So I’ve been needing a new headlamp for nighttime walks and camping trips, saw Fenix 724 popping up everywhere. Thought, “Hey, maybe this is the one.” Grabbed my wallet and just clicked buy online. Didn’t even think twice, you know? That’s where everything started.
First Impressions Outta The Box
Took like three days to arrive. Ripped open the package excited like a kid. Felt solid in hand, kinda heavy though. Button clicks were satisfying—nice snappy sound. Put it on my head, adjusted the strap… felt alright? Not super comfy, but bearable. Slapped in the batteries it came with. Boom, light worked. Bright as hell on high mode. Blinded myself looking at the mirror, dumb move.
Actually Using This Thing
Took it out for a real test after sundown. Here’s how it went down:
- Walking the dog: Medium brightness was perfect. Spot lit up like 20 feet ahead. Dog looked back at me like “Yo, turn it down.” Smooth.
- Changing modes: Pressed the button to cycle. High… low… red light… took forever to get back to medium. Annoying when you’re fumbling in the dark. Muscle memory? Forget it.
- Battery life: Used it three nights straight, maybe two hours each. Still chugging. Okay, respect. But man, those batteries ain’t cheap to replace.
- Rain test: Got caught in drizzle. Wiped it off, kept working. No magic smoke. Good sign.
The Stuff That Bugged Me
After a week, the honeymoon phase ended.
- Tilting mechanism: You can angle the light down? The hinge feels stiff as concrete. Seriously fought with it. Worried I’d snap it off.
- Heat: Ran it on high for 10 minutes. HOT potato. Like “might burn my forehead” hot. Backed off real quick.
- Head strap: That rubber holder for extra batteries? Snapped off when I tugged it once. Cheap plastic clip. Glued it back like a caveman.
Worth Buying? Final Thoughts
Look, it’s a bright light that mostly doesn’t die. For power? Big yes. For convenience? Meh. Battery cost and that awkward hinge ruin the vibe. If you’re just walking the dog or fixing crap in the garage? Fine, maybe. But camping every weekend? Think twice. Used it a month now—still works, still pisses me off sometimes. Honestly? It’s a 60/40 headlamp. 60% love, 40% wanna chuck it into a lake.