Fenix HM61R V2.0 | Expert Review by Koen van der Jagt
There are head torches, flashlights, work lights and torches that can do it all! These multi-talented torches are incredibly versatile, as you can use them for a large range of activities. Fenix has a jack-of-all-trades like this, and recently they released an upgraded version, the HM61R V2.0. What makes this torch so practical? Keep reading and I'll tell you all about it!
Contents
First impressions
The set comes in a hard plastic box with a little window, kind of like a show case. Everything is neatly packaged, and it's a bit difficult to get each part back in its original place where it was put in the factory. The box contains everything you need, except for a charger. The battery is inside the torch.
The torch is really two torches in one. When you take it out of the box, it's a compact flashlight with an angled 'face'. You can easily attach the Fenix HM61R V2.0 to the included head band and turn it into a head torch.
I think the HM61R V2.0 a successful mix between a head torch and a work light. The lines of the design are not too busy and the copper-coloured lines around the button and lamp head look great. The whole feels very solidly constructed, and it has a nice finish. The LED is perpendicular to the body, leaving room for a large button. The Luminus SST-40 LED, together with two red 2835 LEDs, are almost hidden behind a diffuse, plastic lens. Personally, I prefer a glass lens because the highest mode will generate quite a lot of heat. Slits on the side of the housing should make sure the heat is dissipated. The magnetic charging port is also embedded into the lamp head. On the body, next to the type designation, we also find a sturdy clip that is removable if desired. It's better to leave the clip in place because you need it to attach the HM61R V2.0 to the head band. The head band matches the lamp in colour and has reflective lettering to improve visibility. On the back there's a strong magnet, which comes in handy when you want to stick it to a metal surface. The housing includes the 18650 battery with a capacity of 3400 mAh.
The HM61R V2.0 is not a lightweight, but it is very solidly built and still nicely compact. In terms of quality and finish, I couldn't find any shortcomings.
When and how
As I mentioned in the title, the HM61R V2.0 is multi-talented. Use it as a head torch, attach it to your clothes or equipment or 'stick' it to a metal surface with its strong magnet. As a head torch, it is useful while climbing or hiking, and as a work light it's great to attach to your clothes or equipment during work or inspection. The red light works well as a warning beacon but is also useful while map-reading, as red is less blinding than white light. Plenty of options! I think the HM61R V2.0 is less suitable for running or biking; it's pretty heavy and you'll feel it during these activities. You also can't really use it as a regular flashlight, as the LED's 'face' is on the side of the body. To light up the area ahead of you, you'll need to hold the torch between your thumb and index finger. This torch is therefore more suitable for handsfree use.
Controls and comfort
Without the head band, the HM61R V2.0 is a nice compact torch that easily fits in your hand. You can easily carry it in your jacket or trouser pocket without it getting in the way. The angled head is handy when attaching the torch to your clothes: you always point the light to the correct place, so to speak, while keeping your hands free.
It only takes a few seconds to turn the flashlight into a head torch, by sliding the clip through the attachment in the head band. This is a big difference compared to the original version of this torch, where you had to use a rubber loop to attach the torch to the head band. The head band is easily adjustable, and thanks to the silicone strip on the inside, the torch won't slide around. Reflective stripes and logos on the head band increase your visibility in the dark. The HM61R V2.0 weighs around 150 grams including head band and battery. This is something you'll notice after wearing it for a while. Especially if you don't wear a helmet or other head covering below the head torch.
Charging is easy and needs no explanation. The magnetic attachment clicks into place by itself and the indicator shows you the charging status. You can remove the battery if you wish and charge it in a separate charger too. This comes with its own advantages: you could take a back-up battery and you're not dependent on the magnetic charging cable. You check the battery status of the torch when it's turned off by shortly pressing down the switch. The colour indication is intuitive: green or flashing green means you're good to go, when it's red or flashing red it's time to charge your battery. You don't really get a battery update as you're using the torch; it's only when it's almost empty that the battery gives you a warning with a flashing light.
Controls are similar to what you're used to from Fenix flashlights that have just the one switch. Hold the button down to turn the light on, then shortly press the button to click through the light modes. It works well and is easy to remember. Interfaces are truly Fenix' strong suit.
