I ask alot of my lights. If I'm out in the backcountry for days on end, I demand alot from them, I expect it. Thus far, I'm very far from disappointed in this light.
Here's the stats on this little fury.
Based on the excellent HL26R I reviewed ( http://ohlakewalker.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-fenix-hl26r-review-of-light-i-call.html ) and the slew of new headlamps coming out by Fenix, it would suggest (with about 16 models) that Fenix is VERY serious about their headlamps being a solid choice in outdoors lighting, particularly in the US, where the market is locked up with the likes of Princeton Tec, Black Diamond, Petzl, to name a few. The Fenix has held it's edge with pure power, incredible runtimes, and a nearly indestructible form factor. In terms of those three things alone, I'd put my lights up against any of those three. Anyday. Anytime.
*Feel free to send me lights for battle arena type tests! Unless, you know, you're scared :)
Moving on to what comes with your new HM50R.
- User manual
- Warranty card
- spare O rings
- Spare USB port dust cover
- Charging Cable
- Spare silicone holder
They're both very solid batteries, but it's nice to able to use a battery, and have a choice to do so, to help adapt your light more to the environment you're going to be in.
The HM50R feeding of my battery charger I often take out backpacking. This is exactly why I love rechargeable lights! I can recharge this little light about 7-8 times off that Anker charger!
*Note the blue light on the light, which is lit to indicate that it's charging.
With the light off you can press once on the button to reveal battery levels.
- Green constant on means more than 80%
- Green flashes 50% - 80%
- Blue constant 20% - 50%
- Blue flashes less than 20%
The beam profile. Notice the purplish hue. this likely from the Anti reflective coating on the lens.
It's punchy for it's size, a nice compliment of throw vs flood. It's fairly neutral in tint. But the spill seems a tad cooler, perhaps the AR coating, but a very pleasant light to use color wise.
First is 4 lumens. Keep in mind that there is NO ambient lighting in this basement. The light you see is only from the HM50R. I have no way to measure my true output, but it seems brighter than 4 lumens here.
More thoughts:
Fit and finish, typical Fenix! The body is crafted from aircraft type alloy.
The threading is impeccable.
The headband seems to be the new standard from Fenix. It has a bead of silicone to help keep the light on your noggin. I first saw this type of band on the HL26R and absolutely love it. Hot, cold, wet or dry, it just works.
The silicone holder for the light works better than I expected. Rotating the light up and down presents no issues. Typically, on most headlamps it's a hard plastic piece that attaches the light to the headband. The silicone is a welcome change, it fits your head better.
The idea that I can use this as a pocket-able flashlight minus headband, again, in the backcountry I LOVE items that have multiple uses.
Uses a Cree XM-L2 U2 LED
IP68 rating. This is the standard I am starting to demand for a light that travels in the boonies with me. I can go swimming with this headlamp on. In the dark, probably naked, don't judge me.
Anything less than this rating and I'm not swimming, just that simple.
Rechargeable! I always carry at least a 10,000 mAh battery brick with me. I can charge this light on the go.
Capable of -40f with CR123's. I hike and backpack in the winter, huge win here. Try that kind of cold with a light with AA alkalines in it, and you're gonna have a bad time.
Lightweight! 2.2 ounces or 63 grams. Include the battery it comes with for another 20(ish) grams, that gives me a total weight of under 3 ounces. For reasons of comparison, the HL26R with built in battery is 86 grams @ 3.03 ounces.
It's everything it claims to be. tiny, powerful and tough. It's the HM50R from Fenix
Check it out @
https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fenix-hm50r-rechargeable-headlamp/
Final parting shot.
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