Post by k9education on Nov 28, 2018 18:16:09 GMT -8
Well, despite the mixed reviews on the Petzl Actik Core (aka Tactikka Core) I picked one this past weekend for ~$39. The headlamp it's replacing is an original Tikka XP (TXP) from many years ago. UPS dropped it off right before I went for a dog walk on a local trail and the Core battery came partially charged, so I took it with me.
First impressions vs the old TXP:
It's noticeably lighter, but the headband isn't as comfortable. There's a bit of a pressure point at the front that was noticeable even with a winter hat on. Also, the band is quite a bit smaller. I've got an average size head (~7.5 in baseball caps as best I can recall), but with a thin winter hat on I just about maxed out the headband. I have less than 2" of fabric left whereas I have a bit over 5" remaining on the old TXP. It fits though. Adjustment positions are a little more limited the the TXP, but nothing that is really going top matter unless you want the light pointing straight up. The quality of materials is not what it was on the old Petzl lamps, but that may be the trade-off for the weight savings. I don't think the review complaints about it feeling cheap or flimsy are really warranted as I don't see the thinner plastic causing any real world issues.
In terms of brightness, low (5 lm) is virtually useless as far as I'm concerned. Standard (100 lm) is brighter than the TXP and is sufficient for navigating the trail. Throw is also a little better, though I think there would still be some searching for markers if you're night hiking somewhere with dark tree markers (I'm looking at you Stokes State Forest. Brown markers = fail). Max (350 lm) is no Zebralight, but it's plenty sufficient for hiking. The mixed beam pattern does a decent job of lighting up the sides of the trail and throwing light down trail. I didn't try out the red light for more than second, but switching between red/white is super easy (hold the power button for 2-3 seconds).
Overall, I'm satisfied with with the Actik Core for the $39 I paid and would buy it again (provided my long-term experience doesn't change my opinion). However, at the $70 REI is charging or even $56 w/ the 20% off coupon, I would suggest looking elsewhere. If you have a head like Michael Shannon or Todd Park Mohr, definitely look elsewhere. :D
First impressions vs the old TXP:
It's noticeably lighter, but the headband isn't as comfortable. There's a bit of a pressure point at the front that was noticeable even with a winter hat on. Also, the band is quite a bit smaller. I've got an average size head (~7.5 in baseball caps as best I can recall), but with a thin winter hat on I just about maxed out the headband. I have less than 2" of fabric left whereas I have a bit over 5" remaining on the old TXP. It fits though. Adjustment positions are a little more limited the the TXP, but nothing that is really going top matter unless you want the light pointing straight up. The quality of materials is not what it was on the old Petzl lamps, but that may be the trade-off for the weight savings. I don't think the review complaints about it feeling cheap or flimsy are really warranted as I don't see the thinner plastic causing any real world issues.
In terms of brightness, low (5 lm) is virtually useless as far as I'm concerned. Standard (100 lm) is brighter than the TXP and is sufficient for navigating the trail. Throw is also a little better, though I think there would still be some searching for markers if you're night hiking somewhere with dark tree markers (I'm looking at you Stokes State Forest. Brown markers = fail). Max (350 lm) is no Zebralight, but it's plenty sufficient for hiking. The mixed beam pattern does a decent job of lighting up the sides of the trail and throwing light down trail. I didn't try out the red light for more than second, but switching between red/white is super easy (hold the power button for 2-3 seconds).
Overall, I'm satisfied with with the Actik Core for the $39 I paid and would buy it again (provided my long-term experience doesn't change my opinion). However, at the $70 REI is charging or even $56 w/ the 20% off coupon, I would suggest looking elsewhere. If you have a head like Michael Shannon or Todd Park Mohr, definitely look elsewhere. :D