| I don't know what it is about flashlights and headlamps, but I get
just about as excited to receive a quality light source as I do a new bow!
My gear box is full of assorted flashlights, bike lights, headlamps and
so on. You can't have too many lights!
Recently, I was able to add to my collection when Essential Gear, Inc
sent me their new Ultra 7 LED Mini Headlamp. This is my first LED light
and I'm impressed.
The Basics:
 First,
let me start by explaining what an LED is all about. LED's, or light emitting
diodes, are solid-state semiconductor diodes that emit colored light. The
semiconductors are cast inside an epoxy resin that doubles as a focusing
lens. Since LED's have no filaments or glass they are extremely durable
and impact resistant. The life expectancy of a high-end LED is 100,000
hours (do the math -- that is over 11 years!) Operating temperatures range
from -40 deg C to 50 deg C. LED's use only a fraction of the power as compared
to traditional lights.
The Ultra 7 has, as the name implies, 7 LED's that are powered by three
AAA, 1.5-volt alkaline batteries. The batteries clip into a cassette, which
slides into the main housing. An "o"-ring seated under the twist-and-lock
cap protects the inner workings from moisture. The unit is advertised to
be water resistant to a depth of 100ft.
Battery Life
The on/off switch is located on the side of the main housing, opposite
the twist-and-lock battery cap. The switch operates in three modes: 1 LED
on (battery life 150hours); 3 LED's on (80 hours); and 7 LED's on (25hours).
Underneath the units rubber coated retaining ring is the plexi-glass
lens and a mirror coated reflector. The LED's are permanently mounted onto
a disk, which is affixed to the housing and wired to the contact board.
Attached to the bottom of the Ultra 7 is the head strap plate, which
pivots on a 5-position ratchet to allow for beam positioning. The plate
has a foam pad where it contacts the wearer's forehead. The head strap
itself is made of stretch elastic and is adjustable to fit all sizes.
Testing:
The first item on my inspection list, as always, was a thorough quality
check. Every single piece of the Ultra 7 was dismantled and checked over
for fit, form and function. The entire unit was in good order.
Since I can't conveniently evaluate a product at a depth of 100 feet,
a mug full of water had to do for the water resistance test. The Ultra
7 was placed in the mug for ½ hour with all 7 LED's on. Afterward,
the unit was removed, the outside dried, taken apart and found to be "bone
dry" inside.
Battery testing was performed using a new set of Duracell AAA batteries
and the 7 LED mode. The unit was left on and checked at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20
and 24 hours. The unit did not stop operating until almost 27 hours!
Next up on the list was a general use test, which is basically putting
it through the rigors of an average hunting situation. I picked a tree
in the woods behind my house and marked a trail to it using Wildtech's
Fire-Tacks. I made sure the trail took quite a few turns and spaced
the markers approximately 20-40 yards apart.
The Ultra 7 performed very well and being a headlamp was an excellent
match for the Fire-Tacks, which perform at their peak when illuminated
by a light source emitted from the proximity of the user's eye. The unit
gave off enough of its soft, slightly blue tinted light to make traveling
in the woods easy.
I also went through the routine of attaching my stand to the tree while
wearing the Ultra 7. The unit's broad beam and hands-free operation was
a great combination for the task.
Riding a mountain bike, one of my favorite ways to get to remote stand
locations, proved to be a tough test for the Ultra 7. The rate of speed
verses the range of illumination was not adequate to ensure safety while
traveling in wooded areas. For bike travel I recommend one of Essential
Gear's headlamps that feature a Xenon bulb spot beam.
Because the LED's are said to be virtually indestructible I decided
to perform a "drop test" on the 5 oz light. It was dropped, with all 7
LED's turned on, from distances of 2, 4, and 6 feet above a concrete floor
and never blinked. Definitely a tough light!
All in all I must say that this light is definitely user friendly. It
is tough as nails, bright, undeterred by water, and comfortable to wear.
It will certainly be joining me on my hunts this fall.
Quality: 4.5 of 5
The Ultra 7 LED Mini Headlamp is extremely high quality and is
worth this high score.
Design: 4.5 of 5
As I said the Ultra 7 LED is definitely user friendly. My only suggestion
would be to increase the ratcheting positioner to move both above and below
the middle setting.
Value: 5 of 5
If this light suits your application then by all means buy it! Considering
the durability of the LED's and the battery life, $55.00 dollars is a great
deal.
For more information, contact Essential Gear at 800-582-3861 or visit
www.essentialgear.com.
Essential
Gear
171
Wells Street
Greenfield,
MA 01301
TEL:
413-772-8984
FAX:
413-772-8947
Orders:
800-582-3861
Email:
sales@essentialgear.com
Web
Site:
www.essentialgear.com |
