Fenix HM50R Review 2025 [500 Lumens Multi-Purpose led Headlamp]

Last Updated on February 17, 2025

For years, Fenix has been a leader in the flashlight industry, consistently delivering high-quality, durable, and innovative lighting solutions. Beyond flashlights, the brand also offers searchlights, headlamps, and lanterns, catering to both outdoor adventurers and professionals.

The Fenix HM50R rechargeable headlamp stands out with its sleek, compact, and rugged design, making it an excellent choice for hiking, camping, and hands-free work. Built with Fenix’s signature durability, this lightweight yet powerful headlamp is designed for reliability in extreme conditions and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty for added peace of mind.

With easy handling, long-lasting performance, and a rechargeable battery, the Fenix HM50R is an ideal everyday carry (EDC) headlamp for those who demand versatility and efficiency.

Read this detailed Fenix HM50R review to explore its features, benefits, and why it’s one of the best rechargeable headlamps on the market.

Technical Specifications of the Fenix HM50R Headlamp Flashlight 500 Lumens:

Features	Fenix HM50R Headlamp
Lumens:	500lm
Beam Distance:	80meters
Modes:	4
Body:	Aircraft-grade aluminum
LED:	Cree XM-L2 U2 white LED
Waterproof:	IP 68
Included:	Fenix ARB-L16 series 700mAH
Weight:	2.22 oz./63 grams
Battery:	Micro USB rechargeable (for 16340 batteries only)
Price:	Check Today’s Price

The headlamp also covers a large area as it delivers maximum Lumens of 500. It is versatile as it offers the user four light modes to choose from. The single switch design makes operating the headlamp easy. You can turn the lamp into a mini flashlight by removing it from the headband.

Summary of Contents

If you want a headlamp that you can rely on even in the harshest environments, then this Fenix HM50R headlamp won’t disappoint you.

Headlamp Fenix HM50R Review

Durable aluminum construction

The Fenix HM50R headlamp is well-made to offer comfort. The headband material is less snaggy with a stiffer textile weave and with a firm strip across the forehead. So, this means that adjusting the headband is simple and fun. It also features quality aluminum that can put up with severe outdoor conditions. It has a premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish that protects it from the elements. The toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating protects the LEDs from outside harm. With such amazing features, this is a headlamp that you can rely on for your outdoor activities.

Uses Cree XM-L2 U2 LED

Of course, the most critical feature of any flashlight is the illumination. The Fenix HM50R does a great job of providing bright light for different uses. But before we look at the light modes, let’s look at the LED it uses. The unit comes with Cree XM-L2 U2 LED with a lifespan of 50, 000 hours. The LED is durable and reliable to deliver in all conditions.

The Cree XM-L2 U2 LED provide maximum Lumens of 500, which is exceptionally bright for a headlamp. On top of that, it covers up to 80 meters. With such brightness, this is a perfect light for hunting, hiking, biking, and even running.

Multipurpose headlamp

The Fenix HM50R is a versatile flashlight, which makes it stand out from other headlights. It features 4 light modes that are great for a broader range of purposes. The four light modes are low with 4 Lumens, medium with 30 Lumens, high with 130 Lumens, and turbo with 500 Lumens. The low light mode can run up to 128 hours, which is great for camping or even reading. The turbo mode is bright enough to illuminate a dark alley or path at night. Also, the turbo mode can disorient an attacker.
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With the four light modes, you are not just limited to one purpose, as you can utilize this headlamp for biking, mountaineering, camping, cycling, jogging, dog walking, and much more.

Micro-USB Rechargeable

The Fenix HM50R headlamp flashlight runs on one CR123A battery or one 16340 rechargeable battery. The CR123A battery is ideal if you want the flashlight to run for longer, while the 16340 rechargeable battery is suitable if you want the brightest light. Also, on the turbo mode, the 16340 battery will offer 30 minutes more runtime than the CR123A battery.

Besides offering two battery options, the headlamp comes with a Micro-USB charging port. As a result, recharging your flashlight is straightforward and fun. During charging, the indicator light shows blue and turns to green when the battery is full. You can also monitor the battery level by single tapping the switch when the unit is off. A green light indicates the flashlight is at 80% or more, green flashes at 50% to 80%, blue constant at 20% to 50%, and blue flashes at 20% or below.

Waterproof and impact resistant

If you intend to use the Fenix HM50R headlamp outdoors, then you’ve got nothing to worry about. This is because it has a waterproof rating of IP68. Furthermore, it means that the flashlight is dust, dirt, and sand resistant for eight hours. Also, it can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Apart from this, the headlamp is impact resistant up to 1 meter. So, if you drop it accidentally during use, you can rest assured that it will still function correctly, as long as it is not more than 1 meter above the ground.

Safe operation

There no use of having a flashlight for tactical use that isn’t safe to use. An excellent outdoor flashlight should have some safety features to protect the light and the user. The Fenix HM50R headlamp has reverse polarity protection for preventing the wrong battery installation. Additionally, it has a lockout function, which prevents accidental lighting of the flashlight as you go about your errands. On top of that, this headlamp can withstand temperatures of up to -40 degrees F.

