Here is how these two headlamps compare on the numbers. They score within a hair of each other, so it comes down to the details below.
| Fenix HM50R V2.0 | BioLite Dash 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 75✓ | 73 |
| Max lumens | 700 lm✓ | 450 lm |
| Weight | 2.8 oz | 2.8 oz✓ |
| Beam distance | 115 m✓ | 90 m |
| Max runtime | 42 h | 60 h |
| Price | $60✓ | $70 |
| Battery | Hybrid | Rechargeable |
| Water rating | IP68 | IPX4 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: HM50R V2.0 in blue, Dash 450 in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Runtime is shown for context and is not scored, since makers publish it at different brightness levels. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full headlamp comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 against the BioLite Dash 450 is a study in priorities. They are close enough that this really is about which handful of specs you weight most.
The HM50R V2.0 is brighter (700 vs 450 lm), a longer beam (115 vs 90 m), and $10 cheaper. The Dash 450 is a little lighter. Their GearScores land within a couple of points (75 vs 73), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the HM50R V2.0 if you care most about brightness and longer throw, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Dash 450 if low weight matter more to you, or you are focused on counting grams on long miles.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0. It is brighter (700 vs 450 lm) than the Dash 450.
The BioLite Dash 450. It is a little lighter than the HM50R V2.0.
They are nearly tied at 75 and 73 on the default algorithm, so re-weight the score to your own priorities to break the tie.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the HM50R V2.0 for brightness, or the Dash 450 for low weight. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.