FenixPower Bundle HM50R v2.0 Headlamp Bundle with 2X ARB-L16, 700 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable, Lightweight with Red Light and Lumentac Organizer

Fenix HM50R v2.0 reviewThe short version:This is an excellent all-around light (not just headlamp) for tasks that don't require ridiculously bright light and/or burn times. Suitable for just about anyone. What it does, it does well - although there are a few things that I would love to see added that would make if perfect (for me) even with an added cost. Please note that I'm just a regular dude and not a lighting tech.The long version:I was in the market for a new headlamp after my last one bit the dust and I was looking for a compact light that would do it all; from night trail hiking to task lighting at home. I find that I use a headlamp at least every other day for in-home work projects (at a work desk with terrible lighting, as well as plumbing, and automotive work). I (will) also use this for night hiking and as an EDC light that I throw in my backpack. I don't need this to run for more than a few hours at a time (and don't expect it to considering the small RCR123A/CR123 that it is designed to use).The light type: This light has a more focused beam for suited for distance. It's not a tightly focused beam but it is more suited for throw than flood. If you require a flood beam type for close-up, wide-angle work, this won't be especially suited for you. The color of this light is more of a white light (whilst not having traces of blue to my eyes). I normally prefer a more neutral light color but I find that it isn't too much of an issue for my application. The light modes are certainly powerful enough at Low, Medium, High, and Turbo (30, 130, 400, and 700 lumens respectively). In fact, I would have really appreciate a 15-lumen extra-low mode to be available. The Low and Medium Modes are suitable for night walking/hiking. I would only recommend the use of the High and Turbo modes for very brief periods of time as it will both rapidly drain the small battery as well as make for possible heating issues. If you need more than 350 lumens for extended periods of time I would recommend a different light with a different design. The 5-lumen red mode (both blinking and constant) is a appreciated. For my application, I would have preferred that these were white, and a bit stronger more suitable for close-up work.The headband and mounting system: I would consider the comfort of the band to be average. It has reflective logos and a silicone-like strip in the front-half of the band - presumably for added grip. It definitely isn't plush but I have no issues with initial quality of the headband. Time will tell if it is durable or not. The light mount is a stiff plastic piece designed for the light's pocket clip to slide into the mounting bracket. I really like this feature as many other lights have mounts that make it difficult to use, and adjust the beam angle, with the pocket clip installed. No issue with that here. Adjusting the beam angle of the light, while mounted, is quite stiff (requires two hands for me) but it also will not move out of position accidentally. The light clicks into place with a solid click. The mount position is not reversible - you would need to flip the headband over to change mount insert direction. Although the light mount is a stiff plastic, I have had no issues with comfort with it being pressed up against the bare skin of my forehead for long periods of time.Batteries: I normally prefer standard cells like the AAs or AAAs that most every other household device uses but the ability to charge this via the external USB-C port makes it a snap to recharge batteries in the device and allow you the added performance that only a 3.7V Lithium-Ion batteries can provide without requiring an external charger. This light can also use single-use 3V CR123a batteries, if necessary, although you will not be able to achieve the light's highest levels of output with these. This light also has a battery indicator (press once, quickly, for LED indicator).Durability/weather-resistance: This light has an IPX68 rating which means that it can stand to be fully submersed in shallow water for a short amount of time (try an internet search for IP ratings for specifics). This was of particular importance for me. Most of the most popular hiking headlamps are only IPX4 rated - which means that they only offer splash resistance against water and no resistance for dirt/sand ingress. The IP68 and solid feel of the aluminum body goes a long way to make me feel like this is a product will last for a long time. While this light is supposedly quite durable and impact-resistant, I have had not yet had a chance to test the light by dropping it so can't attest to the strength of the body nor the lens.Pros:- Great lighting modes, throw, and battery performance for a headlamp of this size.- Quick, solid attach and detach of the light from the headband mount.- Light is mounted with the pocket clip attached and isn't removed for mounting,- Battery can be charged within the light with a USB-C charger.- Battery level indicator.Cons:- The LEDs that are used for the red mode are mounted within the main reflector; on the sides of the primary white light LED. This creates some irregularities to the beam pattern... in theory. During actual use, I found these irregularities to be insignificant and easily ignorable.Subjective:- While the beam angle, while mounted, is adjustable. The force required to do it is more than I expected. It's not a real problem for me since I don't make frequent adjustments and probably would prefer that it not move very easily.Suggestions for Fenix (I'd love to see a model with all of these items. I would pay extra for these if necessary and would make it the perfect headlamp - for me):- I would LOVE to see a magnetic tailcap on this.- A 15 lumen extra-low light setting would be nice.- A model that has a 30-lumen flood LED for close-up work instead of the red light option would be perfect although I do also like the red light.Attached pictures (note that the outdoor pictures are a little brighter than what my eye was seeing - I believe it was compensating for the night view):- Inside of the headband showing silicone layer for extra grip.- Keyboard picture (for size reference). The center is well lit with fading beginning to show at the edges of the keyboard. The lamp is two feet above the keyboard.- Four pictures of tub at appx 20 feet away at Low (easily visible), Medium (more detail and spill further back), High (enough to beam further out through the properly behind mine), Turbo (can illuminate objects past the next property - far enough out that I can see the street behind it and the front of the house just beyond the street).- Four pictures of the same tub at appx 40 feet away at Low (visible but dim), Medium (easily visible), High (illuminates the next property over), Turbo (easily illuminates the next property over and slightly beyond).edit: Sorry.... the pictures are all out of order but they are essentially beamshots of all four lighting modes at two different distances. It doesn't seem like I can add text to individual pics.

