Clip-on flashlights - the perfect alternative to headlamps
5.9.2024
Why are handheld flashlights with reversible clasp the perfect alternative to headlamps?
If you've ever needed to light the way or work in the dark while keeping both hands free, you've probably reached for a headlamp. But there's still another effective option. Handheld flashlights with reversible clips that easily attach to the visor of a hat can fully replace a headlamp in certain situations. And they even bring with them some advantages.
Easy attachment
The reversible clasp is designed to hold the flashlight firmly on the peak of your hat. It's a quick and easy solution – just attach the flashlight and suddenly you have a light that illuminates the area exactly where you're looking. This is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping or working in the field.
Fenix PD36R V2.0 is a larger flashlight with 5000 mAh battery,
yet can be combined with a cap to help you hands free
Universal use
Handheld flashlights with reversible clip have one big advantage over traditional headlamps – they are not limited to just one function. When you don't need them as a headlamp replacement, you can still use them as a regular handheld flashlight. Simply take it off the visor and use it exactly where you need it.
Fenix E28R V2.0 has a magnet in the end so it can be attached to the hood of a car, for example
Diffusers, filters
The flashlight can be used with a diffuser and in certain sizes also with traffic cone or colour filters. The diffuser turns the flashlight into a lamp with omnidirectional illumination great for lighting up a room or tent. The traffic cone and colour filter are used by professionals for signalling, or use them where white light is not suitable. A typical example would be using a red light in summer when you don't want to be bothered by mosquitoes and other insects flocking to the white light. Other uses for these accessories include hunting and fishing, astronomy and other activities.
Fenix LD30R with diffuser attached
This flashlight offers more than 1 month of battery life on a single charge!
High performance in a lightweight design
For example, the Fenix E18R V2.0 flashlight offers up to 1200 lumens of power and weighs just 55 grams including the battery. We can't even get to those values with the lightweight Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0 headlamp, although the difference of about 5 grams (if you don't count the straps and holder) is not very significant, but the 500 extra lumens of maximum power is already a compelling argument.
Fenix E18R V2.0 in the Nebula color option
Tactical functions, self-defence
In addition to the above-mentioned options for combining with coloured filters and diffusers, most Fenix handheld flashlights with double-sided clip also have a strobe function, which is particularly useful in the need to defend yourself or as a flashlight in emergencies. Some models also have a striking rim, which can be used to break the glass of a car or as a striking tool in an attack.
The Fenix PD25R is a compact tactical flashlight
Comparison tables of parameters of Fenix flashlights with reversible clip
Mini flashlights and keychain flashlights:
| Fenix PD25R | Fenix E18R V2.0 | Fenix E12 V3.0 | Fenix MINI-LITE | |
| Light Source | LED Luminus SST-20 | LED Luminus SST-40 | LED Luminus SST-20 | LED MATCH CA18 Blue and red Everlight 2835 |
| White light shade | Daylight White 6000K | Daylight White 6000K | Daylight White 6000K | Daylight White 6000K |
| Performance | 800 lm | 1200 lm | 200 lm | 150 lm |
| Throw | 250 m | 146 m | 78 m | 40 m |
| Other colours of light | No | No | No | red and blue |
| Shockproof | 1 m | 1 m | 1 m | 1 m |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP66 |
| White light modes | 5 - 30 - 150 - 350 - 800 lm | 1 - 30 - 150 - 350 - 1200 lm | 5 - 30 - 200 lm | 5 - 45 - 150 lm |
| Maximum run time in white light | 70 h (5 lm) | 200 h (1 lm) | 100 h (5 lm) | 20 h (5 lm) |
| Dimensions | 9,2x2,4 cm | 6,7x2,2 cm | 8,15x1,93x1,74 cm | 5,2x2,3x2 cm |
| Weight | 78 g | 56 g | 54 g | 18 g |
| Magnet | No | Yes (in tip) | Yes (in the switch) | No |
| Body Material | aircraft aluminum | aero aluminium | aero aluminium | plastic |
