6.1 oz.
950 (burst); 400 (high)
Rechargeable
Ultra-bright turbo setting, durable construction, and relatively affordable price.
Heavy and short battery life on turbo mode.
The headlamps in this list are reliable and provide adequate illumination for all kinds of outdoor activities However, for true quality and brightness it is the Fenix HL60R is the real best. The 950-lumen LED emits an impressive 381-foot beam when with “turbo” mode and its all-metal body and IPX8 water-proof rating (submersible at 2 meters) ensure that the light is shining no matter what the lighting conditions. A headlamp with this much brightness is a bit too bright for most applications however, for those who are involved in search and rescue or for activities like night-time biking, spelunking or hunting, this is a vital feature. The good thing is this: there’s a reason why the Fenix HL60R still manages to be a comprehensive headlamp with five levels of brightness and a red-light mode rechargeable USB battery, and slimmer design.
The Fenix HL60R is one of the brightest headlamps we have on our list, however it’s not unopposed. This Ledlenser MH11 below has a maximum brightness of 1,000 lumens when in “boost” mode and beam distances of more than 1,000 feet. the Petzl Duo S (not listed here) increases to 1,100 maximum lumens and has an arc of about 650 feet. The area where the Fenix has the edge is its value. It provides excellent, reliable illumination for less than 100 dollars (the Ledlenser and Petzl check in at $180 and $350, respectively) which makes it a outstanding value for your money. Be aware that, with all headlamps powered by high-power it is best to choose the most powerful setting in the event of a need. The Fenix’s 950-lumen option can drain your battery in just one hour, while it’s “high” 400-lumen mode will give you just 3 hours use.
