Fenix HP05 (Headlamp) Review

At the beginning of this year, Fenix sent me this headlamp for review: Fenix HP 05.

Technical Specifiation:

• Small Size: 54.3mm (Length) x 48.9mm (Width) x 32.9mm (Height)
• Battery Box Size: 87.6mm (Length) x 58.5mm (Width) x 33.8mm (Height)
• 161-gram weight (excluding batteries)
• Using 3 X AA batteries

Features:

• Uses Cree XP-G (R5) LED and Nichia red light LED, with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Maximum 350-Lumen output with a throw of 122 meters and 170 hours on low setting
• 5 Brightness Levels, plus Red Light and SOS (50 Lumens)- Turbo: 350 Lumens- High: 150 Lumens- Mid: 50 Lumens- Low: 4 Lumens
• Digitally-regulated output maintains constant brightness
• Fast, convenience dual-button switch
• Embedded reflective strip to increase your visibility in the wild
• Rugged aluminum chassis to shed heat and impact
• Quick-change battery system
• 60-degree tilt mechanism
• Reverse polarity protection guards against improper battery installation
• Made from durable aluminum alloy and performance plastic
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Waterproof to IPX-S Standard

Initial Impression:

The light came inside a unlabeled brown cardboard box sealed with duct tape and Fenix logo printed on it. I found 1 well made headlamp, 1 nice and soft head band, 1 battery box, and a manual book.It has 2 button/switch on the top. The left one is used to turn on/off the red light, it’s also used to activate SOS mode by press and holding it for 3 seconds. And the right button is used to turn on/off the light as well as for changing modes.

Fenix HP05 Review

The light’s body is built from rugged aluminum chassis, perfect for distributing heat from LED emitter to the body, and also protecting from any impact. With 60 degree tilt mechanism, I can adjust the beam direction easily.The battery compartment/box looked bulky and heavy, but actually it’s not. I feel it pretty light and didn’t bother me. With its quick-change battery system, opening battery box is very easy. I can do it with just one hand.Fenix claimed that I can change battery without remove this headlamp from my head. I haven’t tried yet, but I believe that it can be done after I know how easy it was to open the box.The label “Fenix” on the box is reflecting lights, makes you visible to people behind you.

Beamshots:

I made 3 series of beam shots with different distance, you will see that beam profile is throw instead of flood.100 metres, the church:I didn’t bring tripod at that time. I just put my camera on top of concrete blocks, that’s why it’s taken from low angle.30 meters, the trees:It’s mini forest behind my house. Next time remind me to get more open area than this 😀2 meters, the ground:This is how you will see beam shot while walking and wear this headlamp on your head.After using this headlamp for almost four months, I can say that this is a decent light that will very helpful on a search and rescue (SAR) operation. Not very suitable for camping (too bright and throw), but still great for camping if you don’t have other headlamp.

Pros:

• Using AA batteries, available almost everywhere on earth.
• 4 different levels, from 4 lumens to 350 lumens. Suitable for both close range to long range sighting.
• Beam profile is throw, no need another flashlight for spotting faraway objects
• Red light is pretty bright and very helpful for close range sighting (up to 1 meter).
• Reverse polarity protection
• Cable connection is well-sealed. Survived the rain overnight.

Cons:

• On default position, two buttons are half covered. I must tilt it first to access the buttons.
• Throwy beam profile, my sight was kinda limited on close range sighting (1-3 meters).
• Battery box is a bit bulky, although it’s not heavy at all.

– Fenix HP05 350 Lumen XP-G R5 Headlamp Iron Grey + 8 AAA batteries ($49.99)– Fenix HP05 350 Lumen Headlamp, Grey ($55.95)