Fenix HP35R or HP35R SAR headlamp?

5.7.2024

The newest Fenix HP35R headlamp delivers the highest light output Fenix has ever used in a headlamp. It is offered in two variants HP35R and HP35R SAR. What is the difference in the two models?

Same specifications

The headlamp features a spotlight reflector with a neutral 4500K light hue and a pair of smaller reflectors with wide cone of light with warm 3000K hue and high CRI 94.5.

The warm light permeates fog, rain and snow better, making it great in bad weather conditions, but also much more pleasant on the eyes in normal use. The high CRI (Color Rendering Index) of the floodlight reflector ensures high color fidelity. Overall, the headlamp therefore renders the image more realistically than other lights. All this at a maximum output of up to 4000 lumens with a range of up to 450 metres. These are excellent parameters.

HP35R SAR

It uses a 10,000 mAh Li-ion battery to provide power, housed in a separate housing on an adjustable cable. The case can be worn on the back of the neck, placed on a belt, in a pocket or backpack. This increases comfort of carrying and in the . The battery case features a red light with up to 20 lumens, a charge indicator and a USB-C charging connector. The USB-C charging connector also functions as an output, so the battery pack can be used as a power bank to charge your mobile phone, GPS navigation and other USB devices.

The headlamp offers a total of 12 power modes. 4 modes each in spot, flood and combination mode. In the lowest mode with 5 lumens, it provides excellent endurance of up to 500 hours (i.e. more than 20 days). The body of the headlamp is made of aluminium alloy used in the aerospace industry, so excellent cooling and damage resistance is ensured. This high performance headlamp with separate battery is designed specifically for search and rescue operations, caving and work use, but will also be appreciated by ski mountaineers, mushers and enthusiasts of other extreme sports and outdoor activities.

Different ways of wearing

When it comes to lighting parameters, the two models are therefore exactly the same.
The main difference is in the wearing options.

 For the HP35R headlamp, a wide nylon strap with perforations, as we are used to with other Fenix headlamps, ensures comfortable wearing on the head, and the cable between the headlamp and the batteries is attached to the strap by two grips. The headlamp can be mounted on the helmet with straps, attached via the ALG-03 adhesive mount or we can use the ALG-04 mount in the case of the NVG mount.

 
Left HP35R SAR with strap for attachment to helmet, right HP35R with universal nylon breathable strap for wearing also on the head.

The helmet with the SAR (Search and Rescue) label can only be worn on the helmet. Attachment is either via a flame retardant rubber strap secured with four anti-slip hooks or direct NVG mounting is possible via the integrated NVG compatible bayonet in the back of the headlamp.

Left HP35R SAR, right HP35R.

Left HP35R with nylon strap on, right HP35R SAR with fireproof rubber strap and integrated NVG bayonet.

So which is the right one?

Deciding which of the two options to choose seems simple. A universal model with the ability to be worn without a helmet, or a helmet-only SAR variant but with a fireproof strap and direct NVG fitting?

If you're still unsure of your choice, the easiest thing to do is contact us. We will be happy to advise you by phone or answer email questions.