A review of the PETZL IKO CORE, a versatile headlamp with a weight of just 3 grams, yet a high output and unprecedented comfort

Yasushi Hisatomi

5 years ago

PETZL, an outdoor gear manufacturer that is constantly introducing exciting new, edgy products to the world, ranging from traditional headlamps to ultra-high-output, long-lasting headlamps, headlamps that can be controlled with a smartphone, and even tiny eraser-sized lights that are attached to a retractable reel, has once again released a new product that is sure to make an impact

PETZL IKO we'll be reviewing today . Newly released last fall/winter, this revolutionary headlamp combines a high-performance light with convenient features in an appearance that overturns the conventional concept of headlamps. It's sure to offer us a completely new "headlamp experience" unlike anything we've had before. We decided to try it out and see what's so new about it.

table of contents

Main features of PETZL IKO CORE
Detailed Review
Summary: The unprecedented light feel and simple operation will have you hooked once you try it

Main features of PETZL IKO CORE

The PETZL IKO comes in two models: the PETZL IKO which comes with three alkaline batteries the PETZL IKO CORE, which comes with a rechargeable Core battery the PETZL IKO CORE and reviewing it.

Recommended points

Comfortable and secure fit that makes you forget you're wearing them
Very light considering the beam performance
Simple operation
High versatility that can be used for a wide range of activities, including mountain climbing, camping, running, and climbing
A storage bag that doubles as a lantern

Points of concern

The beam performance is generally satisfactory, but it cannot be said to stand out from other models in terms of detailed performance and functions such as depth, spread, red mode, and whether or not there is output adjustment
Slightly bulky when stored
Battery life is a little short on strong mode
Waterproof (IPX4)

Specifications
item	PETZL IKO CORE
image
Light intensity (lm) (max/min)	500/6
Official irradiation distance (m) (maximum/minimum)	100/10
Official irradiation time (h) (min/max)	2.5/100
Actual weight (g) (main unit + battery)	80
Dedicated battery	Lithium-ion battery (1250mAh)
Dry cell batteries	3 x AAA batteries (alkaline, lithium, nickel-metal hydride)
Waterproof and dustproof performance	IPX4
Light Type	Melee (weak), Melee + Ranged (medium), Melee + Ranged (strong)
evaluation
long distance irradiation	★★★☆☆
short distance irradiation	★★★☆☆
Battery life	★★★☆☆
Ease of use	★★★★★
weight	★★★★★

Detailed Review

Comfort: Worth it just for this. Unique comfort

With the exception of pea-sized emergency lights, so-called headlamps are often secured and worn by tightening a flat elastic band around the head. However, when you want to secure a considerable weight to your forehead, you have to tighten it with a certain amount of force, and frankly, I had given up on the idea that it would become uncomfortable and restrictive after wearing it for even a few minutes. In fact, I'm sure I'm not the only one who takes it off my head and hangs it around my neck as soon as possible, except when walking, such as when eating in a tent

So what do you think? The moment you put on the IKO CORE, you feel a shock in your head. It's completely unintrusive, weighs just 3 grams (approximately), and feels so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing it

lies in the band that forms the main structure of this light, the AIRFIT headband

The IKO main unit is divided into a light section at the front and a battery section at the rear, and the two are connected by a soft resin belt containing the cable, forming a shape reminiscent of the ring on Son Goku's head. Within it, the AIRFIT headband goes around the head in a complex, ergonomically calculated curve, and rather than tightening the head and securing it with friction, it rests gently on top of the head. Of course, simply placing it on the head will be too loose, so you can lightly tighten the elastic string for fine adjustment to make it fit better (Photos 1 and 2 below).

This allows the force to be distributed both by gravity when the head is placed on the head and by the friction caused by tightening the band, resulting in an exquisitely comfortable fit that does not just rest on the head, nor does it hang over the ears, nor does it constrict around the head (Photos 3 and 4 below)

In addition to this mechanism, the overall weight is surprisingly light at just 80g (actual measurement), and the weight is distributed front to back, so it actually feels much lighter than a conventional headlamp of the same weight. This is the true reason why you "forget you're wearing it."

Of course, there are running models out there that allow you to use an extension cable to move the battery to your waist or chest. And there are certainly headlamps with lower output that are lightweight, compact, and comfortable to wear. But what's amazing about the IKO is that it doesn't compromise on specs or hassle to wear, and it's achieved such a significant improvement in comfort with such a simple structure and without sacrificing anything else. It's nothing short of impressive.

Versatility: All-around tent, run, and climb

I actually tried wearing them and found that the lightweight, snug fit didn't shake even during strenuous activities. I also used them while running and had no problems at all

What's even more surprising is that this light, which at first glance doesn't seem like it can be attached to a helmet, can actually be attached to a helmet. The manufacturer's official information states that it is "compatible with all Petzl helmets," and I was able to attach it to a certain manufacturer's helmet that I have on hand without any problems (see photo below). Of course, it may not be compatible with all helmets, but the ergonomic headband stretches quite a bit, so there's no need to give up on activities where a helmet is essential

It is comfortable to wear even when worn around the neck in a tent, and the light part has a wide range of movement up and down, so it can be adjusted to the appropriate angle, making it much more comfortable than a regular light that is forced to hang around the neck (see photo below)

Beam performance: Sufficient output, simple, and easy to see

Even if it is an otherworldly level of comfort, what about the performance of the lights? If you look at the light distribution part, you can see at a glance that it is different from the usual pattern. It has a unique structure with three small LED bulbs lined up on the top and four on the bottom

Pressing the simple one-button switch once activates the low-power mode (see photo below). In this mode, only the top three lights are lit. This is proximity light mode, so the light from the top three can be thought of as a bulb that distributes light over a wide area

Next, press the button once for medium, once more for strong (press again for OFF), but in medium or higher modes the lower row of lights will also light up at the same time, resulting in a mixed light distribution of long and short distances (see photo below)

The IKO CORE 's maximum light output is 500 lumens, a high output that would have been considered a high-end model in the past, so there's no need to worry about power. The beam distance is up to 100 meters, which is quite far, and the light range is neither too wide nor too narrow, fading smoothly from the center. When I tried it out on a dark path in my backyard, it provided comfortable, even illumination around me (see photo below).

