I’m also a full time RVer & this is the absolute Cadillac of headlamps! I’ve had mine for about a year. It’s incredibly powerful for a headlamp, but also adjusts down nicely for task lighting duty. And the battery life is phenomenal. Although I’d say it’s a bit too heavy to wear jogging. But for everything else it’s plenty secure.
Hello! A nice review, as always - I regularly watch this channel for a couple of years. For those who consider getting a reliable and powerful Fenix flashlight with red light mode - there is a model HM65R Shadow Master - the smaller bulb is used for the red light (so there is a trade-off - you get the red light instead of “close” white light) and it has a dark headband, these are the main differences from the basic model. Fenix produces this model for law-enforcement and military units in some countries like UK and Finland (in Finland they call it HM65R Sarma TST). There are several positive reviews on RUclips. I’ve got mine from Amazon UK and it is my primary flashlight for outdoors, very impressed with it. Best regards from Russia!
One of the best headlamps out there. Hopefully you got the newer version that has a larger strap. Mine was tight fitting with a winter hat and my only con. They told me they were modifying it. Great review.
Best headlamps, best quality and warranties, fantastic customer service! Highly recommend this headlamp specifically. I do HVAC in CO, perfect for all conditions and all types of jobs. It lasts me all day. Fits on my beanie PERFECTLY with my smaller head. Versatile as hell too yall. This is THE LAST headlamp everyone needs. Just pay attention to the lamp light levels, the second lowest setting is so bright but lasts through a my jobs. Wish there was a red light. Otherwise it's almost the perfect headlamp.
Ive had the 65R for awhile. Use it for climbing & backpacking. It gives me all I could ask for from a headlamp. Have the cold weather batteries for it as well(2900mah.) I don't know how to feel about the BOA system. I have it on my G2 SMs but not sure what the need is for it on a headlamp.
This is a beast of a headlamp, however, I opted for the Black Diamond Storm 400. I scored one around 40% below RRP which is a steal. While I'm impressed with the lumen output to battery life ratio of the Fenix, the Black Diamonds 400 lumens is more than enough for my primary application of camping and fishing. It's relatively light at 120g (including batteries) and quite comfortable to wear. Its also got your red, green and blue lights and very easy to use touch dimmer on the side that effortlessly works with thick gloves. I feel people obsess too much over lumen output when it comes to finding a great flashlight or headlamp and they overlook some great products because they aren't 'powerful' enough.
Fenix is a brand that give to their products more than their specs tell. And that statement is laboratory proven. I began connecting with their products 3,5 years ago after the amazing PD36R. Still new after every night use on the hard operating field and conditions. And after a lot of products for sure, a happy owner is the best advertisement. Great video as always bro, keep on strong!!
@@morganweast4228 They're makers of outdoor boots - primarily for fishing, outdoor, workwear, etc. They use the BOA system to replace the laces on some of their boots making it super helpful for fishing.
Looks like a decent headlamp. I would opt for a less complicated band tightening method. To me keep it simple and have less parts that can break or get mucked up. My go to has always been Olight. As a comparison, the Array headlamp has in addition a red light setting and the settings can be changed with the wave of an arm. Price is about $80. It does have a smaller battery and is slightly less powerful. The Perun Mini is my favorite. It can be easily detached from the head band and used as a regular flashlight. Has a magnetic charger and base. Good review.
I think it's the easiest I've used. Most secure especially with a smaller head lol. The band lasted me a year, just got mine replaced this week for free under warranty. No issues so far 😊
Best headlamp ever….so good I bought two and the others are hanging (empty) for loaners. I’m not going to loan this one!!!! Can’t go wrong with Fenix 💥
I bought one for night fishing, the only point is the head strap, very tight, I had to adjust it by putting it on a pillow for a few to stretch the elastic, now it's perfect on my head.
