Mammut Lucido TX1 Headlamp - 2009 BCS

I ordered the Mammut Lucido TX1 (40$) and the Petzl MYO XP (50$) both from steapandcheap (backcountry outlet). I planned to only keep the unit which met my needs. I have owned a multitude of headlights by primus, black diamond, princeton tec, and others; however, these were my first experience with Petzl or Mammut’s offerings. I purchased both without biases. Given that they are both 3 year old models, I figured they should make for a good comparison. Based on reviews, I expected the Mammut to have more light output and possibly better battery life. As it turns out, these headlamps really aren’t in the same class in terms of functionality and performance.

Although the Mammut is an impressive unit, it is lacking in refinement. To cut to the chase, the major deficiency of the Mammut is its greatest asset –the focused high intensity spot beam. The light pattern produced by the spot function is exactly square with little bleed and approximately 3 degrees by 3 degrees. Yes, it is that NARROW. Moreover, when the spotlight is on (only has 1 power level), the flood lights dim to low power (no way to override this). The combined beam pattern is a weak flood with a super tight spot in the middle. It is hard the eyes at night and does not facilitate any peripheral vision. The flood-only option has a high and low setting, but the two flood LEDS are not as bright as other (much older) headlamps I own. Other comments below:

Pros of the TX1:
- Extremely long-range spot beam
- Red rear blinkie lights are a plus
- Glove-friendly button layout
Cons of the TX1:
- Extremely narrow and abrupt spot beam
- Build quality based on other reviews is questionable for expedition or caving use
- Weak flood lighting
- Does not come with top head strap option
- Spiral stretch cord is shorter in length than most (won’t reach shirt pocket) and connections are not reinforced (fragile)
- Overall light output for close and mid-range use is much less than MYO XP
- No ability to dim the spot light and boost the floods, only functions to dim the floods and run the spot at full power

In conclusion, the Mammut TX1 is somewhat disappointing when compared to the slightly more expensive Petzl MYO XP. For all but the longest-range use, it is inferior. I prefer to carry a powerful LED focused torch for spotting and use my headlamp for fill light around me. The MYO XP gives plenty of a range for most activities; when the boost mode is triggered, it puts out substantially more total light than the TX1. I really was looking forward to the Mammut, but it seems they have more development to do if they want to compete. I see why people who review this light appreciate it, but if you’re used to a soft spot and a nice evenly lit field of view, this light is not for you. It will be on its way back to backcountry very soon.

Right out of the box, i was surprised at how cheap this light felt and seemed to be manufactured. I would have expected much more from a company with such a good reputation like Mammut. While the light has yet to break on me due to durability issues, i won't be surprised if it does.

The spot light is ridiculously bright, brighter then any of the other lights I've seen or played with, but as a previous member mentioned it is an extremely narrow spot light beam. I have yet to really use this in the back country but wonder how useful it will be. It definitely seems too narrow. The flood light seems decent but certainly nothing to write home about. The flood and spot combined mode took me a while to figure out but works rather well together. there is a big big difference between the output levels of the flood light (even on high) and the spot light, i would imagine even this mode might be pretty hard on the eyes.

While I will use this light, I do wish i saved the packaging so i could send it back and replace it with another light that would be more versitile. This light would be perfect for a cyclist due to the intense spot light.

Picked this up on SAC. Probably gonna get another one because it just blows the doors off my previous favorite, the Black Diamond Spot.

I was a little skeptical on a $80 retail headlamp, but this thing is packed with features I hadn't realized- Like the 3 flashing LED lamps on the battery pack (great for running or cycling at night). I'm not a huge fan of lights with a separate battery pack, but for the massive power, I'll deal.

The high beam spot is kinda square in shape, not a big deal. But holy cow is it bright! I think it rivals my $300+ Princeton Tech cycling headlamp (without a bulky battery pack). The spot is tightly focused and great for distance viewing. I'd be totally comfortable cycling at night with this as a primary light source (combine it with a handlebar mounted light for tight singletrack night riding).

One other feature I didn't know about is the lens rotates back to protect it from scratching, and prevents it from accidentally being turned on in a pack and draining the batteries- great simple idea.

