Petzl TIKKA CORE review

The TIKKA CORE is the cheaper sibling of the ACTIK CORE and shares its best idea. It ships with the same 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery, which charges in 3.5 h, and also runs on three AAA batteries. Petzl rates it at 450 lumens and 75 m on MAX POWER for 2.5 h, 100 lumens for 7 h on STANDARD, and 7 lumens for 110 h on MAX BURN TIME, plus continuous red light for 60 h. It weighs 84 g, 4 g less than the ACTIK CORE. The difference is the beam: the TIKKA CORE has a wide beam only, which is good for setting up a tent, cooking or reading, but reaches 75 m against 115 m for the ACTIK CORE's mixed beam. Like the other Petzl lamps it is IPX4 rated. At $62.95 it is a sensible headlamp for campers, families and hikers who rarely walk trails after dark.

Who it is for

campers and casual hikers who want simple controls

Price

$62.95 at the Petzl US store.

TIKKA® CORE $62.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 450 lumens and 75 m on MAX POWER
• 84 g with the CORE rechargeable battery
• 1250 mAh CORE battery or 3 AAA/LR03 batteries
• 110 h on MAX BURN TIME and 7 h on STANDARD
• Wide beam and continuous red light

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Same battery flexibility as the ACTIK CORE for $25 less
• Strength: Lighter than the ACTIK CORE at 84 g
• Strength: Wide beam suits camp chores and reading
• Weakness: Wide beam only, with a shorter 75 m reach
• Weakness: IPX4 rating only
• Weakness: 2.5 h at full 450 lumens

Key facts

• Price: $62.95
• Max output: 450 lumens
• Weight: 84 g
• Battery: 1250 mAh CORE or 3 AAA
• Water rating: IPX4

Where it ranks

Petzl TIKKA CORE is No. 7 in our Best Headlamps verdict.