Overrated. Bright spotlight, but not without deficiencies….

By jbgrant1015558 Ranked #16 - Headlamps December 3, 2011

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.

View Details: Mammut Lucido TX1 Headlamp

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