Fenix HM65R-T Review - After 1 Year of Use
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- Опубликовано: 5 июн 2024
- The HM65R-T is an updated version of the best selling HM65R headlamp from Fenix with improved performance and a new headband fit system, but in a slightly lighter weight package designed specifically for trail running. It's become my favourite new headlamp for my longer races and adventures, but it's also got a couple of drawbacks that I'll talk about in this video.
Shop for the Fenix HM65R-T here: geni.us/1PR5A2y
0:00 - Introductions
2:05 - Features & Specifications
6:45 - Comfort & Fit
8:50 - Customization vs Ease of Use
10:47 - Build Quality
10:58 - Overall Value
11:41 - Final Thoughts & Use Cases
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#trailrunning #trailrunningheadlamp #headlampreview 
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Shop for the Fenix HM65R-T here: geni.us/1PR5A2y
Hi I'm just wondering where to buy this as the website has no options to do so
Just ordered the Fenix HM65R-T - now I can finally blind all the night creatures with my newfound trail running skills!
Just ordered the Fenix HM65R-T based upon your excellent review along with others. Look forward to receiving it.
I’ve just bought HM65R by mistake and the things You said about the straps made me not go for exchange. Thanks a lot!
Oh eys. More reviews please! Top notch quality!
Great review! I have been using the HM65R-T for 6 months and love it. The battery life is amazing!
Just bought this on a whim, watched your video a few days later and put me at ease. If my wife loves it after it comes in the mail, I told her I would get her one for Valentine’s Day: If she wants the same or the non trail version I will make sure to use your link to purchase
Fenix and Nitecore area my go to... can't go wrong with those two brands! Got 6,000 lumens for my bike... lights up the night!! Glad to see you're on to these brands now.
most comprehensive, unbiased, and professional review I have seen yet on these headlamps...and even from my hometown-how cool! Thanks for this helpful review Jeff!
Precise to the point. Excellent presentation 👏
Hey Jeff, I know you kindly suggested I might not need to watch this review after my comments related to this headlamp within the nightcore review, but I couldn’t resist…. after having this fenix model for six months and having used it during a 50k, I agree with everything you said. Each observation you made mirrors my experience. I’ve ended up wearing a visor in between my head and the strap to help minimize bounce and that has helped. Other than that one dislike, I love the adjustment nob and the fact the strap has perforated holes to allow air to pass through. I find the strap to get way less heavy than a traditional elastic strap that soaks up a lot of sweat. The ease of use is wonderful. Again, great review and thanks
Fantastic review!! Thank you for time and effort for preparing it.
Great review, Jeff, definitely my go-to for the planned madness coming later this year. PIcked this up and the Flipbelt X5 waist belt light for the Leadville 100 (gulp). It does bounce a bit but with a beanie/buff, no issues; plan to put on a rubber grommet on the lamp casing, too, with some padding for x-tra comfort. Thing is as bright as a small sun.
Watched this video and the first impressions one at least 10 times each. Many thanks for this valuable piece of information - not just influencing and advertisement like many people on YT do but an honest and open minded presentation of your thoughts and the products strength and weaknesses. I decided to go for the HM65R-T as it seems to meet my hopefully future needs. Started with trailrunning in March after doing nothing for 20 years. Lost 50kg in the last 10 month (from 130kg couch potato to +-80kg guy who can run 10 miles). Training for my first trail half marathon and already planning ahead for further distances - just building up endurance, strength and core stability to get more mileage injury free. Back to the topic - tested the lamp yesterday with only a night walk for two hours - I am impressed and blown away by the performance! Overkill now but if all turns out well just the right piece of gear for me.
way to go on the weight loss!
Great, thorough review! My buddy bought one and loves it. I think I may pick one up too
I’ve been using the same head lamp for 100 and 200 mile races also.
Such a good review!
First time view to your channel , I subscribed .
I totally understand some of the comfort comments here, but for someone with a larger head this is the best fitting headtorch I have *ever* worn. I can't stand the overhead bands as they just get in the way. This replaces an 8 year old Fenix HP30 which needed a whole belt clip and a giant wire. So much easier to wear and run in! Weight really isn't an issue, maybe others have been spoiled by all the advances in the last 8 years of headtorch design 😁
Great review, thank you. Bought one from the local Australian distributor.
Nice! Looking forward to the next review. I am considering this one, and making my own "over the top of head" addition. Or just getting the Older version HM65R. I don't need it for more than a couple hours, but do need it to not bounce or fall off on really slippery technical steep downhills.
Buy it, it won't fall off your head, and you won't need the over strap. The band on the T model is about half again as wide as the one on the original model, this additional width helps support the light very well. Besides, if you feel it slipping or moving around just reach up and twist the knob a couple of clicks and it won't move then for sure, the quick, on the fly, adjustability of this strap is a game changer !
Based solely on your recommendation I bought this for overnight pacing duties at Fatdog this year and could not have been happier!
So glad to hear it!
I'm mechanic and I been used this head lamp for the last 14 -15 months... I'm more than happy... easy to use and bright.. yes I mean it's bright.. down side.. I can't take a head band out to wash..🤷... so I mean I'm very carefully to wash with the light..... I wish they can remodel it..
I use it for early morning starts when mountain climbing. I love it.
Sheee I ain't a runner but this looks like it would be great as an all rounder for just being able to do stuff when it's pitch black
Great review, thank you! What is your go to for 90 minute runs?
good review...I really liked the head strap, not too much shake for me with a hat on. The deal breaker for me was the stated lumens and duration were massively exaggerated...which most manufacturers are guilty of.
I wish they would give me one to keep. My dog chewed mine up. It still works but it will never go on a headband again. These lights are great when you need two hands free and during the winter outside. It's almost impossible to use the light outside in the summer. During the summer every bug in the woods will be flying to your face. During the summer a handheld is more desirable. At some point the headband is going to be dirty and need washing. I've never met anyone that was able to remove the headlamp for washing. Otherwise it's a great headlamp.
The only scenario I can imagine anyone would have issues with this light bouncing is if your running. In which case any 18650 based light will probably bounce. I've owned the HM65R, and the HM65R-T. The newer T model with the adjustable strap is a literal Godsend ! The strap itself is approximately half again wider than the original, and I would like to see someone break or somehow foul the adjustment mechanism because I've put mine through more crazy situations than I could imagine anyone else doing as I use mine for work, daily, in all kinds of inhospitable environments and in contact with many different chemicals and hydrocarbons. The only problem I've found with these lights is the buttons. The buttons are the main failure point as both of mine have developed problems with the buttons working. The main issue is the brow that protrudes over the buttons, it cause you to come at the buttons at an angle, which in time destroys the rubber components of the buttons. Other than the button issue, they are virtually indestructible. I have dropped mine (both) many times, from heights above 15 feet, several times, with the only visible damage being chipped paint (which is no easy feat either !
As far as I've seen, and through the many headlights I've used, these seem to be the best available for the price, and they perform far better than many much more expensive ones. I've owned three Petzl lights too, so don't come at me with that waste of money !
I have to add that I got approximately 2 years of daily, 8 hr minimum use from each, before either developed problems with the buttons, I physically wore the original band out (the elastic) and replaced it on both well before the buttons started giving me issues ! Thats a lot more than most will ever use one of these lights. If you purchase one of these, I advise you to immediately cut the little brow that covers the buttons off, and the light might last you forever !
I got this last year after watching your video. My only complaints are not having a red light and the weight. I actually use the medium floodlight most of the time. The warmth of that light works really well for not washing out leaves and rocks that are very prevalent on East coast trails.
Despite the red light missing, if they made a new version that was 20+grams lighter without compromising battery or output, I'd buy it. I think I'll be sticking with this for a long time and then just have a lighter one with red light for hiking.
Check the latest HM60R with a red light. However less than 20g heavier..
I haven't purchased this light yet in hopes they'll release an updated version with a red light. Here's hoping..
Is it meant to have a read light ?also where did u buy it and for what price
HM65R Shadow master with Red light and better stabilizator od power.
I want your Fenix HM60R review.But I might buy it already
I added a rectangle of self adhesive neoprene pad to the back of the surface that meets the forehead. Before doing this I didn't like the lamp as it bobbed up and down too much and slipped. Now I use it with a buff and the pad.
I use a Ledlenser H15R for long night walks...and had the H14R.2 before that. No good for running as it weighs too much. Good video. I probably would not consider this. I'm looking for red light also. Good at night camping.
Some more features why I personally chose this headlamp:
- It can be switched on and charged at the same time (unlike petzl)
- the batteries are actually standardized cells, which means you can get spare batteries from third manufacturers for 10-15€ and as far as I know Fenix does not void your warranty for it if you get the correct ones
- the holes on the backplate allow for attachment of different (self-made) straps. I directly attached it to my bike helmet this way, but you could definitely add an overhead strap with a bit of creativity.
Hello ! I'm looking for a good headlamp for bikepacking and I think I find it ! Is it possible to remove the strap without cutting it ? :)
@@grimnismal8377 Unfortunately not. At least I cannot think of a way to do it on mine.
That being said, if you do tie Backplate to your Helmet vents, you will probably find a spot where the Headband can at least be on your helmet in a non annoying way.
It is indeed a bit annoying, because they mounted the "BOA"-dial in a non servicable way. Had they made it so you could take the dial apart, you could have removed the whole strap.
One thing before you go ahead and cut the actual headband, I'd rather cut the cord from the retention system right where it loops through the headband as you could tie it back together with a little knot and be able to reuse the original strap.
I hope this answer actually helped you and wasn't just confusing.
@@lukaserlt5824 Thanks for the reply. I just saw on their website that is impossible to remove or change de headband :/ Too bad this is the only bad point I see to this product !
I have used this headlamp for running 100k and 100 miles ultras. Best headlamp ever for me. The "boa sistem" just broke after 2 years. I took off the boa and put velcro and I had two benefits from this work: 1 - I got rid of 9 grams from the boa and 2 - there is no longer the feeling when you tighten the "boa", for a few seconds it tightens your head like in a vise and your eyes pop out until the tension in the elastic band is properly dissipated @Jeff Pelletier
i think id just use a regular type headband on this.
I never understood why they put boa system in a first place due to extra weight, extra difficulty folding it in tight space and difficulty fitting on a helmet due to strings. It is annoying that at that high price customer has to pay again to get different band
Have you heard of a car or bike? 100 miles is a long ways even if you are jogging or fast walking.
As a proud owner of the HM65R, Nitecore has properly entered the fold. Checkout the NU43. A true competitor to the Fenix but with a red-light!
That does look like a great headlamp! Hoping to get my hands on it to test out.
@@JeffPelletier Aside from the red-light, it beats the Fenix in its hinge design. The center of gravity stays close to your forehead when pointed down. Its more floody, which is good when trail running but for distance, the Fenix wins hands down. I look forward to your review tho.
Agreed and the nitecore is so much lighter!
I'm worried the proximity sensor will activate with breath in winter, no sure if that's true. And is the 18650 removable, on the nitecore
@@CrabbyPattydelight not aware of a sensor in the NU43. Those adaptive sensors like on the petzl nao are annoying. The battery is different to the fenix but is removable and works well - I have two batteries
Thanks for the review (and the disclosure!). You mentioned lighter, training (not race) headlamps is there a video coming or can you make a couple of recommendations here? Thanks!
I’ve been meaning to get those done here, but in the meantime I’d recommend checking out the Fenix HL18R-T as a lighter weight option.
That's great, thanks!
Excellent reviews, big thanks. Question: will the trail running version fit comfortably under a bike helmet (or does the adjustment dial or lamp snag ?).
I’d have to try it, but I’m guessing it would snag as you say. Best would be to attach it overtop if it fits. It does fit on my ski helmet!
The LEDLenser NEO10R / MH10 (these are the same lamp with a different strap configuration) are in a similar all night class and use the same battery. It has a single Cree LED with a peak 600 lumens and a very simple and elegant twist to focus lens to control spot vs flood. There is a physical battery disconnect. It’s about160g and very rugged.
Worth a look.
Hi, Jeff! What are your considerations about chest or belt lights instead of using a headlamp? Any major drawbacks for ultrarunning specifically? Thanks for the video!
To be honest, I’ve yet to try a belt light but I have been meaning to. I think there’d be huge value in combining a second beam from a lower angle to help cut shadows.
@@JeffPelletier whats the best belt light? for ultra running??
I can say I have only good experience with this headlamp.
My favorite combination is first spotlight + 2nd floodlight.
For technical downhill I usually add power to the wide angle light.
