2008 Petzl Myo XP Tested

The Myo XP is Petzl’s all-round, high spec’ head torch designed to
be powerful enough for night navigation and climbing route spotting,
but also to provide lower light modes for campsite and general use.

The big change for 2008 is simply that the light is brighter, some
three times brighter according to Petzls own figures – with new
batteries, the light output measured in lumens is increased from 50
to 150 lumens.

You can spot the difference between old and new versions by the
grey with snot green buttons colour scheme on the new one compared to
the old blue/yellow original.

LED efficiency has improved since the original Myo XP was
introduced allowing Petzl to upgrade the performance of the light by
fitting an uprated LED. Otherwise the light is pretty much identical
to before even down to the three light levels plus boost and flash
settings and handy built-in battery charge indicator.

The result of the upgrade is impressive on paper. On boost mode
for example, maximum beam length increases from 65m to 97m with the
equivalent figures at the more usual maxmum setting being 72m
compared to 45m for the old timer. That means the new torch on normal
high setting is actually brighter than the old one using boost.

It also means that the new torch is brighter than the old even as
the batteries fade – after 30 hours of use, for example, one the
minimum ‘economic’ setting, beam length is 24m as opposed to 14m.

We were very impressed with the original Petzl Myo XP for its
combination of well thought out features, sturdy build quality and
decent light performance, but it lagged behind, say, Silva’s L1 when
it came to really throwing out the lumens.

The latest version puts that right with a vengeance and makes the
torch more useable for fast-moving stuff like running and biking.
Side by side with the older version, it’s simply much brighter.

In some situations that’s a real boon, for night navigation in
some situations for example, or trying to pick out a route on a dark
crag, but it also means that you’re getting more performance even on
lower settings with no energy penalty. In fact Petzl says maximum
battery life is extended from 170 to 180 hours in ‘economic’ or
campsite mode, as we call it.

One thing being aware of is that the power drops off quite rapidly
with use, so after ten hours the maximum beam range falls from 72
metres when fresh, to a mere 39 metres. That’s still better than last
year’s 25-metre beam though.

With the diffuser flipped up it’s great around camp and for
general use, with it down you get a more focussed beam for long
distance work.

Otherwise the XP is a nicely thought through bit of kit. The
headband is comfortable in use and easy to adjust. The light-housing
angle is adjustable for optimum vision and the on/off switch is
shielded so it won’t turn on accidentally inside your pack.

The torch is water resistant rather than waterproof, but in our
experience that seems to be enough for general use, though we’d
suggest drying the battery pack after wet days to minimise terminal
corrosion.

Finally while at a real life 170 grammes it’s not as light as
Petzl’s more minimalist offeriings, it’s very reasonable given the
light output. For a lighter option, have a look at the Tikka XP or if
you only need a little light the Tikka or even the e+LITE.

If you’re out a lot in sub-zero conditions, check out the Myo XP
Belt which has a remote battery pack which can be housed inside your
clothing for improved warmth and battery performance.

Same great build quality and well considered features, but a
load more light right through the battery’s lifespan. We still find
the buttons a little fiddly with big, fat winter gloves, but then
most are. Other than that, the Myo XP is hard to fault and the extra
light output ups its versatility in some situations.

The same’s true of the boost setting, which gives you a temporary,
well, boost, as long as you hold down the secondary button – handy if
you just need that little bit of extra range to pick out a
feature.

All in all, one of the best all-round torches on the market with a
versatile spread from campsite glow right up to piercing alpine beam.
The extra brightness only makes it better.