Fenix HM65R-T Review - After 1 Year of Use

The HM65R-T is an updated version of the best selling HM65R headlamp from Fenix with improved performance and a new headband fit system, but in a slightly lighter weight package designed specifically for trail running. It's become my favourite new headlamp for my longer races and adventures, but it's also got a couple of drawbacks that I'll talk about in this video.

0:00 - Introductions
2:05 - Features & Specifications
6:45 - Comfort & Fit
8:50 - Customization vs Ease of Use
10:47 - Build Quality
10:58 - Overall Value
11:41 - Final Thoughts & Use Cases

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Disclosure: Some links in the description are affiliate links from which I'll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

#trailrunning #trailrunningheadlamp #headlampreview

[RIVERAEDGE]

Sheee I ain't a runner but this looks like it would be great as an all rounder for just being able to do stuff when it's pitch black

[StreamCrossingRunner]

Hey Jeff, I know you kindly suggested I might not need to watch this review after my comments related to this headlamp within the nightcore review, but I couldn’t resist…. after having this fenix model for six months and having used it during a 50k, I agree with everything you said. Each observation you made mirrors my experience. I’ve ended up wearing a visor in between my head and the strap to help minimize bounce and that has helped. Other than that one dislike, I love the adjustment nob and the fact the strap has perforated holes to allow air to pass through. I find the strap to get way less heavy than a traditional elastic strap that soaks up a lot of sweat. The ease of use is wonderful. Again, great review and thanks

[stevemartin]

I’ve been using the same head lamp for 100 and 200 mile races also.

[UltraTrailSteven]

Great, thorough review! My buddy bought one and loves it. I think I may pick one up too

[bigfattoni]

Watched this video and the first impressions one at least 10 times each. Many thanks for this valuable piece of information - not just influencing and advertisement like many people on YT do but an honest and open minded presentation of your thoughts and the products strength and weaknesses. I decided to go for the HM65R-T as it seems to meet my hopefully future needs. Started with trailrunning in March after doing nothing for 20 years. Lost 50kg in the last 10 month (from 130kg couch potato to +-80kg guy who can run 10 miles). Training for my first trail half marathon and already planning ahead for further distances - just building up endurance, strength and core stability to get more mileage injury free. Back to the topic - tested the lamp yesterday with only a night walk for two hours - I am impressed and blown away by the performance! Overkill now but if all turns out well just the right piece of gear for me.

[youngAu]

Just ordered the Fenix HM65R-T based upon your excellent review along with others. Look forward to receiving it.

[tomashonegr]

I can say I have only good experience with this headlamp.
My favorite combination is first spotlight + 2nd floodlight.
For technical downhill I usually add power to the wide angle light.
I'm uphill I save battery and keep only 2nd floodlight

[platzs]

Great review! I have been using the HM65R-T for 6 months and love it. The battery life is amazing!

[michazega]

I’ve just bought HM65R by mistake and the things You said about the straps made me not go for exchange. Thanks a lot!

[Inspectergadget]

I use a Ledlenser H15R for long night walks...and had the H14R.2 before that. No good for running as it weighs too much. Good video. I probably would not consider this. I'm looking for red light also. Good at night camping.

[bctrailbagger]

Fenix and Nitecore area my go to... can't go wrong with those two brands! Got 6, 000 lumens for my bike... lights up the night!! Glad to see you're on to these brands now.

[eduardstransky]

I have used this headlamp for running 100k and 100 miles ultras. Best headlamp ever for me. The "boa sistem" just broke after 2 years. I took off the boa and put velcro and I had two benefits from this work: 1 - I got rid of 9 grams from the boa and 2 - there is no longer the feeling when you tighten the "boa", for a few seconds it tightens your head like in a vise and your eyes pop out until the tension in the elastic band is properly dissipated @Jeff Pelletier

[Simco_]

I got this last year after watching your video. My only complaints are not having a red light and the weight. I actually use the medium floodlight most of the time. The warmth of that light works really well for not washing out leaves and rocks that are very prevalent on East coast trails.
Despite the red light missing, if they made a new version that was 20+grams lighter without compromising battery or output, I'd buy it. I think I'll be sticking with this for a long time and then just have a lighter one with red light for hiking.

[jeremymarble]

good review...I really liked the head strap, not too much shake for me with a hat on. The deal breaker for me was the stated lumens and duration were massively exaggerated...which most manufacturers are guilty of.

[ericperramond]

Great review, Jeff, definitely my go-to for the planned madness coming later this year. PIcked this up and the Flipbelt X5 waist belt light for the Leadville 100 (gulp). It does bounce a bit but with a beanie/buff, no issues; plan to put on a rubber grommet on the lamp casing, too, with some padding for x-tra comfort. Thing is as bright as a small sun.

[incars]

I totally understand some of the comfort comments here, but for someone with a larger head this is the best fitting headtorch I have *ever* worn. I can't stand the overhead bands as they just get in the way. This replaces an 8 year old Fenix HP30 which needed a whole belt clip and a giant wire. So much easier to wear and run in! Weight really isn't an issue, maybe others have been spoiled by all the advances in the last 8 years of headtorch design 😁

[vinhha]

I'm mechanic and I been used this head lamp for the last 14 -15 months... I'm more than happy... easy to use and bright.. yes I mean it's bright.. down side.. I can't take a head band out to wash..🤷... so I mean I'm very carefully to wash with the I wish they can remodel it..

[iamamish]

You may be the only other person I know who uses the phrase, "use cases" in casual conversation. The curse of being a software developer.

[jradke]

Just bought this on a whim, watched your video a few days later and put me at ease. If my wife loves it after it comes in the mail, I told her I would get her one for Valentine’s Day: If she wants the same or the non trail version I will make sure to use your link to purchase

[rickhunt]

I wish they would give me one to keep. My dog chewed mine up. It still works but it will never go on a headband again. These lights are great when you need two hands free and during the winter outside. It's almost impossible to use the light outside in the summer. During the summer every bug in the woods will be flying to your face. During the summer a handheld is more desirable. At some point the headband is going to be dirty and need washing. I've never met anyone that was able to remove the headlamp for washing. Otherwise it's a great headlamp.