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 mild sufficient for actions like backpacking, working, and climbing with out compromising on energy. With a most output of 700 lumens and a beam distance of 377 toes, it gives loads of mild for technical duties, although its restricted options and lack of a flood operate would possibly depart some wanting extra versatility.

Whereas the HM50R V2.0 has a number of drawbacks—akin to a stiff tilt operate, no flood lighting, and harsh mild high quality—these don’t overshadow its worth. It’s a strong option to maintain available for emergencies, family duties like working underneath the sink, or much less intense actions like fishing, leisurely night time mountaineering, or stress-free round camp. General, this headlamp is sensible and inexpensive, nice for low-key adventures and on a regular basis makes use of. Take a look at our Greatest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it stacks as much as the opponents.

Illumination & Gentle High quality

In our testing, the HM50R V2.0’s illumination and lightweight high quality had been considerably blended. 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 perfect for close-range actions, the place a flood possibility can be helpful. 

The sunshine high quality will get the job carried out, 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 out a true flood mode, the beam can come throughout as a bit of too sharp at occasions, relying on the place it’s aimed. It’s loads 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, associates!) 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. General, on paper, these burn occasions evaluate nicely with others within the headlamps worth 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 admire the 45-hour burn time at 30 lumens –enough for many non-technical nighttime actions. We regularly took this headlamp on night walks in Genesee Mountain Park or to have available whereas stress-free by the fireplace 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 gives power-drop charts on their web site.

The lower-setting burn occasions labored simply superb 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 last 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 bear in mind in the event you rely closely on the brighter settings.

Weight

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

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

Consolation

The HM50R V2.0 is sort of snug, thanks primarily to its light-weight and balanced design. The strap is breathable, with holes for airflow, preserving your sweaty head from much more discomfort. We discovered it stayed in place whereas working 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 largest gripe is that the headlamp’s physique will get scorching, significantly on the upper settings. This warmth buildup could make the headlamp uncomfortable sufficient that you simply wish 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 scorching 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 working on cool evenings or early morning climbs? Good. Lengthy, sweaty endeavors in hotter climate? Possibly regulate the warmth buildup.

Ease of Use

This headlamp is exceptionally straightforward to make use of. It includes a responsive single-button design that works even when carrying medium to heavy gloves. Undesirable features are hardly ever activated, partly as a consequence of 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 received’t activate the sunshine however will present the battery life indicator. The headlamp begins in low mode, with subsequent presses biking via medium, excessive, and turbo brightness ranges. Press and maintain the button once more for one second to show it off.

The pink mild operate is barely accessible from the off place: double-click the button to activate the pink mild, 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 operate, so it powers on within the final used mode. 

The headlamp physique can be straightforward to take away in the event you’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 chances are you’ll have to 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 worth. For lighting modes, it features a white mild with varied brightness ranges, a pink mild, and a pink strobe. The headlamp has a tilt operate, although it’s much less user-friendly than most; adjusting it requires extra drive 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). Further batteries can be found from Fenix, which is nice for backcountry situations. We admire not counting on single-use batteries.

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

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

The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a formidable headlamp for its worth. 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, mild weight, and sensible options.

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

When you’re in search of a flexible headlamp that covers a variety of actions with out pointless options at an incredible worth, the HM50R V2.0 is price contemplating.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

When you just like the Fenix HM50R V2.0 however need different choices as nicely, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the record of our favourite headlamps:

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

Petzl Actik CORE Overview: The Actik CORE is certainly one of our favourite headlamps. It gives comparable illumination, superior mild high quality, and is best fitted to backcountry adventures.