Product of the year - Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0

16.3.2024.

In February 2024, shopping guide Heureka.cz published an evaluation of the most popular products in each category across the market. It was the Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0 that won as the most popular headlamp and won the coveted Product of the Year award. For three years now, this model has been celebrating success among outdoor users of all kinds. It was made especially for the Czech and Slovak market and it was really worth taking into account the comments and requirements of local users who often use flashlights and especially headlamps in difficult terrain conditions. Let's see what positive experiences with this headlamp sport and nature lovers have collected and what they can attribute to it.

Hikers

The Fenix HM51R Ruby rechargeable headlamp in its second version is remarkably powerful (up to 700 lumens), lightweight (80 grams even with the battery and strap), durable, has compact dimensions (66 mm length x 36 mm width x 32 mm height including the holder) and is also equipped with red LEDs. Hikers appreciate it especially on winter hikes when it gets dark very early. In the warmer months, when bivouacking or camping, when preparing dinner or a place to sleep. The maximum light output and 120 metres of reach are often only enough for short periods of time, for example to find a marker on a forest path, but they usually use the lower 50, 150 or 400 lumen modes, which provide longer lasting light.

Charging the battery is simply done directly in the flashlight, in the newer version additionally with the modern, increasingly widely used USB-C connector. A complete charge takes 1 and a half hours. With the help of the powerbank, this is also possible „on the fly“, with 3 and 50 lumens or red LEDs.

The right red light does not interfere with the adaptation of the eyes to darkness and does not dazzle others when camping in the evening, does not disturb already sleeping campers, does not attract mosquitoes unlike white light and is ideal for the tent.

Not every headlamp offers the ability to check how we are doing with battery charge. Before a long trip (and for athletes before a race), it's worth briefly lighting up the indicator light to see if the battery needs charging. And when it not only gets dark on a hike, but the weather turns bad, the Ruby headlamp won't let up. It's waterproof, heavy rain won't mess it up at all, the strap won't get soaked, and the all-metal construction of solid aircraft-grade aluminum alloy can withstand a fall to the ground.

The light weight of the flashlight will be especially welcomed by hikers who need to save every gram in their backpack. And if the backpack is packed to bursting, the lock button option - both mechanical and electronic - also comes in handy. This prevents unwanted switching on in the luggage and in the pocket.

Runners and cross-country skiers

In addition to light output and light weight, the enhanced strap is valuable for runners. Thanks to the perforations, it is sufficiently breathable. Reflective elements that reflect car lights increase passive safety and should be used by everyone on unlit roads today. Thanks to the silicone strip on the inside of the strap, the headlamp not only sits better directly on the head. It is also appreciated by those who are used to wearing a cap, the strap also fits better on a ski hat or sports headband.

Runners, also appreciate the new Ruby that its light is natural and non-distracting, plus it displays colors more realistically and textures stand out better. This is thanks to the neutral shade of white light. This makes it easier to spot branches on the path, potholes and other obstacles, which is even more important when running in darkened woods than when hiking at night. In the warmer light, the eyes also don't get tired as much. And as for the red LEDs, many runners take part in long-distance ultras and a red light with a signal function is not only their ally in training, it's a straightforward piece of equipment at this type of race. It is also important for racers that the battery can not only be recharged, but also emergency replaced with a backup disposable CR123A battery.

The HM51R Ruby V2.0 flashlight can be easily slipped out of the strap and the stainless steel clip attaches well to a pocket, backpack, belt, even the ceiling of a tent. If you run regularly, you will have experienced running in the fog and the light on your forehead will not help you much. However, when the headlamp is removed from the strap with a simple manoeuvre, you get a handheld flashlight with which you can illuminate the fog.

The new generation Ruby is also a welcome companion when cross-country skiing. Thanks to its waterproof and dustproof properties, it has no problem when dropped in the snow. If the temperatures drop too far below zero, it's better to pack a lithium disposable CR123A battery, which, while it doesn't deliver enough juice for the highest modes, is even better at resisting frost. The silicone button, which provides all the flashlight controls, can be used even with ski gloves.

Fishermen

Night fishing has its own charm and often brings more catches. Whether you're fishing for carp or catfish, you need a light that provides a good view around the fishing spot and when casting. It's also definitely worth having a waterproof flashlight when fishing, and those who are busy fishing with a rod will welcome a lightweight headlamp that can be handled and operated easily with one hand. The Ruby provides all this for anglers, including a red light that doesn't spook fish and is especially useful when fishing for roach, but most importantly doesn't attract pesky insects. As for the stronger white light, which is also available, it comes in handy when the angler wants to take a picture of his night catch.

Hunters

In addition to the flashlights that can be attached to hunting rifles, hunting equipment includes lighter backup flashlights, which are indispensable when moving around the hunting grounds at night, during longer stays in hunting lodges and especially when tracking game, when, in addition to light, both hands need to be free. The headlamp can also be attached to clothing and equipment with a buckle; hunters can also use a pocket on the sleeve for a reflective strap.

Here again, the headlamp is celebrating its success, with its powerful LED to match the competition of handheld flashlights and, as a bonus, providing a red light that is less distracting to game.

Police officers

With police officers, we often see Ruby tucked into a chest clip in a molle weave. This keeps her at ease without having to wear the strap at all times. It shines underfoot, signals location, and its stronger performance in a nighttime scuffle will blind a troublemaker. Definitely worth highlighting is the option to purchase the black AFH-02 straps without reflective elements with the headlamp, which aids in concealment when in action in the field.

Cyclists

With the special Twofish mount, this headlamp can also be attached to such a bicycle helmet, which is not very friendly with the strap. This gives a convenient addition to the front light on the handlebars. When riding at night, it will increase safety if the red signal flash on the helmet is switched on. In rough terrain, it often helps if the rider shines the headlamp into a bend before turning into it. If the bike isn't equipped with a light, the HM51R Ruby can be attached to the handlebars with the purchased handlebar mounts Lockblock Bikeblock.

Technicians, DIYers and more

When working in the workshop or anywhere else, another advantage of the new Ruby headlamp version is particularly useful, the magnetic end cap. In handheld or L-lamp form, it can be magnetically attached to any iron substrate. This will also help, for example, during emergency car repairs, when the flashlight can be easily attached to the bonnet. The driver can also make use of the red warning flash when the car battery fails during an involuntary stop on the road.

The above summary also shows the considerable versatility of the flashlight, which suits users of different orientations. The durability of the construction contributes significantly to its success, as the body is made of high-strength aerospace aluminum alloy A6061-T6. The chosen neutral shade of white light (4000 - 5000 kelvin) is in turn closest to natural daylight for the human eye, reducing eye strain and fatigue, improving visual acuity. And the red Everlight LEDs used make it easier to see in the dark, with flashing and SOS flashing modes, the headlamp has important safety and emergency uses. This has achieved a successful combination of parameters, combining existing technical advances with research into practical needs.