Excellent. I love mine. It performs flawlessly. Lets face it to get the extended burn times you have to give up some brightness. No problem, I can still see what is in front of me. Sure I can not see a mile away or signal an aircraft at 20 thousend feet, but the batterys last forever. I do alot of night hiking and it has always done well. I also use mine in the Kayak on flat water at night and I have submerged it alot more than once and still have had no problems. The spare bulb packs nicely behind the lamp and the elastic if used only on your head not on a helmet will last you a long time. I have always used AA battery's in mine.

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None

I have had my Zoom for about 10 years.This has been one of the best purchases I ever made.I have the aaa adapter,but prefer the 4.5 v,and have never had problems finding these batteries.
I used it on Ranier in 99,and it performed flawlessly for a 2 am summit bid.My only problem is that after 10 years,the elastic is getting pretty stretched out on the headband,but I'm not complaining,really.
I have a Micro as well,but prefer the Zoom for extended trips.Am thinking of getting the Artic next.

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Petzl Micro

I love headlamps. They make a huge difference in camping environments where two hands are needed for extended periods. The Petzl Zoom has some good and bad features in my opinion. It puts out a considerable amount of light. The light is adjustable, I guess. And the battery last a long time a claimed 17 hours though my experience has been about 12. However, my nit-pics have persuaded me that there are better headlamps out there. These include only a 3 year warranty, sub-standered these days. Only "water resistent" which to me means "less durable". But my biggest gripe is the light output. Though "adjustable" it appears to be mearly a ring of light that enlarges and shrinks according to how the light is adjusted (the zoom feature). The light actually gives me a headache as I try to nagotiate between the bright light of the "ring" and the darkness everywhere else. It doesn't have a true flood effect. It is also very difficult to find the battery needed for the headlamp. It uses a large 4.5(?) volt battery and if you want to use AA's, you have to buy an adaptor which is extra. These are also hard to find. Though possibly the most well known, most people would benefit from doing a little research and discovering that there are better products out there for less money.

Customer Service

Have not dealt with there cosumer service.

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Princeton Tec

I gave away my REI headlamp as a Christmas gift so I had an excuse to buy this one...

It's been great. I bought mine mid 90s and have used the AA adaptor, but no electrical problems, must've got a good one.

I've most appreciated it on glacier climbs, when we're climbing at 1 or 2am. It puts out a decent beam. I usually use the 4.5v flat battery because it is nice not to have to worry about it running dry. I usually replace the battery about once a year. I bought the halogen bulb ($8 i think, yikes!) and have used that as a headlamp over my helmet riding my bike home from work at night. It worked great, but I finally got a real bike lamp because I think the elastic was getting too stretched out over my bike helmet.

For a simple overnighter, it's overkill and bulky. I like to keep it in the floating lid of my pack, and it takes up a lot of room in there. It always seems that when it comes to be dark enough that I want it, it is much easier to find it in the lid than searching through my pack. If I find a real cheap lightweight headlamp, I'd spring for that.

I haven't used it much in the rain/water (I try to stay dry in that stuff!), but it seems more than adequately sealed against moisture for my needs. I think that as long as you don't immerse it in water, you should be okay. Heck, one reviewer said he uses his in the shower??

Customer Service

none yet

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REI headlamp (held two AA batteries in the flashlight section on the front of head)

A great headlamp. It is lightweight, comfortable and well balanced. Provides plenty of light, and is easily focused for flood light or spot light. I use the AA battery adapter with mine and the normal bulb, would probably suggest the halogen for any serious night time trekking, climbing, etc. But perfect for setting up camp or fixing dinner.

Customer Service

Haven't had to. The website is pretty informative, though.

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Just a maglight. Get a headlamp.

Over all it's good. Especially having the AA battery adapter. They are so much cheaper.....
Modifications are easy to make, so that the light fits a bike helmet, or has a battery pouch to keep it warm...
Highly recommended.

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None

This headlamp has served me well. Moving up in the backpacking and mountaineering community in terms of expierence i have found the value of a good headlamp. This one has never given me problems and shows no signs of wear after about 20 battery changes. Pretty soon I will probable upgrade to the Duo-Belt because of the temperatures that I am now venturing into.

Customer Service

No Problems except a new lense and two lights from misshandling, all bought at a local store.

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None

Used it on Rainier. Didn't even have to use the 4.5v single battery. Works great! We use it ALL the time. Love the battery pack being on the back of your head to balance the weight.

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Princeton Tec Vortec
REI

Had one for over 5 years now. Never had a fault. Only thing that should be changed is the bulb to a halogen- if you are going to have a torch then you may aswell see something with it.
Saved me on many a benighted climb.

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maglite strapped to helmet- not a very good idea!
Moonlight

I use my Zoom all the time. I find it indespensible when setting up or breaking down camp in the dark. It is durable and provides a powerful beam. I think it is too bulky for a climbing pack though. I take a Petzl Micro when I am concerned about being benighted. For wall climbing, I use the Zoom since it is more powerful than the Micro and I have the haul bag anyway.

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Petzl Micro