The Fenix HT30R is an LEP emitter with a fantastic throw that appears like a beacon in the darkness. With a compact design and an easy-to-use interface, the HT30R is a top-notch white laser flashlight for anyone looking for a powerful long-throw beam.
Fenix has designed this high-performance LED flashlight for professionals who need long-distance illumination.
That makes it a great choice if you are looking for a reliable flashlight for hunting, home or land security, emergency signaling, and also for lighting enthusiasts. Additionally, you can use it as a supplementary light during search and rescue operations.
Let’s dig deeper to find out more about the Fenix HT30R.
Summary of Contents
Specifications
The Fenix HT30R is a Class 1 laser flashlight that has a maximum beam distance of 4921 feet (1500 meters). The 10 Watt laser module delivers a peak intensity of 600000 candelas and a maximum output of 500 lumens. Apart from the high mode, there is a low brightness level and a strobe mode. Even in the low mode, the beam distance is an impressive 2067 feet.
The power source is a rechargeable 21700 li-ion battery and the maximum runtime is 7 hours 15 minutes. The light is rated IP68 and is dust as well as waterproof.
Apart from the battery, the accessories include a USB Type-C charging cable, a lanyard, a holster, and 2 x spare O-rings. The HT30R comes with the standard limited lifetime warranty from Fenix.
Considering the price, Fenix has packed a lot in this flashlight making it a great package. Obviously, the prime feature is the narrow beam with an incredible range.
Overview of the Fenix HT30R
The HT30R offers a great in-hand feel and offers exceptional performance as a specialized tactical flashlight. The piercing beam can penetrate smoke and fog and the sturdy construction makes it a practical self-defense tool in an emergency.
The flashlight is operated by dual tail switches that support instant activation and instant strobe mode access. The rubberized switches offer a great feel. It has an intelligent memory function that selects the last used mode, excluding the strobe. You can lock it out by giving the tail cap a slight twist.
Fenix has kept the user interface super simple with the dual switches- one functional and the other tactical.
Both switches can be felt easily with gloves on and are operable in the darkness. Even though the functional switch is slightly smaller, and offers direct access to strobe mode. But the smaller size does not make a difference if swift execution is needed.
One unique feature is the hidden USB type-c charging port and a battery level indicator that reveals itself once you unscrew the head. That helps to keep the port secured from dirt or water ingress.
Brightness
In terms of brightness, this Fenix laser flashlight offers 100 and 500 lumens in the low and high modes. There are no ultra-low or turbo modes. The white light beam has a minimum spill and the beam is focused enough to light up distant spots. Also, the strobe mode has an output of 500 lumens.
In terms of raw lumen power, this flashlight is not in the same league as the Fenix TK16 V2.0 or the Fenix PD40R V2.0 which are based on traditional technology. Even so, it has a super bright hotspot and provides a phenomenal beam throw; thanks to the LEP technology.
As mentioned, the point to note is this is an LEP (Laser Excited Phosphor) flashlight. Technically, the blue laser hits a phosphor-coated substrate and is reflected in the form of broad-spectrum light. This also results in a directional and highly concentrated light beam with a small hotspot and minimum lateral loss.
Generally, we prefer tactical flashlights with three modes. We wish the HT30R came with a true low mode to extend the battery life even further. That would have made it more effective for use in semi-darkness. Even at the low mode, 100 lumens are too dazzling for activities like map reading.
One big plus is the heat management of this Fenix flashlight. The heat dissipation fins on the head are not too deep but they seem to do a good job.
Thanks to the low lumen output, the flashlight does not get too hot even after a few minutes of use. The effects of the thermal step-down are not so noticeable if you use it for short periods.
When you compare this with a popular model like the Fenix PD35, which is an LED flashlight, the difference comes into view. The PD35 throws out 1700 lumens at the turbo mode and gets hot much quicker. So, compared to LEP flashlights, there is more thermal regulation to bring the temperatures down.
That said, even though the focused beam is super bright, it is not suitable for indoor use. The beam is too narrow for lighting up wide spaces. For indoor use, we suggest other options like the Fenix PD36R, the Fenix TK20R V2.0, or the Olight S2R Baton II which offers more spill light.
Price Range
The Fenix HT30R is priced around $280 and it has a single variant. While it is not an affordable option like some other products on Amazon, this Fenix white laser flashlight is a great tool for specialized functions. And let us not forget that high-end LEP flashlights are generally more expensive than their LED counterparts.
Obviously, if you need a cheaper flashlight for EDC use, there are more affordable alternatives.
Build Quality and Anodizing
In terms of build quality, the HT30R really shines with an A6061-T6 aluminum body and a Type-3 anodized finish to resist wear. The matte finish makes it look attractive and the knurling on the body prevents slippage.
The tail-cap has been milled to provide a better grip for unscrewing or screwing. Even the threads are anodized. There is also a robust stainless steel belt clip that provides a solid grip on clothing. However, the relatively long length does not make it a good choice for using as a headlamp.
Dimensions and Weight
A first glance will tell you that the HT30R is not a compact EDC flashlight that you can attach to a keychain. However, it is not too big either. It is slightly longer to accommodate the optimized focusing elements in the cylindrical head.
Including the battery, the flashlight weighs 9.31 oz. (264g). The overall length is 7.05 inches and the head diameter is 1.57 inches. The narrow body makes it easy to throw in a backpack or store it in the car.
Considering the length, it is too long for small pockets. But since it is not for EDC use, we do not consider it a con. Besides, you can always carry it in the provided holster.
Batteries and Charging
For those familiar with the products from Fenix lighting, the 5000mAH 21700 battery model ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 is nothing new.
It is a reliable performer and delivers around 7 hours in low mode and over 2 hours in high mode. These are respectable figures from a rechargeable flashlight. The charging type is not too long either.
That said, the battery level indicator has a broad range with two variations- a green and a red flashing light. The green flashing can indicate anything between 30 to 100% battery life. Something more specific to point out the exact battery level would have been a practical addition.
Note, the HT30R is not compatible with 18650 batteries like the Fenix TK30, which we marked as one of the best laser flashlights. So, if you want more versatility, that is another option you can check out.
Weatherproofing
Most LEP systems have three main components. The emitter, a driver, and a battery power supply. Since the system is simple and efficient, these lights are without any fragile components and are extremely rugged.
Apart from the IP68 rating, the light is impact-resistant up to one meter. An O-ring covers the charging port to prevent water ingress.
Internally, Fenix has added a dual-spring structure for better stability and to prevent power failures in case of an impact. In short, it is designed for all weather conditions and will easily tackle a few knocks and drops.
Pros
- Refined LEP technology that delivers a focused beam
- Excellent beam throw at low and high modes
- The 5000 mAh battery provides a long running time
- Robust and durable construction and simple user interface
- All-weather ready with a retractable charging port
- Tail-mounted tactical switch for easy operation
Cons
- The narrow beam is not suitable for everyday use
- Lacks a proper low mode
- The quality of the supplied holster is not the best
Final Verdict
Quite simply, the Fenix HT30R is a great tactical light for long-distance viewing. Keep in mind, it does not offer widespread visibility in a large area and is not very effective for viewing objects up close.
Nor is it the best choice as a camping flashlight. If you are walking through the woods at night and need to light up a wider area around the path.
But the fact is, the HT30R is not designed for that. The light performs exactly as an LEP laser light should and the Fenix quality and reliability makes it a superb choice for tactical and EDC use.
It delivers a concentrated spotlight with a beam distance of almost a mile- which is incredible. For users who require such a beam, this flashlight has everything that they might need.