If you go by user reviews, you will soon reach a point where one generation must make way for another. Development simply proceeds at its own pace, and experience from real-world use reveals what virtual graphics and calculations often cannot show. In the world of flashlights, this is doubly true, especially when we're talking about one of the leaders in outdoor lighting – Fenix. The older model has therefore made way for its younger successor, and today we can introduce the iconic Amber headlamp in a new, improved generation - HM61R Amber V2.0.
,,Never become such an expert that you think you no longer need to develop your expertise. Treat life as a never-ending study.“ Denis Waitley
Fenix Light Limited
I have already written about Fenix in the review of the TK16 V2.0 flashlight and the GL22 weapon light. Good things, however, are worth mentioning again, so let's revisit them.
Fenix is among the world's top brands in the field of outdoor and tactical lights. And it has earned its position rightfully. The basic concept is always built on durability, reliability and practical approaches. Their products largely incorporate aircraft-grade aluminum, overheat protection, and quality LEDs, as well as high water resistance and impact resistance.
The development department is working at full speed, and it's evident that Fenix pays attention to user feedback. Real-world usage experience is invaluable, and good companies are aware of this. That is why new models and improved generations of current ones are constantly being created, with the HM61R Amber V2.0 being a fine example.
It doesn't matter whether you are on the front line, exploring caves, or spending night shifts at a factory. Fenix knows what you need and has the most suitable light for you. And for those who don't know yet, the Amber is once again being manufactured in this unique version exclusively for Slovakia and the Czech Republic, just like its predecessor.
The new Amber in numbers
Let's first take a look at the new HM61 V2.0 in numbers. Just like its older predecessor, the Amber has 5 modes for white light and 3 for red light, but their output has increased. The scratch-resistant surface treatment is Type III hard anodized. Impact resistance is up to 2 meters, and dust and water resistance is rated IP68 (depth of 2 meters for 30 minutes). Part of the ,,equipment“ includes a magnetic tip on the cover, thanks to which you can attach it to anything made of metal, protection against battery reverse polarity, and protection against overheating. As you can see, the 2.0 is built for hard work, just like its predecessor.
Basic parameters
Dimensions: 10.1 x 3.6 x 4.6 cm
Weight: 157g
Power source: 18650 rechargeable battery or, as an emergency alternative, 2x lithium CR123A
Number of modes: 5 for white light and 3 for red light
LED type: white light Luminus SST-40 / red LED Everlight 2835
Water resistance: IP68 standard (depth of 2m for 30 minutes)
Impact resistance: up to 2 meters
Scratch-resistant surface treatment: Type III hard anodized
Battery reverse polarity protection: yes
LED thermal protection: yes
Magnetic tip: yes (on the battery cover)
USB: Type C directly on the battery + magnetic charging directly on the light
Metal clip for attaching to gear: yes
Battery status indication: yes (colored button backlight)
Performance and beam distance
White light by modes:
Turbo: 1600 lumens - 6566 cd - beam distance 162 meters - runtime approx. 2 hours
High: 400 lumens - 1795 cd - beam distance 85 meters - runtime approx. 4 hours
Medium: 150 lumens - 557 cd - beam distance 47 meters - runtime approx. 12 hours
Low: 50 lumens - 190 cd - beam distance 28 meters - runtime approx. 35 hours
Eco: 5 lumens - 20 cd - beam distance 9 meters - runtime approx. 300 hours
Red light by modes:
Red light is not intended for long-range illumination and the LED is designed for lower intensity. That's why I don't list the beam distance or output in candela.
Low: 1 lumen - runtime approx. 400 hours
Med: 10 lumens - runtime approx. 40 hours
Flash (strobe): 10 lumens - runtime approx. 80 hours
The package includes a USB rechargeable battery ARB-L18-3400U V2.0 with a capacity of 3400mAh, a clip for attaching to gear, a spare sealing ring, a magnetic charging cable (does not fit the older HM61 version - it has reversed poles) and a reflective strap. You can also purchase a black strap AFH-02 without reflective elements. It is ideal for security forces or tactical training.
Difference between generations
You will recognize the V2.0 from the older unit at first glance. The V2.0 has differently designed grooves on the main body. Instead of two sections, they are arranged in a single row. The LED light received a more massive part with noticeably beveled edges. The mount underwent a major change. The rubber grip and the two "claws" on the base plate are gone. The headlamp is now held by a massive metal clip inserted into the central groove.
Performance-wise, the Amber went up significantly. In white light, it gained 400 lumens, so the output rose to an impressive 1600 lm and the beam distance increased from 145 meters to 160m. In red light, the output doubled from 5 to 10 lm. The included battery also underwent an upgrade, with the slowly dying micro-USB replaced by the much-desired, more modern and faster USB-C connector, likewise built in at the positive terminal.
