Micro USB is a definite deal breaker. I'd be willing to pay slightly more for USB C just so it's one less cable or adapter. Am I bring picky? Yes. 100% admit it. Keeping it simple with AA or AAA, but tje option of a battery bank that is rechargeable is nice, but let's move forward with USB C.
I'll keep my Fenix HM50R - it's lighter than the Petzl Actik Core, brighter, has a better variability of output in white light settings, is longer lasting, has IP68 waterproof rating, and as an astrophotographer, has the ability to bypass the white light settings and jump directly into the red lamp with two rapid clicks of the power button. Best headlamp I've used
Given the current situation, I make sure my camping stuff can dual role as prepping. My headlamp can be easily charged by a small foldable solar panel or run off batteries. Dual role for emergency preparedness is something that I have applied to a sustained renewal of all my camping stuff over the last 18 months.
Nitecore, Fenix, Olight, Armytek, Fireflies, Lumintop, Astrolux, Klarus, Thrunite, Acebeam, Xtar, Imalent and even Sofirn have served me well for many many years and they also have certain models that have multiple cell capabilities. I own a ridiculous 80+ lights, over a 100 cells and many chargers over the last 10+ years. It's hard to beat Armytek's 10 year warranty. I am sure it's a decent lamp but the price vs performance and functions is just not there for me. My two favorite lamps are my Armytek Wizard Pro and my Fireflies PL47 Gen 2. Great vids as always!
I have this exact same one, I just carry 2 of the Core powerpacks and a USB powerbank to charge the one i am not using. It charges fully within 2 hours so the switch over is seamless.
Thank you so much for not immediately starting your video with loud obnoxious metal/rock intro music to show off how wickedly outdoorsy you are and how totally not aging you are. Just came from a few other folks' videos...Needed to vent 😅
'Glad to have this option & review as it hasn't arrived yet to my location. It does seem behind (micro-usb, low runtime, buttons, etc) in some ways-especially for price. I'd like to see a comparison or separate review of the BD Storm options. Shine on!
I lived offgrid in Interior Alaska for decades. Headlamps were a must for many critical outdoor activities. Try splitting wood for a woodstove with a flashlight and you'll immediately see what I mean. ... LED lighting technology was a paradigm shift for flashlights and headlamps. ... I've owned several dozens of headlamps since the 1970s. ... Petzel brought then new technology to the field, but that was back in the day. IMO, Petzel allowed the rest of the industry to leave it in the dust - similar to what Buck and Gerber did in the cutlery industry. They rested on their laurels and lost market share, as more innovative companies greatly surpassed the effectiveness and prices of their products. ... I prefer Fenix, Thrunite, and Olight for my current lighting needs. ... No offense intended, but I regard the Petzel reviewed with a relatively expensive, proprietary, rechargeable, 2 hour battery life, as suitable mainly for the metrosexuals who shop for everything at REI Coop.
I have a Petzel pretty similar to this model and specs. It is nice around the camp, food prep at night or map reading and taking notes. For following mountain trails , get back to camp after hunting , working ,etc, i use a 2 x 18650 head set with other 2 batteries extra. For sure it is heavy , but it is a need and a 800 lumen for 8 hours , gets the job donne.
Once I let my eyes adjust, the medium setting is more than adequate. I have never needed the high setting for the trail. less bugs in your face. In the snow you need even less light, unless the weather is horrible. If the weather is horrible I wont need bright a light. I will be at home or hunkered in.
@@johnkilty5091 i don't disagree at the most, but it's also a personal preference for some specs, and covering some needs for me. I prefer a bigger distance of view, when on trail at night. I also have the convenience of having many hours of light with the option to change battery when in need. I think it's better to have more lumen that can be adjusted to lower, than low rate at bigger distance with also the disadvantage of bigger weight than something like Petzel, that don't get me wrong, i love, but for other activities.
Been needing a headlamp. Good info and yeah I like dual power options as well. They are not priced too badly and with the dual ability seems like a deal to me. Have a great week.
