L shape headlamps - so called pipelamps

8. 9. 2023

It's been a while since Fenix produced the first "L" design headlamp called the Fenix HL50 in 2014. In the meantime, the light performance has been improved, the battery capacity has been increased, and the removal from the mount has been optimized. This type of headlamps, which can be conveniently removed from the holder and straps and carried in a pocket, has become very popular. And no wonder, their versatility is great and will be used by a wide range of users. We've picked out the three best-selling models in this category - the Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0, Fenix HM61R Amber V2.0, Fenix HM71R headlamps and we'll take a closer look at them.

From left: HM71R, HM61R Amber V2.0, HM51R Ruby V2.0.

A headlamp for sports and hiking or an indispensable work tool?

Headlamps of the "L" design are so popular precisely because of their versatility. They are used by runners, skiers and cross-country skiers, cyclists and scooterists as a great sports headlamp. And cyclists and scooter riders in particular often remove it from its holder and attach it to their handlebars or saddlebags as a fixed light or flashing light. It's also easy to place on a helmet during a variety of sporting activities. They are excellent for hikers, or bushcrafters who will use them when walking in the mountains and countryside, but also after "anchoring" at a bivouac site or campsite. Fishermen and hunters also love these flashlights. On the other hand, they are an indispensable EDC accessory and working tool in the hobby and pro workshop, or when working in the field.

The key is practicality

Simply remove the headlamp from the holder without special tools, without untangling the straps. So you don't have to wear it only on your head, but thanks to the included buckle, it can easily be clipped to your belt, your pocket or the straps on your backpack. The "L" construction allows for forward shining even when placed on a shoulder strap of a backpack or chest pack. The HM51R Ruby V2.0 and HM61R Amber V2.0 models, which have a red light, will again fulfil their safety function on the back of the backpack. A magnet in the end cap allows attachment to iron objects. The possibilities are really a lot!

The headlamps can be easily removed from the holder and straps.
From left: HM51R Ruby V2.0, HM61R Amber V2.0, HM71R.

The magnet in the end cap increases practicality.

Size for everyone

Whether you're looking for a lightweight headlamp for running, a powerful all-rounder, or a light cannon with maximum battery capacity, there's a choice in the Fenix range. For comparison, we've chosen the tiny HM51R Ruby V2.0, the popular HM61R Amber V2.0 and the most powerful HM71R.

The HM51R Ruby V2.0 weighs just 80 grams and the dimensions are 66mm length x 36mm width x 32mm height (including the headlamp holder).

The HM61R Amber V2.0 weighs 157 grams and measures 103 mm length x 36 mm width x 45 mm height (including headlamp holder).

The new HM71R weighs 207 grams and with dimensions of 106 mm length x 45 mm x 46 mm including headlamp holder is one of the largest headlamps of this type and is particularly popular with flashoholics who are after maximum performance and don't need to deal with weight and dimensions.

From left: HM51R Ruby V2.0, HM61R Amber V2.0, HM71R.

How it shines

In terms of light, you'll definitely be interested in both colour options and overall performance. The HM71R has two reflectors, a main one with a cool color and a wide one with a warmer color (4000K) and a high CRI of 90+. HM51R Ruby V2.0 and HM61R Amber V2.0 have a combined light beam of neutral white light (4500 K) with a stronger spotlight center and a wide diffuse halo to illuminate the surroundings.

All 3 lights therefore have an eye-pleasing light that distorts colors less. The HM71R goes a little further in this thanks to its high CRI. On the other hand, its main reflector has a colder shade of light around 6000 K, the so-called daylight white.

HM51R Ruby V2.0 and HM61R Amber V2.0 also have red LEDs. If you also need a red light or a red flasher, you will find them in these two models. For the HM51R Ruby V2.0 in four modes: 5 lumen - 1 lumen - 5 lumen flashing - 5 lumen SOS. The Amber lacks the SOS mode compared to the Ruby, and both the flash and steady light have a 10 lumen output in red.

 
HM51R Ruby V2.0 - white and red light

HM61R Amber V2.0 - white and red light

 HM71R - high (6000K) and wide (4000K, CRI 90) reflector

Please see the table below for an overview of all power modes.

