Just because the sun calls it a day doesn’t mean you have to. A good headtorch will truly revolutionize your outdoor experience in Ireland this winter. Whatever your outdoor activity of choice is there is no reason to stop just because it is dark outside. There is something that feels truly rebellious about disregarding the darkness, strapping on a headtorch and heading out anyway. It is an excellent feeling and will result in you spending more time outdoors doing the things you love.
We have been testing out the brand new Ledlenser HF8R Core over the past few weeks and we are convinced that this might be the headtorch for all uses this winter. Let us tell you why.
How Bright is it?
This torch boasts some pretty impressive numbers:
1600 lumens at boost power:Â A double press of the power button will result in boost mode being activated for 10 seconds. This is an incredibly high output and would be useful for attracting attention or trying to get a clear view of something in the distance when navigating at night. Boost mode does have an impact on the battery life so should be used occasionally.
900 lumens at max power for 3.5 hours: If you are moving fast in the dark this is the perfect power mode. Cycling, mountain biking, skiing or other activities where you are moving over technical ground require maximal light. Being able to stay in this mode for over 3 hours makes it an excellent option for night mountain biking sessions or even nighttime orienteering where being able to see clearly is vital.
300 lumens at mid-power for 10 hours:Â This is what we have dubbed the “ultra” mode. This setting will output plenty of light to illuminate the trail if you are hiking or running. The 10-hour run time makes this the perfect one-and-done torch for those who do a lot of their runs at night during the winter. Most people would be able to get a full week of training in the dark done without having to charge the torch. There are a few mountain running races in Ireland during the winter which take place at night. The Art O’Neill Ultra and the Ballyhoura Moonlight Challenge to name two. With this torch, you do not need to worry about swapping batteries or worrying if the battery you have will last.
20 lumens at low power for 90 hours: The “outdoors everyday” mode. Whether you are walking the dog, reading your book, camping or moving around a hostel late at night, the low-power mode on the Ledlenser HF8R is ideal. Lasting over 3 days of constant use this mode is uber efficient. Still casting a beam 25 meters, the low power mode still provides plenty of brightness for a short night walk.
What Makes it Unique?
Adaptive Light Beam: For a few years we have seen headtorches that adapt their output to the ambient light in order to conserve power. Ledlenser has taken it a step further with this torch. Not only does the HF8R adapt to the ambient light, it also adapts the torch’s beam depending on the user’s field of view. In practice, this means that you have a totally hands-free visual aid for activities in the darkness. It works like magic.
Digital Advanced Focus System: If you wish to regain control of the beam and seamlessly change from floodlight to spotlight you can do that thanks to the Digital Advanced Focus System that is built into the HF8R. In previous Ledlenser models you have been able to do this by rotating the front element of the torch, with the HF8R you adjust the beam by twisting a dial underneath the torch. The torch will vibrate when you reach the end of the dial in both directions. This function is possible in all of the different power modes except boost.
Bluetooth: Modern tech in a torch. Connecting the torch to the Ledlenser Connect app via Bluetooth will open up a whole new world of control to you. In the app, you can carry out the different functions on the torch remotely as well as customizing the functionality of the torch using the “Switch Profile” feature. Here you can add up to eight different profiles that the torch will cycle through as you specify in the app. This is an incredibly powerful function and allows you to get the most out of your torch.
Our Testing
Trail Running:
One of the best stress tests for a headtorch is taking it for a trail run. Not only will this test the brightness of the headtorch it will also expose any discomfort you may experience wearing it. If a torch is good for trail running it will be good for nearly all other uses.
Hiking & Camping:Â
After a full week of testing the torch for climbing and running, we went camping for two nights near the Galtee Mountains in Tipperary. We used the Ledlenser HF8R for our regular evening tasks around the campsite. These tasks included; walking to and from the campsite facilities, reading our book, and a short stargazing walk in the dark. We had no negative experience with the torch on the trip.
Cycling:
Cyclists know well how important a reliable torch is in the winter. Whether you are on-road or off-road being seen and being able to see is of paramount importance. We have used the HF8R for both evening mountain bike spins and early morning road bike cycles and have been very impressed. The headtorch fits comfortably on our helmet giving you a light source that corresponds to you field of view as opposed to the direction your bike is facing.
In addition the the HF8R we use a small front and rear light on our bikes in order to be seen by cars and we always wear HiVis clothing in poor visibility or when it is dark.
Rock Climbing:
We have used the Ledlenser HF8R on a few evening trips to Dalkey Quarry in Dublin and it has performed perfectly. The demands on a headtorch while rock climbing are a perfect test for the Adaptive Light Beam Technology in the HF8R. When you are climbing you constantly shift your focus from your hand placement directly in front of you to where you’re going or even back down the climb to your partner. The torch worked seamlessly in the mid-power mode and fit on top of our climbing helmet with ease.
Buy your own HF8R at:
