The Tikka XP is the next generation of the Tikka series of headlamps from Petzl. It has a Luxeon LED for light, a sliding diffuser lens, multiple output levels, and a battery level indicator.

The Tikka XP headlamp has the lamp and the battery compartment all together at the front of the headlamp. 3 AAA cells power the lamp for a good number of hours. The entire assembly is attached to a forehead plate with a thin forehead pad and a ratcheting pivot point so the light from the unit may be directed where needed. The elastic headband strap is a 2-point headband with no top strap. As a result of the light weight of the unit a top strap is not needed at all. The strap is very easily adjustable via a single slider - no fumbling necessary.

The bezel/head is very small and looks a little odd at first glance. The lens for the LED is off to one side to make room for the sliding diffuser lens which rests in a slot on the opposite side. Hook the diffuser with your fingernail and slide it across to get a smooth diffuse beam. The diffuser can be easily removed and replaced by removing the entire front cover of the housing. As an accessory, replacement white, blue, green, or red lenses are available. On the side of the bezel there is an LED battery indicator which blinks green to 30%, orange to 10%, red below 10%. Additionally, the lamp blinks momentarily to let the user know it has changed from one indicator level to another.

Output: Output is in the form of a very nice spot. Sliding the diffuser across gives a very smooth flood of light. Very nice. There is no noticeable tinting to the beam at all.

   
Beam at one meter at target center without and with diffuser

Runtime Plot: Petzl uses a very low level of light output from their products to calculate their advertised runtimes (High: 60 hrs, Med: 80 hrs, Low: 120 hrs). 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. Here is the runtime graph on HIGH.

Runtime completed with Energizer alkaline batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: On top of the bezel/head are two switches which are protected to some degree inside of a molded recess. The main switch can be cycled through 4 output types: high, med, low, and blink. 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. Next to this switch is a boost switch which is momentary only and gives much 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.

Seals: The lamp is described as "water resistant" but it seems pretty "waterproof" to me. Water resistance seems to be mostly the result of the tight fit of the components, rubber switch covers, and a rubber seal between the halves of the battery compartment. I'd call it "splashable" at a minimum, probably "dunkable". If it gets wet inside, disassemble as much as possible without tools and let it dry before next use.

Ergonomics: Small, lightweight, and easy to use. The switches are necessarily very small and are close together. Use it a few times in controlled conditions to get used to it before venturing out into the wilderness. It is very comfortable thanks to the wide elastic headband.

Batteries: Three AAA 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, Tip the light all the way forward on the pivot point. Hook the catch on the side of the light with a fingernail and gently lift. The rear of the battery compartment light will separate. Replace the cells and snap the cover back into place. Rotate the lamp back to its original position.

Accessories: None included, but several items are available from Petzl including carry pouches, replacement battery compartment seal, interchangeable colored lenses, replacement strap, etc.

What I Liked: Water resistant, Impact resistant, Very good battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Comfortable, Multiple output modes.

What I Didn't Like: Not regulated.

Other Things I Noticed: Boost is very bright!

Conclusions: An excellent upgrade by Petzl to the original Tikka. I'm very impressed by this little light. Actual runtime is very good considering the use of AAA cells, plus the smaller cells keep the headlamp very lightweight and compact. Everything seems well executed in its design.

UPDATE: PETZL TIKKA XP with rechargeables? Here is a notice from a reader. FlashlightReviews.com does not guarantee the accuracy of this information as we have not tested the Tikka XP with rechargeables.

"I found with a Petzl Tikka XP which I recently bought that it performs very well with rechargables, the output curve is very flat (in contrast to batteries) due to discharge curve of the rechargables. Above all the LED battery indicator in the light may serve as a valuable discharge protection for the rechargables.

The indicator switches from green to yellow (and the light blinks three times) when the battery voltage drops below 3.25V which is about 3x the lowest voltage, a single rechargable NiMh cell should be discharged to (approx. 1,05-1,06 V per cell). Therefore, the Petzl Tikka XP is perfect for the use with rechargable batts in my opinion."

UPDATE: Petzl Tikka XP with lithium AAA? 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

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