Petzl Ultra Headlamp

Rated: 4 by 4 reviews.

REI

Designed for extreme activities that require long distance and wide-angle lighting, the Petzl Ultra headlamp features 6 powerful LEDs that throw a stunning beam up to 120m.

  • Ideal for adventure racers and nighttime explorers, the Ultra has 3 brightness settings (low, medium, high) and a maximum light output of 350 lumens
  • Light selection dial is easily adjusted while on the move; switch the dial to the lock setting when transporting the headlamp to avoid accidentally turning it on
  • Whether you're reading a map or running a trail, the lighting head pivots from straight ahead to straight down so you can aim the light exactly where you need it
  • Storm-resistant body keeps the light operating in the worst of weather; IP66 rating indicates protection against hose-projected water and complete protection against dust
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery pack provides 1.5 hrs. of use on high and nearly 16.75 hrs. of use on low
  • Light automatically switches to power reserve mode when the batteries get low, buying you an additional 30 min. of use on high and 10 min. on low
  • Energy gauge located on the battery pack indicates in bar-graph form how much battery power remains
  • Included battery charger fully recharges the battery pack (lithium ion 2000 mAh) in only 3 hrs.; charger includes European and American outlet adapters
  • Lithium ion batteries continue to work well at cold temperatures
  • Stretchy side and top straps adjust to securely fit on your head or climbing helmet; front stabalizing plate helps hold the light steady
  • Includes a storage sack

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

The Petzl® Ultra is an ultra-powerful and ergonomic headlamp designed for intense activities such as cycling, backcountry skiing, and running. Essentially, using the Petzl Ultra is the equivalent of wearing a car's high-beam headlight on your head - without the weight! 350 lumens; maximum effective distance of 120 meters!

Features:

  • Also includes Ultra plug-in battery charger for Accu 2 battery pack
  • Attachment system allows quick removal of rechargeable battery pack in order to charge it or replace it
  • Constant lighting level automatically switches to reserve power mode when battery pack is almost discharged
  • Extremely reliable in all weather conditions
  • Flexible stabilization plate lined with comfortable foam padding holds the Ultra securely on your headS regulated brightness levels; at economic level the battery charge lasts over 16 hours
  • High output Accu 2 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack provides excellent performance at low temperatures
  • Lamp and rechargeable battery are guaranteed for 3 years
  • Light headlamp body can be tilted to change light direction
  • Lighting duration of 90 minutes in maximum mode plus 30 minutes in reserve power mode
  • Search 210-280-302 to view the Ultra Extension Cable: use to carry the battery pack in your bag or pocket to reduce the weight on your head
  • Test button for rechargeable battery with battery level indicator
  • Weighs 12.17 ounces with the Accu 2 battery pack
  • Wide elastic headband and adjustable top strap

Mountain Gear

An ultra-powerful light, 3 brightness levels, and an ACCU2 Ultra remote rechargeable battery make Petzl's Ultra Headlamp ideal for extreme adventurers. Illuminate your next late-night mountain bike ride or orienteering race with 350 lumens cast by new generation LEDs; they last for an hour and 30 minutes plus 30 more when you hit reserve power mode so that you're never left in the dark when you're batteries are running low.

Features:

  • Get plenty of light, right where you need it with extremely powerful new generation LEDs that cast a wide beam of light with an intensity of 350 lumens
  • Light up your path with just the right light angle with a flexible head mount and stabilizing plate that allows you to tilt the light vertically as needed
  • Recharge the high-performance Lithium Ion 200 mAh battery as needed with the included ULTRA quick charger
  • Wear it comfortably on the ULTRA headband that sits securely on your head, and with the Ultra Extension Cord (sold separately) you can remove the remote battery and still have it connected while it rests in your pocket, pack, or ULTRA harness (sold separately)
  • You get a constant lighting level that switches to reserve power when the battery is low, and 3 lighting levels as needed including maximum, optimum, and economic

Backcountry.com

When you run the Wasatch 100 for the tenth time, participate in Sweden’s 10MILA orienteering race, or bike at night, it’s quite important to be able to see where you’re going. Let the Petzl Ultra Headlamp lead the way. This headlamp provides 350 lumens at its maximum brightness and lights the trail with both long-distance and wide-angle light at the same time. The stabilized plate and foam pad fit snugly on your head as you bound up or down the mountain and three brightness levels let you balance how far you need to see with how long you need the batteries to run. Check the indicator on the battery to view battery level. An extension cord (sold separately) allows you to keep the rechargeable battery pack warm under your clothing in extreme cold.

Backcountry Edge

Providing unparalleled performance, the Petzl Ultra is quite simply the brightest headlamp available for multi-sport use. Ideal for backcountry hiking, spelunking, rescue operations or any activity that calls for maximum light output, the Ultra is ready for action.

Features:

  • Combines high-powered lighting and long burn times
  • Extension cord allows battery pack to be moved off the headband
  • Rechargeable Accu 2 Ultra battery pack is mounted on headband
  • Six high-output LEDs
  • Storm proof
  • Three lighting levels
  • Three year warranty
  • Weighs 12.2 oz with battery pack

Moosejaw (Spring 2010)

No description provided.

