just wish that these things had voltage regulators so that you could use NiMH rechargeables without it becoming much, much dimmer than with alkalines. (The NiMHs put out a lower voltage than alkalines.) I assume that the newer ones have the same problem. I’ve had a Zipka (old version) for 5 years and love it. It’s not in as good shape as it used to be, but still work plenty-fine for me. I just wish that these things had voltage regulators so that you could use NiMH rechargeables without it becoming much, much dimmer than with alkalines. (The NiMHs put out a lower voltage than alkalines.) I assume that the newer ones have the same problem.

]]> By: Vito Culotta http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-41978 Vito Culotta Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:00:22 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-41978 If you want great info on flashlights and head lights, I goto http://www.flashlightreviews.com/. The guy there does a bang up job of working the lights over and giving biased reviews of lights. If you want great info on flashlights and head lights, I goto http://www.flashlightreviews.com/. The guy there does a bang up job of working the lights over and giving biased reviews of lights.

]]> By: Stuey http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39434 Stuey Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:19:21 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39434 While the Tikka Plus can be pivoted, the Zipka Plus can be repositioned on one's forehead to attain the same effect. The non-plus versions have 3 LEDs instead of 4, and an on-off sliding switch. The "plus" versions have a more durable button switch, 4 LEDs, and different brightness settings. The Tactikka is similar, but comes with a red filter instead of a clear one. I believe you can purchase a filter kit for the Zipka or Tikka as well. If you don't want to spend too much cash, the Tikka non-plus version is available at some stores for $20. FYI, the Tikka Plus is available via an amazon retailer for $23. Amazon seems to be having supply issues since many of the popular Petzl models are out of stock and "available for preorder". http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-Tikka-Plus-Headlamp/dp/B0000AXT4I/ While the Tikka Plus can be pivoted, the Zipka Plus can be repositioned on one’s forehead to attain the same effect.

The non-plus versions have 3 LEDs instead of 4, and an on-off sliding switch. The “plus” versions have a more durable button switch, 4 LEDs, and different brightness settings.

The Tactikka is similar, but comes with a red filter instead of a clear one. I believe you can purchase a filter kit for the Zipka or Tikka as well. If you don’t want to spend too much cash, the Tikka non-plus version is available at some stores for $20.

FYI, the Tikka Plus is available via an amazon retailer for $23. Amazon seems to be having supply issues since many of the popular Petzl models are out of stock and “available for preorder”.

http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-Tikka-Plus-Headlamp/dp/B0000AXT4I/

]]> By: Will Wong http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39310 Will Wong Sat, 24 Mar 2007 12:53:32 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39310 I've used the original and plus version on the Ziptka ever since they came out for work. I'm a HVAC contractor and zip it to a strap on my tool bag. Great light output, incredibly small, and most importantly, the headband doesn't absorb much sweat. When I'm sweating a storm up, the standard headlands for the Tikka, etc... would get nasty after a couple of uses. I’ve used the original and plus version on the Ziptka ever since they came out for work. I’m a HVAC contractor and zip it to a strap on my tool bag. Great light output, incredibly small, and most importantly, the headband doesn’t absorb much sweat. When I’m sweating a storm up, the standard headlands for the Tikka, etc… would get nasty after a couple of uses.

]]> By: Cybergibbons http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39303 Cybergibbons Sat, 24 Mar 2007 12:27:12 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39303 I carry a Zipka Plus as my everyday torch. I like using it for camping too, you can move the little cord holder round to the side of your head and use it when you are reading in your tent without it being uncomfortable. It does leave a silly looking line on you though. I carry a Zipka Plus as my everyday torch. I like using it for camping too, you can move the little cord holder round to the side of your head and use it when you are reading in your tent without it being uncomfortable. It does leave a silly looking line on you though.

