The Petzl Nao is a new-generation head torch that represents a genuine step forward in hands-free lighting.The Nao uses Petzl's innovative Reactive Lighting technology, providing light that automatically adapts to your environment. A sensor constantly monitors reflected light from your direction of vision and adapts the head torch output accordingly. This means there is no need to manually adjust brightness when switching between close or distant objects. The dual benefit is automatic optimisation of battery output, giving extended burn times. The Petzl Nao gives you the right light when you need it – automatically.
One of the big problems with today's head torches is the relationship between high-performance LED power consumption and battery capacity. The choices are limited; either unregulated light, giving rapidly diminishing light output, or regulated output where maximum power is only available for relatively short periods.Petzl's Reactive Lighting technology allows your battery to optimise its output, only providing the power you need for the environment you are operating in. The result is that battery life can last at least three times longer than it would do under constant full power*.The Petzl Nao features a front headset with twin LEDS and sensor, linked to the rear-mounted battery by the new Zephyr cord-lock headband. The battery is a 2300 mAh lithium-ion unit, rechargeable via an integrated USB plug. There is a belt kit version for the battery, plus a detachable top strap for additional stability when running.Lighting is controlled via a large rotating on/off switch, which can be locked in the 'off' position. The switch allows the user to choose between Reactive Lighting or Static modes, with high/low output options in each. Static lighting gives a fixed output (non-reactive).In Reactive Lighting mode the headset uses a single high-output LED in a wide-angled beam. In Static mode the headset uses both the wide-angled beam and a second high-output LED configured for a focused beam. Maximum power output is 355 lumens. Performance profiles can be customised via Petzl's OS 2.0 on your computer.For 'emergency use', the battery pack will accept 2 x conventional AAA batteries. UK RSP will be £135.00.*Required output will of course depend on ambient light and the pattern of your usage, ie how much you switch between near/far objects.
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Design is something that strikes you at first glance. Relatively big for the current size-decreasing trends, absence of classic elastic bands, long battery pack on the rear with the USB plug-in, and triangle front with 3 distinctive lenses - one of them being the light sensor. When you turn it on, it all makes sense. it is hard to squeeze as much technology and performance in a small case, taking into account durability, operation ease and heat dissipation, arising from two hi-power LED producing up to 350 lumes at full burn.
Once you get the simple and logical knob operation (the knob is large, similar to the one on Ultra and you can hold it with any kind of glove)- and test the ability of the OS programm, enabling you to fully customize the behavior of the lamp - it is easy to love it. The reactive mode is superfast, but you can also set delay time in responsiveness. Battery life depends on the use - it can be short at full burn, but who needs that for a long period of time? Normally it will get you through a night or two. Mine has lasted a week last summer in dolomites, but the use was limited to early morning approaches and late eve reading :-) It can be charged in a car, by a laptop or a wall socket. In absence of a power source you can replace the battery with two AA cells that fit in the casing.
Imagine the power of Ultra lamp, size of the Myo XP and versatility of Tikka XP2 Core, and you get the Nao.
Price is a bit higher though, but still more than halfway down from the Ultra.
Best use: Skiing, biking, adventure racing, alpinism, caving*.
My review is based on a test lamp, with certain features not yet fully developed (including the firmware and OS software), which helped me to crash it on one occasion when uploading the wrong firmware. I am sure that won't be possible with a serial product.
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