Customer Reviews for Petzl E48 PBY Zipka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black and Yellow

Petzl E48 PBY Zipka Plus 4-LED Headlamp, Black and Yellow

	List Price: ~~$41.95~~ Category: Tools See more product details

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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: Highly recommend this light
Summary: 5 Stars

This is the best flashlight I've ever had. I was skeptical at first from the other reviews that a flashlight can be so great. I decided to try it, and if I didn't like it, I could always send it back. I'm glad I took the chance.

I've had many other flashlights, even the rechargable kind. None come close to this product. Tonight, I had to find my cat out in the dark. It came in very handy. I just put it around my wrist, and the light was very, very bright. The light also covered a wide area. It wasn't like a regular flashlight with a small circle of light on the ground. I finally found my cat in the basement, where I have no lights. The flashlight illuminated the entire area. None of my flashlights have ever done that. Furthermore, this light left me hands free to let the kitty out of the basement. I didn't have to carry around a bulky flashlight.

If you're on the fence about buying this product, don't be. It's a little pricy, but you won't regret owning such a very useful product. You'll never go back to a regular flashlight again.

Customer Review: It is AWARD worthy
Summary: 5 Stars

I have already bought 6 of them for myself, friends and family. It is the most convenient, effective light for any kind of outdoors stuff. My brother gave me the best feedback. Climbing in the Karakoram Mountains above 20,000 ft altitude, he found the Zipka worked like charm in the coldest weather, for 18 nights with only one change of 3 small AAA batteries. It even worked for lighting the trail ahead when they would start marching at 3 am, and it worked at night when he was preparing meals and writing his notes. In contrast, all the big fancy headlights he has tried, either were too heavy (wt is a killer in the high mountain treks and most of them are atleast 3-4 times as heavy as one zipka), or required 5 or 6 times 4 AA battery pack changes (which requires you carry that much extra weight) or couldn't stand the cold. Zipka (because its batteries are close to your forehead and keeps warm - our own assessment) didn't go dead on him like other batteries did.
All the high altitude guides were eager to have the zipka as they found it amazing. Zipka is the best gift for them.
I have two, with one permanently in my shell jacket sleeve pocket and one in my car.
It should be awarded an OSCAR of lights.

Customer Review: It will do.
Summary: 3 Stars

I bought the item because the Starbucks, where I have coffee every afternoon, is not well illuminated. As I am almost an octegenarian, this interferes with my reading the Wall Street Journal. I became acquainted with the above item because my son gave a cheaper version, at Christmas, to all the grandchildren. I was intrigued and when I told him of the problem, he recommended the above version as being better suited. He was correct, though at times, when in use, it shuts down when it should stay on. I was able to diagnose the problem as due to my head movements, or general vibrations in the area, slightly shifting of one or more of the batteries so they loose contact. It's annoying, but could be easily corrected by the manufacturer.

Joseph Findling