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Petzl DUO S headlamp for caving: pros and limits
Lamp sheet for Petzl DUO S in caving: strengths, limits, and target profiles with comparison link.
Lamp sheet / Lighting
Petzl DUO S remains a robust reference in club/pro caving. This older model is less powerful than DUO RL, with the same proprietary battery ecosystem.
Petzl DUO S~ 3.5 /5
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Key characteristics
| Theme | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Major public/pro brand, historically present in French caving clubs. |
| Reference models | Legacy DUO model still present in existing fleets, with maximum output below DUO RL. |
| Ergonomics | Familiar interface with broad accessory availability. |
| Field feedback | Positive feedback on platform robustness and useful runtime in long trips. |
| Observed market | Very visible in clubs and widely available from resellers. |
Pros
- Robust DUO platform used in caving for many years.
- Beam options are useful in progression and large passages.
Cons
- Proprietary R2 battery remains expensive for redundancy.
- BOOST mode is less sustainable thermally in long use.
- Availability varies depending on retailers.
- Power/price ratio remains weak versus newer alternatives.
- Max output clearly below DUO RL.
Best for
| Profile | DUO S fit |
|---|---|
| Club or professional structure | Very suitable for easy-to-maintain standardized fleets. |
| Regular caving | Good fit if reliability and support network are priorities. |
| Committed exploration | Relevant with the right setup, especially if you already know the Petzl ecosystem. |
| Best euro/lumen search | Less suitable: lower-cost alternatives may perform better at equal budget. |
Compare with other brands
Open the caving headlamp comparison
Manufacturer website: Petzl, DUO S, ACCU 2 DUO Z1 (R2).