Two headlamps worth lining up side by side. Both are solid; the right one depends on the specs you care about most.
| Ledlenser MH5 | Petzl Actik Core | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 75✓ | 73 |
| Max lumens | 400 lm | 600 lm✓ |
| Weight | 3.3 oz | 3.1 oz✓ |
| Beam distance | 180 m✓ | 115 m |
| Max runtime | 35 h | 130 h |
| Price | n/s | $85 |
| Battery | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Water rating | IP54 | IPX4 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: MH5 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 Ledlenser MH5 and Petzl Actik Core take different routes to the same job. The MH5 wins on longer throw, and the Actik Core pushes back on brightness and low weight.
The MH5 is a longer beam (180 vs 115 m). The Actik Core is brighter (600 vs 400 lm) and 6 g lighter. On the default GearScore the MH5 leads 75 to 73.
Pick the MH5 if you care most about longer throw, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Actik Core if brightness and low weight matter more to you, or you are focused on your priorities.
The Petzl Actik Core. It is brighter (600 vs 400 lm) than the MH5.
The Petzl Actik Core. It is 6 g lighter than the MH5.
The Ledlenser MH5, 75 to 73 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the MH5 for longer throw, or the Actik Core for brightness. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.