Three years after 1st generation of this headlamp, Fenix released an updated version of Fenix HM61R L-shaped headlamp. I offer you to check if this update is step forward or a pointless marketing ploy.
YOU CAN BUY FENIX E03R V2 AT:
➤ AMAZON
SPECIFICATION:
- LEDs: Luminus SST40 and SMD 2835 (red light)
- Maximum brightness and range 1600lum + 162m
- Power – 1 x 18650
- Charging via magnetic port
- Case material - aluminum alloy A6061-T6
- Waterproof IP68
- Impact resistance 2m
- Dimensions and weight 1014536mm, 152g
PACKAGE AND DESIGN
Good plastic package, OK for a gift.
Kit contains the headlamp itself with a head mount , a 18650 battery with a capacity of 3400mah inserted into the flashlight, a charging cable, o-rings, a manual and a warranty.
And here is the headlamp in full assembly with a head mount.
The last one has undergone several changes. Its high quality and convenience, however, remained the same. The mount is light, made of high-quality material, with reflective elements and a gel strip inside.
The first change is the ability to quickly and effortlessly remove the part of the mount that runs along the top of the head.
The second change is the fastening of the headlamp itself. In the first version, these were “sponges” and a small rubber strap. There was almost no need for the latter, because the “sponges” held the flashlight really firmly. When I reviewed the Fenix HP61R, I found this mount to be extremely comfortable.
Now the flashlight enters the mount from the side and is held due to the fact that the clip is behind the mount. This is undoubtedly more reliable, but, in my opinion, not as convenient as the previous version. However, it may just take some getting used to. And it has a potential problem. If you loose or break clip - voila, you have no way to attach headlamp to mount.
The advantage of L-shape is the ability to use a flashlight, holding it in your hand, or attaching it to the strap of a backpack.
And here is the flashlight itself. By and large, it remained the same as he was in the first generation. There are no significant design or size changes here. It can be seen that this is a good branded item, but there are no distinctive features other than “brass-like” bezels.
However, this is a headlamp, not a beautiful EDC gadget, and all sorts of design delights are not so important here.
The clip is not tight, one-sided.
Now it is hardly possible to find a headlamp without a magnet in the tailcap, and the Fenix HP61R v2 is no exception. The magnet here is strong, freely holds the flashlight horizontally
It is quite expected that the spring is only in the tailcap. Again - protection against flat-top batteries. Does Fenix know that this protection is simply bypassed by a magnet on the + contact of the battery?
The flashlight is powered by an 18650 battery.
The thread is medium size, well lubricated. Machining, of course,is flawless.
Another magnet is located near the head, it holds the contact of the charging cable. For me, such native magnetic charging is a definite CON compared to Type-C. I dont think that is cool to constantly carry a “native” cable in order to be able to charge the flashlight.
A full charge takes 3 hours and 2 hours to a more or less decent level of charge.
But I like the button. It is wide and comfortable. It can be easily found blindly. Of course, there is a backlight indication .
Neither the optics nor the LED have changed. Hidden behind a matte TIR lens is a Luminus SST40 and a small SMD red light LED.
USER INTERFACE
UI has ierproved somewhat. However, for me and a lot of BLF, it will remain too straightforward.
If you need instant access to a firefly or a turbo, forget it! Nevertheless, the average user (ie the target audience of Fenix) will find this UI exactly that he needs.
Fenix HM61R v2 has instant access to the red light from OFF, which is actually important because of the specifics of its application. Probably someone at Fenix has finally talked to people who actually use headlamps.
Red light:
2 clicks from OFF to ON
Long press - turn off
1 click - switch between two brightness levels and flashing
1.2sec hold from ON main light - transition to red
Main Light:
there is no innovation here
OFF-ON by long pressing
Switch modes on click from ON
(Un)locking - 3 sec hold.
There is mode memory, so dont forget to turn flashlight off in lowest mode in order not to get blinded.
HOW FENIX HM61R V2 ILLUMINATES:
The color rendering index is, of course, is low with the expected greenery in lower modes. The light, to my surprise, was not frankly cold. However, I would prefer 5000K.
The flashlight has full brightness stabilization and a good runtime in turbo mode. When restarted again, Turbo will last much longer with cooling present. The flashlight has become a third brighter than the previous version, but has the same runime of this brighter turbo mode. Well done.
It can also be seen that the brightness will then begin to jump up and down without cooling.
However, you won’t see this in the slightly less bright High mode. 3 hours of work at this brightness is more than enough for you. But, of course, I recommend keeping 1-2 spare batteries with you.
The brightness of the red light is more than enough for you in all situations where it is used.
Such optics, and even matte, means that the light of the Fenix HM61R v2 is ]good for close range work and you should not expect any serious range from it even in turbo mode.
However, headlamps are the source of light that you mainly use for close-up work. If you’re looking for a very long-range headlamp, then Fenix has something to offer - the Fenix HP30R v2 is so damn good in this regard.
Immediately at the same time it is clear that the green tint disappears only at maximum brightness.
The flashlight is still capable of actually illuminating 50m well, well, maybe 75m in a turbo. But no further. However, this is more than enough for a headlamp.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
Fenix HM61R V2 has become a good update of the first generation of this flashlight. The maximum brightness increased by a third, but this did not reduce the runime time in this mide in any way. The High mode has also increased.
However, I do not think that 600 lumens is so much better than 400 lumens, because in many situations 600 lumens will be too bright. However, the flashlight keeps this brightness without stepdown and this is good.
I also note improved UI. Now you can turn on the red light without turning on the main one before. The latter made the red light mode mostly useless in the first version of this flashlight. I really hope that someday Fenix will find out that there is also such a really convenient and demanded feature as instant access to the minimum brightness from the off state.
The light itself remained the same. It will be convenient both for work near and for movement within the camp site. This is a good walkaround light as well. The increased brightness of the turbo mode slightly increased the range of the flashlight, but you should not overestimate it (range) anyway, it is short and this is quite expected for a headlamp.
The mount is now more reliable, you can also insert a flashlight with a clip into it. That’s just how convenient it will be to push the flashlight to the side in winter with gloves on? In general, whether the new mount has become a step forward or backward will only be shown by long-term real use, including in winter.
The rest has remained the same.