Hi everyone, with this review today we will see one of the latest torches born in Fenix. In fact, we will talk about the Fenix HT30R : linear torch in the 21700 format with LEP technology capable of producing a 500 lumen beam with a maximum distance of 1715m reached equal to 600,000cd. The flashlight was provided by Fenix specifically for the review. Here you can find the company link and here the link of the product.
.jpg)
Packaging and contents
The Fenix HT30R arrives in a Fenix-style cardboard box with all the main features of the product imprinted on it. The endowment is rich and as a whole includes:
- HT30R torch
- 5000mAh ARB-L21-5000 Li-Ion battery
- USB Type-C charging cable
- Steel belt clip (already installed on the flashlight)
- Spare O-Rings
- Nylon holster
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Main features
- LEP Emitter: Class 1 laser for a wide spectrum beam similar to that of LEDs
- Max output: 500 lumens
- Max light intensity: 600.000cd
- Waterproof and dustproof Type-C hidden charging interface
- Batteries Included: Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 Li-Ion 5000mAh
- Flashlight Dimensions:
- Length: 7.05" (179mm)
- Head Diameter: 1.57" (40mm)
- Body Diameter: Body: 1.02" (26mm)
- Length: 7.05" (179mm)
- Weight: 9.31 oz. (264g) including battery
- Impact resistance: 1.5m
- Waterproof: IP68 resistant to dust and rain, submersible up to 2 meters underwater
Output levels and runtimes
The Fenix HT30R has 2 output levels + 1 strobe level divided as follows:
- Low: 100 lumens – 7h 15min – 630m – 100.000cd
- High: 500 lumens – 2h 20min – 1.500m – 600.000cd
- Strobe: 500 lumens
From some tests carried out I can say that the data reported in the user manual regarding the discharge curves are consistent with the real behavior of the torch so we can consider them reliable. So I reproduce them below:
The body and the materials
The Fenix HT30R is a linear flashlight in the 21700 format based on LEP technology.
For those who still don't know, LEP technology allows the generation of a beam of white light improperly defined as a white laser beam. In reality it is not a real white laser beam (which alas does not yet exist) but, to explain it in simple terms, the LEP technology (acronym for Laser Excited Phosphor) exploits laser beams which, hitting materials such as phosphorus, produce a resulting white which is focused through a convex lens: the result is an extremely focused, directional beam with almost no spill. This also explains how with only a few lumens it is possible to reach extremely long distances: all the power is concentrated on the beam without any lateral loss on the spill.
In fact, the Fenix HT30R, taking advantage of LEP technology, with only 500 lumens is able to reach the incredible distance of 1500 meters.
The body of the Fenix HT30R is entirely made of aluminum with a scratch-resistant and wear-resistant anodized finish, just like all the other Fenix lights. The matte finish makes the flashlight pleasant to the touch and not too smooth.
The central part of the body has a nice knurling with fine horizontal milling that improves grip.
.jpg)
There are also millings on the tail cap that improve grip during screwing/unscrewing operations to access the battery compartment.
.jpg)
Under the head there are dissipation fins, not very deep but which still help in the dispersion of heat when the light is used for a long time on the high 500 lumen output level. Thanks to them and to the rest of the metal present on the head, the torch is able to dissipate the heat well, avoiding overheating.
The belt clip comes already installed on the flashlight. It is made of stainless steel, particularly thick and therefore robust. The grip on clothing is exceptional, perfect for pockets and belts, in MOLLE systems perhaps it allows the flashlight to move a little too much.
.jpg)
The HT30R has two switches for managing the interface, both positioned in the queue and easy to access. They are rubberized and offer excellent grip.
.jpg)
Power is provided by a 5000mAH 21700 battery model ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 included in the package. Thanks to it, the torch manages to stay lit on the Low level for over 7 hours.
