I received the HR06 headlamp for evaluation purposes. I’d like to thank Angryfox for the opportunity and their generosity.
At $79 (current price as of July, 24, 2018) the HR06 is priced somewhere around the mid-level as far as headlamps go.
My first impression remains my strongest impression: the build quality of the HR06 headlamp is absolutely amazing. Of course I can’t compare the HR06 to every competitive headlamp available – since I don’t have access to all of them – but I can compare the build quality (of the HR06) to other flashlights that I do own (or have owned/used). Give or take a dozen or so, that’s roughly 125 flashlights from a variety of manufacturers – including many of the better known brands out there. In my opinion the HR06 is the highest quality product of them all.
While not heavy (108 grams w/o the battery) the HR06 has a solid feel to it that speaks of a finely crafted instrument. I’m reminded of the differences between a quality tool and one that wasn’t built to the same precise standards; there’s just something about really well made tools that bring a big smile to my face every time I use them.
My HR06 came in a clear plastic box (roughly the size of a typical first aid kit) and included the HR06, a head band, a recharging cord, and an owner’s manual. The owner’s manual needs work – a lot of work to be honest. Part of that is due to difficulties translating words into English and part of it is due to the very small print. I’d also like to see the owner’s manual available (for download) on the Angryfox website, but I couldn’t find it. I also noticed some discrepancies between statements made (about the features of the HR06) – with different claims made for the same features.
The head band is adequate, and quite comfortable for my use. I do think it would be better if it had a strap going over the top of the head – so the head band is better held in place when jogging or running. It is fine for casual walking though; I had no issues with it in my use.
The HR06 features magnetic charging – a big plus in my mind, as it is very convenient and (IMO) far less likely to allow dust or moisture inside the light itself. Charging is a simple matter of plugging one end of the cord into a power source, and magnetically attaching the other end to the HR06. While charging a red light flashes (around the magnetic connection). When fully charged the light is green. I didn’t time how long it takes to charge the HR06, but my best guess is 3 hours or so (USB on a computer).
The HR06 itself consists of a tube (roughly the diameter of a quarter and 3 inches in length) with a couple of rings (holding the tube) that are attached to a plate. The plate features two slots that the head band (strap) threads through – making a secure attachment. This allows the light to be rotated (100 degrees) for the best placement of the beam. Rotation is easily done with a single hand, but there’s enough friction to hold the position as the user moves around.
On the top of the tube, and directly in the center, is the lone switch. While smooth, it has a good grip to it and appears to be coated in rubber. Surrounding the switch is a stainless steel bezel. The switch is all but silent – with just the slightest whisper of sound when clicked. The tactile feedback is excellent and operating the switch couldn’t be easier.
The lamp assembly is on the side of the battery tube; directly in front of the switch. On the end of the lamp assembly there are four lenses; the largest of which is the main light. It is surrounded by a stainless steel bezel. The other three lenses are smaller, and of equal size, with a diffused lens.
Choosing the led is a matter of turning the lamp assembly (grooved on the outside for grip) right or left. From the far right position, as worn on the head, the main lamp is chosen. Turned to the left (as the headlamp is worn on your head) the next choice is the red lamp. Turn another step to the left and the white reading led is chosen. The far left, as worn on the head, position features the green led.
Switching to the different lamps is easily accomplished with one hand; just twist the lamp assembly to the desired selection (each selection has a notch).
The main lamp has a rated output of 600 lumens on the highest setting. I can’t verify how accurate that claim is, but the highest level does put out a lot of light. The beam itself is mostly flood and cool white. It does an excellent job of providing usable light for visibility – out to a distance of 60 meters or so (it is rated to 100 meters). For general walking around in the dark the medium output is probably the best choice – providing decent distance viewing without being blindingly bright on closer objects. For working up close, the low output is likely the best choice.
The red lamp has two outputs; with the low output being adequate for really up close viewing in very dark conditions. The high output will suffice for walking around, but the distance is limited to 15 meters or so (usable light). Eye shine (from animals) can be attained at greater distances.
