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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Fenix HM50R v2 vs Knog Bandicoot 250

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Fenix HM50R v2 and Knog Bandicoot 250 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Fenix HM50R v2
Ranked #2 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Fenix HM50R v2
3 sources$59.95as of Aug 1

The Fenix HM50R V2 weighs 2.75 ounces, puts out 700 lumens, and throws a beam 377 feet. Reviewers noted the IP68 waterproof rating and the USB-C charging cable in the box, though some disliked that activation takes a long press rather than a single click. The clip is stiff, which keeps it stable but makes reattachment hard for children. It handles technical outdoor tasks well, but the feature set is thin and there's no flood function.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight at 2.75 ounces, suitable for backpacking, running, and climbing
  • — Bright output of 700 lumens with a beam distance of 377 feet
  • — Durable aluminum construction with IP68 waterproof rating
Watch-outs
  • — Limited features with only 4 modes and no flood function
  • — Activation requires long press instead of single click
  • — Stiff clip makes it difficult for children to reattach the headlamp
$59.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Knog Bandicoot 250
Ranked #3 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Knog Bandicoot 250
2 sourcesall derived$54.99as of Aug 1

The Knog Bandicoot 250 is an ultralight headlamp that manages power, comfort, and affordability all at once. Michael Lanza of The Big Outside called it a 'great all-around value' for backpacking, hiking, climbing, and trail running, citing 250 lumens of brightness at 2.1 oz. It recharges, operates simply, and uses a silicone housing that stretches to fit most head sizes. The reading lights angle too far downward for comfortable reading while lying down, according to some users. Outdoor types who want a light, reliable source will be happy; anyone needing maximum waterproofing should keep looking.

Strengths
  • — 250 lumens of brightness with 100+ foot range suitable for hiking and trail running
  • — Ultra-lightweight at 2.1 oz./59.5g, comfortable for extended wear
  • — Rechargeable with USB plug-in charging, no cords needed
Watch-outs
  • — Reading lights are angled too far downward for comfortable reading
  • — IP67 rating offers limited waterproofing (1 meter for 30 minutes)
$54.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Fenix HM50R v2

The Fenix HM50R v2 surpasses the Nitecore NU27 600 in brightness with 700 lumens versus 600, and offers superior durability with an IP68 rating. However, it's less user-friendly than the Petzl SWIFT LT, which has a simple one-button operation, and lacks the adjustable color temperature of the Nitecore NU27 600.

Knog Bandicoot 250

The Knog Bandicoot 250 is significantly lighter than the BioLite Range 500, which weighs 2.6 oz versus 2.1 oz, and offers better adjustability with a silicone housing. However, it lacks the 500 lumens output of the BioLite and doesn't feature the gesture control of the Sofirn HS21.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFenix HM50R v2Knog Bandicoot 250
Weight78g (with battery and headband)2.1 oz./59.5g
Lumens700 lumens250
Beam Distance377 feetover 100 feet
Waterproof RatingIP68IP67
Battery1*16340Rechargeable USB
ChargingUSB Type-CUSB-A, 4 hours to full charge
Modes6 (Turbo, High, Med, Low, Red, Red Flash)5 default modes (Spot, Ambient, Red, Reading, Combo)
LED TypeCREE XP-G3 S4—
MaterialAluminumPolycarbonate, Silicone
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