Petzl E48 PBY Zipka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black and Yellow
by Petzl
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Petzl E48 PBY Zipka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black and Yellow
Customer Review: Head of the Class
Summary: 5 Stars
I love the strap mechanism. It's nice to not worry about sweaty, bulky headbands. I initially worried about the spring mechanism wearing out, but I've owned a similar model, the E44P, for 3 or 4 years with no problems. I'm upgrading from the E44P because this model improves on 1) 4 vs. 3 LEDs, 2) 4 power modes instead of 1, and 3) water resistance.
This model's lowest brightness setting is about as bright as my old E44P and at the highest brightness setting, brighter than any headlamp I've seen in this price range. The water resistance is basically just splash resistance, but at least it's something. On the older model, the sliding switch was an open door for moisture. This model, the E48P, has a push-button switch that is much more resistant to moisture. The seal with the battery door, however, is not going to keep water out if you're in a consistent downpour. A rubber gasket would have been nice.
I love this headlamp. I loved the older model, too. It's just that this is model is a great improvement in many ways. Oh, it also has a larger lip under the lamps which helps a little bit in keeping potential light spill out of your eyes. Great for the workshop (I use it when soldering or fixing PCs) and great for camping (it's nice to have both hands free, especially if you have kids). A real outdoorsman will probably want something a bit more robust (and expensive). Another nice touch is the availability of replacement lenses, including a 3-pack of colored lenses. I don't know what you'd use any color except red for, but it was nice to have available. I had to replace the lens after an air vent and various debris came crashing down on my head. Nothing broke (on me or the lamp), but the lens popped off and I never found it in all the mess.
Customer Review: Serious Petzl Fan!
Summary: 5 Stars
When my Petzl Tikka with a full headband got sucked up into the void that is my closet, right before a 2 week camping trip, I raced out and bought a retractable Zipka headlamp and haven't looked back. My boyfriend immediately adopted the old one when we got back.
Five years later, I added the Zipka Plus to my collection because I like having a red lens sometimes. It's not hard to take the lens off but I switch between the two often.
For camping I like the red lens because you keep your night-vision and it's less obtrusive. I keep it on my wrist when not in use. At home I use the Zipka Plus with a clear lens for reading in bed and anything else one might need a flashlight for. Living in Hurricane country we use our headlamps far more often then we'd like to but it also makes it a much more valuable Christmas present!
You can purchase an extra set of lens filters, it comes in a pack of three, red, green and clear or you can do what I did and just take a red Sharpie to it. The effect is exactly the same. Test out the color change on a piece of plastic wrap first just in case you don't like it. FYI Alcohol and a little baking soda can take the ink off of most plastics if you want to change it back.
Some models have issues with flickering or shutting off. I had this happen with my Tikka after about 4 years of heavy use (5 to 10 hours a week). I changed the batteries which aleviated the problem for a while but I found that I kept changing batteries before the light was dimming, then I used a contact cleaner/lube, problem solved!
I would definately recommend this product, you can't beat the price and versatility.
Customer Review: proved it is worth every penny
Summary: 5 Stars
After minimal research, I bought this headlamp at least 4 years ago for my husband as a unique gift. It has been worth EVERY penny, and has become one of his prized tool possessions. He does HVAC service, and needed a strong light that he would not have to hold in his hand. Thanks to the little zip cord (instead of a bulky headband) this unit is small enough for him to just slip into his pocket like small change, and therefore he ALWAYS has it with him. Though he tries to keep it dry, he has had to use it in all sorts of weather. He is not purposely rough with it, but he does carry it in his pocket all the time, and has dropped it or dropped things on it numerous times. The lights are brightest when the batteries are fresh, but it will perform adequately for MONTHS of everyday use on a set of batteries. While I got it for him with the idea that he would use it for work, having it with him all the time has allowed it to evolve into much more than that:
--He wears it when he runs outside in the dark to grab an armload of firewood, or to get the mail at the end of our long driveway.
--I use it when trying to read maps or books when riding with him in the dark.
--He uses it when working in any dark or dim setting, like under the hood of the car, or in a cabinet under the sink, or in a closet or shed
--It becomes simply a flashlight that he has ALL the time
Just remember to ALWAYS use two hands to remove it from your head, just like the instructions tell you.
There are very few things that my husband has appreciated--at any price--like this little gadget.
Customer Review: BEYOND MY GREATEST EXPECTATIONS!!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a police officer for the past 20 years I have learned the importance of of having the right type of illumination. I bought this lamp after one night last week changing my tire in my personal car in 20 degree weather and at 200 am. My surefire light, which I carry in my glove compartment burned out after a little while. That is when I made my decision to search on Amazon for an adequate headlamp w/LED's so I can get some hours out of the batteries.
The next day I ordered this light. I cannot tell you enough how great this light is. Doing work in my back yard at night for the past week I have shined this light for at least 40 hrs., on my head using the retractable cord, and it is still so bright. It is so small and compact yet place it on a table in the dark and it lights up the whole room. I wear it on my wrist, on my head (even with the ballcap on it is awesome). My friends are getting tired of me telling them how great this light is. I have ordered 5 more (2 I have placed in each of my car's glove compartments and the others will be gifts).
Do yourself or your loved ones a favor-buy this light, it will astound you at how many times you will use it!
Thanks PETZL and thanks Amazon for the BEST PRICE ANYWHERE!!
Customer Review: One of the most useful and versatile lights
Summary: 5 Stars
This headlamp is one of the most useful things I own for the money. I use it around the house and out. At home, it is a hands free flash light that points at whatever you are doing. The battery lasts for approx. 100+ hours depending on the setting. It is also one of the lightest headlamps. Also the headband is a thin cord and it retracts into the little pod disc which is a great design. There are lights that are brighter but they are heavier and may have more cords. The beauty of this model is it's light and the minimal design.
You can also use this when walking in the dark or doing task outdoors that require both of your hands. I do not use my regular flashlight anymore.
Another great feature is the button electronic design. If you press the button quickly in sequence, it goes from low, med, high, flashing and off. However, if you leave the light on one setting for more than a few seconds, the next time you press the button, the light turns off. That is so you do not have to go through all the options before the light turns off. What a smart design!
Petzl Zipka Plus with 4-LED Headlamp, Black and Yellow #E48PBY