Petzl E49P TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black
by Petzl
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List Price: Our Price: $40.95 You Save: $3.00 (7%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Petzl E49P TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black
Customer Review: Good for a Quick Night Run
Summary: 4 Stars
I frequently run in poorly-lit areas, and the Tac has been up to the task. The LED lights are adequate for all weather conditions, providing more than sufficient light in heavy fog. Brightness level and beam position are easy to adjust by the quick press of a button. If safety is a concern, the front red flashing light is easily visible from a distance of 100ft. Overall, the fit is comfortable and lightweight--I forget that I am wearing a headlamp after a few minutes. However, the plastic housing quality is questionable: the battery has popped out on several occasions, causing me to have to stop and look for it. For whatever reason, my Tac shuts off and will not turn back on every now and then, but I probably have a defective unit. I also have a Black Diamond Ion and a Black Diamond Sprinter, but this headlamp is the most comfortable and least hassle for a quick run. I would recommend the Sprinter for the trails and endurance workouts that need more substantial water-resistance.
Pros:
1) Comfortable and lightweight
2) Multiple brightness settings
3) Flashing light setting with flip-down red tint
4) Locking lamp positioning, which minimizes adjustments
Cons:
1) Build quality: cheap plastic housing pops open occasionally
2) Shuts off randomly
2) No rear reflector, but an arm band works
Customer Review: great night light, but not optimum for every runner
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this Petzl light on the basis of price and the generally high reviews. I'm 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 doesn't 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 you're 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. It's a fine little light, but some trail-running applications, I think, demand something more. The $40 I spent were NOT wasted; I'll use this baby for many less-demanding night-running applications. But I've decided to spring $100 for the Petzl RYO.
Customer Review: Good light, could be better
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this light for a task light. I wasn't looking for anything to light up trails for a long way ahead of me. It's light, comfortable, and works well. The light produces a nice, soft light over a wide area. The light comes on in full brightness with the first button push. If you push the button again within 1 second it will switch down to the lower two modes and then to flashing.
Now for where this light could be better. It is expensive and at least for this price you would expect a voltage regulator. It's a low powered light and when the batteries begin to run down they will need to be replaced before their useful life. I have yet to reach this point as I haven't had the light all that long.
It could be a touch brighter...more LED bulbs. Especially since there are 3 brightness levels it would be easy to dim down when needed. With headlamps you want to be careful that you're not blinding the other people in your group.
And for picky little things, I also bought this light to use at night with my telescope so I wanted a red filter, one that was attached and wouldn't get lost. The filter leaks a small amount of light out of the top. It's no problem for me but that sliver of light can catch other people and ruin their night vision.
Customer Review: good headlamp after 1 month-RED FILTER IS KEY edit- 1 year review!
Summary: 5 Stars
powerful LED's, reliable so far (1 month) i got it very soaking wet in the tropical rains and all of the electronics still work fine. the red flip filter is wonderful because i also like walking without a light, so this way i can keep my night vision and walk barefoot, unlighted on mother earth. let the path of heart guide the way! peaceful vibrations.
here is my one year reveiw: this headlamp is the least-costly most fantastic light ever! i am still on the same batteries as a year ago and i use it frequently. it is waterproof, red- or clear filter (red is great for at night reading, to tire myself out just before bed and not wake up my eyes.) stretcy headband is comfortable and easily adjustable it is lightweight. like i said i am still on the same batteries, and it is dim and i like it. keeps my night vision even more, while giving me just enough to get by. i dont want to light up the night. but i bought new batteries in expectation, and i remember whenit was new. it will light up the night with clear, and with full poer batteries red is the perfect chioce to remain calm in wildlife.
YEAHH! stoked
Customer Review: A little expensive, but well worth it!
Summary: 5 Stars
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 it's 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 it's 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: It's a little tricky to secure properly. Not THAT difficult, but something I wouldn't want to do in pitch black by feel alone. All in all, 5 stars!