Comparison of HM61R Amber V2.0 and HM61R Amber V3.0 headlamps
24th February 2026
The Fenix HM61R Amber V2.0 headlamp was one of our best-selling headlamps, loved by thousands of you. The new version Fenix HM61R Amber V3.0 brings a lot of improvements. Evolution? Revolution!
The third generation of our best-selling headlamp comes with a load of innovations. Let's take a look together at what we have cooked up for you.
The HM61R Amber V2.0 is a legendary classic with grey-orange headbands (right).
The new Amber V3.0 is equipped with wider headbands in a more subtle grey-black color (left).
| HM61R Amber V2.0 | HM61R Amber V3.0 | |
| Light source | Luminus SST-40 LED + Everlight LED (red) | Luminus SST-40 Gen2 LED + OSRAM 1414 CRI90 LED (flood reflector) + OSRAM 1414 LED (red) |
| White light tint | Neutral white (4500 K) | Main spotlight neutral white (4500 K), flood reflector neutral white (5000 K) with high CRI 90 |
| Included battery | Fenix 18650 3400 mAh with built-in USB-C | Fenix 18650 4000 mAh |
| Number of lighting modes | 8: 5 + 3 (red light) | 12: 4 + 4 (flood reflector) + 4 (red light) |
| Output regulation | Constant regulation | Constant regulation |
| Beam distance | 162 m | 195 m |
| Maximum output | 1600 lumens | 1800 lumens |
| Compatibility with ALG-03 and ALG-04 helmet mounts | YES | YES |
| Total weight including battery and headband | 157 g | 167.6 g |
| Body material | A6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy | A6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy |
| Dimensions (including mount) | 103 × 36 × 45 mm | 105.4 × 38 × 51 mm |
| Headband | Grey-orange reflective, perforated (width 26 mm) | Grey-black, perforated (width 35 mm) |
| Price | 93,9 EUR | 99,9 EUR |
Light sources, light tint, and reflectors
Both the HM61R Amber V2.0 and the new V3.0 headlamps belong to the absolute top tier in the L-shaped headlamp category. Both are designed for maximum versatility, although each takes a different approach to optics. While the older V2.0 version relies on a single polycarbonate TIR optic for both the main and red LEDs, the newer Amber V3.0 features separate optics for the main spotlight, the flood reflector, and the red light. All optics are protected by a toughened mineral glass lens. The division of optics allows for a better response to user needs: one reflector precisely focuses into the distance, while the other creates a perfectly smooth beam for close-up work. The light source in the main spotlight of the V2.0 is a Luminus SST-40 LED, with an Everlight LED for the secondary red light. In the V3.0 version, the spotlight is equipped with a Luminus SST-40 Gen2 LED, and the flood reflector uses an OSRAM 1414 LED with a high color rendering index (CRI >90). For both headlamps, the popular neutral white tint (4500 K) was chosen for the main spotlight, which is easier on the eyes and better renders contrasts in the terrain. All the LEDs used have a standard lifespan of 50,000 hours. The V2.0 version offers a single shared beam for white light, complemented by red LED modes. The new HM61R Amber V3.0 brings a major innovation with the ability to switch between spotlight and floodlight, where the flood reflector faithfully renders colors thanks to its high CRI.
The HM61R Amber V3.0 (right) allows you to choose between a focused beam for longer distances and a wider "reading" beam depending on the situation.
The Amber V2.0 (left) has only one reflector for both.
With its 1800 lumens and a beam distance of 195 m, the HM61R Amber V3.0 noticeably outperforms the V2.0 model, which has an output of 1600 lumens and a beam distance of "only" 162 m. Additionally, the new version includes a smart proximity sensor that automatically reduces the output when a close object is detected, preventing burns from the intense light.
The main spotlight of the Fenix HM61R Amber V3.0 has a higher output and is slightly more focused, providing a longer beam distance (up to 195 meters according to the ANSI standard).
Red light photographed from a distance of about 8 meters. The Fenix HM61R Amber V2.0 model with a 10-lumen output is suitable for shorter distances, while the HM61R Amber V3.0 with a 70-lumen output handles this distance without any problems.
Output regulation and runtime
All generations of the Fenix HM61R Amber headlamp use electronics with constant output regulation, a traditional feature of our customized Fenix HM51R Ruby, HM53R Garnet, HM61R Amber, and HM76R Topaz headlamps. The individual output modes therefore shine consistently as long as the battery capacity allows. After that, the headlamp does not simply turn off but automatically steps down to a lower mode in sufficient time.
The exception, of course, is the highest outputs, which may be time- or temperature-limited. This limitation is understandable given the small dimensions of the headlamps, where such high output cannot be permanently cooled without airflow from movement. The runtime of the HM61R Amber V3.0 model has been extended not only thanks to the 4000 mAh battery but also to the newer generation of the main Luminus SST-40 Gen2 LED.
| HM61R Amber V2.0 | HM61R Amber V3.0 | |
| Turbo | 1600 lumens / 2 hours | 1800 lumens / 2.5 hours |
| High | 400 lumens / 4 hours | 600 lumens / 4 hours |
| Medium | 150 lumens / 12 hours | 150 lumens / 20.2 hours |
| Low | 50 lumens / 35 hours | 30 lumens / 73 hours |
| Eco | 5 lumens / 300 hours | 2 lumens / 400 hours |
* Eco mode on the HM61R Amber V3.0 is provided by the new wide-angle flood reflector.
Headbands
Compared to the V2.0, which used a classic grey-orange headband with reflective elements, the new Amber V3.0 comes with a wider 35mm perforated headband that ensures a more stable and comfortable fit on the head. The newly designed headband is also in a more neutral, yet equally stylish black-grey combination. Not only fishermen appreciate the easy removal of the top strap on both models for more comfortable wear on a hat or cap. Thanks to the cutouts in the mount, the main headband is also easier to remove.
The headband on the HM61R Amber V3.0 is about 1 cm wider.
Li-ion batteries and charging
The main intergenerational difference in power supply is the transition from magnetic cable charging in the V2.0 to a universal (and significantly more modern) USB-C port integrated directly into the headlamp body in the V3.0. The Amber V3.0 is supplied with a more powerful 4000mAh battery compared to the 3400mAh version with a built-in USB-C in the older generation. Using a modern USB-C connector for charging also helped reduce the charging time from four to just two and a half hours (when using a sufficiently powerful USB power source). Both headlamps can also operate using disposable CR123A batteries.
USB-C with a rubber cover on the Amber V3.0 body vs. the magnetic connector on the HM61R Amber V2.0 body.
Material and construction
Both headlamps are made of high-strength A6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with durable anodizing. This material ensures superior cooling and high mechanical durability. The construction of both generations is fully dustproof and waterproof to a depth of 2 meters according to the IP68 standard, while also withstanding drops from a height of 2 meters. The V3.0 version is additionally equipped with a smart proximity sensor that protects the headlamp and surrounding objects from damage by intense light (e.g., if accidentally turned on inside a backpack).
Handy features like a magnetic tail cap and a quick-release clip are already included as standard equipment on both the HM61R Amber V2.0 and V3.0 models.
The King is dead, long live the King.
The Amber series has always been popular with those looking for great performance and long runtimes, while appreciating the multifunctional design of the headlamps. This series is especially popular among athletes, professional users, fishermen, and hikers. If you already own the HM61R Amber V2.0, upgrading to the new 3rd generation is a meaningful step forward, as it is not just a facelift but a fully-fledged successor.
