Petzl Tactikka XP Headlamp and e+Lite

The quality of Petzl headlights precedes them so an absolute must for any hunter’s kit bag.  Shown side by side you can easily see the more standard looking Tactikka XP and the ingenious and pocket powerhouse e+Lite, which you could term as button-sized.

The Tactikka XP offers a familiar look with adjustable, elasticated headband in camo and an olive green, all-in-one light housing with integral battery storage (3 X AAA Alkaline batteries included). Typically the head can hinge up/down to be positioned as required. Measuring 2 1/8 X 1 ½ X 1 5/8” the build shows a single, high output, white LED set to the right while on the left is a sliding filter assembly. These simply fit in and slide across to give the option of red, green and blue plus a diffuser lens should you want a wider but more defuse beam. All these are carried in a tiny holder on the head band, so you select what you need at the time and fit it, clever idea no doubt!

Keep it Simple

Controls are positioned on top and operate positively. The left button is held down if you want to have a quick look, as it only gives momentary operation. On the right is the main ON/OFF offering full, mid and low power settings and flashing (emergency) mode, a final press switches the unit off. On maximum without filter it’s rated at 60hr burn time and beam strength of 40-Lumens out to 35m. Mid power is 80hr burn time and 27m projected beam. Low is 120hr 18m beam. Interestingly the other button when in the main beam mode acts as a booster that when pressed increases any mode to a beam reaching out proximately 50m.

Multiple Modes

The e+Lite is like no other headtorch I’ve tested and comes in a tubular, waterproof protector capsule. Remove it from its protective cocoon and you find a unique and clever design. Obviously its main function is to be carried for emergencies, but is of use for hunting too. A slim elasticated headband holds an oval shape design that offer many operational modes accessed by a large, red, selector lever at the front. It takes power from two CR2032 Lithium button batteries. The back of the headband has at first what seems to be a toggle fastener adjuster but is actually an emergency mini-whistle!

The first major feature is the light housing doesn’t only tilt but moves a full 360° as it use a ball joint rather than a hinge. It offers three LED’s, with another, small red one set amongst this trio. You get five operating modes by rotating the lever – economy, maximum, 3DDD (emergency white flashing Mode), 4DDD (white LED’s off with red LED in emergency flashing mode), continuous maximum brightness of the red LED and finally the off position.

These light are amazing pieces of technology, the e+lite projects a beam out to 19m and will give a full burn time of 45hrs. I’m sure many of you are realising the benefits of many of their features. With these two lights, Petzl prove why they’re held in such esteem. Of the two, the e+Lite is definitely one to add to any first aid/survival kit and the Tactikka XP, though like others now available, is not wanting in any function it offers.

•Name: Petzl Tactikka XP Headlamp & e+Lite

•Price: £52 incl 3-yr guarantee and £27.50 incl 10-yr shelf life respectively                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

•Contact: Petzl helpdesk, 015396 25493 www.petzl.com

•For: Two very practical head lamp designs

•Against: Nothing

•Verdict: Well worth a serious look

Pic Caps

1: Side by side you can easily see the more standard looking Tactikka XP and the ingeniously designed and pocket powerhouse e+Lite

2: Pretty standard fair, but the Tactikka XP still has easy access operating buttons, ratchet tilt down lamp head and a sliding filter facility

3: When the filter is in the housing you simply slide it over the main light to use

4: The Petzl e+Lite – should be made compulsory to have one for the features if offers and peace of mind should an accident occur

5:Showing lever moved over to access 3X White LED mode

6: Now the more discreet red LED, but only when on continuous, on Emergency boy is this bright!