[An honest, self-funded review] The exceptionally bright, durable, and easy-to-use LEDLENSER HF6R Core headlamp is a first-class product packed with everything you need for mountain use

I love watching the sunrise and sunset, and I often find myself out and about in the dark. A headlamp is an essential item for being out and about in the dark. In this article, I'd like to introduce the HF6R Core headlamp from LERLENSER, a German brand specializing in portable lights

Headlamps are not just about lumens (lm), which indicates brightness; they are also equipped with proprietary technology from the manufacturer that goes beyond the light output and illumination distance to provide sufficient illumination in the dark of night

In this article, we will tell you about the appeal of the LEDLENSER HF6R Core, which cannot be understood from specs alone, but can only be understood by using it

Main features of LEDLENSER HF6R Core

The powerful light emitted from the 126g body is up to 800 lumens, providing ample illumination in the dark

The brightness can be adjusted in three levels, and the digital advanced focus allows you to change the illumination range with one touch, allowing you to freely control the brightness in the dark

The angle can be adjusted continuously, allowing you to position the light optimally depending on the situation

With an IP68 protection rating for excellent dust and water resistance, it is highly durable and suitable for use in harsh mountainous areas, providing solid visibility even in bad weather conditions

The rechargeable 2000mAh lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting, high-intensity illumination, and the battery indicator lets you see the remaining charge at a glance

The HF6R Core is a high-performance headlamp that can be operated entirely with a single button, and its high illumination power and illumination range can be freely adjusted, making it suitable for anyone

Favorite points

• Powerful light output of up to 800lm
• Can maintain high light output for a long time
• Focus function that allows you to change the illumination range as needed
• Stepless angle adjustment possible
• Forked headband for a comfortable fit
• Battery level indicator lets you see the remaining battery level at a glance
• Highest level of waterproof and dustproof

Points of concern

• weight
• The plastic part on the back of the light becomes annoying when you sweat
• The angle can only be adjusted downwards
• Cannot be used in conjunction with batteries
• Magnetic charger that cannot be reused

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

I will share with you the results of my actual testing in the mountains of the Northern Alps and Okuchichibu

Powerful light output of up to 800lm

The headlamp I used to use was around 300 lumens, and even when I used a 500 lumens headlamp, I felt it was quite bright, but the HF6R Core provides a maximum brightness of 800 lumens, which gave me an incredible sense of security when walking in the dark

A bright headlamp is the best thing in the dark (based on personal experience, but when illuminated at maximum light output, I was able to see the trail conditions just as well as I could during the day)

The high light output allowed me to clearly see the road conditions

It will also be useful for people who plan to be active before dawn or after dusk, or for fast-paced activities such as trail running

Comes with a red mode, so it can be used at a tent or when taking photos

The HF6R Core can be switched to red mode by pressing and holding the button. It is good etiquette to use red mode in crowded campsites or shooting spots to avoid dazzling people

I also take photos of the starry sky, so a headlamp with a red mode is a must

Can maintain high light output for a long time

Our own measurements of burn time and light output (see table below) showed that when the power mode output is turned on continuously, the light output can be maintained at a high level for approximately three hours. (Of all the headlamps Outdoor Gearzine has tested, the HF6R Core is the first to maintain such a high level of light output for such a long period of time.)

The brightness (unit: lux) is measured every 10 seconds using an illuminance meter installed on the wall approximately 1m away from the light source. The output is power

Since the measurements were not taken by a testing institution, the results cannot be said to be precise, but because the position of the headlamp did not move during the measurement, the changes in light intensity were reproducible to a certain extent

the HF6R Core is a recommended headlamp for those looking for high light output and long periods of continuous lighting

Focus function that allows you to change the illumination range as needed

My favorite feature of the HF6R Core is its focus function. You can change the illumination range by turning the wheel. This function makes it easy to change the illumination range depending on the situation, allowing you to quickly respond when you want to illuminate a wide area or a specific spot

At first glance, 800 lumens seems like a powerful light output, but whether you concentrate or diffuse this high light output will make a big difference in how you feel when it is illuminated, and preferences will also differ. For example, when moving fast, you want to illuminate a longer distance to check the situation, but if you can't see your next step clearly, you'll be scared and won't be able to increase your speed as much as you'd like

On the other hand, if you are moving at a slow speed, you may feel more secure by illuminating your surroundings evenly rather than shining light into the distance

Can be adjusted by turning the wheel

With this focus function, anyone can use it in any situation, from mountain climbing to trail running

Forked headband for a comfortable fit

While light output, brightness, and color are important when choosing a headlamp, another important factor is whether it is comfortable to wear

You don't need to worry about it if you're just going from your tent to the toilet, but if you're out and about before dawn you might have to wear it for several hours, so the feeling of hold, pressure, and weight become important

The HF6R Core has a forked headband that provides a strong hold. The forked headband can also be adjusted in length, allowing it to fit the user's head size and providing a strong hold

There was no slippage when walking, and I didn't feel any slippage when running either