Beam performance: How does it compare to other models from the same company?

we will compare the characteristics of this light with other PETZL that we have previously reviewed in order to evaluate them more deeply

The photo above shows PETZL Actic Core and IKO Core , models with similar output of up to 450 lumens, illuminated in strong mode on a circular chart 2.5 meters away and a bank about 5 meters away.

First, regarding the color of the light, IKO CORE is slightly brighter and closer to white, making it easier to see, but not enough to significantly affect how it looks (top row of the photo above).

Next, let's compare the light content in more detail. Although it wasn't so noticeable with the circular chart, when comparing the light emitted in the actual field, the Actic Core illuminated a slightly wider area, making it appear easier to see (bottom of the photo above). Based on the specs, I was expecting the IKO CORE than Actic Core

Of course, it would be premature to say that the Actic is "brighter" based on this, and if we focus only on the luminance in the center, which we will explain later, the IKO CORE tends to be higher, so it the IKO CORE has a slightly greater amount of light. However, there appears to be a difference in the way the light is distributed, and as a result, the Actic Core seems to make it slightly easier to see trails in the dark.

Furthermore, when comparing the illumination of the hand in weak (close-up) mode, the IKO CORE is by no means difficult to see, but the Actic Core 's slightly wider illumination range illuminates the entire field of view, making it relatively easier to see (see photo below). Considering this, in terms of overall visibility, the IKO CORE the Actic Core its specifications suggest , and it must be said to be slightly inferior.

Battery life: Not exceptionally long, but maintains decent brightness until the very end

As usual, we used a light meter to check how the actual brightness changes over time when the light is continuously exposed to maximum brightness (see figure below). This time, we compared three models: the IKO CORE , the Actic Core the Swift RL , another high-end model for outdoor use

While the Actic Core and Swift lose brightness after about two hours and become unusable, the IKO Core maintains a realistic brightness for about 160 minutes, about 30 minutes longer. Incidentally, as far as measuring only the brightness of the center, as in this test, the IKO Core remains brighter than the Actic Core until after 90 minutes, so the difference in output between 450 lumens and 500 lumens seems definite. However, the IKO Core 's light output gradually decreases over time, so it cannot be used continuously at a high level compared to the other two models.

The battery life displayed on headlamp packaging and websites is merely the length of time the manufacturer believes the lamp can provide maximum brightness, not the length of time it can maintain full power or satisfactory brightness. Even if you buy a lamp thinking it will last a long time, it may soon lose its satisfactory brightness. In this regard, as can be seen from this graph, the battery life of PETZL's specifications, "2 hours and 30 minutes," is generally accurate

Please note that this test was conducted in "strong" mode only. If you plan to use the light for extended periods of time, you can achieve significantly longer exposure by switching to medium mode rather than using it at maximum light output, so you can and should use it flexibly depending on your purpose

Usability: Simple operation and packed with easy-to-use and convenient features

As I explained earlier, the operation is incredibly simple. You can adjust the light intensity, turn it on and off, and lock (unlock) the button with just one button. I feel like it could have had more advanced features, such as automatic light adjustment, but it's much better than adding a lot of complicated functions and making it more difficult to use

The battery included as standard is PETZL's dedicated lithium battery "Core," which is lightweight and has a large capacity, making it much easier to use than alkaline batteries

What's great is that you can use alkaline AAA batteries instead of the dedicated lithium-ion battery, which is a definite plus in terms of usability, as you can use the spare battery with other devices (see photo below)

Although the band might be bulky, it can be stored surprisingly easily and compactly by simply connecting the front and back with clips and folding the left and right sides (see photo below). However, it is still a bit bulky compared to a regular headlamp, which is a bit of a concern

The storage bag can be placed over the light to turn it into a lantern. It can also be used on a table or hung from the ceiling of a tent with a carabiner, making it useful not only when you're out and about but also when camping

Summary: The unprecedented light feel and simple operation will have you hooked once you try it

[Points Increased] Petzl Aiko Core (Headlight) E104BA

At least from the few times I've used it this time , the tagline for this item, "Redefining the headlamp," the IKO CORE , I really felt how heavy it felt on my forehead. It was so unforgettable, so light and comfortable, I'll never want to go back.

Although the unusual appearance of this headlamp can be misleading, it is by no means a so-called enthusiast model or a marketing gimmick

Its simple operability and versatility, which allows for a wide range of uses, make it easy for anyone to use for any purpose without stress, and it gives the impression that it has the potential to become mainstream in the future

Unless you're looking for a high-end model specialized for a particular activity, or you need particularly high levels of waterproofing, these should suit a variety of activities, so we recommend you try them out and experience their surprising comfort without any worries

However, as someone who regularly uses the company's Swift RL and other high-spec models from other companies, I was a little disappointed that the lighting performance wasn't as high as I expected from the generous 500 lumens. If you're looking for a model with reliable light quality and power, there are probably other models that are more suitable. In any case, I'm starting to get tired of this comfort, and I sincerely hope that even more advanced, high-output models based on this structure will be released in the future!