Not only are the orthodox headlamps, but also the ultra-high output, long-term headlamps that can be operated on a smartphone, and to small lights like erasers attached to the reels, outdoor gear makers that are constantly questioning new products with edgy elements that will thrill users, from the simultaneously powerful headlamps to those that can be operated on a smartphone, and the reel-equipped new products have been released once again.
That's PETZL IKO series I'm reviewing this time. This innovative light was newly released in the fall and winter season last year, and has an appearance that overturns the concept of headlamps up until now, with high-performance lights and convenient features. It will surely offer us a new "headlamp experience" that is completely different from before. I immediately tried to find out what was new and how it was.
table of contents
- Main features of PETZL IKO CORE
- Detailed review
- Comfort: This alone is worth using. Unique and comfortable fit
- Versatile: All-around use for tents, running, and climbing
- Beam performance: Simple with ample output, easy to read without any quirks
- Beam performance: How about comparing it to other models?
- Battery life: Not extremely long, but maintains a strong brightness until the end
- Easy to use: In addition to simple operation, it is packed with easy-to-use and convenient features
- Summary: The light and simple fit that you've never experienced before will make you addicted to it once you use 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 battery called "core" However, there is no difference in performance between the two, and the contents other than the attached batteries are almost the same, so this time the PETZL IKO CORE and evaluated it.
Recommended points
- Comfortable and secure fit that will make you forget you're wearing it
- Very light considering beam performance
- Simple operation
- Highly versatile for a wide range of activities, including mountain climbing, camping, running, and climbing
- Storage bag that can also be used as a lantern
Interesting points
- The beam performance is basically satisfactory, but it is not particularly outstanding in terms of detailed performance and functions, such as depth, spread, red mode, and whether or not there is output adjustment, as well as other models.
- It becomes slightly bulky when stored
- Battery life in strong mode is slightly short
- Waterproof (IPX4)
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| item | PETZL IKO CORE |
| image |   |
| Light intensity (lm) (max/min) | 500/6 |
| Official irradiation distance (m) (max/min) | 100/10 |
| Official irradiation time (h) (min/max) | 2.5/100 |
| Actual measured weight (g) (main unit + battery) | 80 |
| Dedicated battery | Lithium-ion battery (1250mAh) |
| Dry battery | 3 x AAA batteries (alkaline, lithium, nickel hydrogen) |
| Waterproof and dustproof | IPX4 |
| Light type | Melee (weak), Melee + Long distance (medium), Melee + Long distance (strong) |
| evaluation | |
| Long distance irradiation | ★★★☆☆ |
| Close-range illumination | ★★★☆☆ |
| Battery life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
Comfort: This alone is worth using. Unique and comfortable fit
Aside from emergency lights like pea, headlamps are often used to tighten the head with a flat rubber band to secure and attach it. However, if I were to secure a certain amount of weight on my forehead, I would have to tighten it with a certain amount of force, and to be honest, I had given up on it because it would be no use to make it cramped and uncomfortable if I had worn it for a few minutes. I'm sure I'm not the only one who takes it off my head and put it around my neck early, such as when eating in a tent.
What do you think? The moment I put on the IKO CORE, I thought it would be like a shock that ran over my head. It is completely free from any hassle, and is about 3 grams (optional), making it a comfortable fit that will make you forget you're wearing it.
lies in AIRFIT Headband a band part that forms the main structure of this light
The IKO main body is divided into a front light part and a rear battery part, and is shaped like a Son Goku's head ring by a soft resin belt that contains the cables that connect them. Among them, the AIRFIT headband circles the head with a complex, ergonomically calculated curve, and instead of tightening it and fastening it by its frictional force, it gently rests on top of the head. Of course, simply placing it on your head is too loose, so by lightly tightening the elastic string for fine adjustments, you can fit the head even more (photos 1 and 2 below).
This allows the force to be distributed through both the gravity of placing it on the head and the frictional force caused by tightening the band, giving it an exquisite comfort and fit, not just being on your head, not on your ears, nor tightening around the head (photos below).
In addition to this mechanism, it is surprisingly light at an overall weight of 80g (actually measured), and the weight is distributed back and forth, making it much lighter than an orthodox headlamp of the same weight. This is the true nature of the feeling of "forgetting that you're wearing it."
Of course, there are also models for running that allow the battery to escape to your waist, chest, etc. using an extension cable. Also, if you have a weak output, there are certainly headlamps that are lightweight and compact and comfortable to wear. However, what makes this IKO amazing is that it does not compromise on specs or have any hassle with wearing it, and has achieved such a simple structure and no giving up on anything else, and has achieved such a significant improvement in comfort, which can only be described as magnificent.
Versatile: All-around use for tents, running, and climbing
I actually tried wearing it and taking action, but this light, close fit didn't shake even with intense behavior. It didn't affect the use of it on a run at all.
What's even more surprising is that this light, which at first glance would not be able to be attached to a helmet, can be attached to a helmet firmly. Official manufacturer information states that it is "compatible with all Petzl helmets," and I was able to wear it normally on a helmet from a certain manufacturer that I have on my hands (photo below). Of course, it may not be compatible with all helmets, but this ergonomic headband stretches quite a bit, so there's no need to give up even if you're an activity that requires a helmet.
It is comfortable to wear even when hanging around your neck in a tent, and the light part with a wide range of motion can be adjusted to the appropriate angle, making it much more comfortable than forcibly hanging a typical light around your neck (photo below).
Beam performance: Simple with ample output, easy to read without any quirks
Even if it's a different level of comfort, what about the essential performance of the light? If you look at the light (light distribution) part, you can see that this is also different from the usual pattern. It has a unique structure with three small LED bulbs on top and four small LED bulbs on bottom.
