Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp Overview

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The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a dependable, inexpensive headlamp that’s sturdy and vibrant. Weighing simply 2.75 ounces, it’s gentle sufficient for actions like backpacking, operating, and climbing with out compromising on power. With a most output of 700 lumens and a beam distance of 377 toes, it offers loads of gentle for technical duties, although its restricted options and lack of a flood perform would possibly go away some wanting extra versatility.

Whereas the HM50R V2.0 has a couple of drawbacks—resembling a stiff tilt perform, no flood lighting, and harsh gentle high quality—these don’t overshadow its worth. It’s a strong option to preserve available for emergencies, family duties like working beneath the sink, or much less intense actions like fishing, leisurely night time climbing, or stress-free round camp. Total, this headlamp is sensible and inexpensive, nice for low-key adventures and on a regular basis makes use of. Try our Finest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it stacks as much as the opponents.

Illumination & Mild High quality

In our testing, the HM50R V2.0’s illumination and lightweight high quality had been considerably combined. On the optimistic aspect, this headlamp has a formidable throw, making it one of many brightest in our lineup. Nonetheless, because the HM50R lacks an adjustable beam, it features solely as a highlight. It has restricted peripheral lighting and no true flood. This makes it much less splendid for close-range actions, the place a flood possibility could be useful. 

The sunshine high quality will get the job accomplished, however it does have its drawbacks. It’s a bit harsh and doesn’t render colours tremendous correct, making issues really feel a bit of off, particularly when working up shut. With no true flood mode, the beam can come throughout as a bit of too sharp at instances, relying on the place it’s aimed. It’s lots highly effective, however we’d like to see a softer, extra versatile beam possibility for duties like cooking at camp or studying a map with out feeling like we’re blasting all the things (and everybody—sorry, pals!) like a highlight.

Burn Time

The HM50R V2.0 has a burn time of 45 hours on its lowest (30-lumen) setting and 1 hour on turbo mode. Total, on paper, these burn instances evaluate nicely with others within the headlamps value vary. Whereas we’d love extra runtime on turbo mode, it’s so vibrant that it’s arduous to think about needing it for greater than a minute or two at a time. Choosing the excessive setting over increase yields a burn time of three hours, which feels extra sensible.

We additionally respect the 45-hour burn time at 30 lumens –ample for many non-technical nighttime actions. We frequently took this headlamp on night walks in Genesee Mountain Park or to have available whereas stress-free by the hearth outdoors Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.

Nonetheless, these numbers don’t inform the entire story. Like many headlamps, the HM50R dims because the battery drains, however it felt particularly noticeable on increase, excessive, and medium settings (low held up higher). To their credit score, Fenix is upfront about this and offers power-drop charts on their web site.

The lower-setting burn instances labored simply nice for fast night runs within the entrance vary or brief summit pushes. However on longer outings, we discovered ourselves wishing for a bit extra juice on excessive and increase modes—particularly over the past stretch of a pre-dawn summit of Tabeguache Peak after we actually wanted these additional lumens. It’s not a dealbreaker, however it’s one thing to remember if you happen to rely closely on the brighter settings.

Weight

The Fenix HM50R V2.0, weighing simply 2.75 ounces, is impressively gentle for a headlamp. It has a sturdy aluminum physique and competes with our high headlamps in weight. It additionally boasts the perfect lumen-to-weight ratio of any headlamp we’ve examined, making it splendid for actions the place each ounce counts, like operating, ultra-light backpacking, and mountaineering.

Regardless of its sturdy construct, the HM50R’s continues to be straightforward to put on for a protracted night time summit push or hours of huge wall climbing. It feels remarkably gentle and comfy, letting you focus in your pursuits with out being weighed down by their gear.

Consolation

The HM50R V2.0 is kind of snug, thanks primarily to its light-weight and balanced design. The strap is breathable, with holes for airflow, maintaining your sweaty head from much more discomfort. We discovered it stayed in place whereas operating trails on North Desk Mountain in Golden, Colorado, even when carrying a hat.

