REVIEW: Core Survival Hel-Star 6

Last week we introduced you to a helmet disco light. This week, the successor, the Hel-Star 6, follows. We tested it and will tell you what to expect from this blinking light.

Here you can see the illuminating scarab. On the top front and back are the control switches. At the bottom is the obligatory hook-and-loop fastener and the screw-fastened battery cover. The good part is powered by a CR123A photo battery. From the side, the curved shape can be seen, guaranteeing a perfect fit on the helmet.

Operation is simple. With the front 2-position switch, you select whether you want visible or IR light. With the rear switch (0, 1, 2), it is then activated. The switches are deliberately stiff and designed with a locking function so that you can be sure you have set it up correctly, even with gloves on, and to prevent accidental activation. Depending on the model, there are different LED colors and blinking patterns. Our test model, the HS 640-04, had red and green steady lights and steady and blinking IR lights.

Here is a comparison image of the height between Hel-Star 4 or 5 and Hel-Star 6. The 6 is noticeably taller but overall more compact.

We would have liked to compare the original with the copy from the Far East, but unfortunately we lost it because the hook-and-loop didn't hold. Actually, the hook-and-loop did, but the adhesive between hook-and-loop and light did not. This seems to be a problem even with the originals, so there are Attach Patches.

These small hook-and-loop patches to sew onto the helmet cover (left in the image) or stick to the helmet (not shown) or to strap and tie down (right in the image) serve as a loss prevention for the Hel-Star 6. A simple and effective method in our opinion.

CONCLUSION: Once again, Core Survival delivers a first-class product that enables good friend-foe identification. The compact design makes it a great companion on the helmet.

Available at TACWRK for 253.90€ excluding shipping. The Attach Patches are available for 19.90€ or 24.90€ excluding shipping