The Zipka and Tikka use the same light, but different headbands. The Tikka is small, but very comfortable to wear. The headband if adjustable to almost any size head and can fit on a helmet. Besides the few times you need a very bright light, we think LED is the way to go. The "bulbs" last almost forever and use very little power so the batteries last a long time.

The Zipka and Tikka are not waterproof. If you roll or capsize, just open the battery compartment and rinse with fresh water, then let dry. Petzl says that the problem with waterproof lights is if any water gets inside the light the water is trapped and the light will not dry, which causes more damage. We are not sure about that, but we have been using these lights for a couple of years and love them. For night paddling the brighter non LED lights are better. For the best of both worlds the waterproof Duo LED has a very bright Halogen bulb, plus LEDs.

Petzl says: The Petzl Tikka is one of the most compact and lightest headlamp of Petzl's line. With a 150 hour burn time, it is ideal for long term close-up work, as it gives a very white light. The reliability and long life of the LED makes it very safe. It has an on / off switch.

• Weight: 2.5 oz w/ batteries
• Batteries: 3 AAA (included)
• Battery duration: 150 hours
• 3 year Petzl guarantee

2004 MSRP

• $24.95