We did discover two points affecting consolation. First, a rubber band on the within of the strap, meant to grip the pores and skin and maintain the headlamp in place, can get sweaty throughout intense exercise. Second, our greatest gripe is that the headlamp’s physique will get sizzling, notably on the upper settings. This warmth buildup could make the headlamp uncomfortable sufficient that you just need to take it off after ten minutes on excessive., If Don’t plan to make use of this headlamp repeatedly at excessive brightness. It’s not sizzling sufficient to burn you, however it will get noticeable and uncomfortable. 

Regardless of these quirks, this headlamp earned a spot in our packs for its comfort and efficiency. It’s a go-to for shorter, high-intensity actions, and its light-weight design made us neglect it was even there—till we wanted it most. Path operating on cool evenings or early morning climbs? Good. Lengthy, sweaty endeavors in hotter climate? Possibly keep watch over the warmth buildup.

Ease of Use

This headlamp is exceptionally straightforward to make use of. It contains a responsive single-button design that works even when carrying medium to heavy gloves. Undesirable features are hardly ever activated, partly resulting from its easy options​​. There’s not a lot of a studying curve, and the directions are clear.

To show the headlamp on, maintain the button for one second; a fast press gained’t activate the sunshine however will present the battery life indicator. The headlamp begins in low mode, with subsequent presses biking by medium, excessive, and turbo brightness ranges. Press and maintain the button once more for one second to show it off.

The pink gentle perform is barely accessible from the off place: double-click the button to activate the pink gentle, and a single press prompts the red-light strobe. To show it off, maintain the button for one second. The HM50R V2.0 additionally has a reminiscence perform, so it powers on within the final used mode. 

The headlamp physique can be straightforward to take away if you happen to’d like to make use of it as a pocket-ready flashlight. Lastly, the strap is simple to regulate, although it usually requires each fingers, so you could must pause your exercise to make strap changes. We discovered the convenience of use and adjustment particularly useful when climbing the ultimate night pitches in Clear Creek when our brains had been foggy, however we nonetheless wanted to pack all the things again as much as get to our vehicles.

Options

The HM50R V2.0 has comparatively primary options however a superb worth for its value. For lighting modes, it features a white gentle with numerous brightness ranges, a pink gentle, and a pink strobe. The headlamp has a tilt perform, although it’s much less user-friendly than most; adjusting it requires extra pressure and isn’t straightforward to do on the go.

The headlamp is totally rechargeable utilizing a USB-C port (a welcome improve from micro-USB). Extra batteries can be found from Fenix, which is nice for backcountry situations. We respect not counting on single-use batteries.

A reflective strap will increase visibility and helps find the headlamp in a darkish tent. A locking function prevents unintentional battery drain throughout storage. One standout function is the simply detachable physique, which makes it a handy pocket flashlight for family initiatives the place the strap isn’t vital.

Ought to You Purchase the Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp?

The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a formidable headlamp for its value. Whereas its design and options are much less technical than some in our lineup, it stands out for its strong construct high quality, distinctive brightness, gentle weight, and sensible options.

This headlamp is right for normal family duties and nighttime walks, and its sturdy design makes it well-suited for much less intense actions like night time climbing, backpacking, searching, and fishing.

For those who’re in search of a flexible headlamp that covers a variety of actions with out pointless options at an excellent value, the HM50R V2.0 is price contemplating.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

For those who just like the Fenix HM50R V2.0 however need different choices as nicely, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the checklist of our favourite headlamps:

Ledlenser HF6R Signature Overview: If finances isn’t a priority, you’ll be able to go for the Ledlenser HF6R Signature. It’s brighter, has an aluminum physique, and means that you can simply swap between spot and flood lighting with an intuitive focus wheel.

Petzl Actik CORE Overview: The Actik CORE is one in all our favourite headlamps. It offers related illumination, superior gentle high quality, and is healthier fitted to backcountry adventures.