2008 Petzl Myo XP Tested

2008 Petzl Myo XP Tested

The Myo XP is Petzl's all-round, high spec' head torch designed to be powerful enough for night navigation and climbing route spotting, but also to provide lower light modes for campsite and general use.

The big change for 2008 is simply that the light is brighter, some three times brighter according to Petzls own figures - with new batteries, the light output measured in lumens is increased from 50 to 150 lumens.

You can spot the difference between old and new versions by the grey with snot green buttons colour scheme on the new one compared to the old blue/yellow original.

LED efficiency has improved since the original Myo XP was introduced allowing Petzl to upgrade the performance of the light by fitting an uprated LED. Otherwise the light is pretty much identical to before even down to the three light levels plus boost and flash settings and handy built-in battery charge indicator.

The result of the upgrade is impressive on paper. On boost mode for example, maximum beam length increases from 65m to 97m with the equivalent figures at the more usual maxmum setting being 72m compared to 45m for the old timer. That means the new torch on normal high setting is actually brighter than the old one using boost.

It also means that the new torch is brighter than the old even as the batteries fade - after 30 hours of use, for example, one the minimum 'economic' setting, beam length is 24m as opposed to 14m.

We were very impressed with the original Petzl Myo XP for its combination of well thought out features, sturdy build quality and decent light performance, but it lagged behind, say, Silva's L1 when it came to really throwing out the lumens.

The latest version puts that right with a vengeance and makes the torch more useable for fast-moving stuff like running and biking. Side by side with the older version, it's simply much brighter.

In some situations that's a real boon, for night navigation in some situations for example, or trying to pick out a route on a dark crag, but it also means that you're getting more performance even on lower settings with no energy penalty. In fact Petzl says maximum battery life is extended from 170 to 180 hours in 'economic' or campsite mode, as we call it.

One thing being aware of is that the power drops off quite rapidly with use, so after ten hours the maximum beam range falls from 72 metres when fresh, to a mere 39 metres. That's still better than last year's 25-metre beam though.

With the diffuser flipped up it's great around camp and for general use, with it down you get a more focussed beam for long distance work.

Otherwise the XP is a nicely thought through bit of kit. The headband is comfortable in use and easy to adjust. The light-housing angle is adjustable for optimum vision and the on/off switch is shielded so it won't turn on accidentally inside your pack.

The torch is water resistant rather than waterproof, but in our experience that seems to be enough for general use, though we'd suggest drying the battery pack after wet days to minimise terminal corrosion.

Finally while at a real life 170 grammes it's not as light as Petzl's more minimalist offeriings, it's very reasonable given the light output. For a lighter option, have a look at the Tikka XP or if you only need a little light the Tikka or even the e+LITE.

If you're out a lot in sub-zero conditions, check out the Myo XP Belt which has a remote battery pack which can be housed inside your clothing for improved warmth and battery performance.

The same's true of the boost setting, which gives you a temporary, well, boost, as long as you hold down the secondary button - handy if you just need that little bit of extra range to pick out a feature.

All in all, one of the best all-round torches on the market with a versatile spread from campsite glow right up to piercing alpine beam. The extra brightness only makes it better.

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