Fingers not included :-)

The Myo XP is the next generation of the Myo series of headlamps from Petzl. It has a Luxeon LED for light, a flip-up diffuser lens, and multiple output levels.

The Myo XP headlamp uses a lamp-front, battery-back arrangement. The front lamp assembly is connected to the rear battery compartment by a substantial cord with a coil for expansion. The cord is clipped to the 2-point elastic headband at one point. The battery compartment in the rear has a stretch-off rubbery lid which is held in place by both friction and the headband strap. 3 AA cells power the lamp for a good number of hours, although I think the numbers Petzl gives for runtime are misleading.

The bezel/head is very small and has a pretty neat arrangement. A support ring holds the bezel and the lamp pivots vertically within this ring. In front of the main lens for the internal LED you will find a flip-up diffuser lens. This is a VERY clever and well implemented means to change the focus of the LED for close-up work. It works very well.

On top of the bezel/head are two switches and an LED battery indicator (blinks green to 30%, orange to 10%, red below 10%). Flipping the bezel forward unlocks the switch which can then be cycled through 4 output types: high, med, low, and blink. Next to this switch is a boost switch which is momentary only and gives 50% more output than "high". This option can only be used for short periods due to heat issues and will only operate for 20 seconds continuously before internal limiting circuitry forces the LED to drop to a lower level. Thermal detection circuits also reduce the LED output whenever the lamp starts to get too hot.

Output is in the form of a very nice spot. Flipping up the diffuser gives a very smooth flood of light. Very nice.

   
Beam at one meter at target center, normal and with diffuser
(color balance was way off on these shots, so they are presented here in grayscale)

Runtime Plot: Completed on "high": 50% at 5 hr 23 min, 25% at ~ 12 hr 30 min.

Petzl uses a very low level of light output from their products to calculate their advertised runtimes (listed above). I would suggest that their runtime numbers listed on the package be considered "hours of usable output for emergencies where batteries are not available". You will want to change the cells well before the listed runtimes if you have access to spares. Runtime is still quite good, regardless. There does not appear to be a regulator in operation in this light.

Here is the runtime graph on HIGH.

Runtime completed on "High" with Varta RedCell AA batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

The switch is a simple click switch, but it is an unusual L shape. This is to facilitate locking the switch for transport by rotating the bezel as far back as it will go. The switch is engaged by a tab on the support ring to prevent it from being activated. Despite its weird shape it is easy to activate. Pressing quickly allows for movement between the various output modes. Leaving the light at any particular mode for about 2-3 seconds causes the next press to turn the light off. The boost button is momentary only to prevent overheating, and thermal limiting circuits help ensure the safety of the LED.

Here is the head in the "closed for transport" configuration.

The lamp is described as "water resistant". Water resistance seems to be mostly the result of the tight fit of the components. I'd call it "splashable".

Ergonomics: One thing that I found very unusual immediately was the use of a two-point headband (wraps around the head only, not over the top). Another headband and attachment clips were included to turn the system into a three-point headband. However, the top headband needs to be user attached via two tiny little plastic D-ring clips to the battery compartment and the lamp support and the strap is much slimmer than the main headband.

Apparently Petzl assumed that 3 AA cells at the back of the head would not necessarily need a top support. I think this was a mistake. I found the headlamp uncomfortable without the top strap to provide support and I don't like the fact that the top strap is narrow and sub-standard compared to the other straps. Wrong place to be cheap IMHO. They could have easily used a full size top strap with notched slots at the attachment points for easy removal, but it works as-is.

Batteries: Three AA cells power the light for a number of hours, but remember the Petzl runtime numbers include long periods of exceptionally weak light. To change out the cells, pull down the strap that blocks the battery cover (not a very good feature in my opinion) then stretch the rubbery material of the battery compartment door and pull it off like a sock. Replace the cells and stretch the "door" back over the compartment. Replace the strap over the door. Happily, due to the design of the straps you will not need to readjust all the straps after changing the batteries.

Accessories: Included are batteries and the more-or-less required top strap.

What I Liked: Water resistant, No bulb to blow, Good battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Multiple modes, Boost option, battery life indicator, Flip up diffuser.

What I Didn't Like: No real regulation despite sophisticated circuitry, Top strap is poorly executed.

Other Things I Noticed:

Conclusions: Very usable, some really good options, but some surprising slips. Two point headbands are good for 123A or AAA cell powered lights, but AA powered lights are just too heavy. Besides, the top headband could have been easily made full size and removable. The boost option is great since it can be accessed from any mode. Even when using low you sometimes need a quick boost of light, and it delivers. The diffuser is also great - more headlamps should have this option. I found the lack of real regulation surprising, but it still has good runtime.

UPDATE: Can you use Lithium AA? No! Petzel has stated quite specifically on their website that this light is not to be used with Lithium cells. http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesNews?News=159

Quick Facts Table: