stephenk
Enlightened
Disclaimer
The Fenix HL10 2016 was won in a forum giveaway run by Gearbest.
8% off coupon at Gearbest is "GBLED2016".
Introduction
The Fenix HL10 2016 version is a small and lightweight 1xAAA headlamp, which appears to aimed at night runners, as well as other uses. It has been awarded the ISPO Global Product winner for 2016/17, and is available in three colours (black, gold, and purple).
The manufacturer specifications are as follows:
Utilizes Philips LXZ2-5770 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
Three Modes of Operation:
High - Distance 98 feet (30 meters)
Alkaline: 70 Lumens - 40 min.
Ni-MH: 70 Lumens - 1 hr.
Mid - Distance 62 feet (19 meters).
Alkaline: 30 Lumens - 2 hr. 20 min.
Ni-MH: 30 Lumens - 3 hr. 10 min.
Low - Distance 20 feet (1 meter).
Alkaline: 4 Lumens - 24 hrs.
Ni-MH: 26 hr.
Uses a rotating optical lens for flexible adjustment of spotlight and floodlight
One-switch operation
As a headlamp, 180-degree tilt mechanism adjusts the beam when needed
As a flashlight, supports tail standing and works as a candle
Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness
IPX-8 Waterproof Rating - 30 minutes to 6.56 feet
Length: 2.76 inches (70mm)
Width: 0.91 inches (23mm)
Weight (excluding battery): 1.2 oz. (33g)
I usually go for two 5km urban twilight or night runs each week, and tested out the light during a couple of runs. I also sometimes require a headlamp for IT purposes (e.g. wiring cables under desks). This light is being reviewed against this use cases. My existing headlamp for these purposes is a Varta (Reyovac) Indestructable 5-LED Head Light (55/21 lumen).
Due to the relatively low brightness and runtime, this headlamp is not suitable for situations where medium to long runtimes at max output (>45mins) or medium to high brightness (>70 lumens) are required, and will not be reviewed against such use cases. There are plenty of other headlamps available for these requirements.
Packaging
The light was safely packaged in a clear plastic case. After my last 3 lights arrived with no instructions, it was refreshing to see some instructions for this light! The light came with:
1 - HL10 2016 Headlamp
1 - AAA Alkaline Battery
1 - Key Ring
1 - Spare O-Ring
1 - User Manual
1 - Warranty Card
Ergonomics
I much prefer a single band/strap for headlamps, and this one is of that design. It is easy to adjust, holds its position, and fits well. With the light being small, and weighing only 33g (excluding batteries) this light is very lightweight, which is excellent for running. In fact, if it wasn't for the light in front of me, I would have almost forgotten I was wearing it!
The HL10 light clips into a plastic holder. This allows the light be used either in the headlamp or to be used handheld/keychain if required. The downside is that the light has to removed for a battery change (or diffuser change), which meant I usually spend the first minute of a run trying to get the angle to its optimal position. The clip is quite tight, though this may be less so after more use. Due to this tight clip, the angle stays fixed when running (unless adjusted) which is good.
Operation
The HL10 has low, mid, and high modes in that order. It also has memory function. The mode button requires a half second hold to turn on and off, and a press changes modes.
The runtime on high was measured with a recently (within 48 hours) charged 4th generation FDK Eneloop. The high mode stepped down to medium brightness around 45 minutes. The light dimmed to the equivalent to low mode by around 55 minutes. The light appeared to be sub-lumen by around 60 minutes. This means that this light is suitable for a 6-7km run, but not for a 10km run (unless the runner is very fast).
The light has a rotatable diffuser filter. This diffuses the floody light to an even floodier light. When running there is little difference between the two, though I prefer the smooth light roll-off on the diffused beam. For reading or short range purposes, the diffused light is more preferable. The beam is smooth, and huge improvement over multiple emitter headlamps that are common at this end of the market.
White wall beam shots
The 70 lumen brightness on high is sufficient for urban night running. 50 lumens is roughly the minimum for urban night running. If the light is angled so that edge of the beam is around the runners foot, then the path is well illuminated for around 10m ahead of the runner. This is a critical area so that the runner can plan their next few foot strikes. Nothing worse than mistaking a leaf or twig for a cane toad, spider, or snake! The hot spot beam can illuminate up to around 30m ahead of the runner if required. I should note that much brighter lights may annoy motorists, and thus 70 lumens is a good brightness for urban night running.
Real-world beam shots (taken with iPhone 6) on high
It needs to be noted that some of the reseller adverts for this light have the CCT incorrect. The Philips emitter for this light is 5700k CCT, and minimum 70CRI. This is at the more neutral end of cool, or the cooler end of neutral. The tint is a "creamy white" with a slight hint of yellow. The CRI is good enough for most purposes, though I would personally prefer to take a hit on brightness for higher CRI and a warmer tint. However the tint and CRI are much better than most other lights at this end of the market, many of which have multiple 5mm cool white LEDs which illuminate objects in a "ghostly" blue/white light.
CRI Test
No PWM was detected, which again is an improvement over many multiple 5mm emitter headlamps which usually have PWM.
Conclusion
This is a well priced, well built, comfortable, and very lightweight AAA headlamp. Due to the resulting relatively low brightness and short run times it is mainly suitable for twilight and night running up to around 6-7km (for the average runner), night reading, close range work purposes, and emergency use.
The beam, tint, CRI, and lack of PWM are better than most other headlamps available in this category, where multiple 5mm cool white emitters are common.
Adding a Fenix HL05 (which has a red or white, constant or flashing) light on the back of the strap may also help a night runner be seen by vehicles or cycles from behind, improving safety further.
The Fenix HL10 2016 was won in a forum giveaway run by Gearbest.
8% off coupon at Gearbest is "GBLED2016".
Introduction
The Fenix HL10 2016 version is a small and lightweight 1xAAA headlamp, which appears to aimed at night runners, as well as other uses. It has been awarded the ISPO Global Product winner for 2016/17, and is available in three colours (black, gold, and purple).
The manufacturer specifications are as follows:
Utilizes Philips LXZ2-5770 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
Three Modes of Operation:
High - Distance 98 feet (30 meters)
Alkaline: 70 Lumens - 40 min.
Ni-MH: 70 Lumens - 1 hr.
Mid - Distance 62 feet (19 meters).
Alkaline: 30 Lumens - 2 hr. 20 min.
Ni-MH: 30 Lumens - 3 hr. 10 min.
Low - Distance 20 feet (1 meter).
Alkaline: 4 Lumens - 24 hrs.
Ni-MH: 26 hr.
Uses a rotating optical lens for flexible adjustment of spotlight and floodlight
One-switch operation
As a headlamp, 180-degree tilt mechanism adjusts the beam when needed
As a flashlight, supports tail standing and works as a candle
Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness
IPX-8 Waterproof Rating - 30 minutes to 6.56 feet
Length: 2.76 inches (70mm)
Width: 0.91 inches (23mm)
Weight (excluding battery): 1.2 oz. (33g)
I usually go for two 5km urban twilight or night runs each week, and tested out the light during a couple of runs. I also sometimes require a headlamp for IT purposes (e.g. wiring cables under desks). This light is being reviewed against this use cases. My existing headlamp for these purposes is a Varta (Reyovac) Indestructable 5-LED Head Light (55/21 lumen).
Due to the relatively low brightness and runtime, this headlamp is not suitable for situations where medium to long runtimes at max output (>45mins) or medium to high brightness (>70 lumens) are required, and will not be reviewed against such use cases. There are plenty of other headlamps available for these requirements.
Packaging
The light was safely packaged in a clear plastic case. After my last 3 lights arrived with no instructions, it was refreshing to see some instructions for this light! The light came with:
1 - HL10 2016 Headlamp
1 - AAA Alkaline Battery
1 - Key Ring
1 - Spare O-Ring
1 - User Manual
1 - Warranty Card
Ergonomics
I much prefer a single band/strap for headlamps, and this one is of that design. It is easy to adjust, holds its position, and fits well. With the light being small, and weighing only 33g (excluding batteries) this light is very lightweight, which is excellent for running. In fact, if it wasn't for the light in front of me, I would have almost forgotten I was wearing it!
The HL10 light clips into a plastic holder. This allows the light be used either in the headlamp or to be used handheld/keychain if required. The downside is that the light has to removed for a battery change (or diffuser change), which meant I usually spend the first minute of a run trying to get the angle to its optimal position. The clip is quite tight, though this may be less so after more use. Due to this tight clip, the angle stays fixed when running (unless adjusted) which is good.
Operation
The HL10 has low, mid, and high modes in that order. It also has memory function. The mode button requires a half second hold to turn on and off, and a press changes modes.
The runtime on high was measured with a recently (within 48 hours) charged 4th generation FDK Eneloop. The high mode stepped down to medium brightness around 45 minutes. The light dimmed to the equivalent to low mode by around 55 minutes. The light appeared to be sub-lumen by around 60 minutes. This means that this light is suitable for a 6-7km run, but not for a 10km run (unless the runner is very fast).
The light has a rotatable diffuser filter. This diffuses the floody light to an even floodier light. When running there is little difference between the two, though I prefer the smooth light roll-off on the diffused beam. For reading or short range purposes, the diffused light is more preferable. The beam is smooth, and huge improvement over multiple emitter headlamps that are common at this end of the market.
White wall beam shots
The 70 lumen brightness on high is sufficient for urban night running. 50 lumens is roughly the minimum for urban night running. If the light is angled so that edge of the beam is around the runners foot, then the path is well illuminated for around 10m ahead of the runner. This is a critical area so that the runner can plan their next few foot strikes. Nothing worse than mistaking a leaf or twig for a cane toad, spider, or snake! The hot spot beam can illuminate up to around 30m ahead of the runner if required. I should note that much brighter lights may annoy motorists, and thus 70 lumens is a good brightness for urban night running.
Real-world beam shots (taken with iPhone 6) on high
It needs to be noted that some of the reseller adverts for this light have the CCT incorrect. The Philips emitter for this light is 5700k CCT, and minimum 70CRI. This is at the more neutral end of cool, or the cooler end of neutral. The tint is a "creamy white" with a slight hint of yellow. The CRI is good enough for most purposes, though I would personally prefer to take a hit on brightness for higher CRI and a warmer tint. However the tint and CRI are much better than most other lights at this end of the market, many of which have multiple 5mm cool white LEDs which illuminate objects in a "ghostly" blue/white light.
CRI Test
No PWM was detected, which again is an improvement over many multiple 5mm emitter headlamps which usually have PWM.
Conclusion
This is a well priced, well built, comfortable, and very lightweight AAA headlamp. Due to the resulting relatively low brightness and short run times it is mainly suitable for twilight and night running up to around 6-7km (for the average runner), night reading, close range work purposes, and emergency use.
The beam, tint, CRI, and lack of PWM are better than most other headlamps available in this category, where multiple 5mm cool white emitters are common.
Adding a Fenix HL05 (which has a red or white, constant or flashing) light on the back of the strap may also help a night runner be seen by vehicles or cycles from behind, improving safety further.
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