On the other hand, the controls remained the same: one button for everything, a half-second hold turns on the white modes, a double-click turns on the red modes. From there, it is simple and intuitive: short presses change the output, a long hold turns it off. The green-red battery status indicator hidden under the button also remained the same.
The Amber in the field
Most of my leisure activities revolve around environmentalism and security forces. It is fascinating how, in terms of gear or approach nature conservation and raptor monitoring can overlap with military or police tactics. To better explain the context: it is about a shared environment and a similar approach to solving certain problems.
Conservationists, just like the police or soldiers, deal with all-day carrying of gear, its weight, ergonomics, endurance, durability, navigation, abandoned remote sites, limitations related to nighttime or cold and rain. Personal safety needs to be viewed in a similar way. Personal safety. Medical equipment, injuries caused by animals, accidents in mountainous and forested terrain, or even treating injured animals directly on site. A sad reality is also the context of poachers and various aggressive individuals. Taking this list into account, the HM61 Amber 2.0 is a logical choice. So let's take a look at it in practice. Several aspects will repeat, and I'll mention them each time from a different perspective.
Tactics
The first thing I adjusted was the strap. I replaced it with the black AFH-02. In civilian use, reflective elements come in handy. However, if you don't want to attract attention, they work against you. It's an investment worth the price of a large pizza, which lets you stay nicely hidden when the light is off.
I use the Amber as a headlamp less often for tactical purposes, mainly to check a wider perimeter on the maximum mode. For tactical purposes, I find the shape of its angled flashlight better suited. On weaker modes used for close range, it lasts 3-4 nights with intermittent use. Thanks to the clip, I can attach it to a vest, chest rig, or a strap on a backpack. This way I have free hands just like in headlamp mode, and a lit path a few dozen meters ahead of me, which is fully sufficient during movement. I can also combine it with the HM51R Ruby V2.0 and have two directions lit simultaneously when moving my head. In principle, both lights share the same concept, so they can be alternated according to the required output, since the Ruby is half as powerful and therefore has a shorter runtime.
The red light also has excellent use. It doesn't attract as much attention as white light and is suitable for reading a map, lighting up the immediate surroundings while moving, or in a base camp. During airsoft, live fire shooting, and movement in urban terrain, its resistance to drops and water is excellent. Movements are often fast, in bad weather or while moving low to the ground in a collapsed building and among fallen trees. Ideal situations for bumping into your surroundings while crawling, or tripping and taking a solid faceplant. Anyone who tells you it never happened to them is either lying or has never gotten off the couch 🙂.
Research
For research and bushcraft activities, I use the Amber the opposite way, mainly as a headlamp. I like the change in light tilt. On the mount, I can simply tilt it downward to light the close area beneath me. This is especially useful when, besides activities close by, I also need to monitor a wide area.
Sometimes we deal with mountainous terrain, but mostly we monitor agricultural plains. The typical environment is therefore fields, groves and salt marshes overgrown with reeds. That's exactly why a quick change of mode and angle is practical. The last thing you need at a trapping site is a herd of wild boars or roe deer right next to you. A beam distance of 160 meters is sufficient prevention in open terrain. Roe deer's eyes shine from far away. The Amber remembers the last mode of both white and red light, so there's no need to annoyingly click through the modes.
Neutral white light reflects well and accurately shows the terrain underfoot. Walking over freshly plowed fields and overgrown salt marshes is no joke. Seeing in detail where you're stepping is therefore important. Between checks, we work in the dark or with only dim light so as not to startle the animals. Thanks to the 3400mAh battery, the headlamp easily lasts 5-6 monitoring sessions without recharging. Red light is very important when handling animals. They perceive it differently. Instead of the usual panic caused by white and yellow light, they calm down, giving us the chance to work safely. Ringing and handling them is less stressful for them. It has even happened that the red light bothered them so little that a few individuals dozed off in my hand while waiting for a ring 😀.
In conclusion
As Sir Darwin said, it is not the strongest or the most intelligent that survives, but the one that best adapts to its surrounding conditions. It's simply about evolution and adaptability. Fenix has clearly understood this, and the new generations of their lights are a good example of it. The new Amber has retained all the positives of its predecessor and taken them even further. It continues the tradition of a durable, flexible and powerful light.
That flexibility is exactly what I've always liked about the Amber. It can take on the role of a handheld flashlight, a tactical light on a backpack/vest, and a powerful headlamp. This gives you not only a companion for a huge range of tasks and adventures, but it also saves you money on additional gear, as well as space and weight in your equipment. In a small package, you get a lot of fun and honest hard work. As a result, life becomes a bit easier, leaving you more energy for the challenges that await. Caves, mountain trails or cold trenches. The Amber 2.0 will be there with you, making sure darkness stops being a drawback so you can focus on your main goal.
