These days, torches are almost throwaway items; we even carry one with us, built into our mobile phones. But for many, such as tradesmen, emergency services and outdoor adventurers, a torch is a tool of trade.
Over time, one brand has consistently stood out, and it is no surprise that Ledlenser originated in Germany. Ledlenser is celebrating 25 years in Australia with two limited editions that I recently took a look at.
Looking at Ledlenser’s limited-edition releases
P7R Torch 25th Anniversary Edition
- A powerful, precision torch built for serious use, featuring up to 2,000 lumens, an intuitive Mode Select Ring, USB-C rechargeable functionality, and a robust aluminium body made with 75 per cent recycled material, plus a value pack with two rechargeable batteries. RRP: $259.95.
H8R Headlamp 25th Anniversary Edition
- A trusted favourite reimagined for active and professional use, combining comfort-focused wear with dependable performance, including USB-C charging, a rear red safety light, an additional rechargeable battery, and a washable, adjustable headband. RRP: $208.95.
Now, more than $200 does seem like a lot for a torch, but these products are built to last, and Ledlenser backs these limited-edition models with a 25-year warranty. These torches are built from milled aluminium and have a smooth quality. This quality extends far beyond the housing and includes the LED technology itself, producing a lot of light from not a lot of battery, and the ability to focus the light beam from wide to narrow by rotating the bezel. A professional will have this torch at the ready, knowing that it is reliable and works well. Assuming the torch is not lost, it will be a trusty companion for a lifetime.
As you can see in the images above, the PR7 is a daily carry all-round torch, whilst the H8R is a hands-free model you wear on your head. A headtorch may look a bit funny, but don’t laugh if you have never used one, as light will always be projected to where you move your head, and you are free to do tasks with both hands.
Trying the Ledlenser PR7 torch
When you first pick up the PR7, you notice how light it is at only 200 grams, including the battery. The replaceable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery will last up to 80 hours at the lowest light setting (25 lumens) and 2.5 hours at the high setting. This is slightly misleading as the high setting is 1,200 lumens. The torch can reach 2,000 lumens, which is equivalent to a single bright household bulb. In the boost mode, focused with a narrow beam, you can light up an object up to 320m away, which is very impressive. Note that boost mode only lasts 8-10 seconds.
You will need your own USB-C charger rated at 10W or higher; a cable is supplied, but any quality USB-C cable will facilitate charging in under three hours. Whilst the torch is on, up to four LED dots indicate battery charge.
A feature I really like is the mode select ring. This rotating ring, about 2cm wide, provides a transport lock, three power settings and reveals the USB-C charging port. This same ring helps to keep the torch dust and splash-proof. A separate power button will work if one of the power settings on the ring is selected to activate the light. Boost mode is activated by pressing the button twice.
My advice is: don’t shine this torch in your eyes or anyone else’s. No torch can compensate for being blinded by a bright light. Turn this torch on a tree 200 metres away, and it will light it up. There really comes a point where you need binoculars just to see what you are illuminating.
Putting on the H8R headtorch
Whilst the H8R headtorch is not as bright, you don’t want as bright a torch when what you are looking at is much closer. For example, if you are hiking at night, maybe to get to a lookout for sunrise. At its lowest setting of 10 lumens, you will get 20 metres of reach and 120 hours of battery life. At its highest brightness, you will get 600 lumens and be able to light an object up at 150 m for 10 hours. A third middle setting is available, providing 250 lumens up to 100m for 15 hours. Even at its brightest setting, you could hike all night with this bad boy.
Charging is via a USB-C cable either through a port on the rear of the torch or by a port on the battery itself. This enables charging whilst you use the torch with the other battery. Charging from flat will take 4-5 hours.
Having a torch on your forehead can become uncomfortable, and even though this head torch only weighs 158 grams, that will add up over time. To overcome this, Ledlenser has split the weight between the front and back of your head, with the battery mounted on the back. Also on this battery is a red LED light that lights up when the torch is on and warns anyone coming up behind you that you are there.
The light can tilt through five positions to ensure you get the best angle to see ahead, and the elastic strap is adjustable to fit any head size.
To lock the H8R to prevent accidental activation whilst travelling, hold the power button for 19 seconds. To unlock, hold for five seconds. Whilst there is no battery indicator, the light itself will blink three times when it reaches 10 per cent.
What did I think?
As you would expect, these torches are top-of-the-line. The only negative I found was that on both torches, the bezel for switching between a wide and narrow light beam was a little stiff and required two hands, rather than the claimed one-hand operation. I suspect the bezel will, however, loosen up with further use.
Both torches represent great value compared to the standard model, with an extra battery and a 25-year warranty versus the standard edition’s seven-year warranty. The new limited-edition collection is available online at Ledlenser’s website and in-store at BCF.
The post I tried the Ledlenser torches built to last 25 years and beyond appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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