Andy Sparrow
Active member
PETZL NAO - PRODUCT REVIEW
NAO rechargeable headlamp with REACTIVE LIGHTING by Petzl [english]
Petzl?s new product, the Nao is the first reactive headtorch on the market. It is equipped with a sensor that varies the intensity of the beam according to the degree of darkness. This means that if you look down at your feet, or hold a map in front of you, that the light will automatically dim. The maximum output is a very respectable 355 lumens and there is a range of switching options for both reactive and constant modes. The lamp is rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means it will survive extreme weather or a quick immersion. It comes with an adjustable head cradle aimed squarely at the target market of walkers, and fell-runners.
I was asked by our suppliers? rep to assess the suitability of this product for caving and over the last month I have used it in a variety of caves on various types of trip. The first session was a leading a beginners group in Goatchurch. Anyone who has used a carbide lamp will find the initial sensation of using the Nao familiar as the lamp reacts to the proximity of the cave walls and other lights shining towards it, rapidly brightening and then dimming. But, when I got used to this, the performance was impressive, almost magical. Whenever I looked towards any group member the light dimmed and prevented dazzling, but when looking along the passage ahead, it flared impressively into life.
The next use was in Old Ham Mine in the Forest of Dean. This is a spacious system with mainly walking passages and a few cavernous chambers. The Nao performed superbly, responding perfectly to the size of the void, but once again dimming right down when detecting another light shining towards it.
What was also impressive was the battery life of the Nao when used reactively, in excess of 10 hours when used in smaller caves with groups. On a trip down to Swildon?s Sump 1 I changed the mode to continuous to enjoy the full 355 lumen output ? not recommended! This, as I discovered drains the battery very rapidly, and I came out on the default get-you-home setting. Attempting to survey crawling passages in Rod?s Pot was not too successful, as the proximity of the walls caused the lamp to dim down so much I couldn?t read the tape measure. I found at other times that when a light was shone towards me the Nao would dim and throw insufficient light at my feet ? this could get annoying!
Switching between modes is easy enough when you finally get the hang of it, but it did cause me considerable frustration on my first few trips. Actually, the easiest was to get a quick burst of light is just to slip your finger over the sensor. The head-cradle, although not designed primarily to attach to helmets, actually fits very neatly under the tabs on an Ecrin Roc or Elios. I can see that the elastic strap could be removed and the lamp held in place by thin shock cord or cable ties. The battery comes with a USB plug for charging, making it compatible with a host of inexpensive generic chargers.
Plus points
? A very affordable price (RRP ?135)
? 355 lumen maximum output
? Very efficient battery useage
? Reactive mode works extremely well underground
? Ideal for working with groups
Negative points
? Difficult to predict exact battery duration
? Can dim down at inopportune moments
? Not suitable for diving
? Switching between modes can be confusing
Conclusion
Well, I really like it and will continue to use it. For instructors and group leaders it is absolutely ideal. I think most club cavers will really like it too, but a few may find the reactive lighting a bit annoying at times.
Very sexy box! Will wrap up nicely for Xmas. Actually a very neat present for just about anyone!
Now available from caveclimb.com for ?125.00 with free postage.
http://www.thecavingandclimbingshop.com/epages/BT3421.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3421/Products/petzlnoa
.
NAO rechargeable headlamp with REACTIVE LIGHTING by Petzl [english]
Petzl?s new product, the Nao is the first reactive headtorch on the market. It is equipped with a sensor that varies the intensity of the beam according to the degree of darkness. This means that if you look down at your feet, or hold a map in front of you, that the light will automatically dim. The maximum output is a very respectable 355 lumens and there is a range of switching options for both reactive and constant modes. The lamp is rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means it will survive extreme weather or a quick immersion. It comes with an adjustable head cradle aimed squarely at the target market of walkers, and fell-runners.
I was asked by our suppliers? rep to assess the suitability of this product for caving and over the last month I have used it in a variety of caves on various types of trip. The first session was a leading a beginners group in Goatchurch. Anyone who has used a carbide lamp will find the initial sensation of using the Nao familiar as the lamp reacts to the proximity of the cave walls and other lights shining towards it, rapidly brightening and then dimming. But, when I got used to this, the performance was impressive, almost magical. Whenever I looked towards any group member the light dimmed and prevented dazzling, but when looking along the passage ahead, it flared impressively into life.
The next use was in Old Ham Mine in the Forest of Dean. This is a spacious system with mainly walking passages and a few cavernous chambers. The Nao performed superbly, responding perfectly to the size of the void, but once again dimming right down when detecting another light shining towards it.
What was also impressive was the battery life of the Nao when used reactively, in excess of 10 hours when used in smaller caves with groups. On a trip down to Swildon?s Sump 1 I changed the mode to continuous to enjoy the full 355 lumen output ? not recommended! This, as I discovered drains the battery very rapidly, and I came out on the default get-you-home setting. Attempting to survey crawling passages in Rod?s Pot was not too successful, as the proximity of the walls caused the lamp to dim down so much I couldn?t read the tape measure. I found at other times that when a light was shone towards me the Nao would dim and throw insufficient light at my feet ? this could get annoying!
Switching between modes is easy enough when you finally get the hang of it, but it did cause me considerable frustration on my first few trips. Actually, the easiest was to get a quick burst of light is just to slip your finger over the sensor. The head-cradle, although not designed primarily to attach to helmets, actually fits very neatly under the tabs on an Ecrin Roc or Elios. I can see that the elastic strap could be removed and the lamp held in place by thin shock cord or cable ties. The battery comes with a USB plug for charging, making it compatible with a host of inexpensive generic chargers.
Plus points
? A very affordable price (RRP ?135)
? 355 lumen maximum output
? Very efficient battery useage
? Reactive mode works extremely well underground
? Ideal for working with groups
Negative points
? Difficult to predict exact battery duration
? Can dim down at inopportune moments
? Not suitable for diving
? Switching between modes can be confusing
Conclusion
Well, I really like it and will continue to use it. For instructors and group leaders it is absolutely ideal. I think most club cavers will really like it too, but a few may find the reactive lighting a bit annoying at times.
Very sexy box! Will wrap up nicely for Xmas. Actually a very neat present for just about anyone!
Now available from caveclimb.com for ?125.00 with free postage.
http://www.thecavingandclimbingshop.com/epages/BT3421.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3421/Products/petzlnoa
.