The weight of 126g feels heavy when used for long periods of time

The HF6R Core's strengths are its high illumination power and comfortable hold, but one thing that bothered me when wearing it for long periods of time was its weight

As someone who normally uses a headlamp that weighs about 100g, the HF6R Core, which is 26g heavier, felt heavier than its weight would suggest

The HF6R Core weighs 126g, which is by no means a heavy headlamp considering its functionality and illumination power, but if you plan to be out and about for long periods of time, you'll want to consider a light headlamp

The headband has a strong hold, but it does feel a bit tight because it supports the 126g earphones. If you're only using it for a short time, the tightness isn't too noticeable, but if you're using it for a long time, the pressure can be a bit bothersome

It fits well, but I'd like some cushioning on the back of the device

One thing that bothered me a little while I was out and about was that the back of the device, where it touches your forehead, does not have any cushioning or pads to absorb sweat, so I felt a little uncomfortable when I started sweating while out and about for long periods of time

This discomfort can be eliminated by wearing a cap or something similar over the headlamp rather than directly on your head, but caps with brims will block the light from the headlamp, so you will need to take appropriate measures depending on the situation, such as turning the brim backwards when using the cap

Stepless angle adjustment possible

The HF6R Core can be adjusted continuously within its range of motion, allowing users to find the angle that suits them best

With a continuously adjustable headlamp, one might be concerned that the angle might change while you're moving around, but with the HF6R Core, the angle never changed due to vibrations or other factors while you were moving around

The HF6R Core can be adjusted to any angle, but I was a little concerned that it cannot be adjusted upwards

It's not a problem when worn on the head, but I sometimes wear a headlamp around my neck when relaxing at a tent, so it would be nice to be able to adjust the angle so that it points upwards

When wearing it around your neck, the switch should be facing downwards, and when you hang it around your neck, you can adjust it to face upwards, so you can illuminate your hands without having to wear it around your head

Battery level indicator lets you see the remaining battery level at a glance

The built-in battery has an indicator that lets you check the remaining battery power at a glance. The biggest problem with battery-powered headlamps is not knowing how much battery power is left (this is by far the biggest problem for me)

Next, there's the hassle and cost of buying batteries

The HF6R Core eliminates this stress. You can see the remaining charge, so you don't have to worry before you leave, and even if you don't have a battery on hand, you can just charge it. You won't have to stock up on batteries at home that aren't fully charged

Cannot be used in conjunction with batteries

One concern with headlamps that use built-in batteries is what happens if there is a problem with the battery. Headlamp failure can leave you unable to move, so it's important to have a plan in place to deal with this

If you choose a headlamp that can be used with batteries, you can switch to batteries if there is a problem with the battery, and batteries have the advantage of being easier to obtain when walking on a long trail

Although it is not possible to know how much battery power is left, when it comes to backing up in case of trouble and ease of acquisition, headlamps that can be used with either batteries or batteries are advantageous

Magnetic charger that cannot be reused

The magnetic charging terminal is easy to connect with one touch, but it can only be used with a dedicated cable

The HF6R Core is charged using a dedicated magnetic cord. The advantage of the magnetic cord is that it can be connected with just one touch, but it cannot be charged without the dedicated cord

With the proliferation of smartphones, a mobile battery is a must-have item. While it is possible to charge the HF6R Core with a mobile battery, you cannot use the smartphone's charging cable to charge the HF6R Core, so it becomes an additional item to carry

This is an important point for those who want to carry minimal equipment and walk lightly

Highest level of waterproof and dustproof

Headlamps are often used in bad weather, so they need to be durable enough to withstand harsh environments. Resistance to shocks is one thing, but waterproofing and dustproofing are also important

The HF6R Core's dustproof and waterproof level is IP68, the highest level in the IP standard, which means it is completely dustproof, completely protected against dust intrusion, and is waterproof enough to be used underwater, making it extremely durable

Summary: You can freely adjust everything from brightness to illumination range. A headlamp that is comfortable and stress-free to use

Ledlenser HF6R Core Headlamp with Red Illumination, USB Rechargeable, Lightweight, Compact, Dustproof, Waterproof, and Stylish for Everyday Use, Emergencies, Mountaineering, Fishing, Camping, and Outdoor Activities

created by Rinker

¥9,900 (as of 2026/02/18 13:47:52, according to Rakuten Market - details)

• Amazon
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For those who operate in the dark, a headlamp is an essential item and can be considered a lifeline. In the event of an emergency, it is a piece of gear that can make the difference between fate and death

The HF6R Core is particularly useful when speed is of the essence, as it can adjust the illumination to suit the situation, whether long or short distances

Headlamps like the HF6R Core are versatile and can be used for a variety of outdoor activities, making them a versatile headlamp suitable for anyone

Put on a headlamp and head out in search of spectacular views!

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Yosuke

A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience

From spring to autumn, I go fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. I hike the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. I camp to relax by a bonfire. I snowboard to experience the feeling of floating in the silvery white mountains

A freelance writer who enjoys the outdoors all year round, he shares his experiences and the best gear he has used

opo outdoor blog

   

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