I recently read that Garmin is warning that the higher voltage lithiums could damage some models of GPS's. That is why the latest update to the GPSMAP 60CSx actually has the lithium battery option (in the software) removed.

I found this at Garmin's Support site:

"Not all lithium ion AA batteries will work with our GPSMAP 60 and 76 "x-series" devices as they have too high of an output voltage. Typical AA batteries have a voltage of 1.5v each. Some lithium ion AA batteries put out 1.65v or higher. Our units will only accept power from batteries that output less than 1.65v.

If using Lithium-ion batteries and the gps will not power on or will shut down quickly after being powered on, the high voltage could be the issue. They will need to be drained a little to be in the operative range in the unit. Use a flashlight or other device that uses AA batteries to drain some power from the batteries."

The info that came with my wife's Streamlight Survivor LED and our Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA LED lights both say to "Use only alkaline batteries". I assume this is also a voltage issue.

My Princeton Tec lights specifically say lithiums can be used.

I should have mentioned that the model I questioned Garmin about was the eTrex Vista Cx. Here is Garmin's response:

I think REI pulled some of those numbers out of their butts on that specs page. For one, the Petzl e+LITE uses the Lithium coin-cell batteries which perform better in colder weather than standard alkaline, which the Tikka Plus is limited to. Secondly, the advertised specs on the e+LITE claim 45 hours [citation] as the burn time in economy (low?) mode. Whatever REI was smoking when they wrote that page, they need to pass it to the left, or maybe try writing the specs out when using fresh batteries.

Garmin support would sound a whole lot smarter and much more credible if they would stop saying Lithium-Ion. Lithium-Ion batteries are the rechargeable types that are manufacturer supplied, such as with laptops. Lithium (no “Ion”) batteries are the non-rechargeable primary batteries, such as the Energizer e² Lithium batteries, and are what people actually care about whether it works or not.

I've sent email to both Garmin and Petzl to verify that we're talking about the same type of battery, and whether or not REI's specs are correct, respectively. If I hear back from them, I'll pass along the info.

K.

+1 on the petzl tikka xp. It's a little bulky to carry on person so it goes in the kit bag. Much lighter and brighter than my old mini maglite and the bulb doesn't burn out at inconvenient times. Also, the diffusor makes the best widespread beam of any of the headlights i tried, it's very useful when being blinded by a bright spot is not what you need, like when working under a car dash or sink.

I have 4 of them, they are awesome and last FOREVER!

I keep one in each of my coats and in each backpack.

Awesome lights.

Gerber Ultra Infinity clipped to a ball cap is a great headlight too.

The Wallyworld Energizer headlight is too fragile around the hinge for any serious outdoor work. It is great around the house.

I also like the Fenix CREE AA lights in a headband.

+1 on waiting for a CREE headlight if you can. That is what I am trying to do.

Just got back from our camping trip where I compared my Tikka XP with a new Princeton Tech Apex.

The Apex is much brighter and has a longer throw.

The Tikka XP is much much easier to pack and carry as well as more comfortable wearing.

I will use the Apex car camping, but the Tikka Xp stays in my pack for everything else.

Battery life has not been an issue for either so far.

Were you by chance able to compare the Tikka XP with the Princeton Tec EOS? I think those are the more comparable models since they both carry three AAA batteries on the front of the head.

I am almost tempted to buy a Tikka XP just to compare it to the EOS that I like so much. Overall their flashlightreviews.com stats appear pretty similar. The big difference is that the Tikka XP is not regulated, which means its brightness decreases constantly through use. The regulated EOS' brightness will stay relatively constant for some time and then start decreasing.

Here are the stats from flashlightreviews.com

All numbers shown are as EOS/Tikka XP:

Throw Boost: 1042 - momentary, Tikka XP only
Throw High: 478/300
Throw Medium: 189/180
Throw Low: 50/72

Overall Output Boost: 2900 - momentary, Tikka XP only
Overall Output High: 1200/650
Overall Output Medium: 460/377
Overall Output Low: 120/146

Runtime (hrs) High: 2+4.5/(60)
Runtime (hrs) Medium: 9.5+3/(80)
Runtime (hrs) Low: 44+16/(120)
(time is regulated hours + unregulated hours)

I put the Tikka XP's runtimes in parentheses since these are published times that don't seem to match reality. Flashlightreviews.com didn't test actual Tikka XP runtimes at all levels.

Since the Tikka XP is not regulated, the high power light output drops to 75% in just 45 minutes and continues dropping to 50% in about 5 hours. The regulated EOS runs with a constant 80% output through the first 2 hours and then drops to 50% output in about 3.5 hours. The EOS is at 25% at 4.5 hours while the Tikka XP is also at 25% at 4.5 hours.