Petzl SWIFT RL review: “Although it bears the same name as its predecessor, the 2026 SWIFT RL is a brand new torch rather than merely an update.”

Petzl never stand still when it comes to their headtorch range, and while models such as the NAO, SWIFT, ACTIK and TIKKINA have been in the range for a long time, the periodic updates that take place mean that each iteration is lighter and more powerful than the previous one, plus – in the case of this latest SWIFT RL – there’s also one or two new tricks up its sleeve.

There are three models in the current Petzl range that bear the SWIFT name, however while the SWIFT RL and SWIFT RL CLASSIC are closely related, the  SWIFT LT is quite a different kettle of fish, being much lighter (43g) and less powerful (380 lumens) than the RL versions, and not offering Reactive Lighting either. The difference between the RL and RL Classic is merely the headband; the CLASSIC comes with a more conventional stretchy band while the RL comes with a stretchy cord that shaves a couple of grams off and is operated by moving the two rubbery toggles back and forth. It’s worth noting that both torch’s straps are interchangeable, so you can purchase and swap over to the other kind if you wish (SWIFT CLASSIC headband costs £9.80, SWIFT RL costs £11).

SWIFT RL’s headband can be replaced or swapped out for the Classic headband

What’s new?
We last reviewed the SWIFT RL – the original model – back in 2019, and you can read that review HERE. There was also a minor-ish update in 2024 that upped the max power from 900 to 1100 lumens, swapped out the micro-USB charging port for a USB-C and simplified the locking mechanism, however the general look and functionality remained the same. This new version, however, looks considerably different, with a futuristic-looking array of bulbs/lenses in the style that was first introduced on the IKO, and now can also be found on the latest NAO RL, and an arrangement where the removeable battery sits next to the bulb unit with an airgap/heatsink in between, with both parts moving together in the cradle. It’s a clever design that means you can just swivel the head unit within the cradle and detach the battery for charging (and swap for another if you have a spare), though unlike the CORE system there’s no provision for using standard batteries.

There are plenty of other positive changes under the bonnet too; weight has been reduced to 92g from 100g, and the max power on the latest version is now up at 1200 lumens, though despite this charging time remains at 5 hours. One totally new feature is the new BOOST feature which is exclusive to the SWIFT RL (for now), and is the first time Petzl have included this type of feature on a torch. This, as its name suggests, gives you a brief burst of max power before returning to the previous setting (this feature can be switched off if not required).

All modes are controlled via one button

Operation
Once you’ve (fully) charged the SWIFT RL’s battery for the first time, and adjusted the strap to your liking, it’s time to light up – and it couldn’t be simpler. There’s just one button to control all the torch’s functions, and by default it cycles through the white light modes in non-RL mode when you first switch on – Max Burn Time, Standard and Max Power – while to switch to Reactive Lighting mode, you just hold the button for 2 seconds (same again to switch back to non-RL mode). The use of the word ‘standard’ in the user manual is slightly confusing, as it refers both to the middle lighting setting (in terms of power/battery life) plus the non-RL lighting mode – using a different term (e.g. Regular) for one or t’other would tidy things up a little I reckon.

To go into red lighting mode, just hold the button for 4 seconds (and another 2 for red strobe), and to get the 6-second burst of max power using the Boost function, just double-tap on the right side of the torch. Finally, to lock the torch, hold the button for 6 seconds, and to unlock again you can either hold the button for 4 seconds or tap it 4 times.

It sounds like a lot of button pushing on paper, but to be honest, you very quickly get used to the SWIFT RL’s operation, and accessing the various modes and settings becomes second nature before very long.

The SWIFT RL’s bulb/lens array, a style first seen on the IKO

In use
As already mentioned, the latest SWIFT RL increases the max power from its predecessor to 1200 lumens, and gives a maximum distance of 168. This is quite a step up from the next most powerful torches in the Petzl range, the ACTIK CORE and ARIA, which both have a max power of 625 lumens (giving a max distance of 115), and not far off the performance of the range-topping NAO RL, which has a max power of 1500 lumens, and max distance of 200m. In short, it’s pretty damn powerful!

The new BOOST function is a welcome feature, but it’s worth noting that this is only available in Standard mode (where the max power is normally 800 lumens), giving you a 6-second burst of 1200 lumens which is the standard high setting in RL mode. We generally left the torch in Reactive Lighting mode during testing, but there are times when you might prefer to be in Standard mode – such as in rain or mist – where the RL may be a bit too responsive to the conditions.

The RL headband is great for wearing directly on your head or on top of a beanie, however we found it a bit ‘slippy’ when used with a helmet – so climbers/mountaineers may want to consider buying the Classic version, or buying the Classic headband separately – as this will grip better on the helmet. But generally we really liked the headband, and being able to swap these over and also just take off to be washed once in a while is really handy.

Verdict
Although it bears the same name as its predecessor, the 2026 SWIFT RL is a brand new torch rather than merely an update. However, its basic concept remains the same – a powerful-yet-light, single-unit (no separate battery pack) headtorch with Reactive Lighting that is ideal for running and climbing while also being suitable – though possibly over-spec’ed – for walking too (though admittedly, no-one’s ever going to complain about having too much power!).

We really liked its new, more techie look, its simple, one-button operation, and all the little details such as the 5-segment battery level indicator, the carry bag that doubles as a tent lantern, and the removable/washable headband. For single-day missions, the SWIFT RL is ‘the business’.

What it’s not quite as suitable for perhaps is multi-day backpacking, trekking or mountaineering trips, the main reason being its battery. Unlike Petzl’s CORE headtorches, you can’t use normal batteries with the SWIFT RL, and the replacement/spare batteries (R2250) cost about twice what a spare CORE battery costs (£58 compared to £29). Of course, if you’re not constrained financially and have a decent recharging capability then you could take several SWIFT RL batteries with you on a trip, however we can’t help thinking that a lower-powered CORE-based torch such as the ACTIK CORE would be a better bet for these kind of outings.

For what it is intended for though, the SWIFT RL is a superb headtorch that improves on its predecessor in numerous ways. Highly recommended!

More info at: www.petzl.com