Australian Hiker

Rating

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp Review

Petzl is one of the dominant lighting brands that 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 providing higher power, lower weight lights. The Petzl Actik Core 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 450 lumen unit that come 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. Be aware that this model of Petzl light has been replaced by a newer model but as a result there has been a substantial price drop that make this light well worth considering. The Actik range has now expanded so make sure that if you are considering this particular light you are looking at the core 450.

This headlamp has a standard configuration with battery housing and light combined in a single front unit weighing in at 75 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. 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 disposable while your main battery is charging.

This headlamp has five separate lighting choices which are:

• Red Flood
• Red Strobe
• White Spot (dimming option available)
• White Spot and Flood (dimming option available)
• White Spot and Strobe

While we are still on lighting and battery capacity, this lamp throws a maximum 450 lumen beam that is pretty impressive but in using full power you will only get a two hour life. At its lowest white light power setting it is quoted that you’ll get approximately 130 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 for extended periods. Using the red light you will get some serious lifespan at around 400 hours.

Like most modern lights these days the change between the different beams is through the press of a single button which you can very quickly work out. Each of these options is easy to choose and after the initial requirement to hold the ‘on’ button for eight seconds to unlock it, the unit only requires a simple single button press to cycle through the beam choices. At best, the beam will run for 3½ hours on the highest lighting setting and around 40 hours on the lowest setting which will suit the average hikers needs.

The highest setting on this light is really serious at 450 lumens and throws about 90 metres. If you are into serious night hiking then this is an amazing light. Price wise this light is being replaced with a newer model so is now available at around AUD$125.99 RRP but for the light that it throws and the versatility it has, it is pretty good value. This headlamp comes in two colours – red and black.

So is this a light worth considering? As someone who is into serious night hiking the versatility and lighting capacity it’s definitely a light I would consider and my main light. In fact this is the light I take with me when serious night hiking is what I’m planning. If that doesn’t describe you then there are cheaper options available.

So if you are after a new light grab one of these while you still can.

We Like

• The light packs a real punch throwing 450 lumens of light in a light 75 gram package
• With the current price drop these lights are great value!
• Adjustable angle on light to focus the light where you want it
• Four lighting options including red night vision
  • Max Output 450 Lumens
  • Up to 130 hours on low light setting
  • Two hours on high light setting
• A good range of beam choices including flood, spot and red lights
• Reflective headband for night visibility
• Comes with an easy to use rechargeable headlamp which can be swapped out for three standard AAA batteries
• 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
• Head band with reflective strip which enhances visibility from behind

We Don't Like

• Rechargeable battery valued at AUD $69.99 RRP so if you are buying a second battery this will boost the price
• To charge the battery you need to open up the headlamp

Best Uses

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

Buy One

You can purchase the Petzl Actik Core Headlamp from Amazon Australia

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $125.99 RRP

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp in black

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp in red

Petzl Actik Core close up of lighting unit

 

Petzl Actik Core rechargeable battery showing charging port and battery metre

Petzl Actik Core on, front view

Petzl Actik Core side view

Petzl Actik Core with light unit tilted

Disclaimer

This review was done with product provided by the Australian distributor of Petzl for testing

Last updated

15 September 2024

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