I'd recommend, that, if you get the headlamp, buy an extra Core pack and carry a small powerbank like a Anker Astro just for the Core packs and that will, if you cycle the Core packs, more than get you through the longest of nights. I'm in the UK where our nights in mid-December are incredibly long and this lamp+extra Core pack+Astro powerbank has never left me in the dark.
thanks for the video, for whatever reason ive always had a hard time finding that headlight that just worked for my needs, currently using a older AA Thrunite light that is decent for basic use, ran though a few olight models, maybe Petzl is next. keep up the good content and god bless
G'day Aaron, with so many options out there, it's quite a can of worms. Must say I'm surprised at how many head lamps are 3 x AAA powered and/or use proprietary battery packs. Around a car camping/RV base camp or at home I guess battery types aint that big of a deal; However on the trail, I'd like to take the opportunity to suggest going purely with 14500/AAs. I carry a Klarus H1A-PL headlamp and Lumintop EDC-05 tube, both fitted with a single 14500 with integral charging port, (if either unit or battery fails one can do the job of the other). 2 X charging cables, a USB-micro with C adapter and a USB-C with micro adapter, (if either fails I still have both types). 5000 mAh battery bank with integral solar, provides a full phone charge @ 3000 mAh + 2 x 14500 @ 800 mAh each, the on board solar back up is quite limited by its size, but enough to get out of strife. A 4 pack of Alkaline AAs, (Could use NiMh , but the 14500s already provide for a recharge option and if the charger/battery bank fails....................you'd then be out of options). This lot is very light weight for the given capability, flexible and not expensive either. Btw; I am looking at getting a PLB/GPS, that takes 14500/AAs too. Also, if hiking in a group, best if you all use the same batteries IMO, (whatever the consensus is). Cheers Duke.
I see the Arctik and Arctik core in different looks, the one you have and one with a "cross" (lack of better description) would you know the difference?
Is there any headlamp on the market that would put out 400 or so lumens for say 8 hours or more? If you work for 8 hours underground, what do you use??
@Steve Clark ... Steve, I don't believe current battery technology can store enough energy in a reasonably sized, reasonable weight battery, worn on your headlamp, to power a 400 lumen lamp for 8 hours. ...The Olight Perun 2 headlamp I own ships with a customized Olight 4000 mAh 21700 battery that recharges in the light with a slick USB to a magnetic tailcap disc. It will run the lamp at 500 lumens for 4.5 hours. 2 of those fully charged batteries would get you through an 8 hr shift. ... Olight also sells a customized 5000 mAh 21700 battery that will run in the Perun 2, which would give it more than 4.5 hrs @ 500 lumens. But, it don't see any data on how many hours that battery might run at that level of drain. You could extrapolate to get an estimate. ... The Olight Store (factory outlet in US for their products) sells that 5000 mAh 21700 battery for $26.95. ... That's $3 less than that cheesy Petzel AAA replacement USB Micro rechargeable battery. ... I have 2 of those 5000 mAh 21700 rechargable batteries. They'll run both my Perun 2 @ 2500 lumens and my Olight Seeker 3 Pro flashlight @ 4200 lumens. The throw of those lights at night is a game changer evolution of lighting technology. They have strobe mode too @ top "turbo" level output for tactical/bear in camp at night useage. ... Good luck to you my friend.
@@martinmiller1087 Thanks for all that info, I think that you are dead right about the battery technology, it's just not there yet. Best wishes and good luck to you too, all the way from the UK,😊
A commercial grade headlamp. Very expensive, but worth it if you job requires a head lamp. Several hundred dollars. Check out gear for mining underground
Finally a removable rechargeable battery bank. One of my biggest crits of lights like the Nitecore NU25 style internal battery battery is it being useless for hours when it drains, and the whole light becomes innefficient over time due to battery deterioration with many charges...
La lampe peut s'allumer dans votre sac et vous n'avez plus de batterie pour votre bivouac. Les réglages de serre tête sont en plastique de mauvaise qualité: ils cassent. Je déconseille cette lampe.
Micro USB is a definite deal breaker. I'd be willing to pay slightly more for USB C just so it's one less cable or adapter. Am I bring picky? Yes. 100% admit it. Keeping it simple with AA or AAA, but tje option of a battery bank that is rechargeable is nice, but let's move forward with USB C.
Small complaint for a really solid light. I do hope they sort out the cable bs. My collection of cables is extensive. LOL
I’ve used the Petzl Actik Core on 3 primitive camping trips and have been very happy with it.
