The Ledlenser HF6R Core is a tough head torch with an unusual headband and an excellent control wheel which I found easy to use with gloves.

Made from aluminium, not plastic like most headlamps, the Ledlenser HF6R Core feels tough and is quite heavy for the reasonably compact size.  All the weight is at the front but it has an unusual double headband that does support it well. 

Chris Townsend recommends

Overall, this is a great head torch slightly let down by its weight and charging system
Pros
  • Control wheel
  • Seamless ‘spot to flood’
  • Battery life
  • Waterproof
  • Cost
Cons
  • Quite heavy
  • Proprietary charging system
Quick Specs
Price: £68 | $87.17
Weight: 129g
Power Source: 2000 mAh rechargeable
Battery Life: 3 – 60 hours
Brightness: 20 – 800 lumens / 25 – 160 metres
Features: 4 light levels, red light, seamless spot to flood focus, lock mode, waterproof (IP68)
www.ledlenser.co.uk

An excellent feature is the control wheel under the lamp. With this you can go from spot to flood and back in the three main lighting modes. The fourth mode is a burst of very bright light that only stays on for a few seconds. The low power mode is brighter than on many headlamps.

It has good battery life and is adequate for walking on good paths. Mid power is fine for rough terrain. Standard power isn’t really needed unless you really want to see a long way ahead.

The lamp switches on in low mode. Single presses of the button then go through mid to standard mode. However if you leave the light in any mode for more than few seconds and press the button it switches off and you have to begin again. This isn’t a big hassle but it would be better if you could change modes without having to do this.

The button is quite big and easy to use with gloves. Like other LedLenser headlamps, the HF6R has a proprietary magnetic charging system rather than the USB system used by most headlamps which means you need to carry a separate cable to recharge it while in the hills.

Testing Notes

Chris tested the Ledlenser HF6R Core on night walks and when camping in the Scottish Highlands, mainly the Cairngorms, throughout 2024. This comparative review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. His other reviews in this comparative test can be found in our guide to the best head torches.