Backside line
The Petzl Tikkina is about as fundamental as headlamps get. It affords three white gentle brightness settings, all managed by a single button to cycle by means of them or flip the headlamp off. You received’t discover different frequent options like a purple gentle perform or a lock mode on the Tikkina. Nonetheless, the worth level greater than justifies the shortage of extras. It is a stripped-down headlamp, however for these on a price range or who merely don’t want many options, the Tikkina is a wonderful purchase. Three disposable AAA batteries energy it, or you should buy Petzl’s CORE rechargeable battery pack. Whereas that greater than doubles the price of the headlamp itself, it’s good to have the choice for one more energy supply.
This headlamp could not present sufficient illumination or options for a lot of out of doors lovers. Nonetheless, for automotive tenting, working round the home, or informal night time climbing, the Tikkina matches the invoice for a lot of.
Nonetheless trying to find the most effective headlamp in your wants? Head to our headlamp gear information for extra examined and reviewed choices.
Fast Specs
Petzl Tikkina
Greatest Price range Headlamp
Value:
$25
Measured Weight:
3.2 oz.
Max Lumens/Beam Distance:
300 lm./213 ft. (65 m.)
Burn Time Low/Excessive:
100 hrs./2 hrs.
Execs
- Reasonably priced
- Lengthy burn time
- Simple to make use of
- Rechargeable battery choice
Cons
- Lacks options
- Not absolutely waterproof
Illumination & Mild High quality
The Tikkina gives 300 lumens of most output, which falls on the decrease finish in comparison with different headlamps we’ve examined. It has a flood-style beam however no centered spot function that comes with extra premium fashions. Whereas lumen scores don’t at all times inform the entire story, we discovered the beam distance and light-weight high quality considerably missing, limiting its use to low-consequence duties like fundamental illumination round camp and brief night time hikes. It’s additionally well-suited for family chores like strolling the canine or taking out the trash. The sunshine isn’t harsh, but it surely does have a slight yellow tint, much like an LED storage bulb. Although noticeable at first, our eyes adjusted shortly, and finally, it wasn’t a serious concern. For the worth, the brightness and light-weight high quality are greater than sufficient. Nonetheless, this could possibly be a limiting issue should you want a extra highly effective gentle for technical pursuits.
Burn Time
The claimed burn time of the Tikkina is 100 hours on low and a pair of hours on excessive. This knowledge matched ours within the area. In most on a regular basis conditions, we sometimes use the headlamp on low or medium and reserve the utmost energy setting to when completely obligatory. This burn time is sort of respectable as a result of most individuals received’t be utilizing this headlamp for mountaineering. The truth is, it matches the burn time of the considerably costlier Petzl Actik Core.
Weight
The Tikkina provides 3.2 ounces to your equipment, which is sort of affordable given its reasonably priced value. That’s solely half an oz. greater than fashions just like the Black Diamond Spot collection. Nonetheless, as a consequence of its bigger profile, it wears heavier than its weight suggests. The distinction between perceived weight and precise weight is noticeable with the Tikkina. Whereas that half-ounce is barely detectable in hand, you may really feel the burden distinction when it’s in your head throughout use. This added weight would possibly trigger some fatigue whereas operating or climbing, however the further heft is much less of a problem in camp. In comparison with extra trendy, low-profile headlamps, the Tikkina’s bulkier design makes the burden really feel extra outstanding, particularly throughout extended use. That mentioned, for informal use and at this value level, we discover the burden fairly manageable and a good trade-off for its affordability.
Consolation
The Tikkina isn’t uncomfortable, but it surely does rank close to the underside for consolation in comparison with the opposite headlamps we examined this yr. The elastic strap is appropriate for long-term use, however our principal concern is the plastic body. After prolonged put on, the underside of the body started to annoy our foreheads when worn with out a hat. This solely grew to become noticeable after about two hours of use, so it might not be a problem for many customers. We desire much less plastic in touch with the pores and skin and really feel the Tikkina would profit from further padding. Nonetheless, except you intend to put on your headlamp for over two hours at a time, this probably received’t be an issue. We discovered the Tikkina much less comfy throughout high-output actions like operating however extra tolerable for informal use round camp.
Ease of Use
It’s no exaggeration to say that that is the best and most intuitive headlamp we examined, apart from the Petzl Tikkid, which is designed for kids. This simplicity is basically as a result of there aren’t many options to cycle by means of. You could have one button that turns the sunshine on, adjusts the brightness from low to medium to excessive, after which turns it off. That’s it. It’s extraordinarily user-friendly and works completely for its goal demographic, who may not need or have to take care of a extra advanced piece of substances. Moreover, the scarf is simple to regulate on the fly with no need to take away the headlamp.
Options
We’ve talked about it a number of occasions, however sure, the Tikkina doesn’t provide many options. It activates and affords three brightness settings, and that’s about it by way of the sunshine’s performance. Nonetheless, there are just a few different facets value noting. Like most headlamps, the Tikkina will be tilted up or down, including versatility when carrying it in your head or round your neck. It’s also appropriate with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2, permitting the pinnacle strap to be eliminated and the headlamp to be affixed to varied helmet varieties or a bicycle. Petzl additionally designed the Tikkina to be appropriate with their CORE rechargeable battery pack, the identical one used within the extra high-end Actik Core. The draw back is that the CORE battery will set you again an extra $30, which is $5 greater than the MSRP of the headlamp itself. Should you go for the rechargeable battery, you’ll end up within the value vary of extra premium headlamps that not solely come rechargeable but additionally provide extra options and higher gentle high quality. Lastly, we had been puzzled to see REI’s product web page declare that the Tikkina has a battery life indicator, which it doesn’t.
Ought to You Purchase the Petzl Tikkina?
The Petzl Tikkina is a perfect headlamp for these searching for a dependable product from an organization recognized for making among the greatest gear within the business. It’s nice not just for out of doors lovers planning to make use of it for automotive tenting, fair-weather climbing, or hanging round camp but additionally for on a regular basis use. It’s helpful for duties like engaged on the automotive, strolling the canine, or having readily available throughout energy outages.
Its compatibility with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2 platforms makes it choice for many who bike to work and want a backup gentle or for climbers who want just a little further illumination on sundown climbs. It’s good for many who don’t have the time or endurance to study the ins and outs of a extra advanced headlamp. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t advocate it for technical pursuits requiring a brighter gentle or for actions in harsh climate as a consequence of its decrease waterproof ranking.
What Different Headlamps Ought to You Take into account?
Should you just like the Tikkina however wish to discover different choices, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the checklist of our favourite headlamps:
Nitecore NU25 UL Evaluate: We extremely advocate the NU25 UL. It’s one other of our favourite budget-friendly headlamps and affords extra options than the Tikkina. For the just a bit extra, you get a real ultralight headlamp with all of the options the Tikkina lacks.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Review: Should you can stretch your price range by an additional $25, the Spot 400 is value contemplating. It’s one in every of our longtime favourite headlamps and continues to impress. With the Spot 400, you get a extra comfy and brighter headlamp, together with among the prime options amongst all of the headlamps we’ve examined.
