Review by Tony Lourens
Another solid, reliable and very effective product from Petzl, the originator of the modern headlamp.
The thing is, how does one improve on a headlamp which is already at the top of the game?
What I like about the Tikka Core 450, is that it is a basic, no frills headlight that does the job. For a while, leading manufacturers of headlamps were bringing out headlamps, which in my opinion, had too many frills in terms of lighting – multiple strobe options in different colours, making it tricky to remember how navigate between the various options. I found this unnecessary and irritating!
Let’s face it, the main reason we take a headlamp into the hills, is so that we have a reliable light of sufficient brightness to help us get up or off the mountain in case we get benighted. How many times have you used the red light option? Never mind the green light!
Having already achieved recognition in many of its models, the strengths of the Tikka Core 450 lie in the design, fit, battery life and luminosity.
Design and fit
Comes with a comfortable, well-fitting, adjustable headband which has reflective inlays, making you visible in the dark, and is compatible with all helmets. It also has an integrated phosphorescent reflector that makes it easy to find in the darkness. The big single button on the top of the headlamp, makes it easy to operate, even with chunky gloves, and the lamp itself has a ratchet-type swivel, which means it stays in the position you put it in.
Luminosity
Okay, so 450 lumens is pretty bright, and definitely good enough in the prickliest of dark situations, but it has got three modes of brightness, as you don’t need full strength to negotiate your way around your campsite, or to read the guidebook in your tent, which the low beam strength is perfect for. Of course, this also saves battery power. There is also a red light option, so you do not blind your compatriots in the tent or when in close proximity to each other. And it also come in strobe mode, if you need to use it as a beacon in emergencies.
Battery
The Tikka Core 450 (as with many other models) comes with the Core rechargeable battery and also works with three standard AAA batteries, thanks to its hybrid concept design. The big difference here is that the Core rechargeable battery gives off 450 lumens at full power and using 3 x AAA batteries, you get 350 lumens of power. But having said that, the AAA option generally gives you better battery life. My suggestion would be to go on your mountain trip with a fully charged Core battery, and take 3 x AAA batteries as back-up.
The headlamp comes with its own translucent carrier pouch, which doubles as a lantern if you pop your illuminated lamp inside, which you can then hang up inside your tent, or wherever. Nifty!
Compact, light and easy to use, the Tikka Core 450 makes a lot of sense if you’re headed into the blackness!
Specifications
Brightness: 450 lumens
Weight: 84g
Beam pattern: Flood
Charging Time: 3 hours
Battery compatibility: Alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH rechargeable
Water tightness: IPX4 (weather-resistant)
• Single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light colour
• Battery charge indicator
• Rechargeable via the type B micro USB port
• Lock function prevents the lamp from turning on during transit or storage
• Storage pouch allows it to be transformed into a lantern
• Hybrid concept design: automatically detects the energy source and adjusts lighting performance
• Compatible with a variety of helmet types
RRP: R1095
Click here for more info on lighting performance burn times in various modes, etc.
