Every year, new products that are brighter and brighter are being released for outdoor headlamps made for mountain climbing and trail running.
It is true that brightness is one of the major points when evaluating the quality of a headlamp. However, the joy of using headlamps for the past few years and the slightly brighter new product may actually be less and less. Of course, it's better to be bright, but if all models are so bright enough, it seems like there's not much difference in their ability.
Headlamps should not only be bright, but also have a general viewability as a tool to achieve a certain purpose, such as battery life, lightness, and ease of use, so it should be reviewed a little more. Nowadays, as the brightness competition between manufacturers has begun to subside, it seems like the timing will remind you of that.
In the midst of all this, Ledlenser , which we will be discussing today, has been consistently creating lights that will be used in a variety of fields since its launch in a garage in Solingen, Germany, and is now a global leading lighting company with approximately 1,500 employees around the world. Not only are the outdoors and sports, but also the areas where reliable quality of light is needed, such as automobiles, aviation, railways, construction sites, police and firefighting, are all in their fields, and they continue to create the necessary and best lighting for each site.
We've compared the models that Ledlenser What is the abilities of a specialized light manufacturer?
table of contents
- About the headlamp featured this time
- NEO10R/NEO6R/MH5 Rough comparison of performance and functions
- Comparing the characteristics of each category
- Irradiation performance: NEO10R "Glossy" NEO6R "Wide Hands" and MH5 "Balance"
- Battery life: Long-lasting bright NEO10R with a large capacity battery, lightweight and versatile MH5, lightweight and long-lasting NEO6R
- Operating: All simple and intuitive operation
- Functionality: Multi-functional MH5, waterproof NEO6R, easy to drive NEO10R
- Weight: The NEO6R and MH5 are surprisingly light, and the NEO10R is heavy but doesn't bother you with the ingenuity.
- Summary: Features of each model and recommended ways to use it
- NEO10R: Bright, long and fit, perfect for trail running with intense movement
- MH5: Lightweight, multifunctional and versatile, perfect for all outdoor activities such as mountain climbing
- NEO6R: Perfect for main lights for camping and disaster prevention, and for sub-lights for mountain climbing and trail runs.
About the headlamp featured this time
This time, the NEO10R , the NEO/MH series , which are headlamps that are made for a variety of outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, camping, trail running, and fishing, among the wide lineup of , three of the most popular and performance-oriented items: the NEO10R , NEO6R and MH5 .
NEO10R/NEO6R/MH5 Rough comparison of performance and functions
| item | NEO10R | MH5 | NEO6R |
|---|---|---|---|
| image |  |
 |
 |
| Reference price (excluding tax) |
10,000 yen | 5,500 yen | 4,500 yen |
| This is ◎ |
|
|
|
| This is △ |
|
|
|
| Long distance irradiation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Close-range illumination | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Usability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Specs | |||
| item | NEO10R | MH5 | NEO6R |
| Light intensity (lm) (max/min) |
600/10 | 400/20 | 240/20 |
| Official irradiation distance (m) (max/min) |
150/20 | 180/40 | 30/10 |
| Official irradiation time (h) (max/min) |
10/120 | 4/35 | 6/40 |
| Official weight (g) | 179 | 94 | 95 |
| Actual measured weight (g) (main unit + battery) |
178(129+49) | 98(76+21) | 96 |
| Dedicated battery |
Lithium-ion battery |
Lithium-ion battery (750mAh, 3.7V) |
Lithium polymer battery (1400mAh, 3.7V) |
| Dry battery | × | 1 x AA battery | × |
| Waterproof and dustproof | IP54 | IP54 | IP57 |
| Front red light | × | ○ | × |
| Rear light | △ (Battery lamp when attached to the back of the head) | × | ○ |
Comparing the characteristics of each category
Irradiation performance: NEO10R "Glossy" NEO6R "Wide Hands" and MH5 "Balance"
The excellent feature of Red Renser, which is not found in lights from other brands, its high quality lenses provide even and easy-to-read light distribution . With a typical headlamp, the brightness decreases more or less as you move from the center to the surrounding area, but the light from the Red Renser illuminates the illumination range with almost the same brightness. This performance is demonstrated on all three models.
NEO10R is suitable for brightly illuminating a distant spot
In the photo below, all models are illuminated in wide mode against nearby uneven areas. It can be seen that both are illuminated with a beautiful, uniform brightness from the center to the edge of the light. When comparing the models, the NEