Thanks for the review Keith. Looks like a great headlamp, particularly the ease of use, minimal nooks and crannies for mud and dirt to get stuck in, and variable light output. Also love the one rechargable battery. A couple of things that could improve any caving light: 1. ability to switch to a red light, which is great for bats and the eyes of other cavers, 2. no top headstrap, which can get caught and pull the whole headlamp off. I'm using a basic camping headlamp that does the trick, but the search for the perfect headlamp goes on!
I bought myself one of these from Starless River at the NAMHO conference. I've only used it once so far on a trip to a place that cannot be named but was pretty wet. I was quite pleased with it 👍
Another great video. Thanks Keith. I'm a new caver and now that I have a few caves under my belt I plan on investing in a good headlamp. I'm considering the HM65R but can you tell me the advantage of having a spotlight and floodlight both? sorry for the newbie question, I'm still new to this.
Hi. Thanks for watching my videos. To answer your question, the flood setting is great for general illumination. It has a nice wide beam so lights up the cave evenly, reduces shadows and doesn't blind other cavers. The spot is great for looking at things more distant, say looking up an aven or down a pitch, or looking at formations high up in the ceiling. Having a light with both makes a great caving lamp. My Scurion has both settings and it's the main front light for my videos. It provides a good even light and not the circular spot you see on a lot a caving videos. The Fenix seems to be just as good. The only advantage of the Scurion is that it has a larger reflector. Keith
For some time I use this caving lamp very difficult and I have no problem. For the moment the reproach that I will do it is the autonomy a little feeble as soon as one puts the "lumens"! But it is a very good headlamp much better than lots of Petzl much more expensive and that lights much less! (Google translation...)
You are correct. It's not Cylinder Four, and I've no idea what it is. The video was edited on an older computer. I won't still have the video edit, but I might be able to find the music. Give me a few days and I will see what I can do. Sorry for the confusion, I usually very good at crediting the music I use - must have been a senior moment.
I'm not a caver nor a videographer of any note, but nonetheless I feel compelled to buy one of these (maybe it's the accent?). I may only use it to take the bins to the curb, but I bet the neighbors will think lifeflight has landed in the cul de sac. If so it will be totally worth it!
This lamp just shouts out to me "buy me", but I have paired already an HP55 with an HP50 (both can eat CR123, which is my 2nd backup after one 18650) and before my main lamp doesn't die, I don't really need the upgrade unless I start filming. With the name Fenix on it, this can take only some decades. ;) (Ok I heared about someone killed his HP55 but this one was tortured with some 5 m dives)
@@CaverKeith do you know of any similar head lamps such as zebra/Fenix that don’t auto dim? I find the constant auto dim irritating as I have to adjust to the changing light levels
As an HL55 user I do love it, its indestructible and the HM65R looks slightly more fragile with the light fitting on a pivot but I've never heard of any issues. I would say the HL55 is simpler and more indestructible (maybe at a push), the 65 has more options, a little bit more power but not a lot and is fancier, and there is a lot to be said for keeping things simple. I'm considering the upgrade to the 65 or the HM70R at the moment so I have my HL55 as a spare, but its served me happily for 4 years of caving exceedingly well with zero issues.
@@truetrueevil1 Even if it is belated, I thank you for your reply. After 11 months from my initial post I bought both a Fenix HL55 (Fasttech had it in stock but now they are out of stock) and various HL60Rs on offer on Amazon. I also bought a HL65R but in the special Finnish version (SuperRaptor) which has some important changes compared to the original one. Happy with all of them. Even though the HL55 and HL60R are older models from a few years ago they are solid and have respectable performance. For your upgrade I would recommend the Fenix HM70R seems the best choice. I don't like the original HM65R because it dims progressively (it has this function to save battery and increase the runtime) I prefer the HM65R Finnish special edition (SuperRaptor 1) because it is full stabilized, it has both LEDs of the same tint ( 5000 K) and has an additional light level of 600 lumens. The HL65R SuperRaptor 1 is still available in some shops but has been replaced by HM65R SuperRaptor 2 (based on HM65R-T with led SST40 instead of XM-L2) but this version according to what they told me has both Cool Withe led. In 2023 there will also be a special version HM70R "SuperRaptor" but at the moment nothing is known about the features. So far I have not bought the HM70R so far because it does not have a low level neither in the spot nor in the flood function (the minimum brightness level is 30 lumens in the spot function) Hopefully the 2023 HM70R Finnish version corrects this shortcoming. Except this the HM70R is a really good Headlamp.
