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Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Sep 9, 2012 2:31 am
by Downundercaver
So with the release of the New Petzl Nao light this year, has anyone used on yet? If so do they actually change the output of lighting when you look up from a book into the wilderness etc etc. Like there Youtube video? Any other things about please include.

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Sep 11, 2012 9:42 pm
by BreaukenArrow
Sounds like an interesting light for keeping book! :kewl:

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Sep 21, 2012 1:19 pm
by Jon
A friend of mine got one and yes it does change and yes it reacts very fast. High and low auto (reactive) settings and manual...my friend says it is also apparently programable, but she is waiting to see it work "as is" in a bunch of different situations before messing with it. Seems to have the most thought out strap of the strap on lights as to a stable strap system however and I haven't had the chance to look closely at the pivot system but that may be it's weak point. It has good spill and good reach. If I didn't have a Sten I would probably buy one. I will say that it is a bit weird being around her and it as the light levels can change often and very noticeably to the rest of the group....I'm not sure what it would be like with several of them in a group....six of them in just the wrong kind of cave might end up like bad special effects in a late 50's early 60's budget horror flick at least till everybody switches to manual...

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Feb 25, 2013 5:29 pm
by anti-jeff
Topic resurrected!

Has anyone done a good torture test of this light? Does the NAO work well in wet/muddy environments?

I currently own an APEX which *claims* to be waterproof (but people my area are frequently sending them back since they'll stop working), so maybe this isn't any worse? I'm a sketcher, so I could really see the benefit of a light that dims when I look down at my page and goes full-power when looking around a large room/passage... just don't wanna spend good money on a like that'll crap out on me.

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Feb 26, 2013 12:18 pm
by DaveWKC
I actually own this light.
The "Caving" setting works pretty well, and is my default program. You can customize this using their OS software.
I have used it to explore some mines wile reading maps, and the reactive lighting has worked well for that - provided that the sensor does not get covered in mud.
When that happens, you need to clean it off immediately, or switch to non-reactive mode. The surface of the sensor and lights is also plastic, and it scratches easily.
I also use it for cycling, and for trails, and the results have been fantastic!

My major concern is that this light is only IPX4 rated, and the surfaces are easily-scratched plastic.
That alone has made me decide to get a purpose-built helmet attached caving light for my primary light for caving.
For other sports that do not require helmets, this will remain my primary light.

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Apr 11, 2013 5:48 am
by cptstormy
I've been one since December.

The reactive system works very well, adjusting nearly imperceptibly fast when moving from a wall to straight down a passage or looking up from a map/survey sheet. It does have a few drawbacks, however. Because of the reactive lighting, battery life can be very variable. On the same setting, the battery will last nearly twice as long in crawling or stooping tunnels than in wide open chambers or tunnels. Also on the subject of battery, while the ability to swap out AAAs for the rechargeable is convenient, it's pretty worthless as the lamp will burn through them ridiculously fast. You're better off just switching over to a backup. The other two problems I've had a related to the switch. When the battery is low, the switch will sometimes cease to operate-- it's works digitally, not mechanically. Twice I have been unable to turn the lamp off and have had to disconnect the battery to shut it down. The second drawback with the switch is that while its design makes it very easy to operate with gloves on, it also means that you need to be careful to remember to always lock the lamp in the off mode. If you forget to lock it there's a solid chance it will get switched on in a bag or pocket, where the LED will melt the lens with no airflow to cool it. As far as durability, I haven't yet gotten it too horribly wet, but it has put up well with the minor mud, heavy sand, and fair share of bumps it's seen so far.

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Apr 22, 2013 11:53 pm
by Adventurer
Love my NAO.
Protip:Save your lens by buying a protective shield for a cellphone and cutting it to fit.

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Feb 13, 2014 11:56 pm
by Snook710
Well as I finally got my hands on the Nao. I noticed that it was just my cup of coffee from the very first use. Then I downloaded the OS software from Petzl and it is amazing. Completely outstanding. It truly does work like it says and with the pre function profiles available; it make first time users feel welcomed. I tried 4 different profiles so far and they all worked great. But as I am a caver/ rock climber; I found the caving profile to best fit my needs. And for those of you that were like me. I couldn't figure out how to change from reactive lighting to constant. All you need to do for active is turn it quickly and release. As for constant turn and hold for 2 seconds to start your constant lighting. Once your in constant mode you just need to quickly turn and release to change through constant modes and to go back to Reactive lighting simply turn and hold for 2 seconds and then your back in reactive mode. I never had to lock off the light going through any caves but boy if you do try to lock it off, it almost feels like your going to break off the switch Lol and it would take some serious damage for it to somehow unlock itself. This light is just amazing how bright it can light up a cave too. Don't get me wrong its not like a Petzl Ultra Rush when it comes to light but this light has plenty and i mean plenty of output. lights up everything very well and doesn't blind your caving pals when looking at them (-: I would definately recommend this light to all of my friends in the caving community. Heading to W.V next week for a caving adventure with Pittsburgh, Bald Eagle, C4, And other friendly Grottos. Cant wait to show off my Nao!! (-;

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Feb 13, 2014 11:57 pm
by Snook710
Well as I finally got my hands on the Nao. I noticed that it was just my cup of coffee from the very first use. Then I downloaded the OS software from Petzl and it is amazing. Completely outstanding. It truly does work like it says and with the pre function profiles available; it make first time users feel welcomed. I tried 4 different profiles so far and they all worked great. But as I am a caver/ rock climber; I found the caving profile to best fit my needs. And for those of you that were like me. I couldn't figure out how to change from reactive lighting to constant. All you need to do for active is turn it quickly and release. As for constant turn and hold for 2 seconds to start your constant lighting. Once your in constant mode you just need to quickly turn and release to change through constant modes and to go back to Reactive lighting simply turn and hold for 2 seconds and then your back in reactive mode. I never had to lock off the light going through any caves but boy if you do try to lock it off, it almost feels like your going to break off the switch Lol and it would take some serious damage for it to somehow unlock itself. This light is just amazing how bright it can light up a cave too. Don't get me wrong its not like a Petzl Ultra Rush when it comes to light but this light has plenty and i mean plenty of output. lights up everything very well and doesn't blind your caving pals when looking at them (-: I would definately recommend this light to all of my friends in the caving community. Heading to W.V next week for a caving adventure with Pittsburgh, Bald Eagle, C4, And other friendly Grottos. Cant wait to show off my Nao!! (-;

Re: Petzl Nao

PostPosted: Feb 16, 2014 1:20 pm
by Snook710
anti-jeff wrote:Topic resurrected!

Has anyone done a good torture test of this light? Does the NAO work well in wet/muddy environments?

I currently own an APEX which *claims* to be waterproof (but people my area are frequently sending them back since they'll stop working), so maybe this isn't any worse? I'm a sketcher, so I could really see the benefit of a light that dims when I look down at my page and goes full-power when looking around a large room/passage... just don't wanna spend good money on a like that'll crap out on me.


I wouldn't go as far to to trusting it 100% in wet/muddy conditions but I'm going to our annual B.E.G Grotto meeting in West Virginia next weekend so I'll be able to repost a better claim. As it is usually pretty muddy and wet especially this time of year. But i did read in the instructions that the device does say its "water resistant" Not "water proof" but like I said after 6 caves in one weekend trip. That'll put it to the test