Totally agree that on paper this is an ALMOST perfect headlamp. Are there any modifications you could envision performing to give this lamp red light capabilities? I've thought about the possibility of taking a red sharpie marker to the flood light, but idk how functional that would be...
hi. there are bycicle red lights mountable on helmet or any strap like Elops Clip100 or ST500. i own a few, i would put one on the back side of the strap to be seen from behind. can be removed and use in front too.
Nice review 👍 thanks for your hard work in reviewing this Fenix headlamp. I believe you are correct about the red light! I personally use a Fenix HL23 which has been discontinued. Been waiting for a better head lamp from Fenix and I think this one will fit the bill. Keep safe out in the yonder and best wishes for you and your family!
Great video Bro. Great product. I wish Fenix and other companies made head lamps that can not use the head band. But instead, attach to a single bar molle. To be used on a shoulder strap of a sling pack, chest rig, helmet, etc. Would make it easier with a dog leash in one hand and your cellphone in the other.
It's a great headlamp. I bought one after Ben's video from Living Survival. You've helped me make some excellent gear choices over the years. Many thanks brother. Question, I'm looking at the Vanquest Markhor 45. Is there another pack other than the Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 in this size range that stands out ? I'm not familiar with Vanquest since I'm in Canada and it will cost me around 385.00. Mystery Ranch is far more available and reasonably priced here. Thanks Aaron.
9:27 "*The High output is measured in total of runtime including output at reduced levels due to temperature or protection mechanism in the design." PFFF...Sofirn SP 40 is about the same output ,can run on turbo 1200 lumens full stop and costs around 30$.
Half the brightness not good for trail running. Stick with the brighter light. The auto dim feature means you will be running with only about 100 lumens
@@thepatternforms859 Ive had the 65R for awhile. Use it for climbing & backpacking. Never had an issue with stepdown. You will have no need to to run it on max power unless you are spotting deer.
i been used it for a year, the Botton broke, suck.. the band getting dirty can not remove 🤷.. cuz i fixed car... get dirty at few week.. the band is big issue can not remove.. wash it with the light few time and the band feel loose ... but i can say light work great, comfortable to wear and easy to use , so what i'm gonna do with 4 batt and a charger 🙄... so i can't waste it then i have to buy another one.. come on fenix .. such
Sometimes I feel like headlights are trying to do too much. Maybe I'm in the minority but I prefer having a simple headlight paired with a feature rich flashlight. I don't need 1300 lumens out of my headlight. Great review as always!
G'day mate, fair enough, makes sense. Personally I take the approach that if the flashlight is lost or fails you essentially have another on your head and common batteries even better. Cheers Duke.
Thanks for the review.. in my opinion I think Fenix is overrated and very expensive I have found very good headlamps that have 3,000 or more lumens around $40
Meh, headlamps might be good for mining or cave exploring; but out in a field or the woods, The ones that are bright enough die too quickly and the ones that last long enough you can barely see anything past 10 feet directly in front of you. I have a smallish lantern that is tied to the outside of my bag, Can't be hung from my pack waist strap as well and it's what I will use when I am walking in the dark if I have to. Most nights I don't end up cooking until dark anyway so cooking by lantern is significantly easier than cooking by headlamp.
IDK if I agree with your statement. A headlamp is perfect for hands-free work. I use mine all the time (nice Feit from Costco) while camping or making a fire at night. Keeps both hands free to find/transport/process wood and even tend to the fire. Same is true while cooking outside or reading a map. Also, always use my headlamp when firing up the generator during a power outage. I keep several low cost ones in my truck/trail bags as well.
@@papimaximus95 thank goodness lanterns can be set on the ground or hung at camp. Noone needs to be hands free when walking unless you are doing something dumb. My current lantern gets 2 months out of a single battery. And that's lighting up the whole camp and my tent at night all night every night. The fact that you keep multiple of them speaks to their build quality as well.
@@kejadventures241 "Gathering your firewood after dark falls under the something dumb category." Kids I camp with LOVE to go into the woods at night. But hey, you are clearly correct that headlamps are only good for "mining or cave exploring". I now see the light...get it...bet you are fun at parties.
