I got the HM65R-DT last Autumn and it brought so much enjoyment to my winter walking/running. A bit scary when all the deer in the field look up at you and you suddenly see all those eyes reflecting back at you in the dark. Thank you for the review 👍
I bought the original one based on your review a couple of years back. Two 35 hour runs, each one through two nights in the lakes and both times I’ve only needed one battery as it’s so bright on the middle flood light setting. Countless hours of night time running in all weathers and I cannot fault this headtorch at all. It’s a must buy for anyone running at night off road.
I'm glad to see that you now can simply choose if you want warm or cool color temperature given both can run at 400 lumens which should be the most usable mode. Personally I'm going to use it for mowing snow with a snowblower, so I've been looking for a decent light that will have warm white output given it's much less harsh in these conditions. I also want it for other winter activities(snowshoeing/skiing etc.) so I feel it's best to just get a quality item right away.
Big buttons... Big battery... Bright.. . Light.. . Comfy...Reflective... Whistle... Adjustable ...proper job... Been thought about.... Had to many petzl plastics snap... Will give this a go... Great revew... Peace and love....
@@Run4Adventure so its here and this is my thought.... First shocker you can only run one led at a time.... Not an issue but striking.. Second the big buttons are obscured when the light is folded.... Great no accidental activations.... It uses button top cell.... Very much in the minority.... Shame as i have lots of aw brand with protection pcb on....All flat top.... Overall its a cracking light and realy as bright as advertised.... Pricy but top drawer features justify its crown, but ony just...
@@roberthopkins8089 I personally wouldn’t want to have the two bulbs on at the same time. With the bulbs being different colours, one white light and the other slight amber it might be a bit off putting? Surely you always have head unit slightly angled when you’re running and then it’s easy to press the buttons? I’m glad you like your new head torch and thanks for the feedback 🙏
Great review, as always, thanks. Quick question. I've got the DT version and I find the beam patterns a bit too "spotty" while I understand the first version had a "flood" pattern in the warm light. How do you compare the beam patterns? Thanks !!
hi, after HM65R, HM65R-T and HM65R-DT this is the firs HM65R headlamp that does not support dual lights, right? how do you feel about it? do you miss it? I have old HM65R and I often use dual light mode on bike, it was very helpful they say HM65R-T V2.0 has good distribution of light to distance and to width at the same time with one lens (but I found that hard to believe) what is your opinion? doesn't dual mode (2 lights at same time) have better results?
Perfect timing - just finished the Lakeland 100 a couple of weeks ago and my petzl iko core is on its last legs - some worrying flickering and the actual lamp hanging off the band. Fortunately made it through (me and the torch) but the torch will definitely need replaced and I think I know what is now going to replace it
I have the previous version, the question is it worth the upgrade? Thanks in advance also hearing great stuff about the HM62-T for those who need a lighter version and a bit cheaper.
Nice video review! I picked up the Fenix HM65R-T v2 and it's a pretty good headlamp. It feels good on the head and I appreciate that the light has USB C charging, uses 18650 batteries that can be swapped out, and a lockout mode. The beams are at good levels with plenty of available maximum output. The dial on the band is good, but I wish they could have incorporated a way to also fully open quickly like older models. I have several different headlamps and what I wish is that the Fenix had a output memory and also a shortcut to high as well as low. It's not a deal breaker, but I really appreciate when a light has those features. I also wish the more powerful led spot beam was a bit warmer at like 5,000k and that you could use both beams together at a total of 1,600 lumens. I guess if this was my first higher output headlamp I would be more in awe of this light, but as it stands I consider it good and not great. Good with room for improvement. Ten years ago I bought a Zebralight that spoiled me which has 1,020 lumens max and adjustability in the output levels and is very light weight and a warmish tint at 4,200k. Ten years ago this light was amazing and even today It's rare to see a light rival it. This light has set a very high standard to go up against. I also have other headlamps and some with external battery packs. I admit I have a bit of an addiction to lights especially headlamps. I was hoping that after ten years the headlamps would be really more advanced than what I experienced with the Fenix. I know some headlamps have reactive lighting , but that doesn't really appeal to me. Maybe in another ten years we will get something that I will be more impressed with.
