Hello BLF,
As part of its test campaign, Fenix gave me graciously this headlamp to make a presentation.
Although this model belongs to the HP range (with batteries deported, unlike HL models with batteries in the lamp body)
It is still a "budget" model (less than 50 € here in France, where petzl sells it's tikka xp2 around the same price)
But budget does not mean cheap in this case, I'll get back later on that.
Years after years, Fenix is improving its packaging : more compact, blister with windows, batteries included... more oriented towards physical shops than before.
What is included :
headlamp , side and top straop , cord attachement, replacement o'ring , AA batteries, instructions, warranty card.
Specs:
-main led : Cree XP-G R5 (cool white)
-Auxiliary : nichia 5mm red
-powered by 2 AA Batteries
-turbo - 210 lumens / 1:55 ( with 10min timer, then step down to high)
-high 105 Lumens / 4:30
-med - 45 Lumens / 11h
-4 -low lumens / 125h
-sos - 45 lumens / unmeasured
-Red : not measured / unmeasured ( by eye it's about 2lumens or less )
-ipx-6 rated
-weight 134gr (empty)
-24 months warranty
Construction:
obviously it is not in the same category as the petzl tikka (which weights around 50 grams)
it takes a minimum of aluminum mass to dissipate heat from the LED and the reflector, lens (coated),driver, upper band adds to the total weight.
the headband is easily replaceable with openings on all buckles
the battery case with rapid access system is seriously built, no fear of breakage unless you drop it from a significant height.
the tilting system of the headlamp seems a bit fragile althought there is no big constraints in this location
in action :
Not much to complain about , it's Fenix usual quality ! modes are well spaced, and there is no flickering PWM on low/med modes as can be sometimes in competition.
The headband is comfortable enough, and the top can be removed if necessary with minimal impact to the stability of the lamp.
There is a small ledge above the buttons which when folded prevents accidental activation. (there is no electronic lockout)
Note due to the small size and travel of the switches, activating the lamp with gloves could be quite tricky.
Two buttons control each LED, they can be coupled
A long press on the red led button toggles the hidden SOS mode
The red LED is quite useless because of the very low level of light emitted... but in the absence of a true ultra-low mode from the white led, it's better than nothing, -plus- it doesn't adds another mode to the main sequence, keeeping the light "simple" to use.
(the lamp remembers the last mode used)
I appreciate the regulation gradually steping down modes as the batteries are emptied rather than cutting light sharply
The beam is too tight for my taste (yet Fenix announced a 80° beam angle, as in Zebra's) but it gives an interesting throw despite the relatively low power,
It's a pity Fenix did not provide a diffuser as other models in the range, it would increase its versatility.
I will make a feedback with a diffuser later.
Red
low
Med
High
Turbo
Pros:
-weight is well balanced on the head, we can consider the practice of night running with this lamp
- protection against accidental activation
- well spaced modes.
- batteries easily and quickly accessible
- hidden SOS mode
Cons:
- beam a bit too tight for close work, an optional diffuser would be nice to increase versatility.
- tricky activation with gloves
Conclusion
Fenix offers a very nice headlamp at good price, comfortable, well balanced and powerful enough for a large number of common tasks.
You only really realize the usefulness of a headlamp once tasted it, and then it becomes hard to go without the comfort of hands-free lighting .
I find myself dreaming of a Neutral variant (who knows, maybe if commercial success is to go ... ) In the meantime, adding a diffuser filter for an extra €5 should greatly strengthen its versatility.
Links:
http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=108&tid=13&cid=2 manufacturer's product page
http://www.fenixlight.com.cn/download/HP01-Multilingual-User-Manual.pdf instructions manual
oops… got a “fatal error” 
post fixed, sorry for the inconvenience caused…
Thanks for review!
Been looking at HP01 and HP05, what makes me curious is why dont they put red led into their more expensive models? Its, IMO, great feature to have to preserve night vision!
Why do their keep on using older leds, why not XP-G2 for example? Why older emitters?
IPX6 rating is also kind of a letdown, its not that I couldnt live without it in every light I own, however, even taking into consideration build differences, their budget HL21 is their only(?) headlamp with IPX8!
Tilting mechanism also looks to be finicky, it will, probably, be the first thing to fail in this light and the more you will use it, the sooner it will fail, IMO!
Nice review, and I like the animated GIF's. Nice light too! Thanks.
i believe the goal choosing outdated led is to keep the headlamp affordable, i would have prefered no red light but a true ultra low mode directly accessible from off.
but remember, it’s price is almost the same as a petzl tikka xp2, but with the performance of the Myo (both ipx4 rated)
easy or not to swap the xp-g in this hp01 ?
yes, it is !
Beamshots with before and after :D?
it will be difficult to compare fairly : the new led is a verrryyy warm xp-g2 Q2 7c(high cri) ;)
i took a shot with WB set @3700k to give an idea of the tint (in the first post it was set to AWB).
i'll try later with a higher setting because it's actually a bit warmer than that.
