Here is how these two headlamps compare on the numbers. They score within a hair of each other, so it comes down to the details below.
| Petzl Iko Core | BioLite Dash 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 74✓ | 73 |
| Max lumens | 500 lm✓ | 450 lm |
| Weight | 2.8 oz | 2.8 oz✓ |
| Beam distance | 100 m✓ | 90 m |
| Max runtime | 100 h | 60 h |
| Price | $100 | $70✓ |
| Battery | Hybrid | Rechargeable |
| Water rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Iko Core in blue, Dash 450 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 Petzl Iko Core against the BioLite Dash 450 is a study in priorities. They are close enough that this really is about which handful of specs you weight most.
The Iko Core is brighter (500 vs 450 lm) and a longer beam (100 vs 90 m). The Dash 450 is a little lighter and $30 cheaper. Their GearScores land within a couple of points (74 vs 73), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the Iko Core if you care most about brightness and longer throw, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Dash 450 if low weight and price matter more to you, or you are focused on counting grams on long miles.
The Petzl Iko Core. It is brighter (500 vs 450 lm) than the Dash 450.
The BioLite Dash 450. It is a little lighter than the Iko Core.
They are nearly tied at 74 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 Iko Core for brightness, or the Dash 450 for low weight. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.