Petzl Headlamp Round-Up
Petzl Aria vs Petzl Pixa; which one is right for you?
Headlamps have become an essential tool for riggers, but with so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you balance cost, features, and usability, we’ve compared two of our favourites: the Petzl Aria and the updated Petzl Pixa headlamps.
| Aria Range | Pixa Range | |
| Max Lumens | 350 – 600 lumens | 450 – 600 lumens |
| Battery Type | 3x AAA/Core Rechargeable battery | 3x AAA/Core Rechargeable battery/Core Pro rechargeable battery (Pixa R only) |
| Weight | 105g | 140g |
| Waterproof | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dustproof | Yes | Yes |
| Fall resistance | Up to 2 metres | Up to 2 metres |
| Impact Resistance | IK07 | IK08 |
| Crush resistance | No | Up to 80 kg |
| Chemical resistance | No | 90° alcohol, bleach, mineral spirits, hexane (one of the principal components in gasoline), silicone sealant |
| Price | £23.19 + VAT – £49.70 + VAT | £43.89 + VAT – £66.25 + VAT |
Brightness and Lighting Functions
Both the Petzl Aria and Petzl Pixa headtorches offer versatile lighting functions, allowing you to easily adjust lighting levels based on your surroundings.
The Pixa range is designed with three lighting styles: wide, mixed, and focused. This makes transitioning between detailed close-range work and navigating in low light conditions seamless. The Pixa R delivers a maximum of 600 lumens in its mixed beam setting, offering visibility for roughly 90 metres and with Constant Lighting technology, the light stays consistently bright for the duration of battery life.
Battery and Run Time
The new Core battery is compatible with all Petzl headlamps featuring the Hybrid Concept design. The lifespan of the Core battery is equivalent to 900 AAA batteries and, when using the lowest power setting, it can offer up to 110 hours of power in the Aria 1 headlamp, 100 hours in the Aria 2, and up to 12 hours in the Pixa headlamp. At £19.90 + VAT, this battery is not only environmentally friendly, it’s also budget friendly.
The Core Pro battery is only compatible with the Pixa R and again offers up to 12 hours of power while using the lowest lighting level. Chargeable while installed in the Pixa R or loose, it’s easy to ensure you’re never left in the dark while working. With a price point of £27.75 + VAT, it’s certainly not a budget buster.
Usability and Features
Aria headlamps have a press button to operate and select different lighting functions. They can also detect the power source, and when using the Core battery, offer up to 150 extra lumens in boost mode compared to using 3x AAA batteries. The Aria 1 and 2 also offer an RGB variation, with red, green, and blue lighting functions for night vision or stealth work where necessary.
The Pixa headlamps have a twist switch to operate them, meaning they’re easy to use even when wearing gloves, and with a chemical resistant outer, they’re perfect for even the dirtiest of jobs.
Petzl Aria
Key Points:
Bright enough to illuminate up to 115 metres
Lower price
Long battery life
Petzl Pixa
Key Points:
Twist switch is easy to use even when wearing gloves
Different lighting functions make switching between tasks even easier
Extremely durable
If you’re looking for a handy headtorch that’s budget friendly, bright, and at home in a venue or walking the dog at night, the Aria may be the one for you. For those who want a headtorch for demanding environments, easy switching between functions, and good battery life, the Pixa is an ideal option.
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