I'll keep my Fenix HM50R - it's lighter than the Petzl Actik Core, brighter, has a better variability of output in white light settings, is longer lasting, has IP68 waterproof rating, and as an astrophotographer, has the ability to bypass the white light settings and jump directly into the red lamp with two rapid clicks of the power button. Best headlamp I've used
Best headlight I’ve ever owned ACTIK CORE
Given the current situation, I make sure my camping stuff can dual role as prepping. My headlamp can be easily charged by a small foldable solar panel or run off batteries. Dual role for emergency preparedness is something that I have applied to a sustained renewal of all my camping stuff over the last 18 months.
Been using petzl lamps for a while now, they’re solid performers and bright.
Nitecore, Fenix, Olight, Armytek, Fireflies, Lumintop, Astrolux, Klarus, Thrunite, Acebeam, Xtar, Imalent and even Sofirn have served me well for many many years and they also have certain models that have multiple cell capabilities. I own a ridiculous 80+ lights, over a 100 cells and many chargers over the last 10+ years. It's hard to beat Armytek's 10 year warranty. I am sure it's a decent lamp but the price vs performance and functions is just not there for me. My two favorite lamps are my Armytek Wizard Pro and my Fireflies PL47 Gen 2. Great vids as always!
Do you have a link for the Fireflies PL 47 Gen 2? Can’t seem to find it anywhere
I have this exact same one, I just carry 2 of the Core powerpacks and a USB powerbank to charge the one i am not using. It charges fully within 2 hours so the switch over is seamless.
Same here.
Lol micro USB!? Cmon man! My nitecore ut27 has a USB c battery/aaa batteries as well. It's lightweight, it's quite bright
I have the same model. First thought upon seeing this video.
Thank you so much for not immediately starting your video with loud obnoxious metal/rock intro music to show off how wickedly outdoorsy you are and how totally not aging you are.
Just came from a few other folks' videos...Needed to vent 😅
Rock on! Hahah
'Glad to have this option & review as it hasn't arrived yet to my location. It does seem behind (micro-usb, low runtime, buttons, etc) in some ways-especially for price. I'd like to see a comparison or separate review of the BD Storm options. Shine on!
I lived offgrid in Interior Alaska for decades. Headlamps were a must for many critical outdoor activities. Try splitting wood for a woodstove with a flashlight and you'll immediately see what I mean. ... LED lighting technology was a paradigm shift for flashlights and headlamps. ... I've owned several dozens of headlamps since the 1970s. ... Petzel brought then new technology to the field, but that was back in the day. IMO, Petzel allowed the rest of the industry to leave it in the dust - similar to what Buck and Gerber did in the cutlery industry. They rested on their laurels and lost market share, as more innovative companies greatly surpassed the effectiveness and prices of their products. ... I prefer Fenix, Thrunite, and Olight for my current lighting needs. ... No offense intended, but I regard the Petzel reviewed with a relatively expensive, proprietary, rechargeable, 2 hour battery life, as suitable mainly for the metrosexuals who shop for everything at REI Coop.
I have a Petzel pretty similar to this model and specs. It is nice around the camp, food prep at night or map reading and taking notes. For following mountain trails , get back to camp after hunting , working ,etc, i use a 2 x 18650 head set with other 2 batteries extra. For sure it is heavy , but it is a need and a 800 lumen for 8 hours , gets the job donne.
Once I let my eyes adjust, the medium setting is more than adequate. I have never needed the high setting for the trail. less bugs in your face. In the snow you need even less light, unless the weather is horrible. If the weather is horrible I wont need bright a light. I will be at home or hunkered in.
@@johnkilty5091 i don't disagree at the most, but it's also a personal preference for some specs, and covering some needs for me. I prefer a bigger distance of view, when on trail at night. I also have the convenience of having many hours of light with the option to change battery when in need. I think it's better to have more lumen that can be adjusted to lower, than low rate at bigger distance with also the disadvantage of bigger weight than something like Petzel, that don't get me wrong, i love, but for other activities.
Been needing a headlamp. Good info and yeah I like dual power options as well. They are not priced too badly and with the dual ability seems like a deal to me. Have a great week.
Ya not too bad
I'd recommend, that, if you get the headlamp, buy an extra Core pack and carry a small powerbank like a Anker Astro just for the Core packs and that will, if you cycle the Core packs, more than get you through the longest of nights. I'm in the UK where our nights in mid-December are incredibly long and this lamp+extra Core pack+Astro powerbank has never left me in the dark.
thanks for the video, for whatever reason ive always had a hard time finding that headlight that just worked for my needs, currently using a older AA Thrunite light that is decent for basic use, ran though a few olight models, maybe Petzl is next. keep up the good content and god bless
Thanks so much! 👍
My gear is based on AA and CR123. Need to stay in that world. I do have a very cool Klarus HC3 rechargeable cap light.