Ok thanks for the review, but you don't mention one main thing between the two...the old one you could have both spot and flood on at the same time, but the v2 doesn't allow you to do that, it's either one or the other. I think that is a point to mention...
Hey Loyd, hope you’re well. Great timing for this video as I received this (my first Fenix) head torch today. My previous was the silva trail runner (left it in a Bothy a couple of weeks ago) and although I much prefer this new lamp….it does bounce much more than the Silva. Do you have any tricks to reduce this bounce? Crank down on the tightening disc? Grow a bigger head? Maybe the skin on my forehead is baggy? Take care mate and thanks for another great vid.
I like that charging port over the in battery charging that the UT27 has. I've accidently touched the terminals while charging and yea not recommended. I also love the Nebula color and might have to pick this one up.
Hi there, how long does turbo mode last before it steps down?please. This is one of my main concerns when it comes to new torches or headlamps, as some products step down anywhere from 30 seconds to about 10 minutes.
looking at the chart on fenix website - almost immediately. After 15minutes. the 1600lm setting steps down to ~35% or 560lm where it stays for 3hrs. 800 > ~360lm & 400 > ~160lm. Haven't tested in real-life. This rarely gets mentioned in reviews
Only time I use full bright on my HM65R-DT is when a car high beams me and I want to return fire. The one additional feature I'd like is an easier way to open the battery compartment. I find it a struggle sometimes if my fingers are cold.
Hey! Just thought we'd dive in a help out - when the battery cap gets stiff, it might need a bit of lubricant on the rubber O-ring which keeps the water out - use a silicon based lubricant (no petroleum or organic based as it can damage the O-ring). A few drops of that on the O-ring and it makes it so much easier to undo! Easy other help, just reach out to us!
Per Fenix, this light does not give you 12 hours at 400 lumens. "It will have a runtime of 12 hours on that setting but it won't maintain the 400 lumens. Once you start at the 400 lumens, the flashlight will drop lumens after 0.5 hours to maintain battery and to make sure the light stays at a safe temperature." They also have a chart on their product website that provides this same information.
I would like to save some weight and I wonder if you could review the HM62-T which is just as performant but slightly lighter. I would like to see how it differs to the 65RT.
Just checked some tests of this. You can only use one emitter at a time and cannot mix those beams, unlike some other Fenix lights. More typical is severe timed ramp downs. Both high modes are down to 30-40% of the initial brightness after 2 minutes. Medium modes ramp down to about 180 lumens in maybe 15 minutes. Even low modes are programmed to slowly dim from initial 130 lumens to about 80 lumens in a similar timeframe. Not a bad product, but I would prefer honest and constant brightness levels until a natural decay at the very end of the battery runtime.
thx for the video, exactly what I was searching for. The market is flooded with Chinese eg 10k lumen head lamps but I don't trust them very much, I need a reliable head lamp for hiking in the mountains at night and I think I found it now
Is it brighter than the previous version? Do you know the burn times when both lights are used together? I use the original version with both lights on and seems to last well
You can’t use the two light outputs together with the new version Paul. I think it because you’ve got two different coloured bulbs now so I’m not sure how well that would work 🤔
I have the v1 and love it, but it has died halfway through the night on all 3 100s I’ve run. Even on the 400lumen medium setting flood it’s supposed to last 20hrs. So idk
You can plug it into any USB Allan? Power pack, computer, USB socket, USB adapter, anything with a USB socket 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏
To be honest I would love to see some padding under the torch and maybe remove the spotlight completely to shave off a few grams on this chunky boy. I don't use the spotlight at all on my 65RT v1.
I have and love the V1 but its biggest flaw is that it's so uncomfortable as it's front heavy meaning you have to toghten so kuch and then the plate digs in. I know Fenix are aware of this but appear to have ignored it in the v2. Massive fail, but overall im sure in all other departments its brilliant
I always wear a buff or a headband when use a head torch and i’ve had no issues with comfort at all. I’ve run through long night time sections in races and found it super comfortable 👍
@@Run4Adventure Sorry. I watched this video not for enjoyment, but to get in-depth product information in order to make a purchase decision. I didn't see any answers to the main questions. Good luck.
