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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: The three headlamps have very good battery life and didn’t need charging as often as my other headlamps, so that saved a little time.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: All three headlamps came fully charged with straps already installed.
Q: How easy were they to use?
A: The HF4R is the most basic and straightforward of the three, with a few pushes of the button you can see what it can do. The HF6R is slightly larger. It has a double head strap that helps to hold it more securely on your head, and you’re able to focus the beam to better suit your needs. The HF8R is the heaviest unit and has the most features. All three units have a white mode and a red mode. A short boost mode can be activated by double-clicking the button from any mode (even off). The HF8R beam can be focused manually, and it also has functions that will allow it to switch between flood and spot lighting or dim and focus automatically making the HF8R truly handsfree as the manufacturer says. The HF8G can also be controlled with Bluetooth by downloading an app. The app enables more functions that are not able to be utilized without it. All three lights are quality built.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Everything was neatly packaged in boxes with illustrations on what’s inside and what features that model had.
- HF4R: charge cable and helmet attachment
- HF6R: charge cable, wall mount, and helmet attachment
- HF8R: charge cable, wall mount, overhead band, connecting system adapter, and helmet mount
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?
A: There was a paper that illustrated how to control the light. I read it so that I could figure out all the functions. Each light has features that I wanted to be sure to check out.
Q: What features did you like?
A: One feature that I’ve never seen before is the transportation lock that prevents it from being turned on while in a tool bag. Also, being able to focus the beam is extremely useful while trying to see deep into an engine bay. I really like that these are waterproof and dustproof too. Caution: These lights are extremely bright so be sure not to shine in anyone’s eyes. All of the headlamps have charge indicators that light up when first turning on the lamp, so you don’t get surprised by a dead battery. Battery life on all three units was better than expected considering the brightness of the lamps.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: The magnet connection breaks free pretty easily unless you're using the wall mount. Also, I think I would make it so they could be laid on a charge pad. Having to keep a dedicated cable for the lights could prove to become a problem. I personally use headlamps a lot while working. I would like to see a headlamp that has a UV function rather than a red-light function to help locate leaks while having my hands free.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used the HF4R for some under-dash work and the HF6R for an intake manifold gasket repair, a couple of timing belt replacements, a couple of oil changes, and transmission repairs. I also used it to do some crawl space work under my house. The HF8R was a bit too bulky to use under the hood but could be used under the car when pulling a couple of driveshafts for U-joints and carrier bearing replacements. I also spent some time walking around after dark, both in the open and in the woods, to see how the automatic functions worked. They were really pretty cool.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: HF4R: 9 — The headlamp is lightweight, provides excellent light, and is small enough to fit in tight spaces. I would still like the option to add an overhead band and wall-mount charger.
HF6R: 9 — Excellent lighting, the focus works well, but an overhead band would help support the added weight without tightening the headband when crawling around on the ground or leaning excessively.
HF8R: 8.5 — It’s a great headlamp, but from an auto technician standpoint, having all its weight at the front is a bit too big and bulky unless using the overhead strap. Even attached to a hard hat you could still feel a pull forward. In close quarters you couldn’t take advantage of all the great technology that it has to offer.
