Considering Fenix 75r Headlamp - Thoughts?

[Wseidel777]

I have traditionally run Black Diamond headlamps and they’ve worked well. I’m researching more powerful headlamps and am intrigued with the Fenix 75r. My uses include hunting (to and from stands - red mode), hiking, biking at night, and snowplowing with my atv. Please share your experiences on brand quality, reliability, and any specific comments on this particular model. Thank you

 

[ohoopee]

I just ran down the fenix rabbit whole to replace two that I have misplaced or
lost on different trips in the last year. I have owned several cottage and big box brands. Used
on multiple trips. Fenix is my favorite. The larger one was used the least amount because
of the weight. I have found 130 lumens to be good for my old tired eyes at camp.

That being said that 75 with the brighter red lumens looked very nice.
Ultimately I purchased a Fenix HM 62-t that had longer medium runtimes (lower lumens) for my backcountry trips. The trade off for me was the low 5 lumen red light and the non-onboard charging. . I still have the 75r in my cart solely for the higher red lumens for Whitetail hunts.

Fyi, Fenixlighting.com has more charts showing the discharge rates than the Fenix-store.com.

 

[Wseidel777]

Thank you, Ohoopee. Also, since you referenced both Fenix distributors - is one preferred over the other?

 

[ohoopee]

Thank you, Ohoopee. Also, since you referenced both Fenix distributors - is one preferred over the other?

Your welcome. One usually has 10% discount but has original higher price. One also has the 75r w/o the extra battery pack. One is the Fenix company and the other is a large private distributer.

 

[kcm2]

Look at Peax, too.

 

[AndrewMT34]

I have 2 Fenix headlamps, the HM60R’s. They are awesome, I highly recommend them. I like that I can charge them from a battery bank and they are incredibly bright on the highest setting.

 

[Wseidel777]

Thanks for the recommendation, kcm2.

 

[canyonhunter47]

Fenix is a solid well established brand and headlamps are a pretty important piece of safety gear. I’d trust them over cheap Amazon or tweaked and heavily marketed cheap headlamps.

My 61R is a few years old and earned its nickname “the eye of Sauron” in my house. The lower settings are also plenty good for camp or reading while saving battery too

 

[Wseidel777]

Thank you, Andrew.

 

[MC56]

I've been using a Fenix HM65R for a few years and love it. I've been using their pd35tac handhelds for over a decade.

 

[Wseidel777]

Thank you, Canyonhunter47 and MC56. The 65r appears to be their current best-seller (possibly best all-around headlamp).

 

[SquirrelyDan]

I have been using Fenix for the past 5 years and won’t buy anything else. I currently have a couple hm70r’s and few others, they have been flawless. You wont be disappointed.

 

[Wseidel777]

Thank you, SquirrelyDan. I was originally looking at the 70r and was steered towards the 75r. Thoughts on the differences between the two and if the features on the 75r are truly an “upgrade”. Sounds like all of their headlamps are highly regarded.

 

[Wseidel777]

Update: Based on my research and input from a variety of sources, I ordered both a Peax Duo and a Fenix 75r. I had a discount plus a gift card at Scheels so I bought the Peax headlamp there (they have a generous return policy as well). Just a quick note that Fenix will likely be running a 20% off Black Friday Special in the coming weeks. I opted to move forward with my 15% discount as I want to use it during the upcoming deer season. I’ll let you know which one I keep and which one I return.

Thanks for all your input and PMs.

 

[ohoopee]

Update: Based on my research and input from a variety of sources, I ordered both a Peax Duo and a Fenix 75r. I had a discount plus a gift card at Scheels so I bought the Peax headlamp there (they have a generous return policy as well). Just a quick note that Fenix will likely be running a 20% off Black Friday Special in the coming weeks. I opted to move forward with my 15% discount as I want to use it during the upcoming deer season. I’ll let you know which one I keep and which one I return.

Thanks for all your input and PMs.

Please let us know your thoughts on the two models you purchased. Fyi, I found that turning the nob rapidly lets you get to red light w/o having the bright white come on when cycling through.

 

[Wseidel777]

Will do and thanks for the tip. Others have mentioned that works well for them too.

Fenix told me that by holding the on switch “on” for three seconds, the light will default to red. I saw this comment in one of the reviews and specifically asked them about this feature. Hopefully that is the case…it arrives tomorrow.

 

[Marbles]

I lost my Zebralight and recently got the HM75R. The UI is much easier to figure out and use, the red works well, having both spot and flood is nice.

The battery range extender is nice, it can run the light without a battery in the light itself, so in the cold you can put the battery in your jacket and keep it warm. It also works noce as a power bank and spare 21700 batteries are lighter per mAh than any power bank. The connection between wight and battery bank is a USB C cable, which most of us need to carry anyway.

 

[Wseidel777]

Good information…thanks, Marbles.

 

[sivart]

following

 

[repins05]

Late to respond...... I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND FENIX. Great flashlight but one of the worst warranty and customer service experiences that I have had with any company. Was funneled to communicating with someone via email in Asia. .....my experience is very similar to century link and trying to get internet connection etc (if anyone has had the pleasure of dealing with them).

A simple plastic piece holding the light to to the headband split. It took 5 months to get it replaced with multiple emails and calls. At one point, the vendor tried to blame me for not following the return item paperwork requirements (which was providing my return address on the email they wanted me to print out and send with the light). This was 3 months into the return. Fortunately, I kept a paper trail and was able to prove that it was sent. I eventually received a new light. However, if did not waste hours of my life contacting the company, I would 100 percent been out the broken light with no replacement.

Anyway.....the experience is much worse than I can explain in words. I own 4 fenix lights including a high end spot light. Those are the last lights I will own by Fenix.

Side note. If I remember correctly there are two main distributers of Fenix Lights in the US. Maybe the other vendor is better. However you won't know which one you get until you have an issue and have to make a warranty claim. Then again maybe the other vendor is just as bad.