Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

Probably the best overall LED headtorch on the market. Ample light, ample light settings, great battery longevity.

Rating: 4 / 5

The batteries last a long time (I normally use it on the low light setting to read at night). It is light weight. It comes with an extra LED button battery light. And you can get these on sale for $20 for both lights. I've been extremely satisfied with this light.

I decreased my rating slightly on 7/19. I never had problems with the light not working, as Brett has. I would only take this light when the days become shorter and where I want to read at night. I haven't done that for quite some time now.

Edited by craig_shelley on 07/19/2007 14:42:37 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

[the rating is to be used for comparing to other task/proximity lighting headlamps using ONLY 5mm LEDs. this rating has no bearing on the Aurora's capabilities when compared to dissimilar headlamps using 1W LEDs.]

for an older 3xAAA headlamp used for proximity/task lighting, this headlamp is still a good choice. it only uses 3 5mm white LEDs as opposed to some newer competing models using 4 (or even 5) 5mm LEDs.

when compared side-by-side to the original Tikka/Zipkda and the newer Tikka+/Zipka+, this is how the side-by-side comparison turned out (all with new batts - all on "hi").

the Aurora was noticeably brighter than the original 3LED Tikka/Zipka. this may be due to the configuration of the 3LEDs in a triangular arrangement versus the linear arrangement of the Tikka/Zipka??? however, the newer 4LED Tikka+/Zipka+ was noticeably brighter than the Aurora. BTW, the lesser known 7LED Streamlight Septor is a fine headlamp and is brighter still, with all 7 5mm LEDs "burning", as one would imagine, but has a much shorter batt life, is slightly heavier and bulkier. and, as such, to my mind at least, even though a fine headlamp, is not to be preferred over the Aurora.

the Aurora's button requires a bit too much force to operate and can be difficult with thick gloves or mittens.

the infinitely adjustable friction hinge is very good and has yet to loosen up.

the headband and the headlamp are quite comfortable on the head even for long durations of use.

the flatter profile of the Aurora is to be preferred (it carries better in the pocket) over the Tikka and Tikka+ more rounded profile.

battery life has been quite good. i haven't kept "score", but this means only one thing, viz. i haven't noticed batt. life to be so short, that i felt the need to keep track for the next set of batts.

until the newer 4LED Tikka+/Zipka+ came out, this was my choice for a task/proximity light (when a single LED Photon Microlight was insufficient for the task at hand). now, the Tikka+/Zipka+ would be my first choice, IF i needed just a little more light than the Aurora provides on "hi".

[note: cf. my review of the Tikk+/Zipka+ in the Review Thread for the Tikka headlamp.]

Edited by pj on 11/19/2005 02:47:15 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

This is an excellent value headlamp, often available for around $20. It has been around awhile, and while not the brightest light in the patch, it holds its' own well.

It is easy to operate with a single non-recessed switch, with multiple settings, giving adequate light and reasonably long life for the 3 AAA batteries.

The only negative I found with this light is replacing the batteries: The clamshell can be a pan to open if you don't have thick thumbnails. The entire compartment, with watertight gasket is a tight fit, and can be difficult to get the clamshell design closed back up if the gasket gets a little bit out of kilter.

Good light, gives some of the more expensive lights a value run for their money.

Rating: 4 / 5

I picked up the PT Aurora 4 or so years ago when I was starting to get into backpacking. I looked at a few different headlamps, but at the time this seemed like the best value.

Since then it has been on every outing with me. The headband is comfortable and the hinge has yet to feel loose. I normally operate it on low and the batteries last a long time that way. I don't replace the batteries regularly, but have never had them die on me in the field.

The only disadvantages I can think of are that the button is a little hard to operate with heavy gloves on and its a bit of a pain changing the batteries.

Although there are newer and lighter headlamps out now, I don't feel the need to get any since the Aurora is still going strong. I highly recommend it, especially since its a very reasonable price now and comes with the little pinch light.

Adam

Rating: 1 / 5

Initially I thought this was a great light; cheap, relatively light weight, and good illuminatiton output.
However, after 3 months of daily use (about 15 service hours), the switch contacts failed and the light became useless.
I will not buy a PT again. I wouldn't even carry it if it was free, now that I have lost confidence in it.