Press the simple switch of 1 button once and you'll get weak mode (photo below). In this case, only the above three lights will light up. Since this is a proximity light mode, the above three lights are thought to be light bulbs that are distributed to spread over a wide range.
Next, press the button once to medium, and press it again to strong (and turn off); however, in medium or above modes, the light on the lower level will light at the same time, and in this case, the light distribution will be mixed between long and short distances (photo below).
the IKO CORE is 500 lumens, and it has a high output that was positioned as a high-end model a few years ago, so there is no need to worry about power. The irradiation distance reaches quite far, up to 100 meters, and the light range is not too wide or too narrow, and is smooth and diluted from the center. When I lit up the lights on the dark road in my backyard, it illuminates the surroundings evenly and comfortably (photo below).
Beam performance: How about comparing it to other models?
we will look at this in a more detailed evaluation of the characteristics of this light by comparing it with other PETZL that we have previously reviewed
In the photo above, the PETZL Actic Core and IKO CORE , a model with a maximum of 450 lumens and the same level of output, were illuminated on a circular chart 2.5 meters away in strong mode, and a bank about 5 meters away.
First of all, regarding the color of light, IKO CORE is a slightly brighter, easier to see, but it does not have a major impact on how it is seen (top of the photo above).
Next, let's compare the contents of light in detail. Although I didn't notice that much on the circular chart, when comparing the light illuminated in the actual field, the acti core illuminated the surroundings slightly, making it easier to see (bottom of the top photo). In terms of specs, I was expecting IKO CORE than activator core
Of course, it is premature to make the actik "brighter" with this, and if we focus on the illumination in the central part, which will be explained later the IKO CORE tended to have a higher light level, so it is likely that the specs themselves are slightly larger in the IKO CORE However, it appears that the way the light is distributed is different, and as a result, it seems that the trails in the dark are easier to see, although slightly, with the Actic Core
Furthermore, when comparing the way the hand was irradiated in weak (close) mode, it is never difficult to see the IKO CORE active core illuminates the entire field of vision, making it relatively easier to see (photo below). Considering this, in terms of overall ease of viewing, IKO CORE cannot be said to be higher than comparable Actic Core
Battery life: Not extremely long, but maintains a strong brightness until the end
As usual, I used a luminometer to check how the actual brightness changes over time if the irradiation was continued at maximum illuminance (see below). In addition to the IKO CORE we are comparing three models: the Actic Core and another high-end Swift RL
Compared to the actik core and swift that the light decreases in about 2 hours and become unusable, IKO CORE maintains realistic brightness up to about 160 minutes, which is about 30 minutes longer than that. By the way, as in this test, as far as we measure the brightness of the central part, the IKO CORE remains brighter than the acti core until after 90 minutes, so the difference in output of 450 lumens and 500 lumens is sure to be certain. However, the IKO CORE gradually drops over time, so it is not possible to continue using it at a higher level than the other two models.
The battery life displayed on the headlamp package and website is merely about how long it can be illuminated to the maximum brightness the manufacturer considers, and it is by no means a time when it is fully powered or satisfactory. Sometimes you buy it because you think it's a long time, but in reality it just doesn't have a satisfactory brightness. As can be seen from this graph, the irradiation time of "2 hours and 30 minutes" which is displayed in the specs of PETZL can be generally correct.
This time we will be testing in "strong" mode. If you use it for a long time, instead of continuing to use it at maximum light, you can use it in medium mode or similar to a much longer period of time, so of course you can use it flexibly according to your purpose of use, and it should be possible to use it flexibly.
Easy to use: In addition to simple operation, it is packed with easy-to-use and convenient features
As I explained earlier, the usability is undoubtedly simple. You can switch the light intensity, turn it on or off, and lock (unlock) the button with only one button. I think it would have been better if it had a little more advanced functionality such as automatic light adjustment, but it's much better than adding a lot of complicated functions and creating complicated operability.
The battery comes with PETZL's dedicated lithium battery "core" as standard, making it extremely easy to use than alkaline batteries because it is lightweight and large in capacity.
What's great about this is that it can be replaced with alkaline AA batteries other than the dedicated lithium-ion battery. This makes it clear that the spare battery can be used with other devices is a positive feature in terms of ease of use (photo below).
Even storage methods that you might think the bands would be bulky can be surprisingly easy and compact by simply connecting the front and back with clips and folding the left and right sides (photo below). However, compared to typical headlamps, it is still slightly bulky.
If you use the storage bag over the light part, it can also be used as a lantern. It can be used not only when you are going to work, but also when camping, such as placing it on a table or hooking it on the ceiling inside a tent.
Summary: The light and simple fit that you've never experienced before will make you addicted to it once you use it.
At least as far as I have used it a few times this time, there was no lie in the catchphrase for this item, which was "redefine the headlamp." the IKO CORE , you can see how much weight you have felt on your forehead up until now. That's how light and comfort you can't go back.
These headlamps are easily misled by their eccentric appearance, but they are by no means a so-called model for enthusiasts or a marketing show.
Its simple operability and versatility that allow for a variety of uses make it simple and easy to use so that anyone can use it for any purpose without any stress, giving it a full sense of potential to become the mainstream in the future.
If you're looking for a high-end model that's specialized for some kind of activity, or if you're looking for a particularly high-quality waterproofing, it's sure to fit a variety of activities, so we recommend that you try this amazing comfort without worrying.
However, as someone who normally uses Swift RL If you're looking for a model that's reliable for the quality and power of the light, then there's another model that's best for you. In any case, I am no longer able to return from this comfort, so I am hoping for a higher-performance, higher-power model based on this structure to be released!
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