Compact and lightweight

If you’ve used headlamps before, then you know what I am talking about. Unlike most headlights on the market, this unit is compact and lightweight. Weighing 2.2 oz. You will find this headlamp comfortable and enjoyable to wear. The headband material is not that stiff as with some models. Besides, you don’t have to wear the third strap when riding a bike or running.

A unique feature of the Fenix HM50R is its tiltable design. You can tilt the headlamp in the angle that you wish.

Simple one-handed operation

The Fenix HM50R is easy to operate. Thanks to its innovative design that allows you to conveniently turn on/off the light using the side switch. Additionally, you can tap on the side switch to access the four light modes. In short, you can operate the headlamp using one hand.

Warranty

Fenix is a notable brand with lots of outstanding flashlights to offer. But what makes to excel even more is their lifetime limited warranty. This is the best warranties on the market, and it makes most flashlight lovers buy from Fenix without even thinking twice.

Comparison between the Fenix HM50R V2.0 and the Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0 headlamps:

Specification	Fenix HM50R V2.0	Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0
Maximum Lumens	700 lumens	700 lumens
LED Type	Cree XP-G3 S4 white light LED	SST-20 neutral white LED (4500K) and two red Everlight LEDs
Beam Distance	Up to 115 meters	Up to 120 meters
Battery Type	One 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery (included) or one CR123A lithium battery	One RCR123A rechargeable Li-ion battery (included) or one CR123A lithium battery
Charging Method	USB Type-C charging port	USB-C charging connector
Runtime	Up to 42 hours on low mode	Up to 120 hours on low mode
Lighting Modes	Four white light levels, red light, and red flash	Five white light levels and four red light modes (including red flashing and SOS)
Body Material	High-strength A6061-T6 aluminum alloy	High-strength A6061-T6 aluminum alloy
Waterproof Rating	IP68 (submersible up to 2 meters)	IP68 (submersible up to 2 meters)
Impact Resistance	2 meters	2 meters
Dimensions	Length: 64mm; Width: 36mm; Height: 32mm	Length: 66mm; Width: 36mm; Height: 32mm
Weight	78 grams (including battery and headband)	80 grams (including battery and headband)
Additional Features	Detachable from headband for use as a right-angle flashlight; reflective headband	Magnetic tail for easy attachment to metal surfaces; removable steel clip; battery level indicator; memory function for last used mode

Summary: Why buy Fenix HM50R rechargeable headlamp?

Sturdy construction
Compact and lightweight design
Bright light
Versatile
One-handed operation
Micro-USB rechargeable
Excellent run time of up to 128 hours
Lifetime limited warranty

Cons of the Fenix HM50R Led

It doesn’t come with a red light or strobe mode

Troubleshooting steps to help resolve common problems:

Headlamp Not Turning On:

Plastic Insulation Disc: Ensure you’ve removed the plastic insulation disc inside the flashlight body, as it prevents battery contact.
Battery Installation: Confirm the battery is inserted correctly, with the positive (+) end facing the headlamp’s head.
Battery Status: Check if the battery is fully charged and functioning by testing it in another device.
Tail Cap Tightness: Make sure the tail cap is securely tightened to complete the circuit.

Charging Issues:

Plastic Insulation Disc: Verify that the plastic insulation disc has been removed, as it can interfere with charging.
Contact Cleanliness: Inspect and clean the charging contacts and port to remove any dirt or debris.
Charging Cable: Try using a different compatible charging cable to rule out cable defects.

Intermittent Operation or Flickering Light:

Connection Tightness: Ensure all connections, including the tail cap and battery, are secure.
Contact Cleanliness: Clean the battery contacts and threads with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove oxidation.
Switch Functionality: If flickering persists, there may be an issue with the switch; consider contacting Fenix support for assistance.

Red Light Not Functioning:

Mode Selection: Press and hold the switch to cycle through modes until the red light activates.
LED Malfunction: If the red LED remains inactive, it could indicate a malfunction; seek professional assistance.

Battery Drains Quickly:

Brightness Settings: Using high-output modes continuously can deplete the battery faster; switch to lower brightness settings for extended runtime.
Parasitic Drain: To prevent battery drain when not in use, slightly loosen the tail cap to physically lock out the headlamp.
Battery Quality: Over time, batteries lose capacity; consider replacing an aged or poor-quality battery with a new, high-quality one.

Conclusion

When compared to other headlamp models on the market, the Fenix HM50R rechargeable headlamp flashlight is one of the best. Not only is it sturdily made, but it is also compact, lightweight, and simple to operate. Its unique design makes it tightly fit the user. Considering the headlamp is durable, bright, and affordable, this a light worth investing in. I hope this Fenix HM50R review article has provided enough information that you want to know before buying this.

FAQ

Question: Does this Fenix Headlamp tilt for direction?
Answer: Yes, it does. The flashlight is held together in a rubber sleeve on the headband. The sleeve maintains tension around the light and enables you to tilt the torch to any angle within the rubber sleeve, up to 360 degrees.

Question: How long does the 16340 battery take to charge?
Answer: It all depends on the remaining battery charge. For instance, if the battery charge is at 20%, it will take at least 40 minutes to charge fully. Usually, it will take you less than an hour to fully charge the 16340 rechargeable Lithium battery.

Still, have questions after reading this Fenix HM50R Review article? Comment below.