What To Look For
Deciding which Petzl headlamp to purchase depends on your intended product usage. The emergency line, including e+Lite and Signal, features small, long-lasting headlamps perfect for stashing in a purse, pack or glove box. The compact line, including Tikka 2, Zipka 2 and Tactikka, offers high-powered, lightweight and long-burning LED lighting. For caving and canyoneering, the Hybrid Duo offers waterproof, dust-resistant light. The Hybrid Myo lights the way for night running. According to Petzl, "the Ultra headlamp line is designed for extreme activities requiring both long distance and wide-angle lighting at the same time," making it perfect for all-night adventures.
Common Pitfalls
Don't base your choice on looks alone. After you've narrowed your choices to the appropriate category of headlamps, try on each one and test it for comfort and functionality before you buy. Consider your personal habits and preferences while doing this. For example, you might find the compact Zipka design comfortable and ideal, with its thin, retractable band that fits around your head and its compact size. On the other hand, you may feel that the larger Tikka headband is not only more comfortable, but also that this headlamp's greater bulk might help you keep from misplacing it.
Where To Buy
Eastern Mountain Sports carries nearly the full line of Petzl headlamps, including replacement parts and accessories. REI carries most of the Petzl headlamp line, as does Amazon.com, where you can often find the best prices plus free shipping. You're likely to find a selection of Petzl headlamps for sale at your local outdoor shop, where you can try them on before buying.
Cost
The most inexpensive Petzl headlamp is the Signal Emergency Headlamp, which retailed for $14.95 as of August 2010. The most expensive headlamp in the line, the Ultra, will cost you $430 without the extra battery pack or $500 with it. Between these two extremes, e+Lite costs $29.95, the compact series ranges from $19.95 to $65.95, the Myo series from $54.95 and $99.95 and the Duo series from $155 to $325.
Accessories
Petzl sells replacement bulbs plus a variety of accessories to complement its line of headlamps. These include simple protective carrying pouches for both the Zipka and the Tikka, as well as interchangeable colored lenses, helmet clips and an adaptable mounting system that allows you to easily remove the lamp from a Tikka or Zipka to attach it to a belt or backpack strap. Duo accessories include rechargeable battery packs and an acetylene generator. Myo accessories include a protective carrying pouch, rechargeable batteries and headlamp clips. Ultra accessories include a backpack for carrying the rechargeable battery pack.
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