Petzl Tikka

This is my 3rd Petzl headtorch. My original Tikka was dropped into sea and didn't last the experience, but until then I'd been very happy with the torch. I bought a Tikkina which proved extremely disappointing as when I took it out for a recent trip it just stopped working, and then started lighting intermittently. As I couldn't depend on it, I bought the new Tikka and was generally happy with it on recent trip to Kili. Only gripe I'd have is that on/off switch was a bit difficult to locate on a few occasions when using the torch. Its a nice compact and good looking torch. Giving it a four because of switch issue and previous bad experience with Petzl.

Great, simple, cheap but reliable torch. Perfect for trips when not much 'dark' activity is planned. . . . or when issuing to kids / groups. The residual glow behind the LED was useful to be able to locate the torch in a dark tent.

I was bought this as a back up to another head torch and I have not been disappointed with it in use. While intended as an emergency torch, I have started to use it as my main alternative including for several night nav' practices where the beam has proved effective in blackout darkness. Pros: Really comfortable to wear due to the wide headband; nice green light that glows making it easy to find the torch on the dark when the beam not on; two levels of light intensity to save battery life. Cons: Neither the brightest nor lightest torch for its weight. There are lighter ones available for emergency, back-up use and brighter beam ones for main use. As an all-round, general use head torch at a reasonable price, Petzl's Tikka is hard to beat.

I was used to a large Petzl head torch and was amazed at the lightness and comfort offered by this product. Its good for close work but not the best for coming down off hills at night when you need a long beam. You can wear it loosely round your neck while not using it, or fit into your hip pocket when heading off to the local climbers bar! The other major improvement is that the light is very bright blue/white, giving you colour nightvision - handy when trying to establish how well cooked your meal is! Four stars!