G'day Aaron, with so many options out there, it's quite a can of worms. Must say I'm surprised at how many head lamps are 3 x AAA powered and/or use proprietary battery packs. Around a car camping/RV base camp or at home I guess battery types aint that big of a deal;
However on the trail, I'd like to take the opportunity to suggest going purely with 14500/AAs.
I carry a Klarus H1A-PL headlamp and Lumintop EDC-05 tube, both fitted with a single 14500 with integral charging port, (if either unit or battery fails one can do the job of the other).
2 X charging cables, a USB-micro with C adapter and a USB-C with micro adapter, (if either fails I still have both types).
5000 mAh battery bank with integral solar, provides a full phone charge @ 3000 mAh + 2 x 14500 @ 800 mAh each, the on board solar back up is quite limited by its size, but enough to get out of strife.
A 4 pack of Alkaline AAs, (Could use NiMh , but the 14500s already provide for a recharge option and if the charger/battery bank fails....................you'd then be out of options).
This lot is very light weight for the given capability, flexible and not expensive either.
Btw; I am looking at getting a PLB/GPS, that takes 14500/AAs too.
Also, if hiking in a group, best if you all use the same batteries IMO, (whatever the consensus is).
Cheers Duke.
Fenix trail runner for me. Perfect
Nice, I need to look at that one.
AAAs leak too
I see the Arctik and Arctik core in different looks, the one you have and one with a "cross" (lack of better description) would you know the difference?
The core I believe has the battery pack included
can you review Acta Non Verba A100 with magnacut steel?
I am working on it, video on the ANV M73 tomorrow afternoon
Is there any headlamp on the market that would put out 400 or so lumens for say 8 hours or more?
If you work for 8 hours underground, what do you use??
@Steve Clark ... Steve, I don't believe current battery technology can store enough energy in a reasonably sized, reasonable weight battery, worn on your headlamp, to power a 400 lumen lamp for 8 hours. ...The Olight Perun 2 headlamp I own ships with a customized Olight 4000 mAh 21700 battery that recharges in the light with a slick USB to a magnetic tailcap disc. It will run the lamp at 500 lumens for 4.5 hours. 2 of those fully charged batteries would get you through an 8 hr shift. ... Olight also sells a customized 5000 mAh 21700 battery that will run in the Perun 2, which would give it more than 4.5 hrs @ 500 lumens. But, it don't see any data on how many hours that battery might run at that level of drain. You could extrapolate to get an estimate. ... The Olight Store (factory outlet in US for their products) sells that 5000 mAh 21700 battery for $26.95. ... That's $3 less than that cheesy Petzel AAA replacement USB Micro rechargeable battery. ... I have 2 of those 5000 mAh 21700 rechargable batteries. They'll run both my Perun 2 @ 2500 lumens and my Olight Seeker 3 Pro flashlight @ 4200 lumens. The throw of those lights at night is a game changer evolution of lighting technology. They have strobe mode too @ top "turbo" level output for tactical/bear in camp at night useage. ... Good luck to you my friend.
@@martinmiller1087 Thanks for all that info, I think that you are dead right about the battery technology, it's just not there yet. Best wishes and good luck to you too, all the way from the UK,😊
A commercial grade headlamp. Very expensive, but worth it if you job requires a head lamp. Several hundred dollars. Check out gear for mining underground
Great video keep them coming!
Will do!!
Finally a removable rechargeable battery bank. One of my biggest crits of lights like the Nitecore NU25 style internal battery battery is it being useless for hours when it drains, and the whole light becomes innefficient over time due to battery deterioration with many charges...
Micro USB makes it a no-no for me
Would rather see it around $50. Too expensive for what it is.
Micro USB= no go
La lampe peut s'allumer dans votre sac et vous n'avez plus de batterie pour votre bivouac. Les réglages de serre tête sont en plastique de mauvaise qualité: ils cassent. Je déconseille cette lampe.
Too expensive for what you get. Not for me.
2.
I own 2 much better then this one (not that isnt very good too!), but this one is the best looking headlamp with the best looking band i ever seen!