@@stefanozebralight518 Thanks thats great info too! I haden't previously noticed the lack of a very low power setting in the HM70R, yet more complications. I know your post was well in the past but thought the info would be useful for anyone else passing the comments!
@@CaverKeith Good to hear. Has the adjustment mechanism worn out like one commenter suggest it would after a few months or is it still working well also?
The flood half is Natural white with a green tinge. Large half is white. Only the lamp is metal. The cowl that contains the lamp is plastic. To remove the head strap a pair of scissors is required and it's permanent. The run times are overstated by 30% because to run your battery below 30% will destroy your battery in short order. The up-and-down clicks that allow you to adjust the angle of your light will begin to give out and get very soft and bouncy within a few weeks. Not just 99% but 100% of all reviews on the Fenix website are five stars because if you write 4 star, and any criticism at all, they will not post it. There is no PDF published for this light. This light is a whopping $120 if you get an extra battery. It is USB C charging. Some parts of their site say that it is warranted forever against any defect in manufacturing and other aspects indicate its five years, period.
Thanks for your comment, Terry. In response: I can't say I've noticed the green tinge at all. All the important bits that are likely to be knocked are metal. You are quite correct about the removal of the top strap. I cannot comment about the run times but I've not had a problem yet with the battery running out of charge and I'm sure that the electronics will step the light output down to protect the battery from running too low. This happens will all of my other Fenix lights. I do not agree that lamp angle adjust is going to become an issue in the short term. I cannot comment about reviews on the Fenix website as I have no experience of this. The cost seems reasonable to me for a quality caving lamp. I paid many times this for my Scurion. There is a USB C charging port but you can also remove the 18650 and charge it outside the lamp. The warranty is 5 years which seems more than reasonable to me, especially when the lamp is likely to be used in such a harsh environment.
@@mikemalley1909 Exact tint is unknown due to inescapable small variances during manufacture according to Manker. I've settled on buying 3000k because I can live with up to 33 or so. Thanks.
for the high price tag,unfortunately ,they cannot maintain a constant 400Lum for the spec they claimed .Yes sure has many different mode . I would rather they can cut the turbo but keep a constant 300LUM for 1-3 hrs
@@CaverKeith I translated with google what I wanted to write. I am French and I am bad at English. So I do not know if everything has been translated correctly
Love Fenix lamps, been using them now for about 10 years and they just keep getting better and better!
I agree.
This video is the Gold Standard.
Thanks
Thanks for review, not a cave guy. Aircraft technicians use headlights all the time. This will be a nice upgrade from my current Fenix.
Thanks for the review Keith. Looks like a great headlamp, particularly the ease of use, minimal nooks and crannies for mud and dirt to get stuck in, and variable light output. Also love the one rechargable battery. A couple of things that could improve any caving light: 1. ability to switch to a red light, which is great for bats and the eyes of other cavers, 2. no top headstrap, which can get caught and pull the whole headlamp off. I'm using a basic camping headlamp that does the trick, but the search for the perfect headlamp goes on!
@Beau Garrett It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out :D
@Cannon Gavin You are welcome =)
I bought myself one of these from Starless River at the NAMHO conference. I've only used it once so far on a trip to a place that cannot be named but was pretty wet. I was quite pleased with it 👍
Hi Alex. I'm quite impressed with it too.
BTW Keep making your videos. I have subscribed.
Keith
@@CaverKeith Thanks! Yes, will do, I rather enjoy it.
This has video has been very thoughtfully put together and is very informative. Thank you very much.
I'll be taking my Super raptor into a big system soon. Thanks for showing
Brilliant review, thank you Keith
Thanks Richard. I've now got my hands on a HM70R which seems even better. I will be reviewing it shortly.
