How to Choose Headlamps
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp - 2018
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The powerful, rechargeable Petzl Actik Core headlamp offers 350 lumens and a mixed beam. It's ideal for outdoor activities such as running, backpacking and mountaineering.
Shop similar products- Comes with a Core battery that is rechargeable via USB port
- Compatible with 3 standard AAA batteries (sold separately) without the need for an adapter
- Wide and mixed beams with several lighting modes meet the need for high-performance lighting for everything from cooking in camp to running at night
- Red lighting preserves night vision and prevents blinding other members of your group
- Reflective headband helps you be seen when a light is shone on it; it's equipped with an emergency whistle for rescue situations
- IPX4 water resistance rating means the Actik Core can withstand rain showers
- 5 year Petzl guarantee
| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Bulb Type | LED |
| Bulb Detail | 2 LED / 1 red LED |
| Red Light Mode | Yes |
| Beam Type | Adjustable / Flood |
| Max Light Output (Lumens) | 350 lumens |
| Light Output | 350 lumens |
| Max Beam Distance (m) | 95 meters |
| Beam Distance | High: 95 / standard: 50 meters |
| Brightness Levels | 2 |
| Strobes | 1 |
| Average Run Time | High: 2 / standard: 7 hours |
| Regulated Output | Yes |
| Rechargeability | Rechargeable |
| Batteries | 1250 mAh Core rechargeable battery |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IPX4 |
| Weight With Batteries | 2.9 ounces |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Operation tip
FixerUpper7 years ago
If you have a problem with the Core headlamp/battery, take a small flat-edge screwdriver and (with battery removed) gently move the contact inside the battery compartment (that would meet with the negative battery contact) forward so that spring tension is restored. Thanks to those that didn't do this as I really like the ones I've picked up at REI garage sales.
The headlamp is not variably dimmable, but has 3 settings that I like, the high intensity beam is impressive. Construction, durability and comfort great for camping and around the house use.
FixerUpper
Albuquerque, NM, United States
54 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Poor quality, high price
Tansku7 years ago
I bought this and will be returning it soon. I should have done more research before buying this, but I'm really disappointed with the quality. (Years ago I owned older halogen Petzl's which I was happy with, but their newer LED lights are not impressive). The housing is cheap, brittle plastic. If dropped this could easily break. Even if it doesn't break, your batteries will fall out, which you won't find when your in the woods, in the dark. The tilt adjustment doesn't hold well; it can easily fall out of position. Most importantly, the lighting is poor. The cheap reflectors and lenses create a lighting pattern with bad throw (distance) and bad flood (dispersion). The resulting lighting is blotchy, with hotspots, and does not reach far into the darkness. This is simply bad in terms of Value (offerings from Energizer, yes the battery company are equally good for a fraction of the price), However, there are simply much better products on the market. Look for options from Olight, Fenix, or Nitecore (REI, please start carrying these products) for similarly priced, but much higher quality offerings. I'm disappointed in Petzl for making such a bad product at this price-point.
Tansku
Washington, DC, United States
25 people found this review helpful
tuckfeed
MD
Ok light but over priced.
6 years ago
Pros: Light itself is good. Medium is enough to hike by, max brightness is still nice to have. I'd say the battery life estimates are accurate. The headband is comfortable and never feels like its squeezing my head. Cons: The tolerances are far enough off I don't trust the water resistance, even in very light rain. There is no gasket sealing the battery in, and on my particular unit there is about a 1mm gap left when you close the compartment with a core inside. The headband is very difficult to remove for cleaning or replacement, you have to flex the plastic to the degree it feels like it will snap.
No, I do not recommend this product
FixerUpper
Albuquerque, NM, United States
Operation tip
7 years ago
If you have a problem with the Core headlamp/battery, take a small flat-edge screwdriver and (with battery removed) gently move the contact inside the battery compartment (that would meet with the negative battery contact) forward so that spring tension is restored. Thanks to those that didn't do this as I really like the ones I've picked up at REI garage sales. The headlamp is not variably dimmable, but has 3 settings that I like, the high intensity beam is impressive. Construction, durability and comfort great for camping and around the house use.
Yes , I recommend this product
hawkeye
Middleton, WI
For Those Dark Winter Wisconsin Nights....
