Fenix HP01 and HP05 headlamps

In respect of the relatively short length of time the Fenix brand of utility lights have been available in the UK, they’ve come a long way.

They’ve constantly added to or up-graded models of ‘lighting units’ in the already comprehensive range of headlamps, gun mounted tactical torch kits or handhelds they offer. As the company has recently launched even more useful lights, I’ve chosen these two particular headlamps to test as I feel they’ll be of most interest to the night hunter.

The Fenix HP01 Headlamp and the higher power HP05, both share a great deal in terms of build but the light modes runtime and full power output of the units differ.

The light modes are accessed by dual rubberised pressure switches positioned on top of the lamp head itself. One operates four brightness levels while the other independently operates the red LED positioned above the main white light and also activates the SOS emergency flashing white light. Built to a waterproofing standard of IPX-6 for all-weather use, the lamp heads can also be angled downwards to a full 80-degrees for when you need close-range lighting, or are using the red light for re-filling a magazine. This is held secure in any ‘angled’ position due to a click stop strong ratchet mechanism.

They both feature what is termed a ‘Quick Change Battery System’ – the only two in the company range that do. This obviously refers to how the batteries are installed. As usual they are housed in a battery pack worn to the rear of the main headband but the ‘system’ allows it to open and close with a neatly sized ‘lever’ that operates as a cam lock. When closed it lays flush against one side of the pack, when ‘flicked’ outwards it allows the battery carrier to be slid out completely free of the external ABS housing.

The HP01 is powered by two regular AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH), and on full power projects a 210 lumen beam up to 95 metres. The four mode power output and runtime for this particular headlamp is 1.5 hours at 210 lumens, 4 hours 10 on 110 lumens, 10 hours 10 on 50 lumens and 130 hours at 4 lumens.

Combined with its lightweight, the Fenix HP01 headlamp is a highly versatile choice for outdoor pursuits where a marriage of lightweight and highperformance are required.

Although the Fenix HP05 features the same operational system and design layout, this higher power model projects a 350 lumen beam out to 122 metres. Powered by three regular AA batteries, the four power levels and run times on this model are 2 hours 35 on 350 lumens, 6 hours 10 on 150 lumens, 17 hours 20 on 50 lumens and 160 hours on 4 lumens.

Combining high output with user-friendliness, the Fenix HP05 provides a wellbalanced head-mounted lamp that gives four longer run time brightness levels, the always useful night vision preserving red light and SOS mode.