Petzl is best known as a French manufacturer of climbing and caving gear, including headlamps. They have had a great reputation for over 30 years.

The Tactikka + RGB 300 lumens appears to be an upgrade to the 2018 Petzl Tactikka +RGB 250 lumens. Not much has changed except the addition of an extra 50 lumens. I live on a farm in northern New England where it feels like it gets dark at noon for our 9 months of winter, so good flashlights and headlamps are a staple of our life up here. I was excited to try this offering out, especially because of the lighting variations.

Positives

The design is nothing fancy, but solid. Depending on your particular operational need, you can buy it in several colors. The light is adjustable, with approximately a 45-degree range of movement so you can put the light right where you want it.

The single point switch is easy and intuitive to use. The various color (White, Red, Green and Blue) are great options as well. Changing modes is a simple as a single click to toggle between the various brightness and/or strobe settings. Likewise, changing colors is equally simple, with a long hold press on the button.

The Hybrid concept means that the user can switch between standard AAA batteries or Petzl’s CORE rechargeable battery. Petzl also makes several mounts and other accessories for the headlamp, expending its versatility. The 5 year warranty is also very nice.

Negatives

Another difference from the earlier version is lack of any discernible water resistance. There is no gasket between the two halves of the shell and the battery compartment. Any significant precipitation would get inside the casing. I would love to see a rubber gasket to help seal the unit.

The strap release is too easily triggered while wearing it. The slightest pressure on the release results in the strap letting loose and the lamp flying off your head. To prevent this, each user will want to customize where they locate the release on the strap and be intentional about not hitting it.

Use

I have found it easy to use and highly functional. It’s been great on the farm for barn chores at night, or tying on a new fly as the sun sets on fall river, or coming out of the woods from the deer stand. I haven’t tried it yet for a night hike or trail run, but it holds solidly on my head even with lots of vigorous movement.

From the manufacturer:

Compact and powerful headlamp ideal for hunting and fishing. White or red/green/blue lighting to preserve night vision and ensure stealth.

Designed for activities where stealth is key (hunting, fishing, nature watching…), the TACTIKKA +RGB headlamp offers powerful 300-lumen brightness. It has a mixed beam for proximity and distance vision during movement. It also has red, green or blue lighting to preserve night vision and ensure stealth. TACTIKKA +RGB comes with 3 standard batteries and is also compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery, thanks to the HYBRID CONCEPT design.

Description

• Lightweight, compact and bright:
  – 300 lumens at 85 g
  – three white lighting levels: proximity, movement and distance
  – red/green/blue lighting preserves night vision and ensures stealth
• Simple to use and practical:
  – single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light color
  – easy to put on via quick-release buckle on the headband
  – detachable, washable headband
  – HYBRID CONCEPT design: TACTIKKA +RGB comes with three standard batteries and is also compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery
• Available in three colors, depending on use

Specifications

• Brightness: 300 lumens (ANSI/PLATO FL 1)
• Weight: 85 g
• Beam pattern: mixed
• Energy: Three AAA/LR03 batteries (included) or CORE rechargeable battery (available as accessory)
• Battery compatibility: alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH rechargeable
• Certification(s): CE
• Watertightness: IPX4 (weather-resistant)

References

Lighting performance

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.