I'm uphill I save battery and keep only 2nd floodlight
High power is useful when I seek the route
Really wish this had a red light. I like to switch when I hit aid stations so I don’t blind everyone.
Hi Jeff. Totally love your content ...I have an aim to do the Grand canyon trail you did in a few years as I will have to build up to run that full trail ... Hey I was wondering what your thoughts on the new fence DT lamp you used for Moab 240 ? Is it worth the upgrade ? I'm buying my first proper trail lamp and they have a really good price on the older rt model at $139 NZ ... I could get the DT for $167 NZ from Amazon ... I was thinking the DT with the warm lamp is worth the extra cost right ?
I’d say it’s worth the extra. It’s a really nice feature.
which headlamp is best for running mainly on dark road and then htrough a few miles pitch black trail ...runs lasting about 90 minutes
I love the battery life on this thing and it's even better that I can bring extra charged batteries in case the ones in the lamp run out/
Just received mine today & the clasp is situated to the right side of the head which just doesn’t work for me, the clasp being on the left side on my older Fenix worked perfectly for me, does anybody know if this is a design change?
Yes
I could not concur more with m'Learn'd colleagues opinions more here.
He is absolutely correct when says forget headline eye catching full power figures...they're BS.
This is the thing if you're in the market and struggling for perspective. he say's...where it runs at is what I need, 400/ 500 is the sweet spot.
Bright and will run like that for meaningful time. Full power is only useful for picking out detail...a gap in a fence or hedge, a sign post, rocks etc. It won't stay there very long.
That is what you seek people.
Great review. I’m torn between the fenix hm65r or get the fenix hm65r-dt. I know the difference is floodlight and the duel spotlights. Thoughts?
For me, the new HM65R-DT is more practical because I find I pretty well always use a spotlight anyway.
Appreciate the response! I have other headlamps i can use with a flood if needed depending on the trail.
Hi, would you recommend this lamp to face the Tor des Geants? I was undecided with the hm65r 1.400 lumen because it has the upper belt. Given your experience which one do you recommend? Thank you 👋🏻
I definitely would use this for TOR, yes. Just be sure to buy a couple of extra batteries!
@@JeffPelletier Thanks for the valuable advice. Congratulations on your Tor des Geants movie, in my opinion it's the best on RUclips 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks, and best of luck with your race!
Thank you for recommending this lamp to me. I use it throughout the TOR I could do all night with 1 battery. Fantastic
Hi. Debating between the fenix hm65r-t and the Swift RL. Recommendations?
Same...what did you decide
@@cassijoanna I got both hahahah
Regarding the battery.. I can’t seem to find them easily. Just get AA batteries that I understand are smaller and lower voltage. Isn’t this big pain for kit lists that require a spare battery, not just a spare head lamp? Thanks great review as usual.
You can order spare batteries from most suppliers - I use one from Nitecore. But they’re definitely going to be harder to find in a hurry.
Is Med 400 Lm spot a steady output for 12 hrs or it dims after certain hrs?
It's likely that it dims, at least slightly, after a few hours of continuous use as heat builds. It depends if you're using it constantly that whole time or if it has a chance to cool down at any point.
Can I just put the strap from the hm65r on this one?
Ledlenser headlamps in the same price range may be better in terms of lumens and runtime. That's definitely the case in India at least, as far as I can see, because Fenix and Nitecore etc. are at least 20% costlier here due taxes, but Ledlenser has managed to maintain parity between prices here and in other countries.
Look up Ledlenser for us?
I’ll try to check them out!
@@JeffPelletier thank you very much. Just a note, I think their claimed test results are what they are because of the patent lenses that they design for their products, as opposed to any reflectors that one may see in Fenix and Nitecore flashlights at least. So, that's refraction versus reflection, I think. Even their lantern like the ML6 doesn't use a traditional diffuser, instead it refracts light that shines down on its lens from the top. I find that interesting. I would love to hear your comments from this perspective as well.
What headlamp do you recommend for shorter runs at night?
Hey Steven, I've got a couple more reviews (finally) coming very soon for two headlamps that I'd recommend for shorter runs: Fenix HL18R-T and the Nitecore UT27 (the Fenix is my go-to)
@@JeffPelletier Thanks. The HL is sold out currently but I'll keep an eye out for it. Looking forward to your new reviews.
