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 way of them or flip the headlamp off. You received’t discover different frequent options like a crimson gentle perform or a lock mode on the Tikkina. Nevertheless, the value level greater than justifies the dearth of extras. It is a stripped-down headlamp, however for these on a finances or who merely don’t want many options, the Tikkina is a superb purchase. Three disposable AAA batteries energy it, or you should purchase 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 an additional energy supply.
This headlamp could not present sufficient illumination or options for a lot of out of doors fans. Nonetheless, for automobile tenting, working round the home, or informal evening climbing, the Tikkina suits the invoice for a lot of.
Nonetheless trying to find one of the best headlamp to your wants? Head to our headlamp gear information for extra examined and reviewed choices.
Fast Specs
Petzl Tikkina
Finest Finances 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.
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- Lengthy burn time
- Straightforward to make use of
- Rechargeable battery choice
Cons
- Lacks options
- Not absolutely waterproof
Illumination & Gentle High quality
The Tikkina supplies 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 rankings 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 fundamental illumination round camp and brief evening 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, just 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 value, the brightness and light-weight high quality are greater than sufficient. Nevertheless, this may very well be a limiting issue for those who 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 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 obligatory. This burn time is kind 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 dearer Petzl Actik Core.
Weight
The Tikkina provides 3.2 ounces to your equipment, which is kind of affordable given its inexpensive worth. That’s solely half an oz greater than fashions just like the Black Diamond Spot sequence. Nevertheless, 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 may trigger some fatigue whereas working or climbing, however the further heft is much less of a difficulty in camp. In comparison with extra trendy, low-profile headlamps, the Tikkina’s bulkier design makes the burden really feel extra distinguished, particularly throughout extended use. That stated, 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, but it surely does rank close to the underside for consolation in comparison with the opposite headlamps we examined this 12 months. 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 turned noticeable after about two hours of use, so it might not be a difficulty for many customers. We choose much less plastic involved with the pores and skin and really feel the Tikkina would profit from extra padding. Nevertheless, until you propose to put on your headlamp for over two hours at a time, this seemingly 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 kids. This simplicity is basically as a result of there aren’t many options to cycle by way 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 complicated piece of drugs. Moreover, the headscarf is straightforward to regulate on the fly while not having 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 affords three brightness settings, and that’s about it when it comes to the sunshine’s performance. Nevertheless, there are just a few different facets 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 suitable with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2, permitting the top strap to be eliminated and the headlamp to be affixed to numerous helmet sorts or a bicycle. Petzl additionally designed the Tikkina to be suitable 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. For those who go for the rechargeable battery, you’ll end up within the worth 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 finest gear within the trade. It’s nice not just for out of doors fans planning to make use of it for automobile 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 automobile, strolling the canine, or having readily available throughout energy outages.
Its compatibility with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2 platforms makes it a very good choice for individuals who bike to work and want a backup gentle or for climbers who want a little bit further illumination on sundown climbs. It’s good for individuals who don’t have the time or endurance to be taught the ins and outs of a extra complicated headlamp. Nevertheless, we wouldn’t suggest 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?
For those who just like the Tikkina however need to discover different choices, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the checklist of our favourite headlamps:
Nitecore NU25 UL Assessment: We extremely suggest 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: For those who can stretch your finances by an additional $25, the Spot 400 is price contemplating. It’s one in all our longtime favourite headlamps and continues to impress. With the Spot 400, you get a extra snug and brighter headlamp, together with among the prime options amongst all of the headlamps we’ve examined.
