I have three Petzl Tikka XP headlamps and decided to try this one since it claims to be brighter. It definitely is brighter on the normal setting compared with the older XP, however, the claim that the normal setting is brighter than the boost mode on the old XP is not true (at least with the one I got). The boost mode on my old XP is far brighter than the new XP2, although it's nice to have the extra brightness in the normal setting. The red light is readily available by holding the switch down for three seconds. It's a separate lamp rather than a filter like the old unit had. This makes it possible to use the clear diffuser and still have the red light available.
This unit is a bit lighter, the batteries are a little easier to replace, it uses lithium batteries which my old one did not (lighter and longer life), the switch is easier to use and it doesn't have a boost mode, the light is as bright as it gets with the first position on the switch.
The old XP had three settings for brightness (not including the boost mode). This unit has only two, the brightest being somewhat brighter than the brightest on the old XP and the lower setting being equivalent to the lowest setting on the old one. I think I might miss the middle setting, it was the one I used the most.
There is a lot of light bleed through the clear plastic case. I find it irritating at times, like a light is shinning into my eyes. This one is aimed lower so you don't have to adjust it down to hit the path in front of you. Although that sounds like a good thing I found when working with it I sometimes have to manually hold the lamp up to light something that the old XP would have been able to illuminate.
The only really negative change in my opinion is the blueish color of the LED. It's the same blue light you get from almost all LED's. For me the best feature of the old XP was that the LED put out a warm light, more like a quartz lamp than a blue LED.
I like this unit, I'll just use a dab of black paint if the light bleed continues to bother me. I don't mind that it's not as bright as the boost mode on our other XP's though that would have been nice. I would recommend this light to anyone except owners of the previous model. In my opinion it's not a worthy upgrade from the old XP but it is the best one in the line for now.
edited 3-16-10: I thought I should add a note about the light bleed through the bottom of the case. It did become so irritating I had to deal with it. I stretched a strip of black vinyl electrical tape across the bottom and it fixed the problem. No more light in your eyes and the case still opens easily to replace the batteries.
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Was skeptical at first, but this headlamp is perfect. I use it for spotting addresses on mailboxes and houses, when I'm out snowplowing. I can see the house addresses and read them clear at 200' even when its snowing. Its very light weight, very brite and the batteries last a long, long time. I'm going on 3 months now with the lithium ones I have in there. Petzl even backs their warranty by 3 years. Can't beat that! Definetly RECOMMEND this product to anyone. Have a nice day!
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I've been using the old Tikka XP for years and loved it
so when I saw they had a new "improved" version out I had
to have it. I use the old version a lot around the house
and as a backup light for caving.
I just got the Tikka XP2 and man am I disappointed.
The clear bottom of the case allows light to bleed down
onto your eyelashes, into your eyes, and onto your glasses
if you're wearing them. Fixed that with some black heavy duty
duct tape and immediately found another boneheaded design
"improvement"- they changed the lens slider from side to side
to an up and down movement. What this does is: The tab that slides
the lens is now in a position to cast a blaze of light down even
worse than the clear case bottom (fixed with more duct tape.
Didn't these folks figure this out before they released the product
or was it considered a design "feature"?
Also, the lens itself is not as good as the lens was in the old unit. This lens
casts a very uneven footprint on both settings compared to the old unit.
Finally, the unit gives a sickening strobe effect to any motion. Try it
for yourself before you send it back. Move your hand in front of your
face and notice the nauseating strobe effect.
Given these flaws, I have to say the old Tikka XP was damn near perfect and
I immediately got online and discovered it's now discontinued. Soooo, after a
little searching I found a place that had ONE left in stock. It's now on its
way to me.
Do not buy this headlamp if you liked the old Tikka XP. Do buy it if you don't
mind light in the wrong places and the stroboscopic effect.
They should not have used the old name "Tikka XP" as part of the name for this
product because in my opinion the two are completely different and the only similarity is that they are both small. Again, what a disappointment. I had hoped I was going to get basically the same unit, just brighter. Instead I got a completely new design that is inferior to the old. But hey, the new one's brighter!
Honest reviews on Petzl E99 PG2 Tikka XP 2 Headlamp
I am a predawn runner and log about 40-50 miles per week running. I was researching various headlamps. I read a lot of reviews, watched a lot of you tube videos on headlamp comparisons. I was using the energizer 3 light headlamp prior to purchasing the petzl. Which I do have to say for under $20 that was a very good little lamp for the price. I ran with it for 2 years, but it sisnt give enough light outside of dimly lit streets. I live in the city but do also run along irrigation channels on farmland in the southwest so it can get a little dark in some areas. I narrowed my choice down to the diamond storm or the petzl tikka xp2. Side by side comparrison (mostly you tube videos) lead me to purchase the petzl. I have had the lamp now a few weeks and I have to say I love it! The light is certainly bright enough for my running needs. I only run with the high beam on with the diffuser, but also love the fact the lamp has the red light for night time vision. Haven't used the strobe light yet, but can see where this would be useful for motor vehicles to see you. I also take precautions on the road by wearing a reflective vest, ankle reflective strips and a flashing red light. This seems like a solid made piece of equipment and durable. I haven't found that the light bleeding around the light, as some have complained, to be an issue. I wear a headband in the winter, a visor in the summer with the lamp. The diffuser really does spread the light out quite far, or one could use it without the diffuser and have a more pin-pointed beam. The tilt feature is nice too. The light doesn't giggle when running and the headband is well made and thick. It also has a little S.O.S. whistle built into the band. I love my light and look fwd to many more miles of running in the dark! Hope this helps.
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Most people consider these head lamps primarily for use outdoors: running, hiking, camping, caving, etc. While I don't doubt this light would be great for all those things, I've actually found it indispensable around the house. It's extremely useful for working on any odd job that would otherwise be poorly lit, like working under the hood of a vehicle, inside a dark cabinet, or doing electrical with the power off. All are much easier with this lamp. It allows your hands to stay free and prevents you from blocking out your only light sources. It's light and comfortable, and can be worn for extended periods. The lamp can be angled to focus where you're looking, and you can use the direct beam for precise work or the diffusion filter for a wider view. The led bulb is bright and gives good battery life. It feels well constructed overall. I'm very happy with this purchase.