Far from being 'boring' I'd have thought the stats and performance of the torch the most important things to talk about, not what it looks like or what non-essential little gadgets and features it's got.
@iPac9mm you don’t have to like this channel or my style or how and what I review. That’s totally cool. And the last 30 videos that have gone up 21 of them I spent my own money on to buy the gear and create the content. Yes from time to time I get a free product. That doesn’t mean I don’t hold back or Point out pros & cons. Just like in this video where I said it is expensive and a lot of people probably don’t need this powerful or fully optioned headlamp and I did point out the lack of a red light that would’ve really helped out a lot. So go throw your shade somewhere else.
@iPac9mm 😂🤣 right and what was I doing in last weeks Esee Churp video, or the Gerber Sumo, OR Ferrosi anorak, and Leatherman ratchet videos from a few weeks ago?
Meh, ....... the thing about these YT videos and the reviewers doing them is - Every single person on YT these days has an ulterior motive. They need content and they need views. I just bought mine from MEC and it arrived on Thurs - Dec 1. It cost me $143.95 so NOW I can say whatever the hell I want about it for two very good reasons. 1. they didn't give it to me so I don't owe them shit and 2. I don't need to drone on and on about something so simple as a headlamp to generate content to make money. YT'ers have to hit that magic 10 min mark for the video to count for them, so you get folks like this droning on about the "features" it’s silly. Granted this is an OK video but stop trying to stretch it out because we can tell. You covered the bits of the light OK but you should have shown us how to unlock and lock it - its a bit odd. Lastly the B roll of your head bobbing around is useless, stand the hell still and put up a graphic showing WHAT setting the bloody headlamp was at and let us see it for more than 2 seconds without swinging around like a bobble doll. And your disclaimer like everyone’s on YT is weak - state it more than once so we know they gave it to you and besides because they did, we already know you’re going to give it a glorious review - same as everyone else does who get them for free. 😊 If you’re really in to the outdoors as opposed to a RV camper guy then you’ll know why they cost $143 bucks in Canada as opposed to a Petzel Tikkina that go for $20 bucks at MEC. Kudo’s to the secret algorithm’s and the spy company Google that tracks everything I buy that then recommended me to this review episode on you tube creepy huh? Do a review on that!
I’m also a full time RVer & this is the absolute Cadillac of headlamps! I’ve had mine for about a year. It’s incredibly powerful for a headlamp, but also adjusts down nicely for task lighting duty. And the battery life is phenomenal. Although I’d say it’s a bit too heavy to wear jogging. But for everything else it’s plenty secure.
Nice glad you enjoy it, and have had similar success.
Hello! A nice review, as always - I regularly watch this channel for a couple of years. For those who consider getting a reliable and powerful Fenix flashlight with red light mode - there is a model HM65R Shadow Master - the smaller bulb is used for the red light (so there is a trade-off - you get the red light instead of “close” white light) and it has a dark headband, these are the main differences from the basic model. Fenix produces this model for law-enforcement and military units in some countries like UK and Finland (in Finland they call it HM65R Sarma TST). There are several positive reviews on RUclips. I’ve got mine from Amazon UK and it is my primary flashlight for outdoors, very impressed with it. Best regards from Russia!
No red light is a deal-killer for me. You mentioned the bugs, plus it's nice to be able to read or move around in the tent without disturbing people.
Very true! I would argue this would be perceived if it had that feature
One of the best headlamps out there. Hopefully you got the newer version that has a larger strap. Mine was tight fitting with a winter hat and my only con. They told me they were modifying it. Great review.
Thanks bro!! Yes it seems to have enough slack for a beanie or cap 🧢 if it had a red light it would be perfection 👍. Be blessed my friend.
@@gideonstactical I got a headlamp coming up that is right up there with red light but has a few cons as well. Seems we can’t get to perfection yet.
