Petzl Zipka LED Headlamp Headlamps
Petzl Zipka LED Headlamp Headlamps
USER REVIEWS
[Aug 16, 2004]
Shaun Paul Wilson
Backpacker
You know how the 5 star rating says, "can't live without."? Well, that about sums it up. These guys are awesome. Yeah, maybe some people have big heads and have to wear the retraction mechs down to fit, but they must make them tight enough for little guys like me. I love these things. I've used them for everthing from taking out the garbage at night, or cleaning the pool, or chasing a raccoon out of our koi pond; to night bording down 7000 feet of Reineer wilderness, hiking up the Glaciers at Mt. Pilchuck and Goat Lake in WA., mountain biking all over Oregon and Washington etc.; to seting up camp late at night and catching crawdads with my son, reading star wars in the tent or washing dishes or preparing a midnight snack. These little gems are amazing! I never thought of them being adjustable - I just move my head to where I want to look!.. I also use them (I have two) for crawling under houses and doing termite and dryrot inspections...what a lifesaver. My old one was so bulky and stupid. The batteries lasted about thirty seconds if they were really good ones. The "adjustable angles" really meant it just fell to the lowest adjustment with every bump and it was incredibly uncomfortable - yes cheaper, but who cares when you get something worth it's cost! Besides the fact I think this already is worth it's value, I also think it's awesome when a company comes up with such a bold, new concept and gets it to the public. GOOD JOB PETZL!!! Customer Service None Similar Products Used: Peice of junk thing probably by coleman or stanley? Bought at Home Depot 5 years ago... |
[Jun 20, 2004]
highspeed_gardener
Backpacker
I have used my Zipka headlight for several years now without any problems and only 2 battery changes. It has provided enough light for many night hikes on trails as well as being a great light for around camp. I have used it on backpacking trips in everything from 110 degrees in the deserts of S. California to -15 degrees in a January snow storm on the A.T. in Tenn. I have never had a problem with it in light rain. In heavy rain I try to protect it some, not because I've ever had a problem, just because I don't want to push my luck. The Zipka's most unique feature is it's retractable head band. It is handy because of how easy it is to fasten to just about anything. This makes it easy to light up your kitchen area, for example, allowing everyone to use just one light. The retractable headband also makes the Zipka very compact. You can easily carry it in your front pocket without noticing it. Over all I'm impressed with the Zipka but I do have a few small gripes. First of all I would hesitate to use it as my sole light source if I were to be bush wacking or traveling on a very poorly marked trail that I wasn't familar with. It just dosn't have the range. Second, it is not adjustable. I believe they have fixed this on the Zipka Plus. Another point is it is not actually water proof. The directions do say it can get wet as long as you dry it off later and take out the batteries. My final gripe is the comfort. After several hours the strap (string really) is really digging into my head. During winter it is not a problem because i just put it over my beannie but during summer it leaves a wicked line across my forehead. You can reduce this a bit by moving it up and down on your head or by making a head band out of your bandana. Overall this is a great light for everything except super wet hikes or situations where you need to be able to see for miles with your light. If you neeed a light weight, reliable headlight you should look into the Zipka. Customer Service Never had a need. Similar Products Used: To many to list. My wife thinks I'm addicted to trying new flashlights/headlamps. |
[Sep 19, 2003]
paulbaguio
Backpacker
Pros: Light and durable. so many all around purposes. I even use it on my bike and I wrap it around my handlebars. The white light is good for campsite lighting and last a long time as far as battery life is concern. Cons: The light is not effective for long ranges but very effective inside the tent for reading and cooking (It is made for that way anyway). I have a worry on the rope strap of the light.... it may give in if used during rainy trails. Once the thin rope is detached, goodbye zipka... Customer Service no problemo. |
[Sep 09, 2003]
richtheclimber
Climber
This review is for the Zipka Plus Headlamp. I put it here because it has no place of its own (at the time of writing). Anyway, It kicks ass and paying the little bit extra was fine by me. BUY ZIPKA PLUS!!! |
[Sep 03, 2003]
Brandon
Day Hiker
This light is great on batteries and works better than expected as long as you dont expect a spot light. The one major flaw that I found is the switch. Do not take it out into the rain or let any water touch it or you will be left in the dark. I wasnt really expecting waterproof but even a little water resistance would be nice. All around a nice compact overachiever. |
[Aug 27, 2003]
bos paoix
Mountaineer
It's the smallest headlamp I've ever seen. I just tuck it in my pack and forget about it. Great for night treks, way too better than my old zoom zora. Even used it while raining I've never had any problems with it... though i'd wished they were water proofed like those of princeton tec's LED headlamps. I never had the chance to fully used up my batteries... I've used 1 set of batteries for several backpacing trips and bike trips and they still do work. I've never had any problems with the retractable bond... To sum it up, its a very good product for its price. Customer Service did'nt have to use it Similar Products Used: zoom zora zoom tikka |
[May 06, 2003]
Trevor
Backpacker
I love it. I never bother to hike at night, so haven't tried it for that purpose, but around camp it is perfect. The only problem I have is a little bit of difficulty getting the angle of the light adjusted correctly - you have to have the right slope of forehead because there is no adjustment other than the way it sits on your head. I usually hike in colder weather anyway, and have cold weather headwear on, so it usually doesn't matter. |
[Jan 22, 2003]
Corbin36
Backpacker
Great little light. Expandable strap makes it easy to hang or wrap around things. Orignally i thought it woudl slip of my head when i was hiking but i ahve never had that problem. I have however fell asleep with it on and had it dig a line into my head. Overall very bright. On 2nd set of batteries Similar Products Used: I am an headlamp fanatic(mainly LED). Heres the list: Black Diamond Moonlight, polar star, gemini, supernova, Ion. Petzl: Duo, Tikka (gray and blue band)Zoom. Princeton Tec aurora. |
[Dec 05, 2002]
smellytoes
Backpacker
This is one great piece of equipment. Battery life is stellar. It's tiny, light, and powerful: everything a backpacker needs. I don't think I'd use it for night hiking, except in emergency, by for cookingear baggingetc around camp, it's perfect. And keep in mind, It's very hard to get a 5 rating out of me. Customer Service Haven't needed it. |
[Aug 10, 2002]
meirte
Mountaineer
Awesome. I've used the Zipka for the last year, for 100's of hours. It is great on batteries, which makes it price reasonable. Similar Products Used: Other Petzl's, Princeton... The Zipka is king! |