Petzl Headlamps Shine Brighter, Burn Longer With New LED Technology

(Clearfield, UT – Jan. 28, 2006) Petzl, manufacturer of innovative Hands-Free Lighting® solutions and climbing and caving equipment announced today that it is upgrading its LED (light emitting diode) headlamp line to utilize a new technology that significantly boosts light output and burn times, without an increase in price or battery consumption.

With this new LED technology, Petzl headlamps now shine brighter and burn longer. For example, the TIKKA PLUS, one of Petzl’s most popular headlamps, now shines 32 meters, up from 17 meters previously. On a single set of 3 AAA batteries, it will run for up to 150 hours instead of 120 hours. This amounts to an 80% increase in lighting distance and a 20% increase in burn time. Most of Petzl’s TIKKA, MYO and DUO headlamps will see considerable increases in lighting efficiency, thanks to this new technology.

This next generation of LEDs is twice as efficient as its predecessors. With the new technology, Petzl’s engineers determined the optimum balance between light output and burn times according to the particular headlamp’s intended use.

Petzl will be upgrading 17 models of its LED headlamps with this new technology. Some lights with the new technology are already in stores, while others will be available throughout the first half of 2006. The packaging of the upgraded headlamps will be signaled with the labels to the right (increase varies according to headlamp model).

Petzl first began using LEDs in its headlamps five years ago. Since then, LEDs have become the standard lighting source for headlamps because of their low energy consumption, light quality, durability and virtually unlimited lifespan. They produce an even, white light that is perfect for climbing, hiking, around-the-camp use or as compact back-up lighting in case of emergency. Like the semi-conductor industry, LED and headlamp technology continues to evolve. Petzl is dedicated to bringing the most advanced lighting technology to end users.

Petzl America is the U.S. division of Petzl, headquartered in France. For over 50 years, Petzl has been developing innovative tools and techniques used by those entering the vertical world Today, the Petzl brand is closely associated with adventure, exploration, rescue, and many noable exploits in the worldsof rock climbing and alpinism. Petzl climbing equipment and headlamps can be found in outdoor specialty shops and premium sporting goods retailers around the world. For more information go to www.petzl.com.