Suggestions/concerns for this headlamp-
- the battery case cover is a rubber gasket. Not sure how effective this would be in really wet weather or accidental submersion (good thing I'm in sunny California).
- adjusting the leadlamp headstraps takes time to work through the battery pack. Not a big deal but more time consuming than other headlamps I've had. I haven't tried it on a helmet yet.
- there should be a steady mode for the rear facing red LEDs. It could be used as a way to keep track of a partner while hiking/running in the dark without losing night vision (to see a partner 50-200' away in marginal light conditions). The flashing mode would be annoying for anyone following at close range.

This headlamp has a few modes, it can be used with the 2 side LED's that create a nice pool of light, good for reading maps or cooking. In that mode there is soft and bright settings. The other mode is a super sick beam that can be used for night biking, skiing etc. The beam shines really far and is great for route finding on walls and mountains. The batteries seem to last longer than some other brands.

I bought one of these and found it to be an amazing performer. It has multiple modes depending on how much light you need. The brightest setting is astonishingly bright and still has decent battery life. The battery life on all settings is fabulous. It takes a little getting used to the buttons but not too bad.

The problem lay in durability. The cord connecting the battery pack is not quite long enough to reach your shirt pocket in cold weather like it is intended for. As a result' when i put it in my pocket' it awkwardly pulled my head and after 2 times' the cord pulled out of the headlamp casing and a wire broke. I returned it and was given a new one thinking i got a fluke' however' this one did the exact same thing which was disappointing.

My review is similary to many others that I have read. I have used this headlamp for the past couple seasons and it is extremely bright. I always have the brightest headlamp in whatever group I go climbing with. However, I am mainly using it for early morning alpine starts and I don't need a TON of light. While most people dont mind the weight I am looking for a new headlamp that is lighter to decrease overall pack load. I guess the intended use should be the decision maker for you. Definitely a solid product regardless.

One word: WOW. This light is so bright compared to anything else I've used. I imagine some other Petzl products are brighter, but then you delve into the realm of halogens and xenon lamps. This lamp is also ridiculously lightweight for being so powerful and the only weight comes from the 3 AAs. One slight worry is that it isnt waterproof. I've yet to test it in the rain.

This lamp is wicked bright. I use this for biking, hiking, and climbing. It is great for everything I've needed it for so far. The three red led's on the back are also quite bright. Also, it has quite a comfortable headband.

What can I say? Very light, very bright, very long-lasting bulb. It doesn't get too too big (don't know if it'd fit over a helmet), but it fits my head.

Is this thing made by God? I'm not sure... but, what I can tell you is that it is THE brightest light I have ever seen. Comparable to the headlights on my Subaru. I actually tried driving with my headlights off and the headlamp on. It worked. Anyways, this thing is absolutely wonderful and the battery life is superb. A little heavier than some headlamps but well worth it because of it's great output and battery life. Again... wonderful!

I use this for Search and Rescue in WA. Astonishingly bright spot for crazy distances, great flood for close work. Batteries last forever. Only quibble is the weight, but if you need to see, for real, this is the light.

I love this headlamp, while it may be bigger and heavier then some other ones out there, it is well worth the money. It is one of the brightest lamps I have seen. I've used it for backpacking, ice climbing and a midnight run. Overall this is a great headlamp for the money, while still being a little heavy.

Then I got one of these TX1's!!

They are simply the brightest thing I have ever worn on my head. There is no comparision.

My favorite feature is that it has a flood mode, a spot beam, and you can use the two in conjunction together.

The first batteries I used in it lasted the better part of a year.

This is my main light for everything, and the spot beam is perfect for grilling oh so perfect steaks in the dark.

I almost hate to say it, but the TX1 is a steal at this price, I would've paid more!!

what a great light. It has been the envy of everyone I've climbed and camped with. So much better than all of my friends BD or Petzel lights. Super long range on the spot light and the flood lights are perfect for hikking climbing cooking reading. cool that it has the red lights on back but have not used that. I guess if you where on a bike it would be ideal. Perfect light for most everything.

i have spent several fun filled nights burning my camp buddy's eyes out with this thing.

Everyone thinks they have a great headlamp, until I turn this one on. Then they all get lamp envy.

only downfall is that it is a little heavy for light backpacking. But I take it anyways because now that I have tried it, nothing else will do.