I thought it would be good to post this review since they removed my 2-star review on their site.
I wanted a lightweight head torch with a replaceable battery that was small. A number of races now require specific lumens/battery runtime, and you must carry extra batteries for each. A 16340/CR123 battery type head torches are a good fit for that since the batteries are both affordable and lightweight.
The head torch itself is tiny, and throws a good light – it’s got good brightness and coverage. Out of may torches I own: Fenix HM65RT, HM65RDT, HM50R, Nitecore NU25UL, NU33, alongside multiple older Petzl Actik Core battery ones, I really can’t fault the light from Flextail Helio.
Since it’s light, it stays comfortably and securely on the head.
That’s where good stuff ends:
* The hinge mechanism is very stiff and just doesn’t feel very well built. It doesn’t inspire me with confidence.
* The battery replacement “door” requires you to use an in-built slotted screwdriver in the toggle, meaning you need two hands to undo it, and you can drop the door. Replacing battery in the dark is difficult by feel.
* There are number of failure points on it. The headband mechanism is detachable from the head torch, but it only adds another failure point without any benefit.
* The two pieces of the headband cord are secured in the toggle… except the plastic piece broke off while replacing a battery at home. Now the cords are acting independently, which isn’t a big deal but shows lack of quality.
* The higher capacity battery is 50mAh short from nominal value (measured 850mAh vs nominal capacity of 900mAh) after less than five charge cycles. This is not exclusive to Flextail, and happens with quite few lower quality cells in my experience.
My verdict is that it’s a good lightweight torch but I wouldn’t want to rely on it exclusively.
For races where two head torches with spare batteries for each are required, packing Fenix HM50R (that’s so much better built, but slightly heavier) and Flextail Helio 600Z may be a good idea as they share same batteries, so that in case Flextail fails, you still have four batteries in total that can work with an alternative head torch.
by moonshine-runner