I got the HM65R-DT last Autumn and it brought so much enjoyment to my winter walking/running. A bit scary when all the deer in the field look up at you and you suddenly see all those eyes reflecting back at you in the dark. Thank you for the review 👍
I was toying over which one of these torches to buy and was hoping you were going to make this exact video!
Thanks Loyd!
Thank you very much for this. I’ll be buying this for walking in scary, remote areas throughout the winter!
I bought HM65R based on your recommendation. I love it and use daily.
I bought the original one based on your review a couple of years back. Two 35 hour runs, each one through two nights in the lakes and both times I’ve only needed one battery as it’s so bright on the middle flood light setting. Countless hours of night time running in all weathers and I cannot fault this headtorch at all. It’s a must buy for anyone running at night off road.
Been waiting for your review on this! Answered all my questions! Thanks!
Great vid, I've been procrastinating for so long. Finally a review that covers ALL the points a runner needs to consider. Cheers
I'm glad to see that you now can simply choose if you want warm or cool color temperature given both can run at 400 lumens which should be the most usable mode. Personally I'm going to use it for mowing snow with a snowblower, so I've been looking for a decent light that will have warm white output given it's much less harsh in these conditions. I also want it for other winter activities(snowshoeing/skiing etc.) so I feel it's best to just get a quality item right away.
Big buttons... Big battery... Bright.. . Light.. . Comfy...Reflective... Whistle... Adjustable ...proper job... Been thought about.... Had to many petzl plastics snap... Will give this a go... Great revew... Peace and love....
Thanks Robert, glad you enjoyed the video 👍
@@Run4Adventure so its here and this is my thought.... First shocker you can only run one led at a time.... Not an issue but striking.. Second the big buttons are obscured when the light is folded.... Great no accidental activations.... It uses button top cell.... Very much in the minority.... Shame as i have lots of aw brand with protection pcb on....All flat top.... Overall its a cracking light and realy as bright as advertised.... Pricy but top drawer features justify its crown, but ony just...
@@roberthopkins8089 I personally wouldn’t want to have the two bulbs on at the same time. With the bulbs being different colours, one white light and the other slight amber it might be a bit off putting? Surely you always have head unit slightly angled when you’re running and then it’s easy to press the buttons? I’m glad you like your new head torch and thanks for the feedback 🙏
Can't wait for the Scotland footage! Also may have just seen your name on a list for a race. Can't wait too see that one too! Happy trails
Great review, as always, thanks.
Quick question. I've got the DT version and I find the beam patterns a bit too "spotty" while I understand the first version had a "flood" pattern in the warm light.
How do you compare the beam patterns?
Thanks !!
Anyone having both so that we can compare light patterns?
These head torches are it! I have v1 and use it all the time still going strong if I ever replace it it will be with v2.
hi, after HM65R, HM65R-T and HM65R-DT this is the firs HM65R headlamp that does not support dual lights, right?
how do you feel about it? do you miss it?
I have old HM65R and I often use dual light mode on bike, it was very helpful
they say HM65R-T V2.0 has good distribution of light to distance and to width at the same time with one lens (but I found that hard to believe)
what is your opinion? doesn't dual mode (2 lights at same time) have better results?
Good morning. I don't have this equipment for the trail running. Thanks for this information. Like to Run4adventure. Have a great friday.
Great torch. Soft light looks to be a good upgrade. Does it still have the spot / flood light split?
Perfect timing - just finished the Lakeland 100 a couple of weeks ago and my petzl iko core is on its last legs - some worrying flickering and the actual lamp hanging off the band. Fortunately made it through (me and the torch) but the torch will definitely need replaced and I think I know what is now going to replace it
I have the previous version, the question is it worth the upgrade? Thanks in advance also hearing great stuff about the HM62-T for those who need a lighter version and a bit cheaper.