The reading lamp also has two output levels. The lower level is excellent for reading in dim lighting conditions. The high output level is probably a bit too high for reading, but is a great choice for working on nearby objects that aren’t going to reflect the light back into your eyes. The reading lamp is a bit diffused, so the light isn’t as harsh as the main lamp.
The green lamp follows suit with two output levels. The low level is best for up close viewing in very dark conditions (reading a map at night, etc…). The high level provides a good amount of light and will suffice for walking around in pitch black conditions. It doesn’t offer the viewing distance of the main lamp, but it does give decent visibility out to 20 meters or so. The green light is very easy on my eyes.
Operating the HR06 is simple: click the switch to turn the light on, and click the switch again to turn the light off.
Press and hold the switch to change outputs – regardless of the choice of lamps (3 options with the main beam, and two options with the other 3 lamps).
Double click the switch to go into a fast strobe mode (works with any of the four lamps – just select the desired lamp).
Press and hold the switch to enter a warning mode (very slow strobe). Again – it works with all four lamps (just choose the desired lamp).
The HR06 does feature mode memory – which works for any of the four lamps (no mode memory for the two special modes). It also features reverse polarity protection, regulated output, and temperature protection (high mode steps down after 3 minutes or so).
As someone who isn’t normally a headlamp type of person I was greatly surprised at just how convenient the HR06 turned out to be. My use typically consisted of odd jobs in low light conditions, walking at night, and sitting in my backyard watching all the various animals wandering about in the woods that butt up to my yard. I found the red and green lamps to be particularly effective for the latter, as neither light color seemed to bother any of the animals too much.
One of my favorite hobbies is metal detecting. With the summer heat I tend not to metal detect during the day – choosing instead to hunt at night while the temperatures are much less hostile. I’ve found that the HR06 is an excellent tool to compliment metal detecting at night – keeping my hands free to dig for the item detected, while providing light that isn’t blinding and doesn’t wash out. I almost always use the green lamp on its low setting; it’s the perfect amount of light and it doesn’t bother my night vision.
While I haven’t used the HR06 for night fishing yet, I do plan on it. Supposedly fish love green light and I’d like to see if the green lamp helps in that regard. If it doesn’t, at least it’ll be easier to see the hook when I bait it.
I see the HR06 as an excellent choice for those tasks and more: with night-time walking, hiking, bike riding and camping at the top of the list. The ability to have a warning light in use at dusk (or daylight for that matter) - so the user is far more visible to others - is a security feature that shouldn’t be dismissed. As darkness envelopes further, the user then has the option of choosing the regular mode (in the lamp color of his/her choice) that best fits the need at the time.
For those who prefer a more primitive style of camping, the HR06 is almost a must-have tool; freeing up both hands so you can read that topography map, or get a line with the old compass. Preparing meals as night falls, or setting up the tent – use the right lamp and your night vision won’t be diminished. Hang the strap over a convenient branch and the HR06 can double as a very serviceable camp lantern.
If you’ve got a power source, the in-body ability to recharge means you’re all set. If not, it’s a simple matter of taking along a couple extra 18650 batteries so you can spend quite a bit of time with Mother Nature.
Or you could do as most people probably will – use the HR06 for walking around the neighborhood at night, or for those repair situations when you really need both hands free.
As I touched upon earlier, I would like to see a second strap on the headband (helping keep the headband in position for those who like to job or run). I do think the owner’s manual needs a lot of work, and would like to see it available for download (on the website). I’d also like to see the discrepancies cleared up (website and marketing material) so all marketing is clear and concise (regarding the features and product details).
Regarding the HR06 itself: I have absolutely no complaints or quibbles. I find it to be amazingly well made, with great attention to every detail. It works extremely well (as it should) and it is very easy to operate. I love the lamp options and find the light output (and beam) to offer excellent choices for varying circumstances, while also providing the user with superb vision. To my mind, the HR06 is a great product.