Best headlamps, best quality and warranties, fantastic customer service! Highly recommend this headlamp specifically. I do HVAC in CO, perfect for all conditions and all types of jobs. It lasts me all day. Fits on my beanie PERFECTLY with my smaller head. Versatile as hell too yall. This is THE LAST headlamp everyone needs. Just pay attention to the lamp light levels, the second lowest setting is so bright but lasts through a my jobs. Wish there was a red light. Otherwise it's almost the perfect headlamp.
Got me one of these roughly 2 months. No regrets. The unicorn of headlamps. The best I ever owned.
Ive had the 65R for awhile. Use it for climbing & backpacking.
It gives me all I could ask for from a headlamp.
Have the cold weather batteries for it as well(2900mah.)
I don't know how to feel about the BOA system. I have it on my G2 SMs but not sure what the need is for it on a headlamp.
Looks like a great light for our cabin in the mountains...Thanks for another informative video.
This is a beast of a headlamp, however, I opted for the Black Diamond Storm 400. I scored one around 40% below RRP which is a steal. While I'm impressed with the lumen output to battery life ratio of the Fenix, the Black Diamonds 400 lumens is more than enough for my primary application of camping and fishing. It's relatively light at 120g (including batteries) and quite comfortable to wear.
Its also got your red, green and blue lights and very easy to use touch dimmer on the side that effortlessly works with thick gloves.
I feel people obsess too much over lumen output when it comes to finding a great flashlight or headlamp and they overlook some great products because they aren't 'powerful' enough.
Fenix is a brand that give to their products more than their specs tell. And that statement is laboratory proven. I began connecting with their products 3,5 years ago after the amazing PD36R. Still new after every night use on the hard operating field and conditions. And after a lot of products for sure, a happy owner is the best advertisement. Great video as always bro, keep on strong!!
Familiar with the BOA system from our korkers but didn't expect to see them implemented on a headlamp strap. Great review & thanks for sharing!
Ok I give up. What's a korkers?
@@morganweast4228 They're makers of outdoor boots - primarily for fishing, outdoor, workwear, etc. They use the BOA system to replace the laces on some of their boots making it super helpful for fishing.
Thank you.
Looks like a decent headlamp. I would opt for a less complicated band tightening method. To me keep it simple and have less parts that can break or get mucked up. My go to has always been Olight. As a comparison, the Array headlamp has in addition a red light setting and the settings can be changed with the wave of an arm. Price is about $80. It does have a smaller battery and is slightly less powerful. The Perun Mini is my favorite. It can be easily detached from the head band and used as a regular flashlight. Has a magnetic charger and base. Good review.
I think it's the easiest I've used. Most secure especially with a smaller head lol. The band lasted me a year, just got mine replaced this week for free under warranty. No issues so far 😊
Finally a headlamp with a headband that is easily adjusted and looks like it will stay put.
Best headlamp ever….so good I bought two and the others are hanging (empty) for loaners. I’m not going to loan this one!!!! Can’t go wrong with Fenix 💥
I prefer having the option for a red light, i.e. one that cab clip on. I dont always want or need that extra weight and I wouldnt want a wire.
I bought one for night fishing, the only point is the head strap, very tight, I had to adjust it by putting it on a pillow for a few to stretch the elastic, now it's perfect on my head.
Totally agree that on paper this is an ALMOST perfect headlamp. Are there any modifications you could envision performing to give this lamp red light capabilities? I've thought about the possibility of taking a red sharpie marker to the flood light, but idk how functional that would be...
hi. there are bycicle red lights mountable on helmet or any strap like Elops Clip100 or ST500. i own a few, i would put one on the back side of the strap to be seen from behind. can be removed and use in front too.
Just ordered mine bc my old fenix broke. Can't wait for this awesome headlight! 😁 🤩
Nice review 👍 thanks for your hard work in reviewing this Fenix headlamp. I believe you are correct about the red light! I personally use a Fenix HL23 which has been discontinued. Been waiting for a better head lamp from Fenix and I think this one will fit the bill. Keep safe out in the yonder and best wishes for you and your family!
