Two headlamps worth lining up side by side. The HM50R V2.0 takes a modest overall edge, led by brightness, but the Actik Core has its own case.
| Fenix HM50R V2.0 | Petzl Actik Core | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 75✓ | 73 |
| Max lumens | 700 lm✓ | 600 lm |
| Weight | 2.8 oz✓ | 3.1 oz |
| Beam distance | 115 m | 115 m |
| Max runtime | 42 h | 130 h |
| Price | $60✓ | $85 |
| Battery | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Water rating | IP68 | IPX4 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: HM50R V2.0 in blue, Actik Core in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Runtime is shown for context and is not scored, since makers publish it at different brightness levels. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full headlamp comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 and Petzl Actik Core take different routes to the same job. The HM50R V2.0 wins on brightness and low weight, and the Actik Core pushes back on value.
The HM50R V2.0 is brighter (700 vs 600 lm), 9 g lighter, and $25 cheaper. Their GearScores land within a couple of points (75 vs 73), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the HM50R V2.0 if you care most about brightness and low weight, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Actik Core if you would rather save the difference.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0. It is brighter (700 vs 600 lm) than the Actik Core.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0. It is 9 g lighter than the Actik Core.
They are nearly tied at 75 and 73 on the default algorithm, so re-weight the score to your own priorities to break the tie.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the HM50R V2.0 for brightness, or the Actik Core for the price. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.