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A headlamp that balances power, comfort, and practical features for a wide range of activities.
Petzl says:
Powerful, rechargeable, and easy-to-use headlamp with red lighting. 625 lumens.
The ideal rechargeable headlamp to extend your dynamic outdoor activities. Casting 625 lumens, the ACTIK CORE provides powerful and comfortable lighting to go with you when you’re running, trekking, or mountaineering. Its phosphorescent reflector makes it easy to find in the dark. Red lighting keeps you from blinding those around you and a reflective headband allows you to remain visible. The ACTIK CORE comes with the CORE rechargeable battery and also works with three standard batteries, with its HYBRID CONCEPT design.
Our Verdict
At 88g (Medium), the Petzl Actik Core 625 delivers a well-judged mix of brightness and usability. The 2025 version features USB-C charging, a slightly higher output of 625 lumens, and a redesigned battery door that is significantly easier to open in cold or wet conditions. The hybrid system remains a strong point, with the supplied CORE battery offering reliable runtimes and the option to use AAA cells as backup.
Light quality is excellent, with both flood and spot beams available, plus red light for night use. The headband is reflective, washable, and comfortable, keeping the lamp stable without creating pressure points. A lock function prevents accidental activation in a pack, and the glow-in-the-dark reflector makes it easy to locate in the dark. With IPX4 weather resistance and a storage pouch that doubles as a lantern diffuser, it is a capable and durable choice for demanding use.
Please note: We cannot ship this item outside of the UK as it contains a Lithium Battery.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
Lightweight, powerful, and rechargeable headlamp
- 625 lumens and under 100g
- Easy to charge via USB-C port (charging cable not included)
Versatile and comfortable lighting for movement and dynamic activities:
- Wide, uniform beam so you can comfortably see up-close or around your feet
- Mixed beam (wide and focused) allows for proximity and distance vision for movement
- Three white lighting levels: MAX BURN TIME, STANDARD (better power/burn time balance), and MAX POWER
- Continuous red lighting to preserve night vision without blinding those around you, and strobe to signal your location, especially in emergency situations
Easy to use:
- Single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light color
- Plate allows you to easily tilt the lamp up or down and wear it around the neck
- Battery charge indicator shows the battery level each time lamp is turned on or off
- Useful phosphorescent reflector for locating the lamp in the dark
- LOCK function prevents the lamp from turning on during transit or storage
- Adjustable headband is symmetrical to more easily adjust the fit, plus it’s made entirely from recycled materials and can be removed, washed, and replaced
- Reflective headband helps you remain visible, even in low light
- Storage pouch has an eco-friendly design and can transform headlamp into a lantern
- HYBRID CONCEPT design: the ACTIK CORE comes with the CORE rechargeable battery and also works with three AAA/LR03 batteries (not included); it automatically detects the energy source and adjusts lighting performance
- Reduced environmental impact: the entire lifespan of a CORE rechargeable battery is equivalent to that of 900 standard batteries
- Compatible with the HELMET ADAPT and BIKE ADAPT 2 mounts, so you can attach the lamp to a variety of helmet types or a bicycle (1)
(1) WARNING! This lamp is not certified for road use: when used in areas subject to traffic regulations, Petzl lights are not a substitute for required standardized lights.
Specifications
- Weight: 88g (including batteries)
- Brightness: 625 lumens (ANSI/PLATO FL 1)
- Beam pattern: Wide or mixed
- Energy: CORE rechargeable battery (1250 mAh) (INCLUDED) or 3 AAA/LR03 batteries (NOT INCLUDED)included)
- Charging time: 3.5 h
- Battery compatibility: Alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH rechargeable
- Certification(s): CE
- Watertightness: IPX4 (weather-resistant)
Lighting Modes:
Performance with Rechargeable CORE battery (INCLUDED)
- Max Burn (white light): 7 lumens / 10 metres / 100 hours
- Standard (white light): 100 lumens / 60 metres / 7 hours (reserve 2 h)
- Max Power (white light): 625 lumens / 115 metres / 2 hours
- Continuous (red light): 2 lumens / 5 metres / 60 hours
- Strobe (red light): Visible at 700 m for 400 h
Performance with 3 AAA / LR03 batteries (NOT INCLUDED)
- Max Burn (white light): 7 lumens / 10 metres / 100 hours
- Standard (white light): 100 lumens / 60 metres / 10 hours (reserve 20 h)
- Max Power (white light): 450 lumens / 100 metres / 2 hours (reserve 20 h)
- Continuous (red light): 2 lumens / 5 metres / 60 hours
- Strobe (red light): Visible at 700 m for 400 h
