Gear Review: Petzl Reactik+ Headlamp
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: All about town and bike commuting
Duration: Nightly bike commute
Product Name: Reactik+
Product Brand: Petzl
Best Use: Any time you need a headlamp
Specs:
300 lumens
Reactive lighting
Bluetooth compatible
Rain proof
Rechargeable
The Full Review:
First off, I am very partial to Petzl headlamps. I love Petzl lights and gear. I have used most of the lights the Petzl company has made throughout my years as an outdoor guide and in my personal daily life. I have broken more lights than most people will own and I am ok with that. I don’t use other lights, as nothing else is quite the same.
Reactive technology may be new to some people, but it works, and that is the bottom line. The light is complex, yet simple to use. The light connects with Bluetooth apps and phones so that the user can upload SOS or Morse code into the light strobe pattern if they are lost or need help. That is some cool geek tech in a head light and more than I need, but it could save a life if used properly.
Each season we see new products in the shop, and each year things become better, faster, lighter, and stronger. It’s easy to get lost in all the new updates, and the headlamp category is no different. I’ve seen new lights come in each year, and am often tempted, but never enough to spend the money for a new one. Then one day I saw these new Petzl lights and just had to have one.
My primary use for this is in combination with a PDW Lars Rover bike handlebar light for rainy winter bike commutes. It gets dark and dreary here in P0rtland, and on a bike at night it can be not so friendly or nice. The roads are potholed and the motorists are texting and, well, it rains for months. So, having a strong, reliable and usable light is necessary to keep me safe and happy.
This headlamp uses reactive lighting technology, that is a fancy way to say the light can automatically adjust its light output. If it is dark outside the light is bright, if it is dawn or dusk the light is medium bright, and the light will be super dim in a well light area. What this means for the user is that the light output from the lamp is in tune with my lighting needs. Yes, you can override this option and go with customized settings or the usual low med or high, and strobe.
I have grown to love and trust the reactive lighting option this headlamp provides. Turn the light on and it does its own thing. Hike up a trail at night and the light is automatically adjusting its output to adapt to the trail conditions. When you read a map at night and the light reflecting back from the glossy surface would otherwise blind you, this one automatically dims. Look away from the map then it gets bright again. If I look at my hiking or climbing partner I am not blinding them, the light auto dims and adjusts as needed. It is easy and makes sense. The regular options also include red light and flash modes, and of course, the ability to override the auto setting and choose your own level of brightness.
It is also rechargeable via USB and can be charged from the wall outlet, car or computer, solar, even bike USB hubs or even off of a secondary rechargeable battery source. The batteries last long enough for me and my needs as a daily commuter. I keep it charged and trust that it will work. I have not been let down at all.
As far as headlamps go, this is one of the best I have used. The strap is comfortable and the options are easy. Petzl makes some of the best gear in the world and I have trusted my life to their climbing gear. This headlamp is just as solid.
I love the rechargeability of this light because I hate using up and tossing disposable batteries. My last rechargeable Petzl headlamp (I still use it) is well over 3 years old and has been charged more than 300 times and it is still running strong, I expect to get another 3-4 years of heavy daily use from this light before needing to find another light. That is money well spent.
The Good
Bright
Rechargeable
Rain proof
Easy to use
The Bad:
Nothing is bad, not even the cost. You get what you pay for.
The Bottom Line:
Get one and learn how to use it. Don't worry about the light levels, just enjoy the night.
Each season we see new products in the shop, and each year things become better, faster, lighter, and stronger. It’s easy to get lost in all the new updates, and the headlamp category is no different. I’ve seen new lights come in each year, and am often tempted, but never enough to spend the money for a new one. Then one day I saw these new Petzl lights and just had to have one.
My primary use for this is in combination with a PDW Lars Rover bike handlebar light for rainy winter bike commutes. It gets dark and dreary here in P0rtland, and on a bike at night it can be not so friendly or nice. The roads are potholed and the motorists are texting and, well, it rains for months. So, having a strong, reliable and usable light is necessary to keep me safe and happy.
This headlamp uses reactive lighting technology, that is a fancy way to say the light can automatically adjust its light output. If it is dark outside the light is bright, if it is dawn or dusk the light is medium bright, and the light will be super dim in a well light area. What this means for the user is that the light output from the lamp is in tune with my lighting needs. Yes, you can override this option and go with customized settings or the usual low med or high, and strobe.
I have grown to love and trust the reactive lighting option this headlamp provides. Turn the light on and it does its own thing. Hike up a trail at night and the light is automatically adjusting its output to adapt to the trail conditions. When you read a map at night and the light reflecting back from the glossy surface would otherwise blind you, this one automatically dims. Look away from the map then it gets bright again. If I look at my hiking or climbing partner I am not blinding them, the light auto dims and adjusts as needed. It is easy and makes sense. The regular options also include red light and flash modes, and of course, the ability to override the auto setting and choose your own level of brightness.
It is also rechargeable via USB and can be charged from the wall outlet, car or computer, solar, even bike USB hubs or even off of a secondary rechargeable battery source. The batteries last long enough for me and my needs as a daily commuter. I keep it charged and trust that it will work. I have not been let down at all.
As far as headlamps go, this is one of the best I have used. The strap is comfortable and the options are easy. Petzl makes some of the best gear in the world and I have trusted my life to their climbing gear. This headlamp is just as solid.
I love the rechargeability of this light because I hate using up and tossing disposable batteries. My last rechargeable Petzl headlamp (I still use it) is well over 3 years old and has been charged more than 300 times and it is still running strong, I expect to get another 3-4 years of heavy daily use from this light before needing to find another light. That is money well spent.
The Good
Bright
Rechargeable
Rain proof
Easy to use
The Bad:
Nothing is bad, not even the cost. You get what you pay for.
The Bottom Line:
Get one and learn how to use it. Don't worry about the light levels, just enjoy the night.