Australian Hiker | Petzl Actik Core 625 Headlamp

Weight 88 grams
Colours Red, Black, Green, and Blue
Maximum Power 625 Lumens

Cost $189.99

Petzl Actik Core 625 Headlamp

Headlamp

Rating

Rating:	8.6 / 10
Value for Money	1.8 / 2
Weight	1.7 / 2
Ease of Use	1.7 / 2
Comfort	1.7 / 2
Versatility	1.7 / 2

Petzl Actik Core 625 Headlamp Review

Across the world Petzl is one of the dominant lighting brands and produces a large range of lights ranging from the ultralight E+Lite through to models that have over 1000+ lumens capacity. Over the past couple of years there has been a trend towards higher power, lower weight lights. The Petzl Actik Core 625 Headlamp sits in what is now a mid range capacity that just a few years ago would have been close to the top in lighting power.

For the sake of clarity this model is a 625 lumen unit that comes with the ‘Core’ rechargeable battery included. There is a standard Actik light that can be used with the core battery pack but if you plan on doing this it’s cheaper to buy the Actik Core upfront. This model replaces the older Petzl Actik Core 600 and while it’s not a huge increase in power, it does sell for the same RRP as the older less powerful model.

This headlamp has a standard configuration with battery housing and light combined in a single front unit and weighs 88 grams which is relatively light for such a powerful headlamp. The Core battery that comes standard can be swapped out with a spare Core battery or three AAA batteries as required which makes this a very versatile unit if you are into serious night hiking. It’s worth noting that if you do use AAA batteries then the maximum power drops to 450 lumens but the ability to swap between disposable and rechargeable batteries makes this a very versatile headlamp.

To charge the battery you need to open up the case which I find to be a bit of an old fashioned concept. The assumption here is that you swap out the battery to charge, replace it with another core battery or a set of disposables while your main battery is charging. The choice is yours.

This headlamp has five separate lighting choices which are:

Red continuous
Red strobe
White – low (maximum burn time)
White – standard
White – maximum power

While we are still on lighting and battery capacity, this lamp throws a maximum 625 lumen beam that is pretty impressive but in using full power you will only get two hours of life. At its lowest white light power setting it is quoted that you’ll get approximately 100 hours. In reality the power usage is likely to sit between these two figures as it will be rare you will use the full power or low power for extended periods. Using the red light you will get some serious lifespan of around 60 hours and the red strobe lasting around 400 hours. The only time I ever tend to use the red light is when I’m sitting at camp and need just enough light to head to the bathroom or if I’m in the tent and want to minimise the impact on others when locating what I need.

Like most modern lights these days the change between the different beams is through the press of a single button which is easy to work out. I must admit to being a stereotypical male here and usually don’t read the headlamp instructions but it’s easy enough to work out the sequence if you are using it for any period of time. Each of these modes is apparent after the initial requirement to hold the ‘on’ button for eight seconds to unlock it and then the unit only requires a simple single button press to cycle through the beam choices.

The highest setting on this light is really serious at 625 lumens and throws about 115 metres. Keep in mind that the maximum beam strength is only going to benefit you if you are in open terrain. If you are walking through dense vegetation opt for a lower beam intensity unless you are walking across very unstable unfamiliar terrain in which case I want as much light as possible.

For those who haven’t used a Petzl headlamp before, the strap is a soft elastic material with a reflective strip that sits very comfortable on your head – just remember to adjust it so it is firm but not too tight.

Price wise this light comes in at AUD $189.99 RRP but for the light that it throws and the versatility it has, it is pretty good value. This headlamp comes in four colours – red, black, green, and blue.

So is this a light worth considering? As someone who is into serious night hiking needing versatility and lighting capacity, this unit is definitely a light I would use, and do consider as my main light. In fact this it is the light I take with me when I’m planning to do serious night hiking for extended periods. If that doesn’t describe you then there are cheaper, less powerful options available.

We Like

The light packs a real punch throwing 625 lumens of light in a lightweight 88 gram package
Adjustable angle on light to focus the light where you want it
Five lighting options including red night vision and red strobe
- Maximum output 625 lumens
- Up to 100 hours on low light setting
- Two hours on maximum light setting
Reflective headband for night visibility and reflective strip which enhances visibility from behind
Comes with an easy to use rechargeable battery which can be swapped out for three standard AAA batteries making it very versatile
Single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light colour
Lock function to avoid accidentally turning it on during transit or storage
Compatible with mounting accessories that allow the lamp to be attached to any kind of helmet or to a bicycle
Comes with a storage bag that also doubles as a lantern for use in the tent

We Don't Like

Rechargeable battery valued at AUD $189.99 RRP so if you are buying a second battery this will boost the price by AUD $73.99 RRP
To charge the battery you need to open up the headlamp

Best Uses

A powerful headlamp for hikers who want versatility particularly if you are a serious night hiker

Buy One

You can purchase the Petzl Actik Core 625 Headlamp from Snowys or from Wild Earth

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