]]> By: Don Bradshaw http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39046 Don Bradshaw Sat, 24 Mar 2007 02:20:32 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-39046 I kind of look at all of these headlamps as pretty much the same with just different features. I used the TACTIKKA Plus in Iraq as a signal lamp and as a replacement to the old issued flashlight for night reading (it has the red filter on it). That has the three light version, while this one has four. At night those three lights were pretty impressive without the filter on, so I would imageine four would do an even better job. These are much better than the cheaper versions...well worth the extra cash. I kind of look at all of these headlamps as pretty much the same with just different features. I used the TACTIKKA Plus in Iraq as a signal lamp and as a replacement to the old issued flashlight for night reading (it has the red filter on it). That has the three light version, while this one has four. At night those three lights were pretty impressive without the filter on, so I would imageine four would do an even better job. These are much better than the cheaper versions…well worth the extra cash.

]]> By: nx99 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38919 nx99 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:50:48 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38919 I've had the Tikka Plus for the last three years and don't have a problem with the headband. I tie it to one of the straps on my backpack and down the road I goes. Highly recommended. I’ve had the Tikka Plus for the last three years and don’t have a problem with the headband. I tie it to one of the straps on my backpack and down the road I goes.

Highly recommended.

]]> By: Bill http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38887 Bill Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:17:22 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38887 I have been meaning to submit this exact product for a while. The retractable head strap is the best feature. I have a few headlamps that I use for my outdoor adventures. The ones with elastic headbands are not only bulky, but they tend to get wrapped around just about everything. In stark contrast, the Zipka doesn't wrap itself around anything when in your toolbox, but can easily be placed around your head, wrist, shoulder, a pipe, the handlebars of your bike, etc, etc. It also sits nicely on the workbench. I have been meaning to submit this exact product for a while. The retractable head strap is the best feature. I have a few headlamps that I use for my outdoor adventures. The ones with elastic headbands are not only bulky, but they tend to get wrapped around just about everything. In stark contrast, the Zipka doesn’t wrap itself around anything when in your toolbox, but can easily be placed around your head, wrist, shoulder, a pipe, the handlebars of your bike, etc, etc. It also sits nicely on the workbench.

]]> By: Roscoe http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38886 Roscoe Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:16:28 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38886 I've been looking for a good quality headlamp for duck-hunting, and the Petzl's look like the right brand. There are dozens on the website though- how did you guys figure out which model to buy? They all look very similar to me. I’ve been looking for a good quality headlamp for duck-hunting, and the Petzl’s look like the right brand. There are dozens on the website though- how did you guys figure out which model to buy? They all look very similar to me.

]]> By: Rob http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38880 Rob Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:56:58 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38880 Upon closer inspection, there is one difference. You can adjust the angle on the Tikka. Definitely a good thing. Upon closer inspection, there is one difference. You can adjust the angle on the Tikka. Definitely a good thing.

]]> By: Rob http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38879 Rob Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:55:42 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38879 I don't have the Zipka but I do have it's brother, the Tikka Plus. That little wire thing didn't appeal to me but the rest is the same. http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=621&Critere=0 I don’t have the Zipka but I do have it’s brother, the Tikka Plus. That little wire thing didn’t appeal to me but the rest is the same.

http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=621&Critere=0

]]> By: Myself http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38854 Myself Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:41:25 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38854 Another vote for the Zipka. Several of my friends have recommended it to me as well. If I can avoid the Liteflux LF1 that's calling my name, I'll end up with a Zipka. And really, I have enough 1xAA and 2xAA lights, don't I? My favorite head-mounted light isn't really head-mounted, it's the Fluke LVD1 which I just clip to the brim of my hat. Aww heck, I should write that up. Stand by. ;) Another vote for the Zipka. Several of my friends have recommended it to me as well. If I can avoid the Liteflux LF1 that’s calling my name, I’ll end up with a Zipka. And really, I have enough 1xAA and 2xAA lights, don’t I?

My favorite head-mounted light isn’t really head-mounted, it’s the Fluke LVD1 which I just clip to the brim of my hat. Aww heck, I should write that up. Stand by. ;)

]]> By: Rick http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38843 Rick Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:19:34 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/23/petzl-headlamps-the-cadillac-of-geeky-flashlights/#comment-38843 *sigh* so lazy :-) Here's that manufacturer's link: http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=464 *sigh* so lazy :-)

Here’s that manufacturer’s link:
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=464

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