The Fenix Vitae headlamp was developed according to the patents of Hynek Medřický for lighting in accordance with circadian rhythms. It has a very warm white light with a 1800 K chromaticity temperature of up to 600 lumens and a orange-red light of up to 5 lumens, which does not emit short wavelengths in the blue, cyan and green spectral regions. This allows for basic colour resolution and yet does not interfere with the eye's adaptation to darkness. It is therefore the most gentle light for illumination in the evening and at night from the point of view of preserving the properly functioning circadian rhythm and the release of melatonin, the hormone of darkness.
It is powered by a single rechargeable battery type RCR123A (included), which is recharged directly in the lamp via a modern USB-C connector, alternatively a disposable lithium battery CR123A (limited to a max output of 120 lumens) can also be used for power. In addition, there is an indicator LED in the control button, so you will always know when to recharge the battery. The Fenix Vitae has eight different lighting modes that allow you to choose between high power and long runtime (up to 80 hours), plus it has a smooth power adjustment mode in the 3-320 lumen range.
The all-metal construction ensures high durability, optimal cooling and is also fully waterproof according to IP68 norm up to 2 meters underwater. The practicality of the headlamp is enhanced by the ability to remove the light from the holder and use it as a small pocket flashlight. In addition, the headlamp is equipped with a removable steel clip, so you can easily hang it on a pocket or strap. The end of the flashlight is magnetic, so it can easily attach to anything metal. The Fenix Vitae headlamp won't interfere with the production of the hormones you need for a good night's sleep, and it's the perfect companion for a variety of sports activities, outdoor excursions, and household chores.
All flashlight parameters (lumen output, battery life, waterproof, range and shock resistance) are measured in accordance with ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009.
Fenix Vitae Headlamp Specifications
- Premium powerful Nichia LEDs with very warm 1800 K light and red and orange LEDs, all with a 50 000 hours lighting life.
- Five fixed white light modes: 600 lumens (0.75 hours) -> 320 lumens (1.5 hours) -> 120 lumens (2.5 hours) -> 50 lumens (5.5 hours) -> 3 lumens (80 hours).
- Mode with stepless, adjustable white light output 3-320 lumens (80-1.5 hours).
- Three modes of orange-red Vitae light: 5 lumens (30.5 hours) -> 1 lumen (60 hours) -> flashing 5 lumens (60 hours).
- Uses one Fenix RCR123A 700 mAh Li-ion battery, included in the package.
- In an emergency, a single disposable 3V lithium CR123A battery can also be used to provide power, but the highest available mode will be 120 lumens.
- Digital constant power control.
- Charging via USB-C connector on the side of the headlamp, charging time for a fully discharged battery is about 1.5 hours.
- Smooth light cone with range up to 85 meters (1790 cd)
- 66 mm length x 36 mm width x 32 mm height (including headlamp holder).
- 80 grams (including strap and battery pack).
- Battery capacity indication and low voltage warning.
- Magnetic end cap, the headlamp can be attached to anything iron.
- Protection against reverse insertion of the battery (reverse polarity).
- Smartly designed holder also functions as a buckle if the headlamp is removed from the strap.
- Comfortable perforated strap.
- Simple one-switch operation.
- Body made of high strength aerospace aluminum alloy A6061-T6.
- Hard scratch resistant finish - Type III hard anodized.
- Shockproof and waterproof to IP68 standard (tested underwater at 2 meters depth for 4 hours).
- Resistant to drops from a height of 2 meters.
- High quality TIR optics with high light transmission.
- Package includes Vitae headlamp, ARB-L16-700P battery, replacement o-ring, USB-C charging cable, steel clip.
- You can buy additionally a case Fenix APB-20 for the headlamp.
- The headlamp can be attached to the handlebars with Lockblock and Bikeblock after removing from the holder.
- It is also possible to buy a replacement strap, USB mains adapter and USB car adapter or replacement battery RCR123A with micro-USB connector or replacement battery with higher capacity 800 mAh.