.jpg)
The battery is recharged via the Type-C charging interface on the flashlight, without having to remove the battery. The charging port is hidden and to discover it you need to turn your head counterclockwise: as if by magic the USB-C port will pop out. As you can see from the photo, there is a small sealing o-ring that prevents dirt and water from entering inside. When you unscrew the head to access the charging port, the flashlight is physically blocked so you cannot use it. A small LED located to the left of the charging port shows the battery status level in real-time.
.jpg)
The threads are anodized, therefore, even by unscrewing the tailcap, it is possible to physically lock the torch.
.jpg)
The contacts are gilded and are made up of two springs, one on the positive side and one on the negative side: in this way, if the flashlight were to suffer knocks or jolts during use, the light will always remain on.
The flashlight in the hand is comfortable to hold, the grip is excellent. Given their position, the switches are easily accessible and identifiable even in the dark.
The lettering is well done, clean and without smudges. The bezel is in satin stainless steel and efficiently protects the lens.
Included with the torch also comes a Nylon holster which features a Velcro locking system, belt loop and plastic D-ring. The quality is excellent but in my opinion the blocking system slows down the extraction and insertion operations. Furthermore, the lens and part of the body always remain uncovered and are not well protected during transport.
User interface
The Fenix HT30R user interface is very simple, easy to use and remember: we have two different switches, one tactical and one functional, for managing the various functions. Both switches are located in the tail are easily identifiable in total darkness and comfortable to activate even if you are wearing gloves.
.jpg)
The tactical switch is round in shape, double stroke and allows access to the Momentary On if it is pressed partially or to access the constant light if it is pressed completely up to the click. The functional switch has an oval shape and is slightly smaller than the tactical switch. It allows direct access to the strobe (from whatever mode you are in) or the variation of brightness levels when the light is on.
Few and easy to activate functions make this flashlight perfect, for example for tactical use where speed of execution can make the difference.
Beam, Tint and Beamshots
The beam of the Fenix HT30R as we have said is extremely directive with a very bright spot and with the almost total absence of spills: this is the main feature of this flashlight but in general of any LEP flashlight.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The HT30R is not adapted to be used for example outdoors: if you are in total darkness you will not see anything other than what is illuminated. Furthermore, even at great distances, the beam remains very narrow and illuminates only a small portion of the area.
If you have to go through the woods at night, bringing only the HT30R with you may not be enough and in my opinion it is necessary to have with you any light source that has a wider beam, even just to illuminate the walking surface.
The Fenix HT30R is a Class 1 laser technology flashlight that emits a broad spectrum white light, similar to the spectrum of LEDs. Therefore the beam is not monochromatic like that produced by the old LEP technology: this translates into a higher chromatic rendering index and a more faithful color vision.
Below are some shots in the dark. Some photos have been taken with a long exposure to emphasize the shape and directivity of the beam, therefore in reality the beam produced by the HT30R is to be considered slightly less bright than shown in the photo.
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
Video review
On my youtube channel you will also find the video review with the unboxing and some field tests:
Conclusions
The Fenix HT30R is certainly a quality product. It is a real shooting torch capable of producing an extremely directive beam, without any spills and with a crazy range. So if you are looking for a flashlight with these characteristics, the HT30R is perfect for you.
Pros:
- Extremely focused shooting beam without any dispersion on the spill
- High runtimes thanks to the high-performance 5000mAh battery supplied
- Dual switch design for simple and intuitive interface management
- Retractable charging port, waterproof and dustproof
- Momentary On with a simple tap on the tactical switch and direct access to the Strobe from any mode with a long click on the functional switch
- Extremely simple user interface
- Complete package with everything you need
Cons:
- The holster only partially protects the flashlight: the lens and part of the body always remain uncovered. Furthermore, the Velcro blocking system slows down the extraction and insertion operations a bit.
- It lacks a really low level to use for example in close ranges. The 100 lumens of the Low level, with such a narrow beam, if used for example to read on a notepad, are dazzling
Thanks for reading...XD