Fenix HM70R LED Headlamp

The HM70R headlamp is rated as IP68 waterproof and is 2m impact tested for durability and strength, while the precision machined heatsink unibody housing gives ultimate durability for tough working and outdoor environments.

A modern USB-C socket is fitted to charge the large capacity 21700 rechargeable battery, taking just four hours using your 2A mobile phone charger or similar. The headlamp can also be powered by an 18650 battery using the Fenix ALF-18 battery adapter – both sold separately. The unit is digitally regulated to maintain constant output and an LED battery level/charging indicator is located behind the silicon button cover. The light also features an inner waterproof charging socket. Mode memory remembers the last used lighting level.

Light levels & run time

The main 1600-lumens LED and reflector provide a balanced combination of spotlight and wide area spill light, lighting near and far at the same time. The run times are as follows: Low | 30-lumens | 100 hours | 26m beam reach; Medium | 150-lumens | 30 hours | 53m; High | 500-lumens | six hours | 105m; Turbo | 1600-lumens | two hours total | 186m. At the highest levels, the overheating protection will reduce output to protect the LED and circuitry. Maximum power can be reset once the headlamp cools.

The flood

The HM70R pure flood beam has no distracting edges and offers two output levels, so Medium | 70-lumens | 48 hours | 16m beam reach, and High | 400-lumens | eight hours | 38m. To protect your night vision there’s a red LED, which can also be set up as an emergency SOS signal. This function offers 5-lumens | 400 hours | 5m, and SOS 5-lumens | 800 hours | 5m and is visible from a considerable distance.

In operation

On the right-hand side of the 180º tilt-adjust lamp head, the rubberised operational switch turns the lamp on/off and operates the available modes. Press and hold the switch for 0.5 seconds to turn the lamp on in general mode (main LED). A double click from off enters the functional mode of flood and red LED. Alternatively, from the on position, hold down the switch for 1.2 seconds to switch modes. To lock the light, press and hold the switch for three seconds. When the lamp is locked, press and hold the switch for three seconds and the lamp will blink red three times, then enter red light mode. This may sound complicated but as with most lamps of this kind, operation is simple once you get used to cycling through the modes.

Conclusion

The Fenix HM70R LED headlamp is perfect for arduous tasks, from caving and hunting to search and rescue. It boasts premium build quality and features a metal heat-dissipating head (much more expensive to produce than plastic), and it uses the best electronics and LEDs currently available.