Series Comparison Review 2: Stand out at night. Considering the best lighting for night runs [Handheld Flash Edition]

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

GENTOS , Hand Light , Headlamp , Comparison , Trail Running , NATHAN , LEDLENSER

Written by Kohei Tsushima

Last time, we compared headlamps, so this is the second part of our light comparison review: handheld flashlights. It's that time of year again, when autumn trail races are held all over the country. If you're wondering what kind of handheld flashlight to get, this article might be helpful

table of contents

What to look for in a handheld light
Test run impressions of a popular hand light
conclusion
(Reference) Evaluation results summary and specification comparison table
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What to look for in a handheld light

Headlamps are a staple item for night runs, as they shine from a high position, providing bright illumination over long distances. However, when fog appears, the diffused light of a headlamp can make the field of view completely white, rendering it completely unusable. In such cases, using the spot light of a handheld flashlight can make up for the shortcomings of a headlamp. Not only is it useful in fog, but the fact that it shines from a lower position than a headlamp also makes it easier to see the road conditions, as shadows are cast by uneven ground surfaces such as rocks and tree roots. On the other hand, holding a light in your hand can be stressful when swinging your arms while running. Therefore, we compared three handheld flashlights, taking into account not only brightness but also weight and size

Test run impressions of a popular hand light

Ledlenser MT10

MT10

Ledlenser

16,200 yen

Approximately 156g

Size/Weight ★★★★☆ Lighting Power ★★★★★ Functionality ★★★★★

The slightly heavy body and the gimmick that lights up softly the moment you press the switch give this product a high-quality feel. It has four brightness modes: three levels plus strobe, and what's surprising is that it can be used for up to six hours in power mode (1000lm) thanks to a dedicated lithium battery. You can switch between wide and spot light by extending the tip of the light. The switch on the head is easy to operate, as it fits perfectly under your finger when you hold it, and also serves as a battery level indicator

Light distribution image (spot light)

a wide beam,

the light reaches endlessly. It's so bright it's comparable to a motorcycle light. Like the MH10 , the MT10 can also be fitted with color filters. (Note: They are not compatible with the MH10, so a separate color filter is required for a flashlight.)
Since it can be used to illuminate from a lower position than your head, adding a filter and setting it to spot light is extremely reassuring, even when shrouded in fog. In medium mode (200lm), it lasts for 15 hours, and if you carry a dedicated rechargeable battery (18650 lithium-ion battery) in your backpack, you can use it all night in power mode (1000lm).

Here is ◎

Intense brightness
Long-life battery
Adjustable light intensity
You can easily change the color of the light by using color filters

This is a pity

Somewhat heavy

GENTOS Flash Series SG-405

SG-405

GENTOS

4,320 yen

Approximately 110g

Size/Weight ★★★★★ Lighting Power ★★★☆☆ Functionality ★★★☆☆

When it comes to flashlights for trail runners, the Sen series is the one to go for. Thanks to its palm-sized, lightweight design and excellent cost performance, it's by far the most popular in competitions. The SG-325 is well-known, but the SG-405 is an evolution of it. Compared to the previous model, brightness has increased from 150lm to 250lm. The weight remains almost the same, and the same features are available, such as the ability to switch between wide and spot light by turning the tip and the on/off switch on the back of the unit

Light distribution image (spot light)

Light distribution image (wide light)

I had the impression that the light distribution of affordable lights, not just the Sen series, was square due to the lens cut, but I was surprised to see that the improved version's wide light was round and natural. It also has a 100lm increase, so I feel this is a normal improvement. However, as a trade-off, the runtime has been reduced from 10 hours to 7 hours, which is a bit of a trade-off. The SG-405 only has an ON/OFF switch, and brightness cannot be adjusted

