Tips for retailers

The light revolution continues

Think back to what your lighting section looked like a mere decade ago: a few models of incandescent torches, a few gas lamps or lanterns, but not exactly anything that would stop browsers in their tracks. And then came the LEDs, the compact headlamps, the mini torches … and suddenly sport and outdoor lighting became a section that draws customers to look, touch, read about and discuss all the options available.

Choices abound with the vast array of headlamps, handheld torches and lanterns offering expected and unexpected new features.

Ever since Petzl revolutionised sport and outdoor lighting with the Tikka headlamp in 2000, the designers of new lighting products have been surpassing computer software developers in introducing something new and better each year.

“The size and weight of the latest Petzl headlamps are kept to a strict minimum, while the performance had been improved by new LED developments,” says John Fontyn of local distributor Eiger Equipment. Functionality improved with easier switching between different lighting modes and better access to the batteries.

The multiple options for wearing headlamps offered by some models - for example, on the wrist, on a backpack strap, or solid surface – make the headlamps so much more versatile, he adds, while close attention had been paid to the design details with attractive new colours, transparent features, clean lines, etc.

“One of the most interesting recent developments is the way manufacturers manage to achieve greater output from the same LED,” says Simon Larsen of Ram Mountaineering, distributor of Black Diamond and Princeton Tec. “Better quality LEDs and the use of different currents, have achieved much better results.

“This has, unfortunately, resulted in some confusion about the rating system to be 20used when reporting light output.”

Some of the leading LED manufacturers — Black Diamond, Petzl and Princeton Tec — therefore began working together to devise a unified system for reporting light output.

“The latest thrust is to talk about lumens,” says Larsen. “But the problem is that there are different ways of measuring light output: you can measure the lumens coming out of the headlamp, or those reflected off an object. Lumens measure the perceived power of light and are often confused with how bright a light product will be.

“For example, a flood light with a very wide beam can have the same lumen rating as a focused spotlight. Lumens cannot be used to define beam intensity, because a lumen rating includes all of the scattered, useless light,” he explains

The lumen rating on a light product’s package could be the LED manufacturer’s or the lamp manufacturers rating, but it frequently does NOT include the inefficiencies associated with the collection of the light and the projection of the light through a lens or other device, continues Larsen.

Once the industry standardisation is established towards the end of the year, the measurement will be taken by using the complete lighting device, as powered by the batteries which come with the product. The major manufacturers are also calibrating test equipment”.

Hand torches evolve

While the popularity of headlamps surpassed expectations, there is still a solid demand for handheld torches for use in the home, in the glove compartment, in a pocket or handbag , in a handyman’s or artisan’s toolbox, and especially in the security industry.

Many more traditional consumers, who do not participate in a sport where a headlamp offers an advantage, prefer a handheld torch – it can, after all, light nooks and crannies that a head can not fit in. Handheld torches are also less expensive than headlamps and improved battery life make it possible to store them unused for a relatively long time.

Diving is one of the few sports where handheld torches still rule. Princeton Tec has a wide range of diving handhelds — from back up lights to main units diving, says Larsen. “A lot of work has gone into their 3 watt LED dive lights, with the Tec 400 the most popular amongst scuba divers.

But, Princeton Tec also offer an extensive and impressive range of handheld torches for a wide variety of other uses — from the Amp 1 mini torch, weighing 57g that can easily be attached to a backpack with a carabineer loop, to the Shockwave 11 that switches between 7.5 watt and 15 watt power to offer a magnificent 205 lumens beam, there are many models for any activity.

Their torches are encased in durable, robust Xylex and a soft circuit push button switches effortlessly between high intensity ultrabright beams and a regulated circuitry that provides long burn times.

Maglite goes LED

One of the most popular torch brands, Maglite, now also offer a new range with more sophisticated LED technology that produces a brighter, more concentrated beam, yet preserves battery life.

“The original Maglite with the incandescent bulb, which you could upgrade to a high-intensity Magnum Star bulb filled with krypton gas, was considered to be one of the best torches on the market at the time,” says Stan Gordon of Cutlery Distributing Group.

“Maglite introduced their first LED torches about two years ago, which included the option to upgrade your existing torch to a LED model. At that stage there was something like 200-m Maglite torches in the market and all these customers were offered the opportunity to upgrade their torches to enjoy the benefits of LED.”

Maglite has now taken this technology to the next level by introducing more sophisticated and brighter LED bulbs and redesigning the reflector on their D-cell torches to ensure a more focused beam, says Gordon. These LEDs can, however, no longer be used in old incandescent torches.

“Apart from increasing the brightness and sharpening the focus of the beam, another advantage of LED is that it draws little energy from the battery and you therefore have an extended battery life. In the past you could get about 20 – 30 hours from a set of batteries, now you get almost 10-20 000 hours. The initial cost of the torch is rapidly paid off by what you save on batteries,” he says.

All the Maglite torches come with O-ring seals, which makes them splash proof for use in the rain, while fishing or yachting, and by law enforcement officers, military or security personnel. These rugged torches, made from aircraft grade aluminium, are anodised to prevent corrosion and are also shock resistant.

A headlamp for all sports & activities

Once introduced to the general sport and outdoor communities, headlamps did not take long to establish themselves as standard equipment in most gear bags. Although the mountaineering and caving fraternities had been using headlamps since the 1970’s, it was only after the introduction of the Petzl Tikka in 2000 that headlamps became so diverse that few athletes or outdoor enthusiasts do not have a headlamp as part of their kit.

While a single lighting level and relatively short battery life is fine for domestic use, sport and outdoor activities require considerably more sophisticated features. Several headlamps have even been developed with a specific activity in mind.

Adventure racing & trail running

The growth in the popularity of sports like adventure racing and night time trail running are closely linked to developments in headlamps.

The versatility of multi-disciplinary adventure racing, for example, places high demands on headlamps as they need to cater for different lighting conditions and sport disciplines, but the wearer does not exactly want to stop mid-race to adjust his light.

Petzl, for example, introduced a programmable and regulated headlamp (MYO RXP) that allows the user to pre-select the order of lighting levels and level of light required.

“The throw is also very important, especially when you cycle at night,” says Simon Larsen of Ram Mountaineering.“You also need something quite robust and waterproof.”

The light must also remain stable on the head during running – the last thing you need when racing at night is a light that droops down and shines on your feet instead of lighting the way ahead. “It comes down to the way the lamp is secured to your head and the bracket used – a too soft bracket will not work,” says Larsen.

Examples of headlamps: Black Diamond Icon, Spot. Petzl Tikka, Tikka Plus & XP, MYO XP & RXP. Princeton Tec EOS (with bike mount, helmet attachment & head strap), Apex, Remix (from Q4).

Cycling

A cyclist requires a serious light source, because when you travel at speed, you need a broad beam light with a throw of at least 100m, says Larsen. Especially mountain bikers must be able to see the track clearly.

Some of the headlamps on the market have such a strong beam that a motorist signalled him to dim his light when he cycled with the Ultra Belt, recounts Petzl’s export sales manager Arnaud Tisserant.

Cyclists using a headlamp (as opposed to a mounted bike light) have different options for attaching the light — for example, a detachable fitting mounted on the handlebars, clipped to a helmet, or with a head strap.

Examples of headlamps: Black Diamond Icon. Petzl ADAPT system for the TIKKA2-ZIPKA2 family of headlamps, Ultra & Ultra Belt. Princeton Tec Apex, Eos Bike, Switchback 1,2,3.

Fishing

When fishing, a hands-free light source allows you to see you what you’re doing while juggling between your fishing rod and other gear — and is helpful when baiting hooks, suggests John Fontyn of Eiger Equipment.

When trying to land a big one before sun rise, you’ll need a discreet light that will preserve night vision and will not be too bright — coloured filters and wide angle lenses will therefore be ideal.

Anglers also need a headlamp with a good throw and a long battery life, and some form of water-resistance so that it does not get damaged if it gets wet accidentally, explains Larsen.

Examples of headlamps: Black Diamond Icon, Spot. Petzl Tactikka XP and XP ADAPT. Princeton Tec Apex, Tactical Eos, Tactical Quad, Yukon.

Hiking

When walking a trail over several days and staying in camp sites overnight, one will have many different lighting needs, says Fontyn. In low lighting conditions you’ll need maximum light to pick up trail markers, a little less light to walk around the camp at night, and a discreet light if you don’t want to disturb the rest of the camp when you wake during the night. You will also need batteries that last long.

The Princeton Tec Quad, for example, weighs 96gm, but has a battery life of 100-150 hours, which will safely last you a week on a trail. “Even if you are in the mountains for a week, it is unlikely that you’ll use more than 2-3 hours a day,” says Larsen.

A hiker is forever seeking ways to reduce pack load. Petzl, for example, introduced the ZIP system.

“When hiking in the dark, one also wants something with a bit of a throw — 35–60m — to aid navigation,” says Larsen.

Examples of headlamps: Black Diamond Cosmo, Spot. Petzl Tikka Plus; Tikkina, Zipka. Princeton Tec Eos, Fuel, Quad, Remix (from Q4).

Hunting

When setting off or returning, you’ll want a headlamp that can light the way… but once you found a good spot or have got to your blind, you’ll need discreet lighting, for example with a red filter, to ready your gear, which will not spoil your night vision, says Fontyn.

You’ll therefore want a versatile light that switches easily and quickly from discreet proximity lighting to a long-range focused spot beam to see the terrain.

A black or camouflage casing will also blend in with the surroundings, says Fontyn.

Examples of headlamps: Petzl Tactikka®, XP ADAPT & Plus. Princeton Tec Quad Tactical, EOS Tactical.

Sailing and yachting

A headlamp allows the light to be directed where needed, while keeping your hands free to steer, read charts etc., says Fontyn.

On the water you’ll need versatile lighting, for example, a flood light for preparing to hoist the main sail or reading charts, etc; while long range lighting will help to locate buoys, see the far end of the boat, or illuminate the masthead.

Headlamps will have to be water-resistant and corrosion-free as they will constantly get wet in the spray. Waterproof headlamps that can be used up to 5m under water, could be useful when inspecting the hull, or facing high waves, etc.

Examples of headlamps: Petzl MYO XP, Tactikka XP. Princeton Tec Apex, Eos.