As an avid camper, hiker and spelunker, I've used Petzl headlamps for years but decided to see what the competition offers and bought the Fenix Power Bundle HM50R v2.0 Headlamp.I was absolutely shocked at how vastly superior it was to the various Petzl headlamps I've owned, including it's Petzl's flagship headlamp... the Actik Core.The Fenix HM50R is lighter than the Petzl Actik Core.The Fenix HM50R is brighter than the Petzl Actik Core.The Fenix HM50R has a better variability of output in white light settings than the Petzl Actik Core.The Fenix HM50R is longer lasting than the Petzl Actik Core.The Fenix HM50R has IP68 waterproof rating which the Petzl Actik Core lacks.The Fenix HM50R has the ability to bypass the white light settings and jump directly into the red lamp with two rapid clicks of the power button. As a pilot and astrophotographer, that's a big, big deal for me.And in a pinch, the headlamp can be easily removed from it's housing and used as a very small 700 lumen 90 degree flashlight.Runs on CR123 batteries which can be easily recharged via USB-C while in the headlamp housing from a power brick. After a recent storm resulting in a much of a large tree coming down in my backyard, I decided to use the Fenix HM50R while checking out the damage. See for yourself.I'm replacing ALL my Petzl headlamps in my camping go-kit with Fenix headlamps because they're that good.

Backpacking places unique demands on gear. Not only does it have to be high performance and versatile, but also lightweight. Although this headlamp’s 2.75oz weight (that’s including headband and battery) is heavier than the famous ultralight Nightcore headlamp that weighs in at a mere 1.59oz, the weight is still respectable, and the versatility is much better. You basically get a headlamp and flashlight in one. You have multiple Carry options and multiple brightness options giving you the ability to really see when you need to, and conserve battery when you don’t. Too be noted, the red light on this is only 5 lumens. That’s about perfect for reading a book in your tent at night or making evening tea, but it’s not adequate for nighttime navigation, you’ll need to use your white light for that. In my opinion this is superior to the Olight Perun 2 mini (1.90 oz). Although the Olight boasts a much higher lumen count, 1100, on the brightest setting, it only lasts for 2 minutes and the next brightness level down is 250 lm which lasts for 100 minutes. Whereas the max brightness for this is 700 lm which lasts 60 minutes and the next step down is 400 lm which lasts 180 minutes. Just for comparison the nightcore headlamp is 400 lm at its brightest lasting 160 minutes, with the next step down 200 lm lasting 280 minutes. however, it’s much less comfortable to wear, and being purely a headlamp with no other carry options it is less versatile. The Nightcore lasts on its dimmest white light setting (60lm) 625 minutes. The Olight at 2 lm (which almost doesn’t even count as a light) 10 days. And this product at 30lm lasts 2520 minutes. And all of these lights have red light modes that may last even longer than the white light modes noted here. So, even though this headlamp isn’t technically brighter than the Olight… it’s actually brighter than the Olight in real world usage. But the place that I feel like really excels is it’s a lot less complicated than the Olight. A headlamp should not be complicated or hard to remember how or learn how to use. Although there is more complexity to this than just a simple on off button, it’s not much more, and a quick scan of the manual will leave you plenty equipped without referring back to it. This item has been thoroughly tested backpacking in a European country for a month. It may not make the cut for some super ultralight Backpackers because although I wouldn’t call this heavy for a headlamp there are lighter options, but for most backpackers I would really recommend checking it out. In my opinion, it gives the perfect balance between brightness, battery life, weight, and versatility. Not to mention it’s waterproof, and very durable, and not horribly expensive. (there are cheaper options for headlamps of course, like the Nightcore mentioned above, but it’s basically the same price as the Olight Perun 2 mini, and reasonable for what you get) a quick note about the power bundle… you probably don’t need it. I was on the fence and so I ended up getting the power bundle, but unless you really need that extra battery, and if you have a battery pack, you probably won’t, I really don’t think it’s necessary. Just get the headlamp and save yourself a couple bucks.