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Head torch recommendations

X

24-Jul-2003
11:24:48 AM

I'm looking for recommendations for a good head torch for a bit of night climbing, caving and general camping. I'm only just getting into this so don't want to go overboard. I still want something that isn't junk though. What would you recommend?

timmy

24-Jul-2003
11:41:27 AM

For general lighting, the best one is the PrincetonTec Aurora. 3 LED's, 3 brightness settings, 2 flash settings. $70 odd I think.

For caving, try the Petzl range of products. Thay have all sorts of different arrangements of bulbs and battery packs.

Try searching http://www.backcountrystore.com

Rupert

24-Jul-2003
12:09:18 PM

it used to be that the Petzl Zoom was the standard for general lighting - however with the big jump in technology you are now seeing much lighter and brighter setups available. I would tend to look at something that has a dual setup for distance and also close-up brightness.

oweng

24-Jul-2003
12:47:47 PM

I bought a Petzl Duo a few years ago (its the yellow petzl with both a Halogin globe and a standard globe that you can switch between at the flick of a switch). Its given me great service, but is much heavier and bulkier than the newer LED types (puts out a lot more light though). It is waterproof so would be suitable for caving (ive used it successfully underwater in sections of the underground river at Buffalo), and when your on Halogin it gives out alot of light. The Halogen globe can be "zoomed", but one draw back is that the standard globe cannot be "zoomed". As you use the standard globe 95% of the time this sucks a bit. I think it cost about $100. Its a great product thats very versatile. Id recommend the Duo is you need lots of light, and dont mind not having the smallest / lightest torch on the market.

Tim

24-Jul-2003
1:51:56 PM

Having used a Petzl Zoom for years, I've recently switched over to the new Black Diamond range. I've found that the new BD Spaceshot(??) is excellent and, overall, better than the old Petzl. The BD is lighter, similar in price, better on batteries and doesn't have any moving parts. The big problem with the Petzl Zoom is that the 'zoom' on the lens wears and, over time, makes it difficult to turn on. My BD has a LED and standard globe combination which is great.

Mike

24-Jul-2003
3:08:29 PM

I have a Petzl Zoom, but I only use it every few weeks, and, subsequently, it seems the batteries are forever running low, or the light isn't bright enough. I swapped to a halogen blub, but it still seems like I get a few hours of good light with a fresh battery, then come back to use it a few weeks later and it's dull again.

I love the Petzl Tikka ($80 from RH) for size and brightness, though it doesn't seem to illuminate distant objects as good. However, I've been thinking about getting one for general camping and slipping into the chalk bag as a "just in case" measure.

What about the new Petzl My03? Anybody used one yet?

nmonteith

24-Jul-2003
3:54:11 PM

Jono just bought one of those Petzel My03 torches. Very bright halogen bulb and lots of LEDs as well. Looked very good - but expensive ($100?).

Rich

25-Jul-2003
10:52:42 AM

Yeh i've got a zoom and a tikka. Tikka's great for general stuff around camp. Zoom is good for looking for ppl that have been benighted for instance but usually it sits in my pack now!
I also bought one of those LED keyring lights from kathmandu for like $15. Man they're great. tiny (bout as big as 50c) but amazingly just as bright as the tikka. I'd recommend everyone to grab one and attach it their harness in the instance of being stuck up at night.

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