Fenix HL40R Headtorch
A few months ago I was approached by Fenix Lighting to see if I was interested in promoting their products and the possibility of them sponsoring some of my events, particularly the ultra events that can involve night running. We had a discussion and agreed they would sponsor all 5 of my ultra events and provide prizes for the 1st male and female finishers in each race. They would also provide 3 head torches for testing by myself with me being free to be honest and open about their performance.
So as a disclaimer yes all the head torches are provided free and they are sponsoring my events but I will be honest and open about their performance including the good, bad and ugly.
Testing time-frame:
I always see reviews from users who have had the bit of kit for a matter of days and rave about it, they really don’t test it beyond a few short uses and photo opportunities. I have had these headtorches for 3 months and used them exclusively for runs, general nighttime camping and walking use, as spares in the car and in my mountain bag and even in sub zero temperatures in the Scottish mountains. I like to think I have tested them substantially well enough to make a fair judgement.
Company Background:
Fenix Lighting are new kids on the block in the UK and Europe but have a big following in the USA, they have been listed as the main lighting sponsor for the Western States 100 this year. They have a huge following in the hunting and fishing communities for various equipment not just their lights.
Item details:
This is the HL40R – Head Lamp 40, R for rechargeable. Its a mid range priced performance head torch for trail runners or walkers looking for a lightweight decent spec tough head torch.
Packaging / in the box:
The head torch comes well packaged in a plastic box complete with USB charging lead an warranty and instructions. Incidentally there is a 2 year fix for free warranty and limited lifetime warranty on the head torch which is pretty good for this type of light.
Specifications:
The head torch has a good set of specifications for the price and size, well suited for short and longer runs in darkness. Small and compact too so excellent as a very good second or back up torch for those really long runs overnight.
Burn times are good especially when not using the brightest 300 lumens setting. The burst setting is great for a very technical bit of trail or picking out a gate or other object in the distance.
Looks:
It’s very plain and not going to win any design awards but that is not a concern for me, it is very much function over form. Its a well put together package and has everything you need with nothing you don’t. The plastics are tough and the alloy body on the torch means it can take a bit of a kicking and there are few bits that can be broken or damaged in a drop or in your pack. It’s pretty bombproof. It’s rated for a 1m drop and I have abused it and it still works fine with no damage.
Performance:
Battery life has been true to advertising with obviously the usual reduction in performance is used in very cold weather. All head torches are the same batteries don’t like the cold. All the posted burn times are realistic. When the battery is unable to hold that power level it will reduce and step down to the next level and continue that till it reaches the lowest setting and maintain that till it runs out of power.
I have deliberately run it flat to test this out and the final setting lasts for many more hours and is just usable to get you back to civilisation. It wont just cut out on you.
Battery life has been true to advertising with obviously the usual reduction in performance is used in very cold weather. All head torches are the same batteries don’t like the cold. All the posted burn times are realistic. When the battery is unable to hold that power level it will reduce and step down to the next level and continue that till it reaches the lowest setting and maintain that till it runs out of power.
I have deliberately run it flat to test this out and the final setting lasts for many more hours and is just usable to get you back to civilisation. It wont just cut out on you.
Below are photos of the brightness settings on a trail in Scotland in December.
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| Lowest default low power setting 30 lumens – 50 hours |
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| Second power setting 70 lumens – 22 hours |
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| 3rd power setting 130 lumens – 11 hours |
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| 4th and final main power setting 300 lumens – 4.5 hours |
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| Burst mode 600 lumens – 1Hr 20 mins |
There is also an SOS flashing mode (70 lumens) with a flashing pattern and a reading mode (4 lumens) good for inside a tent as well just reading a map or book in your tent.
Plenty of adjust-ability and quick charging via USB means its always ready to go. It can be charged from a battery pack, laptop or plug and will even turn on while charging on the brightest setting so can be used while topping it up.
It has a great charging indicator along the front edge with 4 small blue lights so you can see how much charge is in it and when its fully charged, something that is rarely on head torches.
The two buttons separate functions and it cant be turned on easily by accident as it takes a long press on the buttons to activate. It also has the ability to lock the buttons entirely meaning very little risk of accidental activation. The buttons work well with gloved hands too.
Durability:
As said above I have used this for a few months including running and biking and even hiking in sub zero temperatures with no issue. It has been bouncing around in my pack or in the door pockets of my pick up truck all this time without complaint.
As said above I have used this for a few months including running and biking and even hiking in sub zero temperatures with no issue. It has been bouncing around in my pack or in the door pockets of my pick up truck all this time without complaint.
Comfort:
The band is very thick for such a small compact head torch and really holds it secure, our sponsored runner who has trouble with head torches slipping down when running due to lots of long hair and small head finds it better also than other head torches.
The unique double band on the back really helps hold it in place and of you have a ponytail it really secures it with the ponytail going in the middle.
Practicality:
This is a great head torch and very practical for not just trail running, its small and light but with good brightness and power settings for all needs and really comfortable. For the price there are few out there to match it with features and durability.
This is a great head torch and very practical for not just trail running, its small and light but with good brightness and power settings for all needs and really comfortable. For the price there are few out there to match it with features and durability.
Value for money:
These currently sell for £59.95 in the UK shop and compare well for similar spec and design and performance.
These currently sell for £59.95 in the UK shop and compare well for similar spec and design and performance.
Where to buy:
The UK shop is the best location online to get these and see what other product and torches Fenix are producing.
The UK shop is the best location online to get these and see what other product and torches Fenix are producing.
Summary:
A great mid range powerful head torch for trail running and outdoors use. Right up there with the best well known brands in the UK and has some features others don’t. |Well worth a look and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
A great mid range powerful head torch for trail running and outdoors use. Right up there with the best well known brands in the UK and has some features others don’t. |Well worth a look and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Pros:
- Light
- Small
- Great fitting secure Strap
- Powerful for its size
- Decent burn time
- Easy simple to use
- Good buttons that work with gloves
- Settings for all needs
- Quick USB Charging
- Very weather resistant (IP66)
- Visible charging lights
Cons:
- Looks a bit basic (It’s not but it looks like it)
- Battery is not removable so very long runs or multi-day means you need to be able to access charging facilities or carry a battery pack.
- Tilt position mechanism feels a bit light and flimsy – BUT I have not broken it yet and it seems to work well.
Feedback
Please feel free to comment and let us know what you think if you have one.
Further info.
Please see our sponsored runner Naomi Moss’s views on her fb post, she now has the head torch and will be using it extensively as a long term test.
Please feel free to comment and let us know what you think if you have one.
Further info.
Please see our sponsored runner Naomi Moss’s views on her fb post, she now has the head torch and will be using it extensively as a long term test.
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