You may be the only other person I know who uses the phrase, "use cases" in casual conversation. The curse of being a software developer.
😂
Is it possible to adapt it somehow to fix it on a bike handlebar?
I'm sure it would be possible, but I feel like it might bounce around or vibrate too much. Is there a reason you wouldn't just want to wear it on your head while riding?
@jeffpelletier the HM65R seems to have much better battery life. Is there a reason to go with the T for what seems like the same weight?
T version has brighter settings and less ( but still long) burntime.
Normal version has less light (power output) therefore longer runtime.
For [at least technical] trailrunning I think as much light as possible to be able to move quick and secure is desired.
You just have to deside for yourself your needs and priorities.
11:21 But that defeats the argument about the fast USB-C charging entirely!? Isn't that port on the battery just a micro-USB port? Thanks for the review;)
If charging the battery directly, then yes it will be at slower USB-A speeds. You need to charge within the headlamp or use the separate single/dual charger for fast charging.
So there are no one headlamp that the lumens dont fall? there are no one that go with full brightness until the bateries die?
Cuz i wanna know if there are one in the marker, please if you know, thx.
I don’t believe that a high powered headlamp exists where the lumens don’t gradually fall.
@@JeffPelletier understand thx
@@JeffPelletier i see that this one that i use in the bicile dont fall the lummes with the time "BV 300 Lumen Rechargeable Bike LED Headlight Set, IP44 Water Resistant BV-L819" you know one head light that do that? ore some one know?
Fenix is the best trail running lamp going. I dont understand why they dont advertise / sponsor runners more.
how can i replace a band..
I don’t understand why you don’t show the beams. Especially the floodlight as that’s what are most interested in
I’ve tried it for other reviews, but it can be really hard to ‘film’ a light beam, especially a flood light. It doesn’t tend to look like much on camera. Filming against a wall doesn’t exactly replicate what it would be like in real life while running on a trail. I’ll try to work on it though!
WARNING!
Amazing headlamp for features, runtime etc
But, I 'think' that this caused a couple of very small holes in the netting of my Adv Skin 12.
I only put this item or sometimes my waterproof trousers in the rear left pocket and after a few months of heavy headtorch use over Winter I have found a couple of holes.
I cant say for certain it was the Fenix but it was really the only abrasive item in that location.
I've now got the brand new 12 skin and will put the torch in my dry bag when finished.
I think the mesh is best used for anything that doesnt have any rough edges.
I have to say though that the torch is outstanding!!
This was my mistake but thought it may be helpful for others
The strap is too small to go around my head, even with it adjusted out all the way. I was looking forward to the incremental adjustment wheel, but it is maxed out and I need it to do the other way, not tighten. Even with thin hat on it will give me a headache. In the winter, when I need it the most, I wear a thicker hat or even two hats and there is no way it is big enough then.
I just want to know how to remove the band without breaking anything so I can wash it!
That part frustrates me as well. I just hand wash it in the sink occasionally.
Hardcore.
for me the worst thing about this headlamp is the fact that the strap cant be enlarged enoug to equip it on a bicycle helmet. also it cant be detached. i hate that rotary system. other then that the flashlight is a gem. to be honest, its rated as a trail headlamp so its no need to be equipped on a helmet or detached to be equipped on a helmet.
There is a fixation for helmets ...
@@maliknejmi1362 no, its not, i asked Fenix support. what i did: I cut the frame (its plastic, not metal, but i was prepared with a Knipex tool). 2 cuts, one on each side, so the band can be detached.
@@randomescu ok i understand!! but there is a plastic fixation for helmets anyway
@@maliknejmi1362 yes, but not for this model. i asked Fenix support, i told you. think about it, this headlamp isnt even detachable if you dont break it! you cut the strap or cut the plastic border in order to detach it. obviously, not a way intended by Fenix. thats why there is Not a helmet mount for this model!
@@randomescu hi again, i have looked about, you're right. Only the Fenix HM65R Superraptor 2 is detachable.
Im thinking of getting one to hunt possums
In that case, I'd recommend the regular HM65R (not the -T version) since it has the additional overhead strap.
Never put the battery in backwards!!
Fenix（菲尼克斯）隸屬深圳市朗恆電子有限公司。
No red light.. no thanks!!
the fit is absolutely terrible. unless you are frankenstein..