Using the headlamp
From the factory, there may be an insulating cap on the battery inside the flashlight. Remove it from the battery before first use.
From the off state, the headlamp can be turned on in three different modes:
- A short press of the button turns on a low orange-red light mode suitable for orientation in the dark with basic color identification. This mode minimizes the risk of disrupting biorhythms.
- Double short press turns on a low mode of very warm 1800 K white light where all colours are visible for safe use at all times.
- Triple short press: turns on the 120 lm mode of very warm 1800 K white light, which is strong enough to comfortably handle most common situations in the dark.
Turn off the headlamp - always turns off with a simple push of a button.
Power Mode Switching (PUSH DIM function):
- Very warm white light - when the light is on, hold the button to continuously (or jump in order of eco, low, medium, high and turbo 600 lumens, see point below) increase the light intensity until you reach the desired or maximum level, then release the button. Press the button again then decrease the light intensity. Even in continuous mode, there is a step change when going into „turbo“ mode.
- Orange-red light - when the light is on, you can hold the button to jump through the modes in „low> high> flashing“ order. Release the button when you reach the desired or last mode. Hold the button again to change modes in the opposite direction.
Switch continuous/jump very warm white light intensity control - In the off state, press and hold the button for 1 second (until the battery indication turns on), then release the button and press again 3 times quickly. If the operation was successful, the headlamp will flash a very warm white light. Now the intensity control will be done in steps in order of eco, low, medium, high and turbo. Follow the same procedure to switch back to the continuous control mode.
Direct switching between very warm white and orange light - by pressing twice in the on state you can switch between orange and very warm white light.
Overheat protection - If the internal temperature of the lamp rises above 60°C, it will automatically start to reduce the power further in gradual steps until the temperature stabilizes. As soon as the temperature of the flashlight drops below 60°C, the power will increase again gradually.
Battery charge status indicatio - In the off state, press the button for 1 second. If the indicator LED is green the battery is more than 80% charged. Green flashing indicates 50-80% capacity. If the light is red, the battery is charged to 20-50%. Red flashing indicates less than 20% of capacity remaining. The indication only works correctly with RCR123A / 16340 rechargeable batteries.
Charging - Unsnap the rubber cap of the charging connector and plug the included cable into the flashlight (USB-C connector), plug the other end of the cable into a computer, power bank or USB mains or car adapter (not included). The side button will glow red during charging and turn green when fully charged. After charging the flashlight again seal the charging connector with the rubber cap. Charging a fully discharged battery takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Discharged battery warning - If the battery voltage drops below the set level, the headlamp will automatically switch to lower power modes. If the headlamp is already switched to the lowest power mode and the battery is critically low, the indicator in the button will flash red. However, the headlamp will continue to shine until the battery is completely drained. Note: the low battery warning is calibrated to the voltage of rechargeable Li-ion batteries only.
Lock the headlamp against unwanted switching on - Loosen the battery cap of the headlamp by a quarter turn, this breaks the electrical contact and the headlamp cannot be switched on. The button can also be locked electronically – with the headlamp switched off, hold the button down for 3 seconds. After locking, the flashlight will flash. To unlock, hold the button again for 3 seconds.
Warning
- Do not disassemble the sealed part in the flashlight head yourself, it will violate the warranty.
- If using a disposable CR123A battery, do not attempt to charge it in the flashlight.
- If the protective rubber rings appear damaged after prolonged use, replace them. The rings should also be lubricated to prevent erosion of the rubber. By following these rules, the flashlight will be properly protected against water.
- If the flashlight flickers, does not switch to higher power modes, or does not light up, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- The battery is almost dead – charge or replace it.
- The contacts inside the flashlight are dirty – clean them with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol.
- The back of the flashlight is loose – tighten it.
Warranty
Five years warranty on the flashlight, two years warranty on the battery.