Petzl Nao RL vs Petzl IKO Core Headlamp Review

Petzl Nao RL and IKO Core are two popular headlamps designed specifically for trail running that I finally got a chance to test out myself.

0:00 - Introduction
1:05 - Petzl Nao RL
8:40 - Petzl IKO CORE
11:11 - Use Cases

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#trailrunning #trailrunningheadlamp #headlampreview

[tullynation]

I really love how structured and clear your reviews are. Well done and thanks for putting in so much effort. 

I will dock the Nao RL some points because:

1) It is difficult to find the button on the rear that turns the red light on or off, or switches it from steady to flashing. If you do find it, it is impossible to know if you've activated the red light correctly without someone to tell you because you can't see the red light while wearing the headlamp. So, practically speaking, if you want to turn the red light on or off, you're stopping your run/hike, taking the headlamp off, activating the light, and putting it back on again.

2) PETZL says not to leave the battery attached to the headlamp during storage. What gives? Parasitic drain? Kind of an annoying step to have to attach/remove the battery before and after every use.

3) The elastic band + bungee cord is a pain. It gets tangled. The plastic parts pull at my hair. The adjustment lever is another annoying step to have to take to adjust on the fly. I wish they would have just done a normal elastic band or a split one (like the Swift).

4) I'm not in love with the beam pattern. Seems to lack a good spot for distance/route finding, and yet there's enough of a spot that the lighting feels uneven when pointed at your feet.

5) When in Reactive Mode, it seems I can never get that full 1500 lumens out of it. I notice this when I'm pointing the headlamp off in the distance in the darkness to route found. I speculate there always must be some light bouncing back from closer objects causing the sensor to dim the light. For me to reliably probe the depths of darkness with this light I have to switch to Constant Lighting Mode and then put it on the highest setting (which I don't think is even the full 1500 lumens?).

6) Lastly, I know this is not the designed use case, but I find this headlamp to be pretty much helmet-incompatible. I can make it work but it barely fits and feels like I'm ruining the elastic doing it.

I give PETZL credit for (finally!) moving to USB-C and for allowing the battery to double as a power source for other electronics. They made a headlamp that, once on, is comfortable and balanced (if it doesn't pull at your hair or need adjusting). Using the front button is uncomplicated (strangely I don't find that button difficult to locate, though it took some time to remember it is on the bottom instead of the top like every other headlamp). I appreciate that there are simple button presses: Off>Low>Medium>High>Off, and hold to switch between the two modes. And the included stuff sacks with current headlamps are well designed. But at the end of the day I really wanted to like this one and was a bit disappointed.

PS: I think the word you're looking for is "recessed" (vs "receded") :)

[timlock]

Have had the Core Iko for over two years - I don’t think it is just the lesser version of the Nao since it came out a few years before the new Nao model. It has its own purpose - light weight/no bounce - when it came out no other headlamps could claim both. It may seem cheap, but over two years it has been very durable - even used it as my only light in a 100 miler (had two spare batteries in my vest - swapped once - those little batteries weigh almost nothing. For what it’s worth I also have the Fenix - awesome light but gives me a headache due to the pressure on my forehead.

[adventuresinmiddleage]

I upgraded to the Nao RLnfrom my Nao+ - so far I like it, it’s only marginally lighter than the older version - but in use feels much lighter. Reactive function is useful- but not in mist or fog, when it’s a hindrance…..

[rokforstneric]

I tested the Iko core when it came out and was really impressed with the comfort as it fits very nicely around the head, no bounce while running, and is easily adjustable at the back, more than most headlamps. But the medium setting or "standard" is more than 100 lumens. Every manufacturer claims standard is 100 lumens for any headlamp, but you can take an Iko, Actik and Tikka where every headlamp supposedly has 100 lumens on the 2nd setting or "standard", but in real world the strongest headlamp (in this case IKO) will have greater power than other two. So it is more likely that the 2nd setting out of 3 is half the max power, so Iko will have around 250 lumens on medium or "standard". Overall it is a great headlamp but I only use the Swift RL as it is one headlamp for everything I do, trail running, ski touring, mountaineering and climbing, so fast paced activities and/or using a helmet. I would like to try the new Nao though, I like the idea of it being a power source for other devices and 1500 max lumens is just killer.

[isthmus]

Correction: The Nao RL does have an extension accessory, so that the battery can be in your pocket, etc. It's called the 'R1 extension cord'.

[kwoyna]

The Petzl IKO Core is a perfect lightweight option to carry for emergencies and also for when you start before sunrise or could still be out at sunset. Extra battery is only 23g.

The Petzl Nao RL is best for extended night time use. It can be powered remotely with a USB C cable and a coupler. Easy to carry and gives you device charging options.

[HEBI.RAIDEN]

Really good comparison, much appreciated ❤

[charlesoutthere]

I personally really like the Iko Core! Super nice on short runs / races, and did a good job at both Squamish 5050 (October 2021), and TDS (August 2022). That being said, I'd have used the Nao RL at the TDS had I have access to it, for the additional power and battery life.

[kgenest]

So nice to see a shot of Torres del Paine at night Jeff! At least you also saw it during the day😉. I have been using the Iko Core for over a year and I love its light weight and balance. It is perfect for my 10km night runs. I agree that the construction is plasticky. The clip that holds the plastic band bent properly has broken… and I am concerned that the plastic cap of the battery won’t close properly at some point. Still, it suits my purpose and will keep using it. These lamps also come in a little bag that can turn them into an ambiance light if you lit them up INSIDE the bag/pouch.

[klausgarten]

9:47 Micro-USB? In 2023? Really? TNXS for testing!

[VinnyVonPapier]

Awesome technical, thorough and clearly trustworthy review. Appreciate it and subscribed. Interested what you would think of Black Diamond’s newly released Distance 1500 if you get to put it through its paces. Cheers.

[highgatehandyman]

I have the core iko. Im haply with it. Comfort is the thing for me. Its for electrical work i need comfy and long lasting.and fair price. Rechargeable plus store battery option made me press buy.

[gaspard]

it needs to be said that if you wear glasses these are not the headlamps for you, although they are comfortable, because the lamp is quite close to the forehead the light reflects on your glasses which makes you see less good. i need to put thick and quite big piece of tape on the bottom for them to be usable for me..

[notmedude]

Why is nobody commenting on the reactive feature in terms of breathing during winter? Does the steam from your breath trigger the sensor in any way?

[Matthew-pxnu]

Thx, can you power while running and use it ?

[ReefMimic]

How about the Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp?

[theformerbuttler]

I like the iko core but it's not comfortable without a headband. It digs into your forehead. I've used it in short night races without any issues

[jimp]

Button on the button rather than the top may help protect from rain.

[tomvanwoerkum]

May I ask you which red lamp did you clipped on the back of the Fenix head lamp? 😊

[notmedude]

It seems like something that could easily break when running into some branch. The Fenix HM65 lineup is great and durable but a pain in the forehead to wear. It is the worst light in terms of comfort.