Another great video. Thanks Keith. I'm a new caver and now that I have a few caves under my belt I plan on investing in a good headlamp. I'm considering the HM65R but can you tell me the advantage of having a spotlight and floodlight both? sorry for the newbie question, I'm still new to this.
Hi. Thanks for watching my videos.
To answer your question, the flood setting is great for general illumination. It has a nice wide beam so lights up the cave evenly, reduces shadows and doesn't blind other cavers. The spot is great for looking at things more distant, say looking up an aven or down a pitch, or looking at formations high up in the ceiling. Having a light with both makes a great caving lamp. My Scurion has both settings and it's the main front light for my videos. It provides a good even light and not the circular spot you see on a lot a caving videos. The Fenix seems to be just as good. The only advantage of the Scurion is that it has a larger reflector.
Keith
For some time I use this caving lamp very difficult and I have no problem. For the moment the reproach that I will do it is the autonomy a little feeble as soon as one puts the "lumens"!
But it is a very good headlamp much better than lots of Petzl much more expensive and that lights much less! (Google translation...)
Good review. One question what was the music played during the end credits. It wasn't "Into The Wormhole". Thanks
Cylinder Four by Chris Zabriskie
Thanks for responding but does that sound like the much faster beat music that was at the end playing during the end credits?
@@CaverKeith
You are correct. It's not Cylinder Four, and I've no idea what it is. The video was edited on an older computer. I won't still have the video edit, but I might be able to find the music. Give me a few days and I will see what I can do. Sorry for the confusion, I usually very good at crediting the music I use - must have been a senior moment.
I've find it. It's Runner bu Silent Partner. You can find it in the RUclips Audio Library.
I did. Thanks. I bought the Fenix, by the way. Thanks for reviewing, it helped.
@@CaverKeith
I'm not a caver nor a videographer of any note, but nonetheless I feel compelled to buy one of these (maybe it's the accent?). I may only use it to take the bins to the curb, but I bet the neighbors will think lifeflight has landed in the cul de sac. If so it will be totally worth it!
I think you should. 😄
Luv my Nitecore hc65 headlamp 💪
This lamp just shouts out to me "buy me", but I have paired already an HP55 with an HP50 (both can eat CR123, which is my 2nd backup after one 18650) and before my main lamp doesn't die, I don't really need the upgrade unless I start filming. With the name Fenix on it, this can take only some decades. ;) (Ok I heared about someone killed his HP55 but this one was tortured with some 5 m dives)
Hi, does the HM65R sustain the highest setting or does it auto dim?
It auto-dims.
@@CaverKeith do you know of any similar head lamps such as zebra/Fenix that don’t auto dim? I find the constant auto dim irritating as I have to adjust to the changing light levels
None that I know of.
Great review Keith
Duos are cool with a LED conversion or better still Kaboom! for expeditions LOL.
hmmm this or Led Lenser mh11?
In caves are you better off with the HM65R or with the HL55/HL60R?
As an HL55 user I do love it, its indestructible and the HM65R looks slightly more fragile with the light fitting on a pivot but I've never heard of any issues.
I would say the HL55 is simpler and more indestructible (maybe at a push), the 65 has more options, a little bit more power but not a lot and is fancier, and there is a lot to be said for keeping things simple. I'm considering the upgrade to the 65 or the HM70R at the moment so I have my HL55 as a spare, but its served me happily for 4 years of caving exceedingly well with zero issues.
@@truetrueevil1 Even if it is belated, I thank you for your reply.
After 11 months from my initial post I bought both a Fenix HL55 (Fasttech had it in stock but now they are out of stock) and various HL60Rs on offer on Amazon.
I also bought a HL65R but in the special Finnish version (SuperRaptor) which has some important changes compared to the original one.
Happy with all of them. Even though the HL55 and HL60R are older models from a few years ago they are solid and have respectable performance.
For your upgrade I would recommend the Fenix HM70R seems the best choice.
I don't like the original HM65R because it dims progressively (it has this function to save battery and increase the runtime)
I prefer the HM65R Finnish special edition (SuperRaptor 1) because it is full stabilized, it has both LEDs of the same tint ( 5000 K) and has an additional light level of 600 lumens.
