Fenix HM50R v2.0 vs Wuben E7

Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, facing unexpected emergencies, or tackling late-night reading or maintenance tasks, having a reliable source of illumination is absolutely crucial.

Headlamps, those hands-free beacons of light, have evolved to become indispensable tools for hikers, campers, spelunkers, and those who require practical and versatile lighting solutions, both in the wilderness and at work. Here, we will scrutinize two remarkable headlamps, examining their unique features and capabilities, all aimed at guiding you towards an informed choice.

Fenix HM50R v2.0 (The following references to HM50R all pertain to the Fenix HM50R V2.0) and Wuben E7 are two popular headlamps that offer a variety of features and benefits. Both headlamps are made from high-quality aluminum and are designed to be durable and reliable. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at the two headlamps to see how they compare in terms of brightness, range, battery life, weight, size, waterproofing, and etc. We will also provide our recommendations for which headlamp is best for you.

First Impressions

When I first laid eyes on the Fenix HM50R V2.0, I was struck by its unconventional appearance. It didn't quite fit the mold of what one might expect from a typical headlamp. The Fenix HM50R V2.0 exuded an unexpected charm with its design, which I couldn't help but describe as 'cute.'In contrast, when I got my hands on the Wuben E7, its identity was immediately recognizable, it resembled a 'two-eyed X0.'

Product Specifications

Brand/model	Wuben E7	Fenix HM50R V2
LED	OSRAM P9 x 2	Cree XP-G3 S4
Max. Lumens	1800 lm	700 lm
Max. Beam intensity/distance	4356 cd / 132 meters	3350 cd / 115 meters
Body Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Battery config.	18350 1100mAh Li-ion battery	16340 700mAh Li-ion battery
Onboard charging	USB-C	USB-C
Charging Time	1.25 hours	1.5 hours
Modes	4 (Turbo, High, Med, Low)	4 (Turbo, High, Med, Low)
Blinkies	Strobe / SOS	Red Flash
Max Runtime	60 hours	42 hours (white light)
Waterproof	IP68	IP68
Weight (With battery)	79.6 g / 2.81 oz	56 g / 1.98 oz
Size	L x W x H: 60.6 mm × 24 mm × 28.01 mm 2.38 in x 0.94 in x 1.10 in	Length: 64.6 mm / 2.54 ” Head diameter: 22.2 mm / 0.87 ” Body diameter: 19.1 mm / 0.75 ”
Magnetic Design	Yes	No
Color Temperature	Around 6500K	Around 5700K

User Experience

Comfort and Adjustability

Both headlamps are designed for comfort, featuring adjustable headbands. Users have reported that HM50R's band is slightly more comfortable during extended use.

Portability and Weight

For those on the move, HM50R lighter weight makes it the more portable choice. However, E7 slightly larger size may be a trade-off for users seeking a brighter beam.

Water Resistance

Both headlamps are rated for water resistance, with E7 rated at IP68 and HM50R at IP68 too. This means they can withstand heavy rain or even temporary submersion.

Lighting Modes and Special Features

Lighting Modes

Both headlamps offer Turbo, High, Med, and Low modes for versatile lighting options, making them suitable for a variety of tasks.

Special Features

Both headlamps come equipped with special features. The Fenix HM50R V2.0 offers a red-light mode, perfect for preserving night vision. In contrast, the Wuben E7 stands out with its versatility, offering Strobe and SOS modes, making it suitable for various emergency situations. Additionally, the Wuben E7 supports battery extender and a gesture sensor for added convenience.

Lighting Modes

Wuben E7

Fenix HM50R V2

Low

Med

High

Turbo

Special Features

Strobe / SOS

Red Flash

Product Packing

Wuben E7 Package Quality

The E7 arrived in a Minimalistic box with the following:

Wuben E7
P1 Headband
Wuben 18350 battery (1100mAh)
USB-C charging cable
Lanyard
O-ring * 2
Papers: manual + warranty in one

Fenix HM50R V2 Package Quality

The HM50R arrived in a plastic box with the following:

Fenix HM50R v2
Headband
Fenix 16340 battery (700mAh)
USB-C charging cable
O-ring
Papers: warranty + manual

Brand and Price

Brand Reputation

HM50R is manufactured by a well-established brand with a strong reputation for quality and customer support. E7, while not as widely known, has received positive feedback for its reliability.

Pricing

The Fenix HM50R V2.0 comes with a slightly higher price tag, originally priced at $80.00 with a discounted price of $59.95, reflecting its brand reputation and additional features.

On the other hand, the Wuben E7 offers a more budget-friendly option, with an original price of $39.98 and a discounted price of $29.99. Furthermore, the Wuben E7's gesture sensor and battery extender accessories are priced at $9.99 each. When you consider the complete package, including the headlamp and these accessories, the original total price is $59.87, but it's currently available at a discounted price of $49.97.

Item	Original price	Discounted price
E7 (With P1 Headlamp)	$39.98	$29.99
E7	$29.99	$29.99
P1 Headband for E7/X0	$9.99	$9.99
E7YCT Battery Extender for E7	$9.99	$9.99
AP40 Gesture Sensor for E7	$9.99	$9.99
E7 + P1 + AP40	$49.97	$49.97
E7 + P1 + AP40 + E7YCT	$59.87	$59.87
HM50R V2.0 (Headlamp)	$80.00	$59.95

User Reviews and Feedback

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of these headlamps, we scoured user reviews and feedback. Users have praised both headlamps for their performance and durability. However, some users preferred HM50R's comfortable headband, while others favored E7's brighter beam.

Best Choice Recommendation

Considering the specifications, features, and user feedback, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you value a comfortable, lightweight headlamp with a reliable brand, Fenix HM50R V2 is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a brighter beam, E7 is a compelling alternative.

Final Words

In conclusion, both E7 and HM50R V2 are excellent choices for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Your decision should be based on your priorities and specific requirements. With either option, you'll have a reliable and versatile headlamp to light up your outdoor adventures.