Fenix HM 65R or Rude Nora???

[Stuart Marshall]

Several people I cave with have Fenix lights which seem OK, but I?m concerned about the run times and power drop off.
I?ve currently got a mine explorer cap lamp insert which is very bright, (when I can get it to go onto high power - seems to be a battery problem).
Rude Nora seems to use the same Cree LED as the Fenix, but I?m aware that the electronics driving it and battery pack will make a big difference.
I?ve never seen a Rude Nora on a trip with a Fenix to compare. I know there is a substantial price difference, but I?m getting older, and I like it bright in a cave!
So thoughts please from you lovely caving folks!


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[royfellows]

The Rude Nora lamp is a piece of excellence and offers far better value in my view than its competitors of similar and higher price, If I were not a lamp manufacturer myself, that is the one I would buy.

 

[ILT]

I use one of Roy's lamps, my youngest lad uses a Rude Nora - both are excellent. Solid construction and local customer support from people who care.

I've no experience of Fenix headlamps nor have I ever wanted to gain any as all of my experience with Fenix to date has been very negative - failed batteries (never had any other brand fail in use) and terrible customer service. I'm aware that lots of people are very positive about Fenix but I know of others who have witnessed the problems as I have.

Rude Nora might be more expensive but it's a high quality item designed specifically for the purpose and built to last.

 

[Stuart Marshall]

Thanks Roy, I was looking for your website too, to add into the comparison, but Mr Google came up blank! How does yours compare (biased opinion expected of course[emoji12])


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[royfellows]

So much for Google!

Seeing as how you asked

http://ledcaplamps.com/

Mine are a lot cheaper for what they are; expect high outputs and long burn times. I don?t push the lamps as its just a hobby, I am a retired businessman. I was probably the biggest manufacturer and retailer in the country at one time, but its gone quiet the last couple of years. I think its because everyone who wanted on has one.

 

[Tseralo]

I have had both the Nora and a HL55 the Nora has a wider softer beam and is much nicer to cave on. When I have to switch to my backup HL55 I definitely notice a difference. My original fenix is now my backup light and has survived every trip I've been on including a 12 hour rescue and being left in a sump pool for 3 months.  I would totally recommend them as even if you later decide to upgrade to a larger light like a Patheon, Nora, Fellows or Scurion it will still serve you well.

I was never very impressed by my Nora 3 and it flooded on me a few times diving. I've since switched to a Phatheon so all my lights run on 18650s.

 

[royfellows]

I was never very impressed by my Nora 3 and it flooded on me a few times diving.

I am very surprised with this, he was testing them in a pressure chamber as I heard it!
I am aware of a battery case of the Scurion basic failing in Swildons.

 

[Badlad]

FWIW 

I've been using a Fenix 65r for just over two years and it suits me.  I'm caving twice a week in the Dales but actually bought it for a trip to Mulu just before the pandemic hit.  I was using a Petzl Duo with Biff insert before and i prefer it to that set up.  I had a Scurion on loan for three months a few years back.  It is a fine light but for me too heavy and almost unnecessarily bright.  Some friends have been using R noras for quite a few years and seem very happy with them.  What sort of weight you like on your helmet is also something to consider.

 

[royfellows]

I believe that the Rude Nora is 110 grams, this is lighter than the Stenlight.
I can see a niche for those who want a very light lamp, I fill this with my Dragon.

 

[JoshW]

I got a rude Nora 3 a couple of years ago with the view I might actually get my backside in gear and do some diving. Find it lighter (or possibly just more well balanced) than my old el speleo rescue (not to mention more reliable).

If I was in the market for a light now (with diving out the picture) I?d be taking a look at the filthy Edna that little monkey make. Even lighter, simpler and apparently a good beam spread somewhwere between a flood and spot? oh and cheaper did I mention cheaper.

Basically ask 100 people they?ll give you 100 different answers, it?s all dependent on what your requirements are. If you know someone with each of them, give them a go see how the feel on your head etc.

 

[royfellows]

. If you know someone with each of them, give them a go see how the feel on your head etc.

One of the most sensible comments I have ever read.

 

[blackshiver]

I have a HL65 and a Filthy Edna and tend to gravitate towards the Fenix, basically because the flood is slightly yellow and not as stark white as some lamps, so it?s more of a pleasure to cave with.
If they both cost the same (and they don?t) it would be the Fenix for me if I had to quickly pick one up to go out. Just a personal opinion and I am sure others would choose differently.

The Fenix has a five year warranty and I have had very good service from my Fenix in Cardiff.

 

[Stuart Marshall]

Thanks all. Some very interesting comments.

I think I?m going to get a Rude Nora. It sounds perfect for the type of caving I do, and I just love lighting up big spaces underground.

However my daughter also needs a new light and as her eyesight and night vision is better than mine I suspect the Fenix will be perfect. I?m also thinking of getting a single LED Fenix as a backup.



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[Stuart Marshall]

I?m very excited about my new purchase. Tried it yesterday on Mendip.

It?s the Rude Nora 4 from Little Monkey Caving. It?s beautifully made. Anodised metal. Tough. It?s the little design features that make it. The cable comes out from the bottom of the battery and the bottom side of light, so it can be threaded under the helmet edge and doesn?t catch on rocks in the cave.

When checking the battery, there are a series of 5 green LEDs that indicate battery life, but also the moonlight LED flashes to indicate battery life if you have the helmet on your head.

Then there is the main button, on the top back of the light so as to be protected from damage.

The light itself is beautiful underground, bright, with flood and spot beams blending superbly.  My mate had a Fenix and when mine was on 3/4 power we couldn?t see his Fenix.

Can?t wait to take it into a really big chamber.

Happy? You bet. Can?t recommend it highly enough!


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[Vern]

I've used the RN from LMC for the last 3 years and absolutely no issues. Caving most weekends and of long duration. Highly recommended.