Tony Grist
Fenix Lighting has been supplying flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, bike lights, and other accessories for some time, and they’ve established a reputation for making solid products. I have a number of their products and have not been disappointed yet. Over the years, they have kept pace with advances in lighting, and they continue to release products that top the earlier models. Today we’re taking a look at the Fenix HM62-T headlamp.
The Fenix HM62-T Lightweight Headlamp
This is a lightweight unit that’s made from a magnesium alloy, so it’s also durable. I’ve never had an issue with Fenix lights and durability; all have served admirably despite some hard use and being banged around.
Features and Construction
One nice feature of this light is the large button that’s used to adjust the various light modes and levels – the button is very easy to operate, even with gloves on.
Since the unit is worn on the head, the huge button is a good idea because you can’t see the light when it’s on top of your head; being able to reach up and change modes easily is a huge selling point.
Modes
There are six different modes that the light can operate in. There are four different levels of white light to choose from, as well as a red light and red light flash.
The levels are as follows:
- 5 lumens with 280 hours of run time.
- 130 lumens for 23 hours, 40 minutes.
- 400 lumens for 12 hours.
- 1200 lumens (Turbo Mode) for 4 hours.
In Turbo Mode, the light will reach out 150 meters. I can tell you that it’s satisfyingly bright in Turbo mode. For much of the time, I’d use it in the 5 lumens mode, as it gives sufficient light for walking around and navigating. 130 lumens will allow the user to reach out farther while still giving a respectable run time.
All of these different settings really give the user versatility with this head lamp. On top of that, the red light mode can be used so it won’t spoil the user’s night vision, which is a really nice touch on Fenix’s part. The red light gives 5 lumens for 60 hours.
Battery Power
There is a battery level indicator to keep the user up on when it needs to be recharged. And speaking of recharging…the battery can be removed and recharged, negating the need to constantly purchase new batteries. You’ve gotta love rechargeables! Fenix even includes a USB-C cable for charging.
Two CR-123A batteries can also be used, so you can take spares along with you if you plan to be out in the wilds with no opportunity to recharge the light.
Headband
I found the headband to be comfortable, being wide enough to spread the load out, rather than being too thin. The tension is easily adjustable via a rotary adjustment dial. A clockwise twist tightens the band while a counterclockwise twist will loosen it up. The band is elastic and has tiny holes for ventilation. Overall, it’s a functional, comfortable setup. The head band can also be removed in the event the user wants to wash it.
On top of all that, the light will withstand being submersed in water to two meters, so there’s no worries about getting the light wet.
As an added touch, there’s even an emergency whistle attached to the head band in the even the user needs to signal for help.
The Beam
The throw of the beam in the higher settings is satisfyingly far, and there is a nice amount of spill for illuminating objects and terrain to the side. The entire beam is efficient and smooth, with no delineations between the throw and spill.
The wide range of lumen outputs means that this light is versatile and will pretty much do anything that a user could ask of a head-mounted light.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a very versatile light that would be attractive to hikers/backpackers, those who ride bicycles at night, hunters, fishermen, or anyone else who simply needs hands-free light at night. Sometimes holding a flashlight is prohibitive, and the Fenix headlamp relieves us of having to do that.
The rechargeable battery means we won’t have to go broke constantly buying fresh batteries for this light, which is a major plus.
The 150 meter range of the light is more than enough for most activities, while the lower settings allow for a very long run time.
The beam, with it’s wide throw, is excellent for the nature of what this light would be used for.
Finally, the Fenix headlamp is durable enough to endure a great deal of punishment, so users can have confidence that it will last. As this is written, the HM62-T retails from Fenix for $75.95, which isn’t bad considering all the user gets.
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