Fenix HL30 & HP25 Headlight

Fenix has established themselves as a force to be reckoned worth due to the quality of their lighting products! They first came to my attention with their TK15 and the up-graded TK15S2 gun mounted tactical LED torch kits. They’ve added more models to their range of headlights too, two of which I have on test.

HL30

First up is the Fenix HL30. The 2 x AA batteries that power it are housed in the lightweight lamp unit itself. A thoughtful inclusion is the spare rubber seal for the battery compartment. This versatile compact head torch features a waterproof structure and offers 4 lighting levels, a single red LED (to preserve nightvision) and a SOS (flashing) mode. Operation is by two yellow rubberised pressure switches positioned on the top of the tough casing. Pressing the left switches the lamp ON/OFF, light-type selection is handled by the one on the right. With light pressure allowing you to scroll through the options and also access the 4-power levels - 4L, 45L, 100L and then the 200L.

The main light uses a Cree XP-G R5 LED with a maximum output of 200 lumens, an impressive 140 hours run time on the low setting of 4 lumens, plus a wide, pre- focused beam. The lamp head can be tilted trough 80° and clicks down positively on a secure and quiet ratchet system.

HP25

Top of the range is the HP25 Dual-Beam. Powered by 4 x AA batteries, which are located in a separate pack at the rear of the head band, this powerful unit offers an impressive 360 lumens maximum output. Coupled with the masses of light mode options gives what the manufacturers term as “Situation-Specific-Lighting.”

This is due to its dual beam system which utilises separate brightness controls so you can adjust each individually and due to this it offers an unprecedented 12 combinations of flood and long-throwing light. Not only that but you can also adjust it to give 8 individual settings with only one beam activated. This enables the user to use only the flood light for close in tasks, only the long distance beam for spotting, or a combination of the two for all sorts of illumination options.

The lamp head like the previous model also tilts down in the same manner and the power pack utilises an easy to load and practical carrier system to ensure batteries are always properly installed. Rated waterproof to IPX-6 for all weather use it also features a heat sink for excellent thermal management and heat dissipation. Also, the built-in mode memory circuit remembers your last used lighting level for each lamp unit. Controls are easy to navigate and are positioned on top of the lamp unit.