Upcoming Fenix Headlamp HP-15

[nzbazza]

Just noticed over on the Fenixlight tweeter feed a mention of a Fenix HP15 headlamp as well!!!!

Image here

Guessing by the output numbers on the photo this is a 2AA headlamp that uses a similar looking head unit to the HP10 with a remote 2AA battery pack on the back of the headband.

So Fenix will soon have a 3 headlamp range:

HP-10 4AA top-end model
HP-15 2AA mid-range model
HL-20 1AA lightweight compact model

No mention of neutral-white models yet, but finally the headlamp market is starting to look far more interesting!!!!! Bring on the Zebralight H51!!!!

 

[Marduke]

Now let's see if they figure out that headlamps shouldn't be overly throwy.

 

[davidt1]

Although I am not a fan of diffusers, they should provide the floody beam for close up use in these new lights. Fenix should have made the HL-20 both a headlamp and flashlight. That would have been an awesome lego/transformer light. But I guess they still have to sell flashlights.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I'm slightly disappointed that this is an aluminum+plastic construction instead of all aluminum.

Nonetheless, more quality headlamps on the market are sorely needed and I'll look forward to reviews of this new lamp.

 

[electrothump]

Now let's see if they figure out that headlamps shouldn't be overly throwy.

Not sure why you think all headlights shouldn't be overly "throwy" (sic). I like a headlight with a lot of throw. I only use diffuse lighting for close work. Now, let's see if they can please both of us.

 

[GaryF]

There is a picture of it here, says 180 lumens. There is a cord to a rear mounted battery pack, but no view of that battery pack.

 

[greenLED]

Now, THAT looks promising...

 

[adirondackdestroyer]

Looks nice!

 

[Linger]

solid looking line up. who's gonna torture test these puppies when they're out?
I wish they added a 5mm red, bare even. Even on the battery pack it would be fine to turn it around and use red to donn your gear and exit the tent at night.

 

[Marduke]

Not sure why you think all headlights shouldn't be overly "throwy" (sic). I like a headlight with a lot of throw. I only use diffuse lighting for close work. Now, let's see if they can please both of us.

If you need a light source that leaves your hands free, chances are you are doing a task within arm's reach, in which throw is utterly useless.

Same as for handhelds, as the saying goes 'throw is for show".

 

[kwkarth]

If you need a light source that leaves your hands free, chances are you are doing a task within arm's reach, in which throw is utterly useless.

Same as for handhelds, as the saying goes 'throw is for show".

I agree in principle, but i also find myself preferring the HP10 over the Saint by a huge margin.

 

[Hack On Wheels]

If you need a light source that leaves your hands free, chances are you are doing a task within arm's reach, in which throw is utterly useless.

Same as for handhelds, as the saying goes 'throw is for show".

I disagree. I very much like to have the option for a throwy headlamp. Having a diffuser is great too, but I'd really miss the throw if I didn't have it.

For some people I'm sure that all they need in a headlamp is flood, but not me. When I'm camping out in the middle of nowhere, in bear country, I guarantee that I use my headlamp without its diffuser most of the time. If I'm just washing dishes and such, then sure I'll use the diffuser, but most other times I won't use it. Having my hands free is very important for a wide range of tasks, not to mention it's also just really convenient to be able to just leave my headlamp on and not be pocketing/holstering and then grabbing a flashlight over and over again.

 

[xcandrew]

If you need a light source that leaves your hands free, chances are you are doing a task within arm's reach, in which throw is utterly useless.

No, many of us browse this forum because we use our headlamps for activities such as (faster) running, orienteering, and cross country skiing (and dog sledding, cycling, etc.). I also use it for working in the dark, but running/skiing is probably more than 80% of my use for headlamps. I actually don't use any handheld flashlights - why wouldn't I want my hands free when I'm using a light?

I like a beam that combines a bright central area for distance and a moderately wide spill area (about 75 degrees) so I don't have to constantly turn my head to situate myself and keep aware of my surroundings. The McR-18s reflector on my modified Eos produces a beam like this and is perfect for my purposes. When pointed up the trail, it has both throw and spill, and the transition is so smooth that I can't see it at all (even looking for it) because the central part is aimed further up trail than the spill. Though I have a couple floody headlamps (PT Aurora, Quad), I'm happy enough using my modified Eos for close work.

The original Eos's throw-only optic (before I modified mine with the reflector) was too narrow. Using it gave me tunnel vision - a not-so-good feeling because I could run by a moose or something and not see it because the beam was so narrow. Or I'd have to constantly sweep the beam to keep aware when all I wanted to do was just to run/ski. Of course, an all flood beam is also completely useless if your use is for running or skiing. That's why I haven't been interested in the Zebralights for instance.

I wonder how much spill these Fenix beams have? An measured angle, since adjectives are so subjective? I'd like to avoid needing to use the diffuser, since it would kill the throw, and I need both spill and throw at the same time. I remember in the long Eos mod thread, the OP used a Fenix reflector, and I think I just assumed that it was similar to the McR one that I'm happy with. 180 lumens would be quite a bit brighter than my modified Eos (though it is really bright for what it is).

 

[electrothump]

If you need a light source that leaves your hands free, chances are you are doing a task within arm's reach, in which throw is utterly useless.

Same as for handhelds, as the saying goes 'throw is for show".

Oh my, to live in a world where anything, and everything I wanted, or needed was to be illuminated only at arms length would be wonderful. As another saying goes, "it is amazing what you can see, if you would just look". There are many things to be seen in the dark that are past the distance of an arm's length.

 

[Swedpat]

So Fenix will soon have a 3 headlamp range:

HP-10 4AA top-end model
HP-15 2AA mid-range model
HL-20 1AA lightweight compact model

And after that we are just waiting for the real top model: HP40, 8AA headlamp... :green:

Regards, Patric

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

And after that we are just waiting for the real top model: HP40, 8AA headlamp... :green:

Regards, Patric

I thought the real top model would be a 2 18650 headlight running the next generation Cree MC-E l.e.d. using XP-G dies or better, putting out 1,000+ lumens out the front.

 

[psychbeat]

yeah I want that one!
till then there's the majicshine p7"bike light"
Im saving for one of those with tha headband.

 

[xcandrew]

yeah I want that one!
till then there's the majicshine p7"bike light"
Im saving for one of those with tha headband.

I just read about the Magicshine/DX light for the first time last night. There's are good threads on it on the attackpoint.com and mtbr.com forums, and it's just what I was looking for: an inexpensive Lupine Tesla copy. I immediately put in an order with the headband with geomangear and it has already been shipped. I'm no longer interested in the Fenix.

Also, I compared the beamshot of my Eos with McR-18S reflector with the Fenix, and I can see that I probably would not like the Fenix beam as much. The McR-18 Eos has a broader hotspot and the spill light is not as dim relative to the hotspot.

 

[MattK]

Not sure if you guys have noticed but Fenix just released the 'full photo' pack they send on new product releases...

 

[Woods Walker]

I like a headlamp with some throw at times. I have some with flood for camp too. Was going to buy a HP10 but holding off for a R2 HP10 that guessing will come along. This one looks good too. Still I could get the 1XAA and 4XAA so do I need a 2XAA?