The HL65R SuperRaptor 1 is still available in some shops but has been replaced by HM65R SuperRaptor 2 (based on HM65R-T with led SST40 instead of XM-L2) but this version according to what they told me has both Cool Withe led.
In 2023 there will also be a special version HM70R "SuperRaptor" but at the moment nothing is known about the features.
So far I have not bought the HM70R so far because it does not have a low level neither in the spot nor in the flood function (the minimum brightness level is 30 lumens in the spot function)
Hopefully the 2023 HM70R Finnish version corrects this shortcoming. Except this the HM70R is a really good Headlamp.
@@stefanozebralight518 Thanks thats great info too! I haden't previously noticed the lack of a very low power setting in the HM70R, yet more complications.
I know your post was well in the past but thought the info would be useful for anyone else passing the comments!
Have you used this lamp anymore since the video? Still holding up well?
Hi Chris. I've used the lamp a lot but not underground. It is still giving an excellent light and good run times.
@@CaverKeith Good to hear. Has the adjustment mechanism worn out like one commenter suggest it would after a few months or is it still working well also?
@@chriswhitlaw2251 The adjustment mechanism is sill working perfectly.
@@CaverKeith Good to hear, I believe I'll pick one up in that case, try and put some time in with it underground.
Can you use headlamp while charging?
I believe you can but as you have to angle to headlamp down to access the USB port then it would not be very practical to do.
Can you also use 123 A ?
Sorry but I do not understand the question.
Great vid! I might suggest the company name would sound like Phoenix... Just saying
The flood half is Natural white with a green tinge. Large half is white. Only the lamp is metal. The cowl that contains the lamp is plastic. To remove the head strap a pair of scissors is required and it's permanent. The run times are overstated by 30% because to run your battery below 30% will destroy your battery in short order. The up-and-down clicks that allow you to adjust the angle of your light will begin to give out and get very soft and bouncy within a few weeks. Not just 99% but 100% of all reviews on the Fenix website are five stars because if you write 4 star, and any criticism at all, they will not post it. There is no PDF published for this light. This light is a whopping $120 if you get an extra battery. It is USB C charging. Some parts of their site say that it is warranted forever against any defect in manufacturing and other aspects indicate its five years, period.
Thanks for your comment, Terry. In response:
I can't say I've noticed the green tinge at all.
All the important bits that are likely to be knocked are metal.
You are quite correct about the removal of the top strap.
I cannot comment about the run times but I've not had a problem yet with the battery running out of charge and I'm sure that the electronics will step the light output down to protect the battery from running too low. This happens will all of my other Fenix lights.
I do not agree that lamp angle adjust is going to become an issue in the short term.
I cannot comment about reviews on the Fenix website as I have no experience of this.
The cost seems reasonable to me for a quality caving lamp. I paid many times this for my Scurion.
There is a USB C charging port but you can also remove the 18650 and charge it outside the lamp.
The warranty is 5 years which seems more than reasonable to me, especially when the lamp is likely to be used in such a harsh environment.
I'm sure the exact tint is a lottery, but I'm surprised Fenix chose LEDs with different color temperatures.
@@mikemalley1909 Exact tint is unknown due to inescapable small variances during manufacture according to Manker. I've settled on buying 3000k because I can live with up to 33 or so. Thanks.
for the high price tag,unfortunately ,they cannot maintain a constant 400Lum for the spec they claimed .Yes sure has many different mode . I would rather they can cut the turbo but keep a constant 300LUM for 1-3 hrs
'vescre bracis meis'... I caught that! :)
I assume you mean that you have translated it?
@@CaverKeith Indeed! Google Translate to be exact! :)
That's what we used to create it. 😃
@@CaverKeith I translated with google what I wanted to write. I am French and I am bad at English. So I do not know if everything has been translated correctly
@@scmne-speleo It came through just fine in English! Bravo!
Lasted 4 hours on spotlight mode instead of 22 hours crap not true runtime
It's £99.95
Thanks for adding this. I will add it to the description.