Great video Bro. Great product. I wish Fenix and other companies made head lamps that can not use the head band. But instead, attach to a single bar molle. To be used on a shoulder strap of a sling pack, chest rig, helmet, etc. Would make it easier with a dog leash in one hand and your cellphone in the other.
That would be helpful for sure!
They have two different headlamps that can be used independently of the head strap on their site. Both also offer red light modes
Looks like a pretty sweet lamp set up.
How is the light for night time running. Will it slide off your head from all the bouncing
It's a great headlamp. I bought one after Ben's video from Living Survival. You've helped me make some excellent gear choices over the years. Many thanks brother. Question, I'm looking at the Vanquest Markhor 45. Is there another pack other than the Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 in this size range that stands out ? I'm not familiar with Vanquest since I'm in Canada and it will cost me around 385.00. Mystery Ranch is far more available and reasonably priced here. Thanks Aaron.
Bother are great, I would say the mystery and for price and availability will be great
Excellent comprehensive review thanks and thanks
If Fenix is on the bounce. They'll make a red defuser.
Great informative review. Thanks!
Does it bounce when you run?
Really the "good one". 👍
How long does it last at 1500 lm (with both leds on at max)?
Does this auto adj or dim to save battery?
The run times you said are not what is on the chart in flood mode can you cnfirm this.
These straps will not fit around any helmet. I have mine on now with just a normal hat. Hardly any more room for expansion. It has a limited range.
Interesting
9:27 "*The High output is measured in total of runtime including output at reduced levels due to temperature or protection mechanism in the design." PFFF...Sofirn SP 40 is about the same output ,can run on turbo 1200 lumens full stop and costs around 30$.
Pos
I was deciding between this and the HM65R. I ended up going with the HM65R cause it has like double the run times for some reason?
It has better run times because it has automatic stepdown. It turns the brightness down after a few minutes..
Half the brightness not good for trail running. Stick with the brighter light. The auto dim feature means you will be running with only about 100 lumens
@@thepatternforms859 Ive had the 65R for awhile. Use it for climbing & backpacking.
Never had an issue with stepdown. You will have no need to to run it on max power unless you are spotting deer.
@@rivercitymetaldetecting9854 i got the light and LOVE it
@@thepatternforms859 it is a phenomenal unit.
i been used it for a year, the Botton broke, suck.. the band getting dirty can not remove 🤷.. cuz i fixed car... get dirty at few week.. the band is big issue can not remove.. wash it with the light few time and the band feel loose ... but i can say light work great, comfortable to wear and easy to use , so what i'm gonna do with 4 batt and a charger 🙄... so i can't waste it then i have to buy another one.. come on fenix .. such
See if they will get u a new own they are pretty good with that?
What's the charge time?
Not long, I think 2-3 hours
G'day Phillip, quoted @ 3 hrs. Cheers Duke
Sometimes I feel like headlights are trying to do too much. Maybe I'm in the minority but I prefer having a simple headlight paired with a feature rich flashlight. I don't need 1300 lumens out of my headlight. Great review as always!
G'day mate, fair enough, makes sense. Personally I take the approach that if the flashlight is lost or fails you essentially have another on your head and common batteries even better. Cheers Duke.
👍
Thanks for the review.. in my opinion I think Fenix is overrated and very expensive I have found very good headlamps that have 3,000 or more lumens around $40
Really who makes it and were have you found them.
@@gideonstactical
Alyattes 12,000 lumens off of Amazon
Pieces of junk with fake numbers you mean?
Too damn pricey for RV
Meh, headlamps might be good for mining or cave exploring; but out in a field or the woods, The ones that are bright enough die too quickly and the ones that last long enough you can barely see anything past 10 feet directly in front of you. I have a smallish lantern that is tied to the outside of my bag, Can't be hung from my pack waist strap as well and it's what I will use when I am walking in the dark if I have to. Most nights I don't end up cooking until dark anyway so cooking by lantern is significantly easier than cooking by headlamp.