7 years ago
My Petal Actik was first considered an "accessory" but is now a nocturnal necessity during Wisconsin's cold, dark winter. It is comfortable to the point that I forget it's positioned on my forehead. It's light is bright and dependable and holds a very long charge. It's red light function is perfect for not disturbing those around you when moving around late at night. I use it as a reading light, a hands-free beacon when looking into dark cabinets, and a safe way to walk the dog, enter a dark garage, or light up an outdoor BBQ at night. It's one of the most useful devices I've ever owned.
Yes , I recommend this product
Chris
Lincoln, CA, United States
I highly recommend this headlamp
8 years ago
I received the Petzl Actik Core headlamp today. I actually didn't really need a new headlamp because I'm a bit of a gear junkie. I have various Black Diamond headlamps and various flashlights for hiking, backpacking, and camping in the Sierra Nevada's. This headlamp is very light weight in comparison to my Black Diamond Spot. It also has 350 lumens which is much brighter. I do like the hybrid option because I do pack a Goal Zero on occassion, but if I don't and want to go lighter I can just toss some spare batteries in my pack. The three settings is adequate enough for my purposes. I will be using this in a few weeks on a snow camping trip in the Tahoe National forest and will update this review to see how it handles.
Yes , I recommend this product
Krone57
Oceanside, CA, United States
Great headlamp
7 years ago
I've only used the headlamp once in the train tunnels at the Jacumba valley goat trestles and it worked great. Plenty of illumination for the price i paid. Ive owned dinky headlamps from home depot and such and the amount of illumination from the petzle was far better. Im sure if i would have spent another 80 or more dollars, I would've been even more impressed. I bought it for this hike exclusively knowing also that I'd probably have it for a long time to come. Don't really know how true the estimated battery life is as I only used it for an approximate 30mins to an hour total. Turning it off and on multiple times. Overall, I'm very happy with the lamp
Yes , I recommend this product
mosswings
Portland, OR
Simple to operate, but ultimately disappointing
6 years ago
The Actik Core was to replace a wonderful but now too dim Tikka RXP that I was operating more on Boost than Reactive mode. On paper the Actik looked to be the perfect replacement; in use, the extra brightness of the Actik is wasted by a poorly designed beam pattern. I prefer a headlamp that throws a good spot with some side spread. The Actik throws an even 90 degree spread flood that puts too much light far out to the sides and not enough straight ahead - on the trail. In snowy or rainy conditions, this beam pattern winds up dazzling instead of guiding. Finally, the construction of the Actik is not as robust as the Tikka RXP - flimsier plastics, iffy switch. Bottom line: I was far more satisfied with the 40% cheaper BD Spot. This from a Petzl addict.
No, I do not recommend this product
jayzooks
Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Awesome Headlamp
7 years ago
I bought this when it first came out this spring. I also have the Black Diamond Spot and it's much lighter. Love the battery pack option. I have 2 and it works great with solar chargers. Lasted several hours and charge fast. I recommend to anyone to lighten up your pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Flaxin
Quincy, MA, United States
Lightweight, simple operation, super bright at 350
8 years ago
I bought this headlamp a few months ago to replace more more expensive but more complicated and hefty Petzl. I like it becasue the operation is simple, it is very lightweight, and charging is simple with a micro-USB or AAA batteries.
Yes , I recommend this product
Michael
Powerful
8 years ago
I like everything about it but the flashing red light. I thought I read the description thoroughly. I wanted flashing white light for daytime bicycling but it is red only. I have it mounted to my helmet and it is plenty bright enough for night city riding. I like the USB charging. I'm still on the first charge.
Yes , I recommend this product
Gerry
Pittsburgh, PA
Perfect for Cycling
6 years ago
I like to have a low beam light to warn oncoming riders/runners/walkers. There is no need to blind those who are headed towards me. I am able to read my GPS in the dark. The high setting is pretty good, I wouldn't rely on high for cycling off road, but for a quick pinch it works well. This light is used in conjunction with a dedicated cycling light that I only use when it is very dark. This light comes in handy when I'm packing the car or loading the bike on the rack. The tilting function works well. I usually run it on low and not much longer than an hour or so 3 to 4 times a week. I charge it once a week. I'd recommend to a friend....and an enemy.
Yes , I recommend this product
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