Gearnalysis

Petzl Swift RL vs. Ledlenser HF6R Signature

Two headlamps worth lining up side by side. The Swift RL takes a modest overall edge, led by brightness, but the HF6R Signature has its own case.

Petzl
Swift RL
73GearScore
1100 lm · Rechargeable
wins 3 specs
Ledlenser
HF6R Signature
67GearScore
1000 lm · Rechargeable
wins 2 specs
Petzl Swift RLLedlenser HF6R Signature
GearScore73✓67
Max lumens1100 lm✓1000 lm
Weight3.5 oz✓4.8 oz
Beam distance155 m170 m✓
Max runtimen/s60 h
Price$130$90✓
BatteryRechargeableRechargeable
Water ratingIPX4IP68

Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Swift RL in blue, HF6R Signature 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 Swift RL and Ledlenser HF6R Signature take different routes to the same job. The Swift RL wins on brightness and low weight, and the HF6R Signature pushes back on longer throw and price.

The Swift RL is brighter (1100 vs 1000 lm) and 37 g lighter. The HF6R Signature is a longer beam (170 vs 155 m) and $40 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Swift RL leads 73 to 67.

Pick the Swift RL if you care most about brightness and low weight, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the HF6R Signature if longer throw and price matter more to you, or you are focused on your priorities.

Common questions

Which is brighter?

The Petzl Swift RL. It is brighter (1100 vs 1000 lm) than the HF6R Signature.

Which is lighter?

The Petzl Swift RL. It is 37 g lighter than the HF6R Signature.

Which has the higher GearScore?

The Petzl Swift RL, 73 to 67 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.

Swift RL or HF6R Signature, which should you buy?

It depends on your priorities. Go with the Swift RL for brightness, or the HF6R Signature for longer throw. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.