FOG HORN

Petzls STRIX IR Headlamp multirole and multifaceted

By: Sal Palma

2013
Twobirds Flying Publication

Im going to save a discussion of mounting flexibility for last because theres quite a bit to point out first. The STRIX IR is designed with military and law enforcement application in mind. For that reason, it incorporates IR illumination with the more traditional visible light functions.

I first came across Petzls STRIX series of headlamps at SHOT SHOW 2013 and again at SOFIC 2013. I was intrigued by Petzls new headlamp; it was very much un-headlamp like and when compared to the more conventional products available to the operator, the STRIX stood out in one major area; the ability to apply light to virtually any point irrespective of where it is mounted. I vividly recall John Doroughs, Petzl North American Distribution, demonstration of the STRIX as he twisted and turned it in every direction. Although it does have its limits, the genetic predisposition is contortion. I have to admit to being initially fixated on just that feature; however, as I got into my review I began to appreciate all of STRIXs subtle nuances.

Petzl, wisely and correctly (IMO), separated the IR controls from the visible light controls all together. Whereas many of the companys competitors include IR position settings on a single mode switch; then use a separate 2 pole switch to lock out certain functions. Ive had personal experience with a similar arrangement and ended up having to remove a glove to operate the lockout. You wont have that problem with the STRIX IR. Locking out visible light functionality is accomplished by pushing in on the visible light mode selector knob, or by switching into IR mode.

Copyright 2013, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Petzls STRIX IR Headlamp multirole and multifaceted

2013

To initiate IR lighting rotate the IR control to the desired position, low intensity or near vision, high intensity for longer vision, IFF (strobe) for identification, or OFF. The control is ergonomic and incorporates detents at each position; it can also be comfortably manipulated with a gloved hand. Performance of the IR function is excellent, and in high intensity can be easily used for navigation. I was very impressed with its brightness. At my distance to the target, the STRIX whited out my optic messing with the camera focus; hence, the blurred image.

I shot a short video clip of the IR strobe that you can view by clicking here. While using the IR mode, all visible light options are disabled, even if the visible light selector is unlocked. So, theres no chance of accidentally activating a visible light source. In fact, if you are operating with visible light, the instant you turn the IR function switch from the off position, all visible light is disabled. A great feature to help maintain light discipline! STRIXs visible light comes in several flavors; a single intensity red LED, for map reading and preserving night vision; a low intensity white task light; and a primary LED source, with two levels of intensity for general purpose use like navigating through a structure or what have you. Petzl allows you to program the STRIX IR for red, blue or green to suite your mission. Programming the colored LED is simple. With the red light visible, rotate the function control knob counterclockwise and hold. Youll see the colored LED flash. If you continue to hold counterclockwise the LED will change colors from red to blue to green.

In Low intensity the IR illumination was still readily visible.

Run times on a single AA battery are excellent. The task light produces 0.4 lumens and has a run time of 65 hours. The primary LED in low intensity produces 15 lumens of output with a
Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Petzls STRIX IR Headlamp multirole and multifaceted

2013

run time of 20 hours. In high intensity STRIXs primary LED has a 40 lumen output with a run time of 4.5 hours. In IR modes, low IR has a run time of 20 hours, high IR 5.5 hours and IFF strobe 40 hours. In order to engage visible light, first ensure that the IR mode switch is in the OFF position. Next, unlock the visible light mode switch by pulling out on it and rotate the switch clockwise, sequentially, until you arrive at the desired mode. The sequence is red, task light, low primary followed by high primary. To turn visible light off, rotate the mode switch counterclockwise in any mode. You may only wish to use a visible mode for a brief moment. If this is the case, when you arrive at the desired mode hold the switch in that position for the desired time then release it and the light returns to the off position. An extraordinarily simple system to use that works predictably well. Mounting options are stellar, and in my opinion its what gives the STRIX headlamp its functional edge. The majority of headlamps, on the market, articulate on a single plane with a maximum of 180 of rotation, which restricts placement of the light. Not the case with Petzl, who scores major points in this category; by building a much better mousetrap. The STRIX consists of three major subassemblies; the body, which house the battery; the LED head, which attaches to the body and contains all of the illumination sources; and the mount, which allows attaching to the supplied headband, PALS webbing, etc.

The STRIX housing rotates a full 120 while the LED housing rotates a full 180 allowing the operator to orient his illumination to any desired point irrespective of where the light is mounted. There are a couple of areas that I will offer as suggestions for improvement. First, the battery compartment cap is held in place with a rubber lanyard. It is a bit cumbersome and will probably not survive hard field use. Consider a thin flexible stainless steel wire. Finally, the STRIX headlamp uses a spring steel clip that attaches to PALS webbing. During weapon manipulation, I was able to knock the light off the vest by hitting it with the buttstock. Consider a mount that takes advantage of the PALS architecture. In closing, Petzl has done a magnificent job of delivering the best tactical headlamp on the market. Competitors, take heed. It isnt about lumens alone, it is about designing a system that is functional, flexible, reliable and durable; that addresses a practical intended use. Here, Petzl demonstrated its maturity and years of experience. The STRIX IR meets and exceeds each of those requirements with a flair and elegance that is characteristically French. Voila! -SP

Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Petzls STRIX IR Headlamp multirole and multifaceted

2013

Manufacturer Specifications Three lighting modes: visible color lighting: red (20 h, 1 lm, 4 m), green (17 h, 1.5 lm, 4 m), blue (17 h, 0.35 lm, 2 m) - visible white lighting: stealth mode (65 h, 0.40 lm, 3 m), close-range vision mode (20 h, 15 lm, 20 m), movement mode (4 h 30, 40 lm, 40 m) - Infrared lighting: close-range vision mode (20 h, 10 mW), movement mode (5 h 30, 25 mW), blinking IFF "Identification Friend or Foe" mode (40 h, 15 mW). Available in three versions: - black - camouflage - desert Weight: 100 g without batteries MSRP: $140.00

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Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved