LED Lenser - Feedback Request

[RVOps]

We recently stopped stocking Surefire torches and started stocking the LED Lenser torches instead. This decision followed some negative feedback about battery corrosion in the Surefires.

Everything we'd heard and seen about the LED Lensers was superb - in fact we viewed them as likely to become 'THE' military torch. However we've just had a less-than-great review of one of the Lensers and would be interested in feedback from people who've used them. Clearly if some of the lenser models have failings then we need to consider our advice and stock.


LED Lenser P3

(review = 3/5)

I got one of these a while back to replace my usual hand torch when I lost it. The strength of the light is very good, as is the beam adjustment using the thumb. Excellent build quality as well.
Unfortunately, despite clearly being an almost faultless torch I can't help but hate it because of it's on/off switch which is next to useless. The button is located at the back of the housing, it is so tiny and doesn't protrude from the surface at all (like a reset switch on a calculator!) making it frustratingly difficult to operate in normal conditions and next to impossible with gloves on. Even though I have small fingers I found it easier to press it against my tooth rather than funble with my fingernails but ended up replacing it in the end.
Very dissapointing for such a well made torch but I suppose at £15 you can't argue. Perhaps some of the more expensive ones have bigger buttons.

Our collection of Lensers is here: http://www.rvops.co.uk/electronics-80/torches-42/

 

[Pigshyt_Freeman]

I've got one of the P7s which I use as a gun light on rimfires, and I'd agree about the buttons. A rotary switch with a positive click would be better.

Though having said that, the illumination is superb.

 

[putteesinmyhands]

I don't have one, but was very tempted. I have a Tesco 1W 2AA torch (recently made a bit wider than the original, which allows the batteries to be removed!) which also has a base push-button switch. For me, the switch is too big/too proud as it often switches itself on while in my pocket. The Lenser switch seems like a better option, though it will depend on how far back you bite your nails.

 

[General Melchett]

If you're doing a trial I'll PM you my address so you know where to send the torch.......

 

[jagman]

Got to be honest, for compact hand torches Fenix are about as good as they come

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/?gclid=CImy2f72zqACFRg-lAoddQEPzw

Iwas underground a whileback with a ladwho dropped a Fenix 120 feet onto rock. When he got down to the bottom he picked it up and switched it on. Worked fine.
Neither the Lenser's or Surefire will stand that kind of abuse

 

[Vaughany]

I use a police Lenser on my mountain bike and have to say, i'm very impressed. It's a bit heavy so I wouldn't reccomend it as an EDC torch. Brilliant as a search torch though.

 

[Pigshyt_Freeman]

Just tried mine with a really thick pair of leather gloves - too thick to shoot with. Could still work the button OK.

 

[Bravo_Zulu]

Having used both I can't see what there is to justify a Surefire being eighty quid more expensive than a LED lenser; the latter are very good torches and give out loads of light whilst taking standard batteries. I can see the point about the button, but I've never had any trouble with mine.

 

[franklin]

I have a LED Lenser V6 Power Chip - http://www.ledlenser.co.uk/content/productView.aspx?prodId=47

Now I'm no torch buff, but bloody hell this thing is bright. Nice little grove in the lense too if you want to test fibre optic cables.

 

[HE117]

I got a LED Lenser in the PX at Camp Doha about 5 years ago...

Black tubie thing with a button at the back and a hole in the lens.

http://www.ledlenser.co.uk/content/productView.aspx?prodId=31

Never given me any trouble, lasts for AGES on 3 AAA and is the closest thing to a light sabre I have ever seen..

(Almost fizzes when you wave it about...!)

Although... I got one of these for SubCal and he thinks they are the dogs...

http://www.energizer.eu/files/flashlight_pdfs/hardcase_tactical.pdf

 

[therealbigdizzle]

(review = 3/5)

I got one of these a while back to replace my usual hand torch when I lost it. The strength of the light is very good, as is the beam adjustment using the thumb. Excellent build quality as well.
Unfortunately, despite clearly being an almost faultless torch I can't help but hate it because of it's on/off switch which is next to useless. The button is located at the back of the housing, it is so tiny and doesn't protrude from the surface at all (like a reset switch on a calculator!) making it frustratingly difficult to operate in normal conditions and next to impossible with gloves on. Even though I have small fingers I found it easier to press it against my tooth rather than funble with my fingernails but ended up replacing it in the end.
Very dissapointing for such a well made torch but I suppose at £15 you can't argue. Perhaps some of the more expensive ones have bigger buttons.

This is true, but through being a problem solver rather than a moaner, I found that a regular brass drawing pin (flathead type) cut down with a pair of wire cutters, then stuck on top of the switch with gaffer tape over the top fixes the issue.

Torch works good for me, like it a lot. Don't use it in a military manner but use it in a demanding environment where it gets dropped and bashed about a lot.

Mind you, blacks do a 9-LED one for a fiver which is awesome!!

 

[RVOps]

Thanks a lot for the feedback on this. What a bloody shame that there is this switch niggle and the need to modify with a drawing pin(!) because they do seem superb in all other ways.

 

[FourEM]

Cracking torches for the dosh

I use 2 on my dive rig as they are bright enough for me to use as a primary with back up

The P3 works well and is far better than my minimag ever was

 

[bootnick]

Much better value for money than a SureFire, surefire got by on their brand name (like maglite) for too long and fell behind in terms of technology. I flashed my P7 on one night in the snow and the reflection blinded me almost as much as the other guy.