Just In - New Petzl TIKKA2s

Just in for review are two brand spanking new Petzl head torches, the TIKKA2 and the TKKA 2 XP, both of which will be in the shops come September 2009.


We told you about the whole new TiIKKA2 / ZIPKA2 range a few weeks back, but we thought you'd appreciate a close up initial look now we actually have a couple in our paws. The general theme is better light output and burn times in a slicker, more modern, easier to use package.

One other big difference is that all the torches in the range have done away with the middle brightness setting and now have just low and high plus flash. Apparently Petzl's research showed that users didn't actually take advantage of the medium setting, so that's why.

TIKKA2

The straight TIKKA2 is a slicked up descendant of the original TIKKA. It has four LEDs designed to produce a flood beam for general use, walking, running, camping, reading and jobs about the house, hard to get to U-bends anyone? On 'economic' level, the three AAA cells can last up to 120 hours and on max, range is up to 29 metres.


One big improvement is access to the battery compartment. The slotted coin lever thing has been replaced with an easy to use tab that simply opens up the torch in seconds. It looks great too with a transparent plastic casing. Price is £32.50, the ZIPKA2 costs the same, but uses an elastic cord to reduce weight from 81 grammes to 69 grammes including batteries.

TIKKA2 XP

Also on the go is the new TIKKA2 XP. The XP's aimed at more technical use, the single, high-powered LED throws out a claimed 60 lumens, enough for a 60-metre beam, which Petzl is keen to point out, is the length of an alpine climbing rope.

It can, they say, be used for anything from mountaineering through to trail running and 'technical mountain biking'. Like the previous version, it incorporates a diffuser to switch from spot to wider beam output, but the new one is much easier to use with gloved hands having a bigger tab.


Along with high, low and flash options, there's also a built-in red LED with on and flash settings and a battery level indicator. Looks again are more modern and you're getting a lot of light from a very neat and compact package - it only weights seven grammes more than a standard TIKKA2.

The XP version retails for £45. There's also a TIKKA2 PLUS which again uses a single LED, but has a slightly lower output and no diffuser, though it does get the red light option as well.

Finally all the models in the range bar the basic TIKKINA2 can be used with alkaine, rechargeable and lithium batteries. That's particularly good news for cold weather where lithium cells perform better than the alternatives.

Full tests to follow. More about Petzl's new range at www.the-power-of-light.com