Here is ◎

Compact size and light weight
Cost performance

This is a pity

Lighting time is a little short

NATHAN Zephyr Fire 300 HAND TORCH

Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch

NATHAN

7,884 yen

Approximately 118g

Size/Weight ★★★★☆ Lighting Power ★★☆☆☆ Functionality ★★★★☆

I was interested in the NATHAN flashlight because of its unique shape and the fact that it's rechargeable. Thanks to the 24-degree angle at the tip, I'm grateful that I can illuminate my feet without straining my wrist. Since you secure it by inserting your hand into the belt, there's no need to hold onto the flashlight itself. It won't fall even if you let go, so it reduces stress while running

The rear of the light is equipped with a red LED (flashing), making its presence known to those behind

Light distribution image

The surprising lightness is obvious the moment you pick it up. And because it's secured with a strap, you can ride without even realizing you're carrying a light. It has four brightness modes (three levels + strobe), and it's easy to use, as your index finger just touches the switch when you hold it. There's an emergency siren button next to the main switch, which sounds a high-pitched siren when pressed. As with the red LED on the rear, this light's functionality may be more useful in urban areas than in the mountains

Here is ◎

It's so light and easy to hold that you'll forget you're holding it
Comfortable angle that makes it easy to illuminate your feet
Adjustable light intensity

This is a pity

The brightness is a little insufficient for use in the mountains

conclusion

Comparing these three items, I felt that the NATHAN Zephyr Fire 300 was a bit different. The Ledlenser MT10 and SG-405 have different strengths, so depending on your ally, it could be a close match, but ultimately I came to the conclusion that the MT10 is the winner. As you can see, when it comes to brightness alone, the MT10 wins by an overwhelming margin

Left: Ledlenser MT10 Right: Sen Series SG-405 This

is perhaps to be expected, as the two are priced differently, but there's another reason why I chose them. That's operability. The MT10 allows you to comfortably adjust brightness and light distribution pattern while holding it in one hand. In the mountains, you frequently adjust the light to suit the rapidly changing environment, such as switching to spot light when fog appears or turning off the light when climbing to conserve battery power. In such situations, being able to operate it stress-free with one hand is a major advantage. Of course, the SG-405 can also be operated one-handed, but the difference is clear when comparing the two.

In this third and final installment, we will compare waist lights

(Reference) Evaluation results summary and specification comparison table

Item Name	Ledlenser MT10	GENTOS SG-405	NATHAN Zephyr Fire 300
image
Reference price (tax included)	16,200 yen	4,320 yen	7,884 yen
Size/weight	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Irradiation power	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Functionality	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
Specifications
item	Ledlenser MT10	GENTOS SG-405	NATHAN Zephyr Fire 300
Weight (including battery)	156	Approximately 110	Approximately 118
Maximum light output in catalogue	1000lm	250lm	359lm (back 8lm)
Maximum irradiation distance as listed in the catalog	180m	140m	104m
Catalog maximum irradiation time (HIGH)	6h	Approximately 7 hours
Catalog maximum irradiation time (LOW)	144h	Approximately 7 hours	Approximately 12h
Waterproof level	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4
Dimming	3 levels + strobe by switch	None (spot/wide adjustment possible)	3 levels + strobe by switch
charging	Dedicated USB battery	3 x AAA alkaline batteries	Dedicated USB battery
Battery level indicator	○
Other options	Color filters (sold separately) can be attached	Eneloop can be used	Emergency siren button

Kohei Tsushima

A runner who loves travel and nature. As a student, he climbed mountains all over the place and even traveled to Tibet to see Mount Everest. After entering the workforce, he started running to get some exercise, but became addicted. Not satisfied with full marathons, he started running ultramarathons (100km) and ultratrails (100 miles). Having achieved the grand slam of amateur runners (sub-3 marathon, sub-10 ultramarathon, and completing the summit of Mt. Fuji climbing race), he is now challenging himself in races both in Japan and abroad, aiming for even greater heights! He posts about the races he has run and gear reviews.
Blog: Because it is there

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