Petzl ULTRA RUSH vs SWIFT RL Headlamps

Two more of our favorite headlamps. The ULTRA RUSH has been our favorite headlamp for the rainforest because of the very bright light, perfect beam shape and color, and long battery life. The SWIFT RL is far cheaper and has great features for runners.

Petzl ULTRA RUSH headlamp vs SWIFT RL headlamp. Comparison on many features.
Ultralight and around $100, or max power and battery for $400+?

COMPARISON: Lightweight running headlamp vs. tough do-anything headlamp

The Petzl SWIFT RL is a new sports activity headlamp that is good for almost every kind of sport you can imagine. The unit is super-lightweight and easy to operate. The Reactive Lighting technology extends battery life dramatically. One thing we don’t like is the very long battery charge time.

The Petzl ULTRA RUSH is still our personal favorite headlamp that we use for everything except trail running because it’s too heavy on the head. This one is a beast – shockproof and highly waterproof. A great survival light if you can carry the weight. The battery lasts a very long time, but new batteries are expensive.

UPDATE for 2022 – Recently, the ULTRA RUSH has been discontinued and the DUO S and DUO RL have taken its place.

PETZL ULTRA RUSH vs PETZL SWIFT RL HEADLAMP

Comparison of two of the best headlamps, the Petzl ULTRA RUSH and the Petzl SWIFT RL based on more than 20 features.
FEATUREPETZL ULTRA RUSHPETZL SWIFT RL
Max Sustained Lumens760550
Max Lumens Burst760900
Weight in Grams370100
Battery Life at Max Lumens120 mins120 mins
Battery Recharge Time150 mins (on 220v)240+ mins (on USB 1v)
Charging SourceA/C 110 or 220vUSB
Shockproofyesno
WaterproofIP 67IPX 4
Reactive Lighting Technoyes
Spot Beamyesyes
Flood Beamslightyes
Mixed Beamyesyes
Campingyesyes
Cavingyesno
Cyclingyesyes
Fishingyesyes
Hikingyesyes
Huntingnono
Runningyesyes
Skiingyesyes
ReviewHereHere
Shop Here >Discontinued. Can sometimes find on EBay.Check Price button for Amazon