Petzl

Actik Core Headlamp

Good but not very durable

I bought this for my bf who is an artist and uses while he works. He does a lot of sewing and needs light to see details. He loves the rechargeable battery but little by little the plastic stared breaking. I bought the item in 2019 and it’s only been 3 years but now it’s completely broken. I bracket it broken and the buttons don’t press. It’s been held together with blue tape for a bit, but that’s not sustainable. I assumed it would be more rugged since I see it in stores like REI.

The right light at a great value.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

One size fits all

Height:

6' 4"

Weight:

240

You could pay more, but would likely not get enough to surpass the performance of this light. I use mine for clam digging which usually involves shovel work in cold, rainy hours with a driving wind. This light has never failed me and I don’t think it ever will. I highly recommend this light to anyone wanting the last headlamp they will ever need.

Light and lots of light

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Medium

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

190

I?ve been using a Princeton tec pro series light until I bought this Actik Core. The Princeton Tec is a monster and 100% waterproof but I really like this Actik Core for a few reasons. It?s way smaller and less than half the weight. This light takes up negligible space in my pack and the measured weight is about 3 oz. I also love not needing to pack extra batteries since I can just charge off the power bank I?m bringing anyway. But using it around the campsite for several days doesn?t require a charge anyway. I haven?t hiked at night with it but it really lights up the woods on the highest setting. I was very surprised how bright it was considering the lumen rating and comparing to other lights I have with higher ratings. I have other lights rated 50% brighter that I can?t tell the difference. The build does feel a little cheap, but I was looking for light weight. Light weight often feels cheap. I haven?t put the water resistance to the rest but I wouldn?t expect it to stay dry on the inside during an extended downpour. A rubber seal on the battery compartment would have gone a long way.

Reliable

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Regular

Height:

5' 6"

Weight:

120

it's great,... It gives you what you need.

Simple, rechargeable headlamp

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

160

Great range of lighting options. Not infinitely adjustable, as you must use the presets, but it does the job well. The close-up lamp gives a decent spread good for making camp and navigating a tent, while the spot lamp is very bright. I recharged this with a solar panel on a multiweek hike and had excellent performance throughout.

Fits My Needs

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

What a great light. You can use the rechargeable batteries that come with it or in a pinch you can use (3) AAA batteries. It is plenty bright on the highest setting with 450 lumens. I can charge it at home, in my truck or on the trail with my battery power bank. It is comfortable to wear with or without a hat. Battery life seems to be decent and IMO it is typical Petzl quality. It is lightweight but well made. I trust Petzl products and this light has never let me down.

Quality

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This is a great light -- compact, versatile, reasonably light. Have used this for a couple alpine-start climbs (Kili and Baker) and general camping and around-the-house stuff, and have been happy with the various light modes and the focus pattern of the beam. Rechargeable battery is great, because I don't need to carry spares -- i can use the same power-bank i bring for my phone and GPS to charge everything. I haven't tested battery life too hard -- about six hours of climbing before sun-up is all i've needed. I've been using Petzl headlamps for climbing, camping, caving and general purposes for 25+ years, and they have always served me well.