Head Torches from Ledlenser –


Which is the One for You? Peak buying season for torches is not-so-slowly creeping up on us, so while the rest of us enjoy our summer breaks, the torch suppliers are beavering away ensuring that dealers have enough stock to meet demand when the clocks go back in October. I have become a fan of head torches after initially being quite sceptical. What


converted me was having to work under a car bonnet one wet, dark and wintry evening, trying the find the catch to release the headlight housing so I could replace the bulb. I needed a beam adjustable from spot to flood, and a beam housing that could be moved downwards, so that I could hold my head at the correct angle to see what I needed to see. But end users have a variety of other needs too, so LEDCO UK sent me a couple from their new i-Series range to try out. Top of the Range - Ledlenser iXEO 19R Packed into its own padded black nylon case surrounded by an informative


sleeve, it is clear that this 5-in-1 2000 lumen max super light (handheld torch, headlamp, helmet light, area light, emergency light) is aimed at demanding users, such as professionals in heavy industries like tunnelling, construction and utilities, as well as mountain rescue and the emergency services. Accordingly, it is IPX6 rated in terms of water protection – i.e. protected against strong water jets. The kit itself is comprehensive, as it comes as standard with a self-adhesive helmet connecting kit, belt clip and extension cord, to give the option to hang the


dazzle. A fourth press activates the dual strobe lights. However, press on the right side of the switch and the right-side light will come on in the same sequence as above. The same is true if you push the left-hand side of the switch except that the left-hand light will illuminate. An additional press in any mode of the front switch activates the maximum 2000 lumens, which literally turns night into day. More than enough light for even the darkest of environments. The two yellow levers on each side of the switch work independently and


move the focus of each light from spot to flood – thus making it possible to have full flood or spot in either lights, or a mixture of one flood and one spot on whichever side you need. The levers work smoothly, as does the switch – you won’t find the torch moving on your head if the headband is adjusted properly and the helmet mount is very secure. It is possible to click stop the head of the torch from horizontal to nearly 45 degrees for close up viewing, and behind the lights themselves is a ventilation system that cools the LEDs, apparently making them brighter. A new bit of information to me. Finally, by pressing the switch and holding for 5 seconds, the battery is locked


so that it cannot be accidentally activated when it is packed in a rucksack, for instance - a useful feature. This is obviously a choice bit of kit that is designed and made to the high


standards of Ledlenser, and has the price tag to match. I don’t think it will disappoint the target users because it is genuinely powerful and capable – but take a good look at the instructions to get the best out of it, because it is sophisticated. iSEO 5R In the mid-range of i-Series head torches, the iSEO 5R is a lot more compact


and cheaper than the above. Nevertheless, it is still part of the industrial series of head torches because of its IPX6 weatherproofing and glare free red LED light option. It sports a180 lumen light output with a range of 120m at full spot. At full beam a completely recharged battery will last 10 hours, but with low power beam selected, this goes up potentially to a very useful 50 hours. Or, if you want, you can use three AAA batteries instead. Charging is done via a short USB lead that can be plugged into a


computer/laptop, or one of those new USB enabled mains sockets. The switch is a simple button switch on top of the battery housing. One press


Li-ion rechargeable PowerBox on a belt or bag. A neoprene battery bag has a belt loop, and can be used instead of the belt clip if the battery pack needs more water protection. There is also a mains charger, and a USB lead so that the battery pack can be used to charge a mobile if needed. A nice touch is the soft cloth and brush to clean up the lenses occasionally. It is worth a look at the battery pack to explore some of the ways it can be


used. The plastic casing has a slightly matte black rubberised feel to it and has various catches and sockets. On one end, there is the inlet socket for the charger/connection lead and the USB socket. This has a rubbery cover that no doubt helps to achieve the IPX6 rating. A small lever is used to lock the battery connection lead into place so it is secure and waterproof. There is also a blue light battery charge indicator on this end. On the opposite end is a plastic catch onto which the head of the torch can be


attached making the whole thing into a handheld device. If this seems like a bit of a fiddly arrangement – it is, but after you have done it a few times it works better – it’s just a matter of getting used to the way in which the clips work. To make it easier, a short connection cable is also included so there is no need to remove the coiled cable from the elasticated headband. All the cables, apart from the short one, have lockable connections so that they are secure against movement and water ingress. The iXEO 19R Torch Head This torch head in sharp black, with bright yellow lens mounts and adjusting


levers, looks a bit like a two-eyed monster when viewed full frontal, and the arrangement promises complexity. However, it really is quite simple to use. There is a single rubberised switch on top of the head. Press once on the top for dual half beam, press twice for dual full beam, and a third time for selecting the Optisense option that automatically controls the amount of light for the user. So on Optisense, a night worker would have near full beam when looking far ahead, but when looking at a map close up, the light would automatically dim so as not to


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selects full beam, another press selects low power, a third starts the strobe light, and a fourth switches the beam off. To select the red light just hold down the main switch for a few seconds longer, and another press will engage the red strobe light. There is also the battery lock option to prevent accidentally switching the torch


on – simply hold the switch down for 5 seconds. Beam focusing is simply done by a twist of the outer lens bezel, and the light


can be angled by a full 60 degrees by a stopped ratchet. Although this torch is very light, weighing just 105g, it is supplied with the


option of a self-adhesive hardhat mount with extra helmet clips for industrial users. Ledlenser is proud of its quality control and manufacturing and this small torch


does not escape the process. Such a light, compact and effective torch will surely gain fans.


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