PETZL Swift RL Headlamp - SS21

Product Information

Time and resources being finite, we generally make detailed comparisons between products only in our Group Tests; but it makes sense to do so here.

SWIFT® RL - Headlamps | Petzl United Kingdom

That said, if the budget is a major concern then the ACTIK remains a very solid choice for the all-round user. Note, too, that while the Nao had the option to swap the reachargeable battery for AAA batteries, the Swift does not. You need to buy a spare rechargeable battery if you plan to use the head torch for many hours. Mostly, I tend to keep the torch in reactive mode, and switched between the three levels. With this, I found the battery life to be very impressive. The Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery is powerful and helps to stop single-use batteries from being wasted. Also, when charging the head torch you do not need to open up the case, as I have to do with the Actik Core.At only 100g, it’s a dynamic headtorch aimed at mountaineers, trail runners, skiers, cyclists etc. who need strong battery life for overnight outdoor pursuits. This is not a cheap head torch and I think I’d rather have less technology and a lighter price tag. A possible alternative could be the Petzl IKO Core.

Petzl Swift RL head torch for runners and walkers Review: Petzl Swift RL head torch for runners and walkers

It also means you don’t need to switch between modes on the move, instead the head torch does it for you. The switch between brightness levels isn’t drastic or distracting, but it is sensitive enough to adapt to small changes in surrounding light.The fenix is much brighter than the NAO+ even when fully charged. I've used both side by side and it's quite noticeable, both in the throw of the spot beam and the quality of the flood beam. Minimum burn time of 5 hours in REACTIVE LIGHTING® mode (STANDARD level), built to power through long activities

Petzl Swift RL 2024 - Compact, rechargeable 1100 lumen headlamp

The headband is reflective for nighttime visibility and its split construction gives you excellent stability during dynamic and intense activities such as mountaineering, trail running, and skiing. Longer burn time, greater visual comfort, and less manual operation with REACTIVE LIGHTING® mode, which allows the light sensor to automatically adjust brightness and beam pattern, optimizing battery usage The NAO RL is a really interesting development, because it's a little less like the NAO we once knew (which, compared to this, looks incredibly old and clunky) and bears a much greater resemblance to the IKO (albeit significantly more supercharged). Interestingly I was a bit indifferent about the IKO, but I think it's interesting what Petzl have done, drawing upon its design and technology, then applying it within a larger and more powerful headtorch.

Accessories

Removable and replaceable battery (also sold separately) makes it possible to switch out the battery during use

Petzl Swift RL or NAO+ - UKClimbing UKC Forums - Petzl Swift RL or NAO+ - UKClimbing

When Petzl’s reactive lighting technology debuted several years ago, we considered it one of the coolest innovations ever, and the company’s Reactik and Reactik+ headlamps became our first choice for running through the night during 100-milers. So we had a bit of apprehension in learning the Reactik line is being replaced by the new Swift RL. Range: Brightness isn't the only factor that's important. You'll also want to consider the distance ahead that the light will illuminate, known as the range. Again, this is going to depend on where you're running and how far ahead you want to be able to see.The main negatives come from the complications with the reactive lighting. There are a lot of moments when the light dims but you don’t want it to. One minor criticism is that the SWIFT battery is a bit awkward to remove, but given that the USB is readily accessible, and I don't actually have a spare battery to replace it with, this hasn't presented a major problem; however, if you were trying to fiddle with it wearing gloves, whilst battling with the elements on a mountainside, it could be quite awkward. Modes and Operation If you are running or walking on your own there are far fewer variables for the reactive technology to be influenced by. Even so, I found that the beam didn’t stay as bright as I would wish it to be to be able to see my way ahead. I am wondering if this is because of my myopia. I know I prefer a brighter beam and perhaps I require a brighter light to run by than the reactive beam offers me. Saying that, on standard 550 lumens, the maximum battery time is only two hours. You will need to carry a spare battery if you plan to be out for longer. But when in reactive beam mode the battery use is far less. Any customer information held on our computers complies with the rules and laws contained within the Data Protection Act 2018.