The large, rubber button is located on the side of the torch's head. The button has a clear pressure point and is easy to find by touch. Turn the light on or off can be done by pressing the button down for a half second. You click through the modes by shortly pressing the same button. The flashlight will recall the previously used output if you turn the light off and on again. The only exception to this rule is the turbo mode. When you turn the light on again after turning it off in turbo mode, the light will turn on using the second highest mode: high mode. The HM61R V2.0 has five white light modes and no special, flashing modes in this colour. The second light colour is red; you can directly turn on the red light from standby by double-clicking the button. The torch always starts in the lowest red light mode, after which you can switch to the medium red light mode and the red flashing light mode. When the light is on red, like white, remembers the last mode you used if you switch directly from red to white or vice versa. You switch between colours by pressing down the button for a longer time. The torch will first turn off for a second, and then back on in either red or white in the last-used mode. I like this, because it means you can switch from turbo directly to flashing and vice versa.
The HM61R V2.0 can be 'locked' in two ways: the switch allows you to lock it electronically by holding the button down for more than three seconds. Alternatively, you can lock the torch mechanically. The light then flashes four times in red, to confirm it's locked. Unlocking goes the same way. Personally, I almost always opt for the mechanical way by loosening the battery cover slightly. It's a fast and effective way, even though you don't get a flashing-light confirmation.
The HM61R V2.0 is easy to operate, and you can keep a good overview between the total of eight light modes. I love being able to directly access a very low light mode, it's very easy on the eyes when you turn on the light. There's no shortcut button to the highest mode, nor is there an SOS mode. The lack of SOS signal is not a dealbreaker for me, as I personally will use the red slow flashing mode more.
This is what I love about the HM61R V2.0
A great feature of this torch is how easy it is to switch from head torch to work light. Thanks to the magnet, clip and head band, you'll always find an attachment that suits you. The light output was also a nice surprise.
This could be better
I find the available information regarding battery charge very minimal. To check the status, you first need to turn the light off. This is not very practical when it's pitch black outside. A shortcut to the highest mode would also be a welcome addition.
Value for money?
The price of the HM61R V2.0 is not much different than that of similar flashlights, so don't expect a 'steal'. Still, I think it's great value for money, as you can use this product for many different situations. For example, use it as a work light during inspections or repair work, or in your free time when you're out exploring. And then again, it is a product that clearly outshines the budget torches.
My conclusion
What stands out about this torch after a nice testing period is mainly its wide applicability and the ease of switching between the different ways you can use it. The controls work flawlessly and the possibilities are above average. You have to remember that you can't actually use the HM61R V2.0 as a regular torch due to its angled head. But attached to your clothes, on your head or via the magnet, this compact powerhouse gives you plenty of light while leaving your hands free. During longer sessions, I do find it a bit on the heavy side for a head torch and the current battery status display could also be improved as far as I am concerned. The red light options are great, especially as an orientation light and warning beacon.
In practice; the beamshots!
When I tried it out, I was pleasantly surprised. With a fairly shallow lens and its diffuse filter, I would have expected a uniform beam. However, the HM61R V2.0 has a surprising light display with a sizeable hot spot and large spill. This is most easily seen in dark environments. The beam is pretty broad and reaches distances of 50 metres and more quite easily. The hue is cold white, the beam has no weird spots or rings.
The first location is a dirt track in small forest. I attached the HM16R v2.0 to a tripod with its magnetic base. Below you'll see the five light modes.
The red light is too weak to light up the road; to give an indication of the light image I tested the light indoors. Below you'll see the two red light modes.
Back at the dirt road, now with the HM61R V2.0 strapped to my jacket. The beam has both a nice width and reach, allowing you to keep a good overview.
Koen van der Jagt
Ever since he could walk Koen has been interested in lights, wires and batteries. As a child he was always working with dyno torches, bike lights and electrical boxes. The krypton and halogen lights were replaced by LED lights. A couple of years ago he discovered the ‘professional’ stuff. His first brands were Led Lenser and Fenix. Photography is also one of his hobbies. In addition to nature and meteorology Koen loves to show others what a light can do and what its beam looks like at night. Koen’s reviews can often be found on forums such as candlepowerforums.com and taschenlampen-forum.de. Throughout the years Koen has collected lights in practically any category: from small and compact to enormous powerhouses.
