PETZL Swift RL Headlamp - SS21

Product Information

These settings make it foolproof to use and very easy to switch between modes when you need to. There is no blue, green, or red beam on the Swift RL. Users of Petzl's rechargeable CORE battery will be on familiar ground here. Due to its output the SWIFT RL requires a larger battery than its cousin the ACTIK, hence there is no compatibility between the two - something that may annoy some of our audience. However, when you think about the SWIFT's greater lumens and burn time, it's quite clear why. The SWIFT is providing a heavyweight amount of lighting within a lightweight and compact exterior. The SWIFT RL includes a five-level indicator to let you know how much battery power remains when you turn on or turn off your headlamp.

The plate is compatible with accessories that allow you to install the headlamp on a helmet (HELMET ADAPT adhesive plate for a variety helmet types, or SLOT ADAPT for helmets that have a compatible slot) Were there to be a downside to this it is that it makes testing the actual burn time pretty much impossible, because it completely depends on where you're looking. If you're looking down more your burn time will be higher (up to 50hrs on RL Max Power), but if you're staring a lot into the distance then it'll be way shorter (2hrs on RL Max Power). I've found the significance of this variation a little alarming, especially when trying to plan for something that requires a degree of certainty. For instance, I've long been plotting a Bob Graham Round, and for that I need a torch that is going to last through the night. If I was using the Reactive Lighting Standard (i.e. middle) setting then I would in theory get somewhere between 5-40hrs burn time. If it's the former, then it won't last the night; if it's the latter it'll last me nearly two days. As such, which of the two figures can I really rely on? The answer is difficult to give, other than to say that if I did end up using the SWIFT RL, which I suspect I will, then I would tilt the torch down so that it preserves the battery. In reality this is likely the case whilst running, and it's definitely the case whilst climbing, where you're likely to spend most of your time looking at the ground immediately front of you.

Verdict

The Petzl Swift RL is a fantastic headlamp to use for things like trail running, hiking, climbing, cycling, and fishing. It isn’t totally waterproof and so not ideal for things like caving and gorge climbing. The main benefits are its lightweight, superior comfort, and reactive lighting, but other reasons to buy are the battery life, brightness, and ease of use. The Swfit is said to be “weather resistant”. This is not waterproof although I have taken the torch out in Scottish rain and it seems to remain operative.

We've already run through the various modes in Brightness and Burn Time, so I'll avoid repeating myself on that front.In proximity lighting mode (REACTIVE LIGHTING®), the SWIFT RL PRO provides 300 lumens of lighting power, bright enough to see 55 meters ahead and offer up to 40 hours of battery life. Like seeing where you’re going when you’re outdoors? You’ll appreciate what the Petzl Swift RL brings to your adventures.

Spare battery available for long expeditions, or simply to switch out the battery when it dies (SWIFT RL rechargeable battery available as an accessory) Our REACTIVE LIGHTING® technology means minimal handling required. Through the integrated light sensor, beam shape and brightness adjust automatically, extending battery life. Longer burn time, visual comfort, and minimal manual operation with REACTIVE LIGHTING® mode; the light sensor automatically adjusts brightness and beam pattern, optimizing battery useThe Petzl Swift RL is one of my favorite running headlamps that Petzl has released in recent years, and here’s why. The headband is comfier than any other single-band headband out there, and it stays where it is supposed to. The reactive beam provides extra lighting when you need it and reserves battery when you don’t. There is a battery display, so you know BEFORE you run out of juice. Before we go into more detail about the features, here are the specifications: Specifications Minimum burn time of 5 hours in REACTIVE LIGHTING® mode (STANDARD level), built to power through long activities

We're working out what we think about Prezl's Swift RL 1100 Headlamp, we'll add our comments here in due course. Mixed beam meets the need for high-performance lighting during outdoor activities: proximity or distance vision Light and bright, the SWIFT RL PRO weighs only 123 grams and provides up to 900 lumens of lighting power. The REACTIVE LIGHTING® technology, uses a sensor to analyses the ambient light and automatically adjusts the brightness to your needs.Digging down into it in a much more serious way, the product’s two-part construction ensures first-rate stability during dynamic and intense activities such as mountaineering, trail running and skiing. Move about as much as you want and this thing will continue to light the way for you. The thought behind the Swift is that you have two headlamps in one, a light/bright “standard” headlamp or a light/bright/extended burn time reactive headlamp, but I don’t think I’ll use the reactive mode as much as I had hoped I would. We will keep customer information safe and secure and will not distribute or sell this information to a third party.