Petzl Reactik+ or Tactikka+ - any experience?

[BrushyHillGuide]

Anyone have any experience with the Petzl Reactik+ or Petzl Tactikka+ RGB headlamps? I know Zebralight, Black Diamond and Fenix are very popular on RS but I’m intrigued by these two, particularly the Reactik + and I’m wondering if anyone has tried them?

I’m particularly interested in the technology behind the Reactik+ and its (supposed) ability to adjust to conditions and needs automatically, in order to maximize battery life. Also, the ability to customize the beam to your personal preferences seems like a handy feature. All this is assuming their published run tunes are relatively accurate?

I’m looking for an all around headlamp that I can use at work, tracking wounded game but that’s lighter than my current headlamp - so I can use it backpacking.


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[BrushyHillGuide]

Wow, NO comments? Lol! I guess I need to get them just to review them. Lol!


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[5MilesBack]

I have two Petzl's. I think one is the XP and the other is the Taktikka +. They work fine for all my hunting purposes. I don't think I'd like the Reactik. Not a fan of stuff that tries to do stuff I didn't tell it to do.......kind of like an automatic transmission.

 

[motts]

I've had the reactik since the first year they came out and use it both at work and in the field. I don't feel like I get the run times that they advertise, but I also don't think that they're that far off either. I also haven't tried programming it - I just never seem to get around to it, and really don't think I would gain too much of an advantage from it as the basic settings seem to cover my needs.

I do like the self adjusting mode as it makes it easy to look up into trees at work, light up a field, or look for features further down the trail or into the woods and then go right back to looking at a map, paperwork, or rigging without having to physically change anything. I rarely change mine out of this setting. The thing I don't like is the rechargeable battery, which was one of the main reasons why I got it - it always seems to die at the most annoying time possible. I've started carrying one of those small portable cell phone chargers for it, but might get the AAA adapter for it as well.

I like the concept, but don't feel that I couldn't live without it. I also have a fenix hl 60 (I think that's the model), and use the two interchangeably. The fenix has three modes, is also very bright in its highest setting, is lighter, more compact, and runs on the cr132 batteries. It does lack a red light mode though. If I owned the fenix before the Petzl I don't think I would have purchased the reactik.

 

[Jackalope]

I have a taktikka+. Can’t see wanting anything more out of a headlamp. White/red modes, 3 brightness settings, strobe comfy headband. Battery life seems pretty damn good as I haven’t ever changed them.

 

[BrushyHillGuide]

I've had the reactik since the first year they came out and use it both at work and in the field. I don't feel like I get the run times that they advertise, but I also don't think that they're that far off either. I also haven't tried programming it - I just never seem to get around to it, and really don't think I would gain too much of an advantage from it as the basic settings seem to cover my needs.

I do like the self adjusting mode as it makes it easy to look up into trees at work, light up a field, or look for features further down the trail or into the woods and then go right back to looking at a map, paperwork, or rigging without having to physically change anything. I rarely change mine out of this setting. The thing I don't like is the rechargeable battery, which was one of the main reasons why I got it - it always seems to die at the most annoying time possible. I've started carrying one of those small portable cell phone chargers for it, but might get the AAA adapter for it as well.

I like the concept, but don't feel that I couldn't live without it. I also have a fenix hl 60 (I think that's the model), and use the two interchangeably. The fenix has three modes, is also very bright in its highest setting, is lighter, more compact, and runs on the cr132 batteries. It does lack a red light mode though. If I owned the fenix before the Petzl I don't think I would have purchased the reactik.

Thanks for the in-depth reply! What is it about the rechargeable batteries on the Reactik that you didn’t like?

After your comments (and others) I am looking at the Fenix HL60R & HP25R models. They are onboard rechargeable and have led light mode now.


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[motts]

Thanks for the in-depth reply! What is it about the rechargeable batteries on the Reactik that you didn’t like?

After your comments (and others) I am looking at the Fenix HL60R & HP25R models. They are onboard rechargeable and have led light mode now.


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I guess I thought the rechargeable batteries would be more convenient than regular batteries. Less weight and less combined stuff to carry which would negate the increased weight of the petzl over something like the fenix. I still find myself bringing the power bank and an extra headlamp (petzl e-lite) most of the time though (3+ days or longer trips, or where I know I'll be running it for really extended periods of time), so it ends up being a heavier system with more "stuff" to worry about.

Additionally, I can't just switch the batteries and get back to whatever I'm doing if it needs to recharge. I might be able to continue running it while it's hooked up to the power bank with a really long micro usb cable, but then I've got more stuff hanging off of me that can catch on things in the dark.

The fenix with one extra battery is the lighter, simpler set-up. I'll have to check out the new models you mentioned.