Opinions on the Fenix HL10

[captain spaulding]

   I will possibly be in the market for a new headlamp in the near future and found one I thought would be great, but after doing some deep research I am not so enthusiastic about it anymore. I really wan't to like it. The light is the Fenix HL10. I always wanted a Zebralight headlamp and the Fenix is similar, but at a cheaper price and much less performance.

Things that turn me off about the HL10:

AAA batteries
Terrible run time
Flood ONLY
High mode auto step down after 5 minutes
Metal clip holding light will scratch the finish easily

   I currently have a LED Lenser H5. While it has performed excellently I just wan't something brighter. At 25 lumens it doesn't do much for me. Around the house it is alright, but when I am out fishing or in complete darkness in the outdoors it does not light up much of anything. Now my problem with the HL10 is the max output is 70 lumens which would be fine if it did not step down and the runtime on max was not only 50 minutes. Realistically less with alkalines. Add in the flood only and it is basically useless. I was thinking I could just run it on medium and get better runtime, but the medium is only 27 lumes. So it would be almost exactly the same as my H5 with less runtime. I really love the design and wan't to try one, but I keep talking myself out of it because I feel like it will just be a waste and the runtime really kills it for me.
   Do any of you have experience with the HL10? Do any of you have suggestions for any other headlamps in the $40 range. I'm talking $40 total shipped to my door. AA preferred. Thanks everyone. 


EDIT: I looked at the HL30 and liked it at first, but am talking myself out of that one as well. I have been hearing bad things about the HL30. Any insight on the HL30 would be appreciated.





NOT MY PICTURES


HL10


http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa469/khk0603/Fenix%20HL10/S-2.jpg


HL30


http://www.fenixlighting.com/Portals/0/Images/1_Fenix-HL30-LED-Flashlight-2.jpg

[nate j]

I have a HL21 and I've been happy with it, although I use it mostly for projects around the house.  I see it has been replaced in the Fenix lineup by the HL22, which I don't own and so can't offer an opinion on, though.

[zoidberg]

I can't help you but maybe you can help me. I've been wanting a new headlamp too and after you linked to the SC52w I started looking at the other zebralight lights and found the H52w. Are these the same base model with one made for handheld and one made for headlamp? Or is there something else that makes one better than the other?

[captain spaulding]

I can't help you but maybe you can help me. I've been wanting a new headlamp too and after you linked to the SC52w I started looking at the other zebralight lights and found the H52w. Are these the same base model with one made for handheld and one made for headlamp? Or is there something else that makes one better than the other?

I would be glad to help, but at this moment I cannot even think straight. I will have to get back to you about that one tomorrow.   

[zoidberg]

I can't help you but maybe you can help me. I've been wanting a new headlamp too and after you linked to the SC52w I started looking at the other zebralight lights and found the H52w. Are these the same base model with one made for handheld and one made for headlamp? Or is there something else that makes one better than the other?

I would be glad to help, but at this moment I cannot even think straight. I will have to get back to you about that one tomorrow.

Get some sleep you drunk sexy clown. 

[sawman]

 

[Millhouse]

I considered getting a couple to give away as presents, but the disadvantages you have already listed put me off.

[Cupboard]

I can't help you but maybe you can help me. I've been wanting a new headlamp too and after you linked to the SC52w I started looking at the other zebralight lights and found the H52w. Are these the same base model with one made for handheld and one made for headlamp? Or is there something else that makes one better than the other?

Pretty much, yes.

ISTR there's a slightly different beam angle on the SC (straight) series, but not by much. It's all in the specs on their website though. IMO if you're even considering ever using it as a headlamp, get the H over the SC. You can use the SC in a headband but as 50ft has demonstrated to me you have to have the strap under your nose to get it to point anywhere sensible.

[zoidberg]

I can't help you but maybe you can help me. I've been wanting a new headlamp too and after you linked to the SC52w I started looking at the other zebralight lights and found the H52w. Are these the same base model with one made for handheld and one made for headlamp? Or is there something else that makes one better than the other?

Pretty much, yes.

ISTR there's a slightly different beam angle on the SC (straight) series, but not by much. It's all in the specs on their website though. IMO if you're even considering ever using it as a headlamp, get the H over the SC. You can use the SC in a headband but as 50ft has demonstrated to me you have to have the strap under your nose to get it to point anywhere sensible.

   I'll start saving.

[Cupboard]

They're well worth saving for IMO.
I'd be lost without my H52F, I have it with me every day and even at this time of year it gets used multiple times per week. Come winter and that's multiple times per day.

[captain spaulding]

Im pretty sold on this one.

http://www.amazon.com/LED-Lenser-SEO3-Head-Light/dp/B00DIR5P52/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1408785879&sr=8-5&keywords=led+lenser+seo

[Muro]

I own the HL10 and well...it's poor and nice at the same time. Can you think about spending a tad more? Armytek Tiara A1 is at $55 at their website....strongly recommended. I received my warm (rather neutral) yesterday and it quickly became my edc, transferring sc52 and s10 to the left pocket....

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[Muro]

...although...it is rather floody, but this is something to think about...narrow spots tend to bounce in the distance, a floody beam is more steady...

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[captain spaulding]

I own the HL10 and well...it's poor and nice at the same time. Can you think about spending a tad more? Armytek Tiara A1 is at $55 at their website....strongly recommended. I received my warm (rather neutral) yesterday and it quickly became my edc, transferring sc52 and s10 to the left pocket....

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I already bought the Led Lenser SEO3. I'm kinda bummed with it though. Not bright enough and to bulky. I also hate that the light does not curve where it contacts your forehead so its just a flat piece on your forehead which become uncomfortable.

[Muro]

That's a pity. I did not stumble upon this thread earlier....but could also not have advised earlier. Sorry to hear that your choice disappoints you, as I had the LL on my list also as an upgrade from the HL3.

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