LET THERE BE LED LIGHT

For those trying to decide between the Petzl Tikka and the Princeton Tec Matrix, the two leading LED headlamps on the market, the decision would seem one of the least daunting of gear choices.

At first glance, the Petzl is smaller, lighter, brighter (initially) and cheaper than the Princeton, making it the clear winner by a backcountry mile. Closer inspection, however, yields a few interesting points to consider. The Tikka does not have a hinge on which the light can pivot and tilt; the Matrix, on the other hand, does offer this important feature, providing variable adjustment in changing conditions. The Tikka operates on 3 AAA's while the Princeton uses 2 AA's and can also be powered by lithium batteries - an essential distinction. Most gadgetry in your pack typically utilize AA's (cameras, GPS's, etc.). Lithiums are proven performers in cold temperatures, unlike their alkie counterparts. It isn't clear why the Tikka wouldn't be lithium-capable, but it's something Petzl makes no mention of anywhere in its literature. On lithium, the Matrix has a burn time of 100 hrs. (40 with alkaline) compared to the Tikka's 150. What many reviewers fail to note is that Princeton's design provides consistent luminance over the duration of its burn time whereas the Tikka's brightness is markedly reduced after the batteries' first 15hrs., after which time it plateaus at a dimmer output.

The Matrix sports an additional strap over the top of the head for a more secure fit, but a greater consideration is the Tikka's lack of waterproofness. Princeton claims the Matrix is waterproof to 2000 feet.

Ultimately, both lights are ideal for different applications. For the serious backpacker who anticipates occasions that call for extended trekking in wet or extremely cold conditions, the Matrix is the clear choice. Dayhikers who rarely encounter inclement weather and who want peace of mind knowing that they've prepared for any unexpected late returns to the trailhead will appreciate the Tikka's small footprint in their pack and tiny headprint on their noggin.

For my own purposes, I purchased the Matrix and although skeptical at first of whether the lamp would be bright enough for trail use, I found it more than adequately bright, even for steep hikes and moderately rugged terrain. Nevertheless, enthusiasts have been known to pair either one of these headlamps with a small flashlight such as the Princeton Blast or Pelican Tracker to provide a longer beam for sighting distant objects.

Customer Service

The lamp I purchased had a defective bulb (an occasional problem that occurs with any manufacturer) and was promptly replaced by the retailer. When I contacted Princeton Tec about the matter, their service rep, Josh, was very obliging.

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Petzl Tikka

Bright lights give me a migraine but not the blue color temperature of the matrix. Its a fine light that you do not have to worry about dieing on you. Eat food comfortably at night, read, all those little things you normally restrict yourself from doing are now freedom. Get fifty hours from alkaline and 100 hours from lithium. and 100,000 hours from the bulb. Even if you carry an ultra high power light for off trail, carry an led light for all the rest. I have hiked off trail with this light, its not that big of a deal in the snow, but possibly not a good idea for some if your on a steep slopes shadowed by trees with now snow to reflect the light. Good for airplane rides too, or anytime you need light but not wanting to attract a lot of attention.

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None

What a great light!! Lightweight, bright,waterproof, and long-lasting with the lithium batteries. When the sun goes down, my Matrix goes on. The soft blueish light is pleasing to the eyes and the pattern lights up everything within your immediate area. I supplement this with a Princeton Tec Blast for spotting distant objects (like things that go bump in the night).
As noted in earlier reviews, it is also great for reading. It may one day totally replace my candle lantern, but that warm glow in the middle of the woods is comforting.
Oh, and a bonus is that you can use the bulb in the Tec 20 for a great area flashlight.

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Princeton Tec Solo

Perfect headlamp. Lightweight and long lasting. The light is a nice soft white color with no annoying rings of darkness. Just bright enough for hiking in, and great for reading with. I'm up to around 30 hours and its still going strong.

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Petzl Zoom(good headlamp)
Petzl Micro(not bright enough for anything)

This produst has taken me from the darkest caves to the AT with no problem! I once took it swimming at night ti test its waterproof-ness. I can pull it out of my pocket and be ready any situation! I thought it was a bit pricey however!

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None

Great headlamp. I was afraid it would not be bright enough, but it is perfect for around camp and reading. It is bright enough to hike with, and the long hours on a set of lithium batteries make it well worth the price, especially if you like to have your light on most of the time at night in camp.

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None

Long battery life, long bulb life of LED, replaceable LED bulb, and the use of AA batteries was the factor that convinced me to buy headlamp. Petzl Tikka was the other headlamp I was considering, but it uses AAA batteries and the LED bulb is difficult to replace. (For me AA battery was important since it can be exchanged with other electronic gadgets such as digital camera and GPS, saving having to carry extra backup batteries). The light output is lower than incandescent bulb, but good enough for hiking, cooking, and reading in a tent. FYI, "White" LED is actually a blue LED with white fluorescent coating. In the future, a true white LED may be developed, which will increase the LED light output.

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None

This is my first headlamp purchase and I think I got a really great one. Most times I've needed a headlamp for general hands-free illumination, and to finish up an all-day hike. THe Matrix LED lasts a long time and the brightness is continuous all the way through its battery life. It has lived up to the claims of waterproofness, including heavy rains, snowstorms and an accidental drop into a cold stream. It comes complete with AA batteries and needs no extras to work with them. I heartily recommend this product.

Customer Service

None needed

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None

I have a Princeton Tec Vortec and the Matrix and I am very pleased with Both. The Matrix puts out plenty of light for reading, camp chores and slow paced hiking at night, especially in snow. The battery life is fantastic and the ability to change to a halogen bulb if more light is needed is great.
The lights are definately waterproof, which is great for paddlers. My Vortec sat at the bottom of a river for two days before being found after a capsize. No problems at all.

Customer Service

Never needed

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Princeton vortec

The LED output of the light is good for hiking. It may seem a little dim at first but it is enough to easily walk on just about any trail. Alot of people comment on the white light the LEDs output but I don't see any big difference from regular incandecent lights. The light diffuses out in a nice consistant glow, unlike the rings you get with regular bulbs.

I guess the only problem I have with it is that the light doesn't give you alot of distance to see ahead. But to solve this I just have a tiny but really bright Pelican light I keep in my pocket. All it does is give a really small spot of light but at a much longer distance than the headlamp so I can just pull it out once in a while when I need to see something far away.

Other than that, this is going to be my standard hiking/mountaineering headlamp for now on.

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Petzl Zoom