Features:

  • ACCU 2 Ultra rechargable battery
  • Ultra-powerful healampS brightness levels
Adjustable Focus:No
Batteries:Rechargeable lithium ion battery pack
Battery Life:2 hours-16.9 hours
Battery Location:Back
Battery life at 70 degrees:High: 2 / Low:17 hours
Battery type:ACCU2 Ultra (Lithium Ion 2000 mAh)
Beam type:Flood
Brightness levels:3
Bulb:350 Lumens; Six high-output LED
Bulb Type:High Output LED
Bulb detail:6 high-output LEDs
Bulbs:6 LEDs
Burn Time:[Economy lighting level] 16hr 55min; [Optimum] 5hr 5min; [Maximum] 2hr
Dimensions:(Lamp) 4 x 3.75 x 2 inches
Dimming Switch:Yes, dial
Focus:Fixed
Headband Type:Over the top
Housing Tilts:Yes
Light output:High: 350 lumens
Lumens:200+
Manufacturer Warranty:3 Years
Material:Plastic
Maximum Battery Life:16.9 hr.
Maximum Range:120 m
Maximum beam distance:High: 120 / low: 40 meters
Power Source:2 ULTRA ACCU rechargeable batteries (included)
Rechargeable:Yes
Recommended Use:Orienteering races, trekking, running, hiking, adventure racing, biking
Regulated output:Yes
Strobe Mode:No
Strobes:No
Tiltable Housing:Yes
Warranty:3-Year
Waterproof:Waterproof
Weight:[With batteries] 12.1oz (345g); [Without batteries] 7oz (200g)
Weight W/ Batteries:12.17 oz.
Weight with batteries:12.2 ounces
Similar Products:
Petzl Ultra Belt HeadlampPetzl Ultra Belt Headlamp$500.00
Petzl Ultra HarnessPetzl Ultra Harness$49.95

Petzl Ultra Headlamp Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
52
42
30
20
10

Reviews:

The Light of the Sun

Rating:****
Wow. This is an intensely bright light. I've been caving for several years now and I've never come across something this intensely blinding. Pumping out an insane 350 lumens (brighter than the brights on my car, by far), this baby is a small sun that you can mount on your head or helmet!

It has a few drawbacks, but I think you'll find it's just the price you pay for this kind of power. First, this is not a very lightweight headlamp, I think many users will find it bulky starting out (although it works very well when mounted to a helmet). Both the battery pack and light housing are large so expect it to ride a little funny, even chaffing in some cases, if you're wearing it directly on your head. I seriously recommend a hat or some kind of head protection when wearing it.

Next, the battery life leaves something to be desired. If you want to burn like the sun all night long, expect to only get ~4 hours out of this. There is some adjustment with the brightness you can make to extend this time frame, but if you want to really go all night, you will need another battery (which are pricey!) or a place to recharge. That being said, it is still really cool that the battery cell is rechargeable and for what it is, I was still impressed with the duration of lighting at this level (you can literally see everything, bright as day for 120 meters).

It's my understanding that you can get even better battery performance off the belt version of this product, but I haven't been able to confirm this for myself. Outside of these technical critiques, I guess I have a hard time finding a good excuse to bust this thing out, unless I'm doing something really serious or really want to freak out my friends. The occasions to get your money out of this light are few and far between, but if you're planning on spending 4 or less hours in extreme darkness and in extreme conditions and want the absolute best to get you through, this is your light. Anything less and all you've got is a really sweet and insanely bright toy (which isn't half bad...)
Ladyfoot Lindberg at REI on 12/12/2009

Backpacker Review

Rating:****

full disclosure i got one to use as a pacer from petzl. the light is absolutely amazing. i've used a lot of lights and this is by far and away the brightest, even when compared to $500 bike lights. my bottom line: it's an amazing light. i would not use it during a race because it's heavy. i will use it to pace friends in races however. it might be the best pacing light on earth... but it's drastically over priced.

Backpacker's Take on it:
"If you were the first kid on the block to buy a JetBoil, a SPOT, and a folding titanium spork–and your money wasn't invested in AIG–check out the Ultra. This insanely bright and comically expensive searchlight employs the most advanced outdoor LED circuitry currently available, quadrupling the effective distance of standard headlamps. It's easily the brightest lamp we've tested, rivaling the power of some HID mountain-biking lights; even on the lowest of its three settings, you'll flood your tent or kitchen area with brilliant, shadow-free light. Which begs the question: If you're going to drop $430 on a headlamp–a headlamp!–shouldn't it come with mounts for your helmet and handlebars? It's more illumination than most people need for hiking and mountaineering, and it's too expensive not to offer more versatility. It's not light, either, and burn time on the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack ranges from just two to 15 hours. But if money is no object, go ahead–be brilliant. $430; 12.2 oz"

Matt Hart at Backcountry.com on 01/22/2010

A great tool for extending daylight hour

Rating:*****
This is the best head light I have used. It's 3 light levels offer a good choice of light intensity. I really liked the on off switch and light level control knob. Its very simple and easy to find.
I ordered an extra battery so I will not be without its use.
I thought the light was expensive at first, but I am convinced it was well worth the money spent.
Every one who sees this light is very amazed by it.
Dronnis at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 01/01/2010

What a great headlamp

Rating:*****
I climb alot at night...and why not..it is always dark in New Hampshire, before and after you get out of work! The ultra was not cheap...but then again, nothing great ever is..I'm sold on it and I know it won't be long before the rest of my hiking group is as well.
The ruff diamond climber gang at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 01/04/2009