Fenix HL12R – The only back up or spare head torch you need.

Last year 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 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 head torches 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 and HL32R several months ago I have been exclusively using this head torch for all running, walking and general camping use. It sits in my truck on the headrest and gets used all the time. I think you should do a thorough testing before giving a fair verdict.

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.

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

Item details:

This is the HL12R – Head Lamp 12, R for rechargeable. Its a mid to low position in the range performance head torch for trail runners or walkers looking for a lightweight decent spec tough head torch. It’s a great option as a back up race or hiking torch and this is the best use for it in my opinion.

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. Very small and compact too so excellent as a very good second or back up torch for those really long runs overnight where your main light may run out of power and you can either continue with this for the rest of the run or use this head torch to help you change batteries.

The main difference between this and the previously tested head torches from Fenix are that the max lumens are a little lower at 400 and burn times are a little shorter but still impressive for such a small head torch. This does make it lighter and smaller and they have added a red light function on this model. The spread of light is very usable on the trails.

Looks:

Performance:

Battery life has been true to advertising with obviously the usual reduction in performance if 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 at this price point and a great feature so you can see how charged it is without having to charge it just in case.

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 separate red light function, both static and flashing for night vision work and signalling plus the usual flashing white light settings for signalling.