Backside line
The Petzl Tikkina is about as primary as headlamps get. It gives three white mild 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 mild perform or a lock mode on the Tikkina. Nonetheless, the worth level greater than justifies the shortage of extras. This can be a stripped-down headlamp, however for these on a funds 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 might not present sufficient illumination or options for a lot of out of doors fans. Nonetheless, for automotive tenting, working round the home, or informal night time mountaineering, the Tikkina suits the invoice for a lot of.
Nonetheless trying to find the perfect headlamp to your wants? Head to our headlamp gear information for extra examined and reviewed choices.
Fast Specs
Petzl Tikkina
Finest Funds Headlamp
Worth:
$25
Measured Weight:
3.2 oz.
Max Lumens/Beam Distance:
300 lm./213 ft. (65 m.)
Burn Time Low/Excessive:
100 hrs./2 hrs.
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- Lengthy burn time
- Straightforward to make use of
- Rechargeable battery choice
Cons
- Lacks options
- Not totally 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 targeted spot characteristic that comes with extra premium fashions. Whereas lumen scores don’t all the time inform the entire story, we discovered the beam distance and light-weight high quality considerably missing, limiting its use to low-consequence duties like primary illumination round camp and quick 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, however it does have a slight yellow tint, much like an LED storage bulb. Although noticeable at first, our eyes adjusted shortly, and in the end, it wasn’t a significant concern. For the worth, the brightness and light-weight high quality are greater than satisfactory. Nonetheless, this could possibly be a limiting issue in the event you want a extra highly effective mild for technical pursuits.
Burn Time
The claimed burn time of the Tikkina is 100 hours on low and a couple of hours on excessive. This knowledge matched ours within the discipline. In most on a regular basis conditions, we usually use the headlamp on low or medium and reserve the utmost energy setting to when completely needed. 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 cheap given its reasonably priced worth. That’s solely half an oz greater than fashions just like the Black Diamond Spot sequence. Nonetheless, attributable to 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 may trigger some fatigue whereas working or mountaineering, however the additional heft is much less of a problem in camp. In comparison with extra fashionable, 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 worth level, we discover the burden fairly manageable and a good trade-off for its affordability.
Consolation
The Tikkina isn’t uncomfortable, however it 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 predominant concern is the plastic body. After prolonged put on, the underside of the body started to annoy our foreheads when worn with no hat. This solely grew to become noticeable after about two hours of use, so it will not be a problem for many customers. We want much less plastic in touch with the pores and skin and really feel the Tikkina would profit from further padding. Nonetheless, until you propose to put on your headlamp for over two hours at a time, this doubtless received’t be an issue. We discovered the Tikkina much less snug throughout high-output actions like working 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, aside from the Petzl Tikkid, which is designed for youngsters. This simplicity is essentially as a result of there aren’t many options to cycle by means of. You’ve got 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 won’t need or have to cope with a extra advanced piece of substances. Moreover, the headscarf is simple to regulate on the fly with no need to take away the headlamp.
Options
We’ve talked about it a number of instances, however sure, the Tikkina doesn’t provide many options. It activates and gives three brightness settings, and that’s about it by way of the sunshine’s performance. Nonetheless, there are just a few different points price noting. Like most headlamps, the Tikkina may be tilted up or down, including versatility when sporting 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 numerous helmet sorts 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 worth vary of extra premium headlamps that not solely come rechargeable but in addition provide extra options and higher mild 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 in search of a dependable product from an organization identified for making a few of the greatest gear within the trade. It’s nice not just for out of doors fans planning to make use of it for automotive tenting, fair-weather mountaineering, or hanging round camp but in addition for on a regular basis use. It’s useful for duties like engaged on the automotive, strolling the canine, or having available throughout energy outages.
Its compatibility with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2 platforms makes it a great choice for individuals who bike to work and wish a backup mild or for climbers who want slightly additional illumination on sundown climbs. It’s good for individuals who don’t have the time or endurance to study the ins and outs of a extra advanced headlamp. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t suggest it for technical pursuits requiring a brighter mild or for actions in harsh climate attributable to its decrease waterproof score.
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 Overview: We extremely suggest the NU25 UL. It’s one other of our favourite budget-friendly headlamps and gives 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 funds by an additional $25, the Spot 400 is price contemplating. It’s one in every of our longtime favourite headlamps and continues to impress. With the Spot 400, you get a extra snug and brighter headlamp, together with a few of the high options amongst all of the headlamps we’ve examined.