Power supply and charging

Endurance at given modes is predetermined by the battery type. While the HM51R Ruby V2.0 is powered by a RCR123A size Li-ion battery with a capacity of 700 mAh, the HM61R Amber V2.0 comes with a noticeably larger Li-ion 18650 type battery with a capacity of 3400 mAh. The HM71R then comes with a state-of-the-art Li-ion 21700 battery variant with a capacity of 5000 mAh.

Looking at comparable modes, the Ruby, for example, lasts 8 hours in 50 lumen mode, the Amber 35 hours and the HM71R lasts 48 hours at the same power. In the lowest white light mode, the Ruby has a maximum of 120 hours, the Amber 300 hours and the HM71R 400 hours of light.

Charging of the HM51R Ruby V2.0 and HM71R is done via a USB-C connector on the flashlight body hidden under a rubber cap. HM61R Amber V2.0 has a magnetic charging port on the flashlight body, but also a USB-C connector directly on the battery. You can choose which charging method suits you better.

Charging via the USB-C port on the flashlight
for HM51R Ruby V2.0 and HM71R.

In the case of the HM61R Amber V2.0, you can recharge the battery via the magnetic connector on the flashlight, or the USB-C port on the battery.

For increased endurance on long trips when you know you won't have access to the mains for a long time, it's worth buying spare batteries. Especially with the smallest HM51R Ruby V2.0, you can keep several in stock. Disposable CR123A batteries can also be used in the HM51R Ruby V2.0 and HM61R Amber V2.0 headlamps (1 in the HM51R Ruby V2.0, 2 in the HM61R Amber V2.0).

Features overview

Controls

The controls for all three headlamps are very intuitive and similar, so even if you own multiple models, you won't be confused. The flashlights turn on to white light by holding the button for about 0.5 seconds. On the HM71R, this turns on the main beam. If the off button is pressed twice in quick succession, it will trigger the red light mode on the Ruby and Amber, or the floodlight reflector on the HM71R. Both the Ruby and Amber have memory and will always turn on in the last used . This applies to both white and red light. The HM71R has memory on the wide reflector and will turn on in the last used mode, with an exception for turbo mode to avoid accidental triggering in, for example, luggage, pocket and getting burned. The HM71R floodlight reflector will always start in the lowest mode.

From left: HM51R Ruby V2.0, HM61R Amber V2.0, HM71R

Helmet and handlebar mounts

Headlamps can be attached to the helmet via straps, but this is not always optimal, the headlamp can slip or travel on the helmet. For the HM61R Amber V2.0 and HM71R, a solution is offered in the form of the Fenix ALG-03 adhesive mount, where it slides in including its mount, from which the straps need to be removed. If you are frequently using it with the ALG-03, it is therefore worth buying a spare headlamp holder, which then stays plugged into the ALG and the headlamp snaps into it conveniently using the quick-release mechanism. For work and military helmets with NVG mounting, the ALG-04 holder performs the same function and is compatible with this system.

An amazingly simple solution for attaching to bike handlebars, seatpost or stem are the Twofish Bikeblock and Twofish Lockblocks. In some cases, they can also be used to attach the flashlight to the helmet through the vents.

So which one is for you?

Hikers who want to save weight, recreational runners, when walking the dog, or as a lightweight backup bike flashlight will especially opt for the small and lightweight Ruby. It will also find its place in the pocket of any fisherman or hunter. It's a great flashlight for the home and workshop.

More demanding users and sportsmen reach for the larger Amber when they need longer runtime and more light. Cyclists, endurance runners, ski mountaineers, cavers, more demanding hunters and fishermen and professional users like rescue workers. This is a powerful EDC flashlight, a flashlight for the home and workshop. Service and inspection technicians, electricians and others will use it on the job during field trips.

And the HM71R will deliver even more power and better battery life, which are redeemed by its slightly greater weight and size.

If you're unsure of your choice, the easiest thing you can do is contact us. We'll be happy to advise you by email and last but not least, we'll also be happy to welcome you to our brick-and-mortar store