Serious beans from the lighting specialist's new XEO19R headtorch
World’s Brightest Headtorch From LED Lenser?
LED Lenser is dubbing its new XEO19R, ‘the ultimate light for any adventurer’ thanks to its phenomenal 2000-lumen light output and potential range of around 300 metres. To put that in perspective, something like Silva’s excellent Trail Speed Elite torch puts ‘only’ around 650 lumens and trust us, it’s seriously bright enough for most off-road running use.
So what gives with the XEO19R? Well, it’s a double-barrelled affair using twin CREE® LEDs, which can be controlled independently and use the brand’s patented Advanced Focus System™ optics to give a beam that can be zoomed steplessly from narrow spot through to widespread flood depending on your needs.
Six Levels
With the full 2000 lumens likely to be complete overkill in many situations, LED Lenser has equipped the light with no fewer than six different Smart Light Technology functions: ‘Boost, Low Power, Power, Optisense (automatic dim), Strobe and the innovative Emergency option, which can give up to 400 hours of ‘Firefly’ light.’ It says here.
Where it gets interesting is that you can not only use the light as straight headtorch with the 4 x 18650 L-ion rechargeable battery power box sat on the rear of the headband, but an extension cord and Neoprene pouch supplied mean you can use the battery remotely to reduce weight on the head and work better in cold conditions.
The light can be helmet or bar-mounted for two-wheel use.
Multi Use
Additionally, it can be used as a super-bright hand-held torch or mounted to a bike either as a bar or helmet light. As a bonus, you can also use the rechargeable battery pack as a back-up charger for any USB-powered devices you have, which is a neat touch.
Other stuff includes water resistance to IPX6 levels – resistant to a continuous spray of water for at least 3 minutes – and a secure lock-off switch.
Burn times are actually quite impressive: some four hours claimed for the 2000 lumen boost mode, eight hours on ‘Power’ and some 20 hours on low. To put that in perspective, claimed range is still a colossal 200m from the 1000-lumen output on power and even on ‘low’ you’re talking 200 lumens and 70 metres odd, which gives the light serious endurance racing potential we reckon.
Weighty
The downsides are a relatively high overall weight thanks to the 280g battery – however the torch and headband are 132g and 60g respectively – and a serious asking price of £249.99.
That said, LED Lenser uses respected German technology and has a hard-earned reputation as one of the go-to brands for serious fell-runners. Plus the serious output levels and power options mean that it could easily work as a multi-sport light for a combination of running, biking, walking and even climbing, ideal for adventure racers perhaps.
Clearly it would be overkill for most walking use, but if you’re in the market for a mad bright all-round light, it could actually make sense.
Fell Running Guide, Dave Taylor checks out ten of the best options for trail-running torches ranging from the revised Petzl Nao through to top value favourites from Alpkit complete with beam shots.
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