Petzl Pixa 2 ATEX Headlamp/Torch (Replaces Tikka Plus)

As a sea kayaker I've been looking for a waterproof headtorch to use in case I get caught out in the dusk or on overnight trips where I don't have to worry about the torch getting wet, but there's not much out there. Looking on kayaking blogs they suggested a couple of models, the Petzl Pixa being one.

Going online I found the Pixa range on Amazon but with a really poor description for a head torch that costs up to £70, so I ended up doing research on other sites (including the Petzl website) that showed this had a lot of strong features. I even got to the point of placing an order on another website but the payment page didn't feel right and so I reverted back to Amazon marketplace as I have a lot of trust in the Amazon brand (even though the product was a little more expensive).

Do your own research, but the key features for me were:

+ Waterproof to 1m (if I capsize) and dustproof (so sand won't do any damage) to IP67 standard
+ Robust as it's designed to stand up to crushing by an 80kg weight and dropped from a height of 2m
+ Easy to operate with big chunky switch (I sometimes need to use gloves or have cold fingers so can't be too fiddly)
+ Lens turns around 180 degrees to face into the headband to protect it when not in use
+ Only needs two normal AA batteries which are easy to get hold of and store when travelling

There are also three models (Pixa 1, 2 and 3) and the only difference seems to be the beam options:

Pixa 1 = Wide beam for close range work; 30 lumens; 15m range; batteries will last 12 hours at this setting *
Pixa 2 = Pixa 1 PLUS Medium beam for walking; 40 lumens; 30m range; batteries will last 6 hours at this setting *
Pixa 3 = Pixa 2 PLUS Narrow beam for long distance lighting; 55 lumens; 50m range; batteries will last 3 hours at this setting *

* = Note that the unit has at least 10 hours of additional reserve lighting at a wide beam setting

I chose the Petzl Pixa 3 as it has a maximum beam range of up to 50m so I can see a reasonable distance away and plan my way around any obstacles (eg. rocks, moored boats, etc).

So far no complaints. It's a solid and professional piece of kit which I can use for kayaking, camping, running, etc with little fear of damage.

If I were to be picky it's a fairly chunky piece of kit but how do you avoid that for something this solid? Also, when on your head you hardly feel it and the strap keeps it comfortable and stable, even when running.

I've also bought the pouch (PETZL PIXA POUCH) separately at around £12 to store it in transit as it can be attached to a belt or bouyancy aid, to keep it handy rather than on the head when not in use.

The only other observation I'd make is if you don't need the industrial standard (particularly the waterproof element), look at the LED Lenser H14 Zweibrüder LED LENSER® H14 Kopflampe 7499 High Performance, H-Serie 4x AA. The power of the LED Lenser blows the Pixa away and the quality of the unit is also great.