IDK if I agree with your statement. A headlamp is perfect for hands-free work. I use mine all the time (nice Feit from Costco) while camping or making a fire at night. Keeps both hands free to find/transport/process wood and even tend to the fire. Same is true while cooking outside or reading a map. Also, always use my headlamp when firing up the generator during a power outage. I keep several low cost ones in my truck/trail bags as well.
@@papimaximus95 thank goodness lanterns can be set on the ground or hung at camp. Noone needs to be hands free when walking unless you are doing something dumb. My current lantern gets 2 months out of a single battery. And that's lighting up the whole camp and my tent at night all night every night. The fact that you keep multiple of them speaks to their build quality as well.
@@kejadventures241 ". Noone needs to be hands free when walking unless you are doing something dumb."
You mean like carrying wood?
@@papimaximus95 Gathering your firewood after dark falls under the something dumb category.
@@kejadventures241 "Gathering your firewood after dark falls under the something dumb category."
Kids I camp with LOVE to go into the woods at night. But hey, you are clearly correct that headlamps are only good for "mining or cave exploring". I now see the light...get it...bet you are fun at parties.
Far from being 'boring' I'd have thought the stats and performance of the torch the most important things to talk about, not what it looks like or what non-essential little gadgets and features it's got.
Of course it’s very important. I was being more sarcastic than an thing and change the path of the video.
@iPac9mm you don’t have to like this channel or my style or how and what I review. That’s totally cool. And the last 30 videos that have gone up 21 of them I spent my own money on to buy the gear and create the content. Yes from time to time I get a free product. That doesn’t mean I don’t hold back or Point out pros & cons. Just like in this video where I said it is expensive and a lot of people probably don’t need this powerful or fully optioned headlamp and I did point out the lack of a red light that would’ve really helped out a lot. So go throw your shade somewhere else.
@iPac9mm 😂🤣 right and what was I doing in last weeks Esee Churp video, or the Gerber Sumo, OR Ferrosi anorak, and Leatherman ratchet videos from a few weeks ago?
@iPac9mm really appreciate the kind words 👍
@@gideonstactical Aaron, sorry You have to put up with guys like this. You’re doing a great job- keep it up! And your last reply… Seasoned with salt!
Meh, ....... the thing about these YT videos and the reviewers doing them is - Every single person on YT these days has an ulterior motive.
They need content and they need views.
I just bought mine from MEC and it arrived on Thurs - Dec 1. It cost me $143.95 so NOW I can say whatever the hell I want about it for two
very good reasons. 1. they didn't give it to me so I don't owe them shit and 2. I don't need to drone on and on about something so simple as
a headlamp to generate content to make money.
YT'ers have to hit that magic 10 min mark for the video to count for them, so you get folks like this droning on about the "features" it’s silly.
Granted this is an OK video but stop trying to stretch it out because we can tell.
You covered the bits of the light OK but you should have shown us how to unlock and lock it - its a bit odd. Lastly the B roll of your head
bobbing around is useless, stand the hell still and put up a graphic showing WHAT setting the bloody headlamp was at and let us see it for
more than 2 seconds without swinging around like a bobble doll.
And your disclaimer like everyone’s on YT is weak - state it more than once so we know they gave it to you and besides because they did,
we already know you’re going to give it a glorious review - same as everyone else does who get them for free. 😊
If you’re really in to the outdoors as opposed to a RV camper guy then you’ll know why they cost $143 bucks in Canada as opposed to a Petzel
Tikkina that go for $20 bucks at MEC. Kudo’s to the secret algorithm’s and the spy company Google that tracks everything I buy that then
recommended me to this review episode on you tube creepy huh? Do a review on that!
You good bro ?
Would have liked to hear the specs. No red mode? Not your best review.
Um did you watch the video? Went through specs and discussed the lack of a red light 🤦🏻
@@gideonstactical My apologies! I re watched it and there it was. Looks like a good light. Red light would sure be nice though.