How to choose a torch or flashlight
The right light depends on where and how you'll use it: in a high seat, walking through the woods at night, at home, in the workshop or in the car. A head torch keeps your hands free, a torch is always to hand, and a searchlight lights up whole fields.
We carry head torches, torches and tactical flashlights, hunting lights with green and red light, searchlights and work lights, plus rechargeable batteries, batteries and accessories from Ledlenser, Fenix, NEXTORCH, Ansmann, NEBO and Parforce. We deliver across Europe for €10, or you can collect your order free at our range in Riga.
Types of light
- Head torches (headlamps) keep both hands free, so they're handy when you climb into a high seat, dress game or work. The Fenix HM65R gives up to 1,400 lumens, reaches 163 m and weighs only 100 g, while the Ledlenser H7R Core reaches 250 m and runs on a 21700 battery. A cheaper option is the Ansmann HD230BS, which takes three AAA batteries and has a sensor that turns it on with a wave of your hand.
- Torches (flashlights) are compact and always with you. The Parforce PL Mini gives 1,900 lumens and reaches 211 m despite its very small size. The Ledlenser P7R Pro has a focusable beam with up to 2,000 lumens and a 320 m range.
- Tactical flashlights are rugged and switch on one-handed with a tail switch. The Fenix TK16 V2.0 gives up to 3,100 lumens and reaches 380 m, and the NEXTORCH TA30C MAX gives up to 3,000 lumens and reaches 390 m. The Ledlenser TT3R also has red and blue light as well as white.
- Searchlights light up big fields and distant forest edges. The Fenix LR80R gives up to 18,000 lumens, reaches 1,130 m and can also charge your phone.
- Work lights and lanterns suit the camp, the garage and the hunting lodge: for example the Ansmann WL5000 tripod work light with 5,000 lumens, the Ansmann FL2500R work floodlight with up to 2,400 lumens and the NEBO Galileo 1000 lantern.
Choosing a head torch: weight, fit and beam
A head torch has to stay comfortable for hours, so weight and fit matter as much as brightness.
- Weight: light models such as the Fenix HM65R (100 g) or the slim Ledlenser HF4R Core are barely noticeable on your head. More powerful head torches weigh more: the Ledlenser H7R Core is 259 g and the Fenix HM75R 321 g.
- Battery at the back: the Fenix HP16R keeps its battery in a separate case at the back of your head. It weighs 216 g including the battery and headband, and it can also run on four AA batteries.
- Tilt and beam: a tilting head lets you aim the light at your feet or into the distance. The Ledlenser H7R Core tilts through 130° and the Fenix HP16R through 60°. A spot beam reaches far, while a flood beam lights up your surroundings: the Fenix HM65R has both, with two separate switches, and the Fenix HP16R can run them together or separately.
- Red light helps preserve your night vision. You'll find it on the Ledlenser MH4, Ledlenser HF4R Core, Fenix HM75R and Ledlenser HF8R Core RGB head torches, for example.
Hunting lights: green and red light
Hunters often use lights with green or red light. Red light reduces glare and preserves your night vision, and green and red light are both used for observing wildlife.
- The NEXTORCH T53 switches between white, green and red light with a rotary switch: white reaches 220 m, green 160 m and red 125 m.
- The NEXTORCH T5G V2.0 set includes a light with green and white light (230 m and 265 m), a cable remote switch and a NEXTORCH RM85s mount.
- The Fenix HT32 has white, red and green light, gives up to 2,500 lumens and reaches 640 m.
- The Ledlenser colour filter set with red, green, yellow and blue filters fits the Ledlenser P6R and P7R Core.
To switch your light on silently, use a cable switch: the Fenix AER-05 is a silent pressure switch for tactical flashlights, and the Ledlenser cable switch fits the Ledlenser MT14. The magnetic NEXTORCH RM87 mount fits tubes 25.6–30 mm in diameter and lights 23–26.5 mm in diameter. Before using a light for hunting, check what your country's hunting rules allow.
Lumens, beam distance and runtime
Lumens tell you the total amount of light; beam distance tells you how far it reaches. Two lights with similar output can reach very different distances: the Ledlenser H7R Core reaches 250 m with 1,000 lumens, while the Fenix HM65R reaches 163 m with 1,400 lumens. The Fenix PD40R V3.0 reaches 500 m with 3,000 lumens.
Maximum output usually only lasts a short time. The Fenix HT32 runs for 1 h 50 min at 2,500 lumens, but for 29 hours at 50 lumens. So look at the runtime, not just the lumens.
Batteries and rechargeable batteries
- Rechargeable Li-ion batteries (18650 and 21700) give the most power, and many lights charge over USB-C. For spares, there's the Fenix ARB-L21-5000U (21700) and the Fenix ARB-L18 3500 mAh (18650).
- CR123A lithium batteries suit frosty weather: the Ansmann CR123A works from −20 °C to +60 °C. The Fenix HM65R and NEXTORCH T53 can also run on two CR123A batteries.
- AA and AAA batteries: Ansmann Extreme Lithium AA batteries are largely unaffected by frost and about 35% lighter than alkaline batteries.
In winter, carry your spare battery in an inside pocket where it stays warm. Some lights, such as the Parforce PL 4 and the Fenix LR80R, also work as a power bank for your phone.
Water resistance
- IPX4: the light withstands splashes and rain.
- IP68: the light also survives being submerged. The Fenix HM65R is waterproof to 2 m.
For hunting and hiking in autumn and winter, choose at least IPX4, and if the light could end up in water, go for IP68.
Torch and head torch prices
- Under €60: NEBO Newton 500 (€26), Ansmann HD230BS (€33), Parforce PL Mini (€43).
- €60–150: Parforce PL 4 (€85), Fenix HM65R (€109), Ledlenser H7R Core (€120), Fenix TK16 V2.0 (€121), Fenix PD40R V3.0 (€131), Ledlenser HF8R Core RGB (€142).
- €150–250: Ledlenser P7R Pro (€154), NEXTORCH TA30C MAX (€160), Ledlenser TT3R (€171), NEXTORCH T5G V2.0 set (€181), Fenix HT32 (€195), NEXTORCH T53 (€226).
- Over €250: Fenix LR40R V2.0 (€298), Fenix LR50R (€324), Fenix LR80R (€478).
Shop by brand: Ledlenser, Fenix, NEXTORCH, Ansmann, NEBO and Parforce.
Our advice
Most hunters are well served by two lights: a head torch such as the Fenix HM65R or Ledlenser H7R Core, and a powerful torch such as the Fenix PD40R V3.0 or Parforce PL Mini. If you hunt at night, consider a light with green light, such as the NEXTORCH T5G V2.0 set. Not sure what suits you? Message us and we'll help you choose.
