Fenix Headlamps

When it comes to utility lights Fenix Lighting has one of the most comprehensive ranges in the market. However, there’s always a niche to fill as the recently launched HL23, HL55 and HP12.

All lamp heads/battery casings are manufactured from durable aluminium alloy treated to a Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, are IPX-8 waterproof rated and have a toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating. All feature tilt adjust lamp units and as well as having multiple levels of individual brightness options the latter two (HL55 and HP12) have what is termed as a ‘burst mode’ (this being the most powerful light level attainable on first switching on) including Strobe/SOS mode.

BASIC

First up is the most basic of the trio the HL23. This adjustable elasticated single strap headlamp’s front lamp head/cum battery housing casing measures 71x 38.9 x 40mm and weighs 52 grams excluding battery. The Cree-XP-G2 LED uses a single AA battery (supplied) or a single AA Ni-mH cell and is capable of a maximum 150-lumen out to approximately 55m. A single top positioned switch provides easy access to the 3-brightness levels of 3, 50 and 150-lumens with continuous runtimes of 100hrs, 5hrs 40min and 1hr 20min respectively.

Next the HL55 - this is more powerful and substantially sized. Its single elasticated adjustable headband benefits from also having an adjustable elasticated over-strap for extra stability. Measuring 84 x 46 x 48mm it weighs 115 grams excluding the 2 X CR123A 3V batteries (supplied). It can also run on a single 18650 or 4 X LiFePO4 16340 3.2V cells. The Cree XM-L2 T6 LED produces a neutral white light that provides superior definition and penetration in high humidity that in its 900-lumen full power ‘burst mode’ is capable of reaching out to 116m. A side switch accesses all 5-levels of 10, 55, 165, 420 and the 900-lumen Burst. Runtimes excluding ‘Burst’ are 150, 30, 10h and 3 hours 45mins respectively.

LAST BUT…

Last but definitely not least is the HP12, similar to the HL55 but with a rear-mounted battery pack. The lamp housing measures 62.1 x 41.2 x 33.3mm and weighs 145 grams excluding batteries. Due to the design, weight is evenly distributed for maximum comfort and combined with the adjustable elasticated headband and overstrap, the separate battery compartment provides excellent fore-aft balance. Power comes from either a single18650 battery or 2 X CR123A 3V batteries (included.)

A noteworthy feature is the ability to operate in temperatures as low as -40° Celsius making it the ideal choice for extreme conditions. When activated in the 900-lumen burst mode its CREE-XM-L2 LED has a beam distance of 123m. As well as this another four settings are accessed by a side- position pressure switch; 10, 50, 150 and 400-lumens. Runtimes excluding burst are 145, 36, 10 10mins and 3hrs 45mins respectively.

It comes with a spare O-ring (for the battery compartment, 2 X cable clips, plus an adjustable single strap and overstrap headband.

NAME: Fenix HL23, HL55 and HP12 Headlamps
PRICE: SRP£29.95, £52.95 and £56.95 respectively
CONTACT: My Fenix 02921 157162 for nearest stockists www.myfenix.co.uk

FOR: Build quality, design, ease of use and wearer comfort
AGAINST: Not a lot
VERDICT: Fenix give us yet more high quality headlamps