| Note | 800 lm strobe striking rim tactical switch + toggle button replaceable battery | strobe 1200 lm replaceable battery | 1x AA battery | Point white light diffuse red, blue light red and blue flash clip is not reversible |
Fenix pocket flashlights larger than 10 cm with double-sided clip:
| Fenix PD36R V2.0 | Fenix LD30R | Fenix E28R V2.0 | |
| Light Source | LED Luminus SFT-40 | LED Luminus SST-40 | LED Luminus SST-40 |
| White light shade | Daily White 6000K | Day White 6000K | Daylight White 6000K |
| Performance | 1700 lm | 1700 lm | 1700 lm |
| Throw | 396 m | 267 m | 273 m |
| Other colours of light | No | No | red and green in the button |
| Resistance to falling | 1 m | 1 m | 1 m |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| White light modes | 5 - 50 - 350 - 800 - 1700 lm | 1 - 50 - 150 - 600 - 1700 lm | 5 - 50 - 150 - 600 - 1700 lm |
| Maximum run time in white light | 482 h (5 lm) | 750 h (1 lm) | 260 h (5 lm) |
| Dimensions | 14.1x2.65 cm | 13x2,65 cm | 12,1x2,65 cm |
| Weight | 167 g | 132 g | 128 g |
| Magnet | No | No | Yes (in end cap) |
| Body material | aircraft aluminium | aircraft aluminium | aiircraft aluminium |
Opposite solution
If you want a full-featured headlamp that can be used as a handheld flashlight, including a pocket or belt clip and a magnet in the end cap, we have a solution. Fenix headlamps with "L" design that can be simply removed from the holder. We wrote about these headlamps in an earlier article. They lack a strobe and the ability to fit filters and diffusers, but again you have the option of tilting the reflector and better aiming and seating on your head. Whether this solution is preferable to a flashlight with a double-sided clip you have to judge for yourself depending on how you need to use the flashlight primarily.
Fenix headlamps can be easily removed from the mount and used as a handheld flashlight or flashlight
From left Fenix HM23 V2.0, Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0, Fenix HM61R Amber V2.0
Comparison table of parameters of Fenix headlamps "L" design
| Fenix HM71R | Fenix HM61R Amber V2.0 | Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0 | Fenix HM23 V2.0 | |
| Light Source | LED Luminus SFT-70 + Luminus SST-40 CRI 90 | LED Luminus SST-40 + 2x Everlight 2835 | LED SST-20 + 2x Everlight 2835 | LED Luminus SST-20 + 2x Everlight 2835 |
| White light shade | Daily white 6000K (remote reflector) a Neutral CRI 90 4000K (wide reflector) | Neutral White 4000-5000K | Neutral White 4000-5000K | Daylight White 6000K |
| Performance | 2700 lm | 1600 lm | 700 lm | 300 lm |
| Dosvit | 230 m | 162 m | 120 m | 88 m |
| Red light | No | Yes (3 modes with memory of last used mode) | Yes (4 modes with memory for last used mode) | Yes (2 modes with memory for last used mode) |
| Switch directly to red light | --- | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of modes | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5 |
| White Light Modes | 5 - 50 - 200 - 500 lm (floodlight reflector); 50 - 200 - 800 - 2700 lm (floodlight reflector) | 5 - 50 - 150 - 400 - 1600 lm | 3 - 50 - 150 - 400 - 700 lm | 3 - 50 - 300 lm |
| Red Light Modes | --- | steady light 1 lm - 10 lm - flashing 10 lm | steady light 1 lm - 5 lm - flashing 5 lm - SOS 5 lm | steady light 5 lm - flashing 5 lm |
| Max. run time in white light | 400 h | 300 h | 120 h | 100 h |
| Maximum endurance time in red light operation | --- | 400 h | 100 h | 34 h |
| Magnetic end cap | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total weight including battery and strap | 207 grams | 157 grams | 80 grams | 87 grams |
| Length of headlamp body | 106 millimetres | 103 millimetres | 66 millimetres | 74 millimetres |
Close
Handheld flashlights with reversible clip are the perfect alternative to headlamps. They offer versatility, flexibility and convenience that any outdoor enthusiast or professional will appreciate. So if you're looking for a multi-functional flashlight that allows you to be hands-free while providing reliable illumination, don't hesitate to try a model with a reversible clip. It will make a great addition to your EDC gear.
If you are unsure of your choice, the easiest thing you can do is contact us. We will be happy to advise you by phone or on line chat, answer email questions,
Fenix PD25R (left) and Fenix E18R V2.0 (right)
Compare the two flashlights in an earlier article here