Nice video review! I picked up the Fenix HM65R-T v2 and it's a pretty good headlamp. It feels good on the head and I appreciate that the light has USB C charging, uses 18650 batteries that can be swapped out, and a lockout mode. The beams are at good levels with plenty of available maximum output. The dial on the band is good, but I wish they could have incorporated a way to also fully open quickly like older models. I have several different headlamps and what I wish is that the Fenix had a output memory and also a shortcut to high as well as low. It's not a deal breaker, but I really appreciate when a light has those features. I also wish the more powerful led spot beam was a bit warmer at like 5,000k and that you could use both beams together at a total of 1,600 lumens. I guess if this was my first higher output headlamp I would be more in awe of this light, but as it stands I consider it good and not great. Good with room for improvement.
Ten years ago I bought a Zebralight that spoiled me which has 1,020 lumens max and adjustability in the output levels and is very light weight and a warmish tint at 4,200k. Ten years ago this light was amazing and even today It's rare to see a light rival it. This light has set a very high standard to go up against. I also have other headlamps and some with external battery packs. I admit I have a bit of an addiction to lights especially headlamps.
I was hoping that after ten years the headlamps would be really more advanced than what I experienced with the Fenix. I know some headlamps have reactive lighting , but that doesn't really appeal to me. Maybe in another ten years we will get something that I will be more impressed with.
Ok thanks for the review, but you don't mention one main thing between the two...the old one you could have both spot and flood on at the same time, but the v2 doesn't allow you to do that, it's either one or the other. I think that is a point to mention...
Thats a really cool jacket. Want one....
Any thoughts on the Petzl Nao RL?
Hey Loyd, hope you’re well. Great timing for this video as I received this (my first Fenix) head torch today. My previous was the silva trail runner (left it in a Bothy a couple of weeks ago) and although I much prefer this new lamp….it does bounce much more than the Silva. Do you have any tricks to reduce this bounce? Crank down on the tightening disc? Grow a bigger head? Maybe the skin on my forehead is baggy? Take care mate and thanks for another great vid.
I always wear a buff or headband when use a head torch and I don’t have any bouncing issues Pablo 👍
Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏
I like that charging port over the in battery charging that the UT27 has. I've accidently touched the terminals while charging and yea not recommended. I also love the Nebula color and might have to pick this one up.
Hi there, how long does turbo mode last before it steps down?please. This is one of my main concerns when it comes to new torches or headlamps, as some products step down anywhere from 30 seconds to about 10 minutes.
looking at the chart on fenix website - almost immediately. After 15minutes. the 1600lm setting steps down to ~35% or 560lm where it stays for 3hrs. 800 > ~360lm & 400 > ~160lm. Haven't tested in real-life. This rarely gets mentioned in reviews
I have the same torch, it´s awesome; really good stuff Made in Germany.
Only time I use full bright on my HM65R-DT is when a car high beams me and I want to return fire. The one additional feature I'd like is an easier way to open the battery compartment. I find it a struggle sometimes if my fingers are cold.
Hey! Just thought we'd dive in a help out - when the battery cap gets stiff, it might need a bit of lubricant on the rubber O-ring which keeps the water out - use a silicon based lubricant (no petroleum or organic based as it can damage the O-ring). A few drops of that on the O-ring and it makes it so much easier to undo! Easy other help, just reach out to us!
Hi, Does this replace the DT version as well, consolidating the lineup? Or do you think they will bring out an updated DT version in the future?
Per Fenix, this light does not give you 12 hours at 400 lumens. "It will have a runtime of 12 hours on that setting but it won't maintain the 400 lumens. Once you start at the 400 lumens, the flashlight will drop lumens after 0.5 hours to maintain battery and to make sure the light stays at a safe temperature." They also have a chart on their product website that provides this same information.
I think all lights do this though….just fenix admits it which I like
@@tyronedaquaries7023 I suspect you're right about this. I just wish reviews would include this information.
I would like to save some weight and I wonder if you could review the HM62-T which is just as performant but slightly lighter. I would like to see how it differs to the 65RT.
looks good 👍
Does the torch run at 1600lm for full 3 hours or does it drop off to a lower power..
It does drop off to save the battery and to stop over heating 👍
Just checked some tests of this. You can only use one emitter at a time and cannot mix those beams, unlike some other Fenix lights. More typical is severe timed ramp downs. Both high modes are down to 30-40% of the initial brightness after 2 minutes. Medium modes ramp down to about 180 lumens in maybe 15 minutes. Even low modes are programmed to slowly dim from initial 130 lumens to about 80 lumens in a similar timeframe. Not a bad product, but I would prefer honest and constant brightness levels until a natural decay at the very end of the battery runtime.
Loyd, what are your thoughts on this versus the HM62R-T?
Some really useful upgrades. I happy with my older version and prefer the older design which is a bit steampunk in looks.
Great review. I may have missed it but how much for a spare battery?
Around £21 👍
thx for the video, exactly what I was searching for. The market is flooded with Chinese eg 10k lumen head lamps but I don't trust them very much, I need a reliable head lamp for hiking in the mountains at night and I think I found it now
Is there a rear light accessory for this mode???
There’s not a rear light accessory unfortunately, I just clip a small flashing red LED light to the headband 👍
@@Run4Adventure awesome thanks; any recommendations or just a clip on bike light etc?
Is it brighter than the previous version? Do you know the burn times when both lights are used together? I use the original version with both lights on and seems to last well
You can’t use the two light outputs together with the new version Paul. I think it because you’ve got two different coloured bulbs now so I’m not sure how well that would work 🤔
But.. you still can't turn on both modes "cool" and "warm" at once? No "hybrid" light available?
May make sense to alternate between the two every hour to keep ‘em cooler.
I don't know which version to get ... V1 or V2 ...
Loyd, you haven't said which one of the two you prefer?
I prefer the V2 with the dual light set up 👍 Hope this helps John and thanks for watching 🙏
@@Run4Adventure Thanks for getting back to me Loyd
Really enjoy your content - Keep them coming!
@@JohnSmith-rx2uv No worries John, I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel and thanks for watching 🙏
I have the v1 and love it, but it has died halfway through the night on all 3 100s I’ve run. Even on the 400lumen medium setting flood it’s supposed to last 20hrs. So idk
I've watch alot of vids on the Fenix but nobody tells you where to plug the other end to charge it,does it go into the phone charger computer etc.
You can plug it into any USB Allan? Power pack, computer, USB socket, USB adapter, anything with a USB socket 👍
Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏
Why are you not mentioning the fact, that they got rid of the flood light feature?
can i use both leds at the same time as the original version?
Now that Fenix have added the two different coloured led bulbs you can’t run them together unfortunately 👍
@@Run4Adventure It still looks like a great light, but that would have been extra cool if they could be used together.
To be honest I would love to see some padding under the torch and maybe remove the spotlight completely to shave off a few grams on this chunky boy. I don't use the spotlight at all on my 65RT v1.
Can you replace the rechargeable battery with spare standard batteries?
Did you find an answer this? If you can, I think this is a perfect head torch lol
Sooooo, would you say the fenix is the best headtorch for trailrunning just now???
I’ve been using them for around 3 years now David and they’ve never let me down 👍
I have and love the V1 but its biggest flaw is that it's so uncomfortable as it's front heavy meaning you have to toghten so kuch and then the plate digs in. I know Fenix are aware of this but appear to have ignored it in the v2. Massive fail, but overall im sure in all other departments its brilliant
I always wear a buff or a headband when use a head torch and i’ve had no issues with comfort at all. I’ve run through long night time sections in races and found it super comfortable 👍
A useless review.
I take it you didn’t enjoy the video! 🤷♂️
I take it you didn’t enjoy the video! 🤷♂️
@@Run4Adventure Sorry. I watched this video not for enjoyment, but to get in-depth product information in order to make a purchase decision. I didn't see any answers to the main questions. Good luck.
@@ea9997 What information did you want to know about the headtorch? What questions didn’t I answer? 🤔
Useful for me and everybody commenting the video. At least say what you wanted to know so the creator can evaluate it.