Depending on how into running you are, and more specifically what types of running events you enter, you may have never considered a running headlamp. For the most part, they are used for ultra marathons where runners compete through the night. That said, they’re also useful for those who regularly run in the early morning or late at night.
I compete in ultra marathons, but typically stick to the 50km distance. So a headlamp like this would mostly benefit me for my late-night runs after the kids are in bed. But I do plan to one day tackle a 100km ultra, meaning a headlamp would become vital. So I was keen to test out this highly recommended option, the Ledlenser NEO9R.
Ledlenser NEO9R specifications and pricing
| Lighting modes | Low Power (20 lumens), Mid Power (200 lumens), Power (600 lumens), Boost (1,200 lumens) |
| Beam distance | Up to 200 metres (Boost) |
| Battery life | Up to 120 hours (Low Power), 12 hours (Mid Power), 5 hours (Power). Boost not stated |
| Battery | Replaceable 5,000mAh lithium-ion |
| Charging | Magnetic USB-C charging cable, approx. 5.5 hours |
| Weight | 199 grams including battery |
| Head tilt | 45 degrees |
| Water resistance | IP54 |
| Other features | Red flashing rear light, battery indicator, backup mode, transport lock, removable overhead strap |
| In the box | Headlamp, magnetic charging cable, chest belt, comfort pad |
| Colours | Black/blue, black/grey |
| Price (RRP) | $199.95 |
| Warranty | Seven years |
| Official website | Ledlenser Australia |
Design and comfort
Comfort is something I find rather difficult. No headlamp is comfortable for me, as it adds weight to my head and I would much prefer running without it. In saying that, sometimes there is no choice, so I am forced to make my peace with it.
As far as headlamps go, I was impressed with the comfort of the Ledlenser’s straps. It’s also highly adjustable, letting me tighten and loosen everything to find that perfect fit. Also included is a comfort pad, made from a rubber-like material, that sits behind the headlamp. It creates a barrier between my head and the plastic of the headlamp backing, which also helps the whole thing stay in place.
As someone who is not the biggest fan of headlamps, I found the beauty of the NEO9R is its flexibility, as there is a chest strap included. I was able to very quickly attach the additional strap, remove the over-the-top strap, and the headlamp was instantly converted into a chest light.
I enjoyed using it in this configuration, and it’s not something many headlamps provide. A big tick in my opinion. As for wearing it in the traditional head strap configuration, I found it comfortable enough. Once I got the strap dialled in, it stayed in place and didn’t cause any rubbing or irritation.
The one big downside of this highly capable headlamp is its weight. I am, by nature, very competitive. So for me, I never want to carry any extra weight during a race. And, although there are heavier headlamps, this one is still not light. With the headlamp weighing 199 grams, I couldn’t help but prefer a lighter option.
Headlamps range from around 35 grams to 200 grams, so this one is on the heavier side. The one part I found hard to adapt to was the weight of the battery positioned at the back of my head. I guess it’s a trade-off, as none of the lighter options has anywhere near the capabilities of the NEO9R. Take this with a grain of salt, as this product is likely ideal for someone running 100km+ trail ultra marathons.
Features and lighting modes
The NEO9R is a beast when it comes to brightness and range. It can deliver up to 1,200 lumens of brightness and reach up to 200 metres. That being said, those numbers are based on its Boost mode, which won’t last very long. The good news is there are four lighting modes: Low Power, Mid Power, Power, and Boost. It may not seem like a big deal, but for trail runners looking to conserve battery to get them through the night, the option to turn the light down to Low Power is helpful.
There is something to be said for the tilting ability of the lamp head. It’s typically a matter of preference, as each runner and the environment they are in may call for a different angle of lighting. I also like the additional lights that add safety and quality of life to the product. There is the battery status indicator located on the top of the light head with four small lights. Then there is the tail light, which provides some safety by making the wearer visible from behind with a red bar light that flashes. Some great little additions.
Overall, I enjoyed using the Ledlenser NEO9R. I took the headlamp on several runs, both at sunset and starting in the dark at night. During my sunset runs, I carried the headlamp with me until it was dark enough to use. This is a situation where I would suggest a smaller, lighter option would be preferable, as I only needed it for the very end of my run.
The night runs were a different story. I wore the NEO9R from the beginning, and it performed very well. I mostly used Mid Power mode, as it provided more than enough light to make me comfortable. Although I didn’t get a chance to use the NEO9R during an ultra marathon, I can clearly see how well this headlamp would shine (pun intended) on trails when running through the night.
Battery life
Ledlenser advertises the NEO9R as having an incredible battery life of up to 120 hours. However, this 120-hour battery life is only achievable in Low Power mode. Different modes will drastically alter the battery life. For example, Mid Power mode lasts around 12 hours, and Power mode is rated at five hours. Ledlenser doesn’t give a runtime for Boost, which is designed for short bursts.
The big takeaway here is that in Mid Power mode, which is likely the most popular mode, the headlamp will last around 12 hours, enough to get through the night. A big tick for the ultra runners out there. The battery pack is also interchangeable, so having a backup is a great option.
Who is the Ledlenser NEO9R headlamp for?
Although this headlamp can work for anyone running in the dark, the excellent battery life, bright light output and multiple modes, coupled with the rather bulky, heavy build, make it purpose-built for ultra runners.
For those early-morning or late-night runners, I would suggest a lighter, more compact alternative, as you won’t need all of the features the NEO9R delivers.
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