Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp - Red (Classic)

You can't go wrong with Petzl headlamps. I've had the same old Princeton Tec headlamp since 2011 and it was time for an upgrade. This one is brighter on its lowest setting than my old one was on it's brightest. Battery life is good, I've been using the rechargeable battery pack and running it on max brightness on my morning hikes and it'll go a few days before it's noticeably dim. There's a lot of hullabaloo around the battery cover, I have had zero issues with it. In fact it's easier to remove than my old headlamp's battery cover. It is a little disappointing that the battery pack has to come out to charge but, I don't have to charge it every time I use it so it's really a non issue. It's also fairly easy to switch modes. Again there seems to be some contention about the ease or lack of, trying to switch from white to red. Read the instructions, it really is that easy.

I use this on my bike helmet. the medium brightness level is plenty (100 lumins?) and the batteries last way longer, but I can use the lower level if I'm off the bike, and I have brighter to go if I need it. on bikes I recommend two lights: one on your head to Iluminate where you look, and one on the handlebars to illuminate in front of where you're steering. Batteries: Bonus feature: the battery packs for these are removable and rechargeable via USB Micro and are the same form factor as three AAA batteries, so in an emergency you can pick up a pack of standard AAA batteries at a store along your route to get you home. the "Core" battery packs are pricey though, and often sold out where I buy them locally. I typically keep at least 3 in rotation, which I number with sharpie when new. I use them sequentially to ensure I use them equally. by having three to rotate through, when I deplete #1, I replace it with #2, put #1 to charge when I get home, then I still have #3 to replace #2 with while #1 is charging. Battery longevity: I forget how long the medium setting is supposed to last because I mostly only use them an hour at a time and just swap to the next spare when they run out. I think it was something like 8-10 hours, so that's like a week of winter commutes an hour each and like two weeks of summer commutes. You know when they start to wear out because you no longer get the longevity. The style of the headband on these newer models actually unclips at one of the size adjusters, allowing me to thread the band through the ventilation holes of my helmet and re-clip it. the older versions I had to cut the band off and buy hook & loop straps for this, which meant then I couldn't use it off the helmet afterwards.

I purchased this lamp in April 2023 and today I clicked on this because I was curious about the current price. Seeing that I never did a review, I thought that after having owned it and used it daily for 2 years, my review might be useful for others. I have been very pleased with the quality and ease of use of this lamp. I use it around the house when I need more light or at night taking out the trash, etc. In all this time, I only had one issue. One of the two headband clips broke. I contacted Petzl who sent me a new one free of charge when I offered to purchase one. FYI, the 600 lumen setting is VERY BRIGHT, you don't need 10,000 lumens and all that nonsense. Its a great lamp, I highly recommend it. I won't say I'm going to buy another one because I believe the one I have will last years to come. If I could give 10 stars I would. If you buy one, read the instructions and take the time to learn how to use the buttons. Its a bit confusing at first, like learning how to use the iphone but once you've got the hang of it, its easy!

I have a couple of these now, they're invaluable - durable, water resistant, and multiple brightness settings. I love the ease of use with the single large button that I can use with gloves. Resizable strap is easy to use. I like the black color but I got the red for my partner. At the time of purchase the battery it came with was micro-USB, so a worthwhile later purchase is the USB-c battery. I do note that at at the 3rd (highest) light setting, the battery will not last all that long. Also, the red light is usable but quite dim.

Easy to use and understand what I’m doing with it as far as switching modes from White to RED comfortable and easy to adjust headband definitely one of the best head lamps I’ve owned

I already owned the previous 600-lumen micro USB CORE battery model, which I use while camping and am a big fan. Never liked the battery's micro USB charging port, so got a new USB-C battery for it. So much better now that I don't have to worry about bringing another cable. I can just use the cable for my iPhone, flashlights, lighter... You get the picture. Well, I decided to get a second ACTIK CORE headlamp since one of anything is never enough, and my wife should have one too, even if she no longer camps. In a head-to-head comparison, the performance between the two is nearly identical. After all, the 250-lumen difference is rather minor. Operationally, they work exactly the same, of course. If you have the older 600-lumen model, there is no reason to upgrade. The light from the new 625-lumen model is slightly cooler in color temperature, but that's about it. Otherwise, the Petzl ACTIK CORE headlamps are simple to operate, are quite compact for their light output, and can be used for an assortment of scenarios. I have a total of four Petzl lights currently, and am a big fan of their products.

Much brighter than my old Petzl and love the options for charging or changing batteries.

Garbage. Don't buy. I use these for work. They usually last 7-8 months before I have to buy a new one. This one lasted 31 days. Just outside the Return window of course. Now I get to see how Petzls customer service is. Like I've said...I've had 5-6 of these I've bought in the past 4 years. This one was different from the rest. The battery wasn't the same as all the others. Looks cheaper. The orange battery is the normal battery. The new one is black. I dont know if the battery is the problem or not. I just know its useless after spending $80 31 days ago

Reliable Petzl quality throughout. Easy button layout and function. Super bright and great lighting levels available with a simple single button click. Plus red mode. The band is super comfy for long paddles and hikes. Might be the best petal headlamp of the 4 that I’ve owned over the last 15 years.

登山や釣りに使用しています 光量も十分、点灯時間も不満なし

The usual high quality you expect from Petzl! I've had a Petzl headtorch for over 10 years & I've no doubt this will last just as long. Nice bright wide beam, good run time, really lightweight & comfortable in use. CHarge level indicator light is a helpful feature. Charges quickly too.

登山に使用する為に購入しました。暗闇スタートでも全く問題ない明るさがあります

Die Stirnlampe vom bekannten Hersteller Petzl habe ich für Sport in der dunklen Jahreszeit gekauft. Ich bin mit ihr sehr zufrieden. Folgende Pro- und Contra-Punkte habe ich zur Lampe: Pro: + Hohe Helligkeit + Hochwertige Verarbeitung + Lange Akkulaufzeit + Wechselakku + Nutzung mit AAA-Batterien möglich + Aufladbar mit USB-C Contra: - Recht hoher Preis - Funktioniert nicht mit jedem Ladegerät (ggf. schwächeres = weniger Watt-starkes Ladegerät verwenden) Insgesamt würde ich die Lampe jederzeit wieder kaufen, auch wenn der Preis schon recht hoch ist. Dafür erhält man aber auch Qualitätsware, die eine richtig ordentliche Helligkeit hinlegt. Ganz besonders gut gefällt mir die Option, auch drei AAA-Batterien nutzen zu können. So kann man auch mal einige günstige Batterien aus dem Supermarkt mitnehmen, wenn man auf einer längeren Tour in der Wildnis ohne Auflademöglichkeit ist. Für alle, die an der Stirnlampe den Ladeanschluss suchen: Dieser befindet sich direkt im Akku, also einmal das Akkufach aufmachen oder dort das USB-C-Kabel anschließen. Insgesamt ein sehr gutes Produkt, für das ich eine klare Kaufempfehlung aussprechen kann.