This Petzl e+Lite Headlamp review is about the new redesigned model of the extraordinary popular tool, which is now almost twice as bright as before.
Standout features and key benefits
- Exceptionally lightweight.
- Very reliable.
- Good value for the money.
- Emergency whistle included.
- Swivel stand to position the headlamp for some task-specific lighting.
- Designed for working in extreme conditions.
- Carry case included.
What is this about?
First thing first: this incredibly popular headlamp has been on the market for at least 7 years already. This text is about the latest version. Please note, at the moment of writing this text, both the previous and the new models are available on the market.
But there is no chance for confusion, the previous model is with a beautifully designed self-retracting head strap, which is such that you can use it on your head or around your wrist. The new version has a more regular headband although still far narrower than in most headlamps on the market. Well, see them side by side:
Frankly speaking, I like more the previous version. But the new model is stronger and more comfortable, see more below.
Petzl e+Lite headlamp – description
Petzl e+Lite Headlamp is an ultra-light and compact tool with only 26 grams (0.92 oz) of weight. It comes in a very handy carry case, shown below, so it is easy to store in the pack or in the pocket. It is ideal as an emergency kit or to be used as a backup headlamp.
The lamp has all the features you need. These include white and red lights, continuous as well as strobe lighting, manual lock function, two power-off positions for the selector shown in the picture above, and an emergency whistle., see below.
This headlamp includes a swivel stand. This means you can position it at some place without the necessity to wear it, and you can direct the light in any direction.
The e+LITE headlamp is designed to work in a really wide range of external conditions, for temperatures in the range -30 to +60 °C (-22 to +140 °F).
Waterproofness
In the specifications, you will see the rating IPX7. If you are not familiar with this terminology, please see here more.
The number 7 describes the protection level against water. The meaning is that this tool is safe under the water up to 1 meter and up to 30 minutes time. You know what, this sounds good enough for me. There is only one level higher than that.
Note, on Amazon, you will see the number IP67. The 6 here describes the maximum protection from dust. This could be so, but in the original specifications for the e+Lite, and at Petzl’s site, there is no such a statement, it is only as I mentioned above.
The working modes
The lamp has two lights, white and red. You do not need more. The former has three working modes and the latter two working modes. See its performance in each of the modes:
| White light | Red light | |
| Max autonomy | 50 lm; 9 h; max 10 m | |
| Standard | 10 lm; 12 h; max 6 m | |
| Strobe | 10 lm; 95 h; visible 100 m | 2 lm; 70 h; visible 100 m |
| Proximity | 2 lm; 15 h; visible 100 m |
Obviously, the standard mode is only for proximity use, in the camp for example. But the increased 50 lumens brightness is good enough for night hiking which you did not really have with the previous version.
Batteries
The headlamp operates on 2 coin-size lithium CR2032 batteries. Did you know that there are rather inexpensive rechargeable batteries of this type. So this is an economical and ecological option to use with this headlamp.
The shelf-life for the batteries, when properly stored, is up to 10 years before first use. Note also that this type of battery has a constant lighting feature. This is both bad and good. They maintain the same level of brightness without becoming dimmer as they drain. But then, having no battery indicator on the headlamp, you can suddenly be without light.
Make sure that you do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries. It is recommended not to mix different brands of batteries. Also, they advise not to mix new and used batteries.
What is new in the new e+Lite headlamp
See the most important differences:
- This is about lumens: the new e+Lite features 50 lumens, as compared to 26 in the previous model. With such a brightness it becomes a more versatile tool, suitable for more activities than the previous version.
- You have seen the pictures above. The new 2017 model comes with an almost regular headband. I must say, I prefer the old version’s self-retracting rugged string, but indeed the new headband is more comfortable.
- There are differences in the burn time and working modes. You will be surprised to realize that the previous version has a better burn time.
- The maximum 20 meters in the previous version is, in fact, bigger than 10 what you have in the 2017 version. Note, there seems to be some incorrect description on Amazon and in some other sites. The number I give here is from the Petzl itself.
- There are differences in the bulbs’ placement and the number of them, you can see this in the pictures above. Instead of the cluster of LEDs in the previous version, you have the LEDs positioned quite differently in the new version.
Specifications
- Light output: 50 lumens.
- Weight: 26 g (0.92 oz).
- Beam pattern: wide.
- Batteries: 2 lithium CR2032 batteries (included).
- Watertightness: IPX7 (waterproof to -1 meter for 30 minutes).
- Withstands extreme temperatures: -30° C to +60° C.
- Size: 1.5 x 0.5 x 1 inches (3.8 x 1.3 x 2.5 cm).
- Guarantee: 10 years.
Summary & rating
To conclude this Petzl e+Lite Headlamp review, I use several categories for ranking, and although this is a very simple headlamp, its mean rating for the 5 categories is exceptionally high. In two of them, this headlamp is hardly beatable by any, and I wish to stress these features again:
- the weight.
- the ease of use.
I do not know about you, but for me, the simplicity and elegance of this lamp are impressive. All the necessary features are there, and they are so easily accessible at any moment.
I really dislike the designs in some headlamps where you have to go through cycles of various modes. Who can remember this, in particular, if you do not use the headlamp so frequently. With Petzl e+Lite you can never get confused, all features are directly in front of you, just move the switch from one position to another.
The brightness of this lamp is still far below its competitors, see for example the Black Diamond Storm and Spot headlamps, or the Tikkina from the same brand, but this tool is versatile and it definitely has its purpose. When I am on longer tours, I always have one main light source and an alternative source. You guess what I am going to say.
This Petzl e+Lite is such that you can ignore its weight and volume and keep it in a small pocket in the backpack as an emergency light source. I cannot imagine anything more suitable for such a purpose. In fact, Petzl itself describes this lamp as ‘ultra-compact emergency headlamp’.
In any case, this headlamp is definitely worth the money and I can strongly recommend it.
From this example, you see that positive features may imply some negative ones. You can see this with any type of equipment. Just see backpacks and tents presented in the site; those that are lightweight usually lack some features, or they are built from some very thin materials.
The same phenomenon you have here. This great headlamp is ultra-lightweight indeed. But this is because of the batteries it uses. However, these batteries do not have such an impressive burn time.
Guarantee: Petzl gives no less than 10 years guarantee against any defects in materials or manufacture. Exclusions from this is: normal wear and tear, oxidation, modifications or alterations, incorrect storage, poor maintenance, damage due to accidents, negligence, and uses for which this product was not designed.
See how I rate this headlamp:
PETZL - e+LITE 50 Lumens
Pros
- Several working modes.
- Lock function.
- Carry case.
- Strobe function.
- Ultra lightweight.
- Very easy to use.
Cons
- No battery power indicator.
- Not so great burn time.
I hope this text has been useful. If this is so please share it with others. I shall be happy to hear from you, there is a comment box below. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.
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