Fenix HL32r 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.

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 4 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.
Since Testing and reviewing the HL40R nearly 2 months ago I have been exclusively using this headtorch for all running, walking and general camping use. It sits in my truck in the door pocket and gets used all the time.

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.

Their main fb page is HERE and their UK fb page is HERE

Item details:

This is the HL32R – Head Lamp 32, 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.

The main difference between this one and the previously tested HL40R is the fact it has no ability to focus but all other specs are similar. This does make it lighter and smaller and they have added a red light function on this model. I prefer this model and the spread of light is very usable on the trails.

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.

Below are photos of the brightness settings on a trail in Scotland in December. 

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 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.

There is a seperate red light function, both static and flashing for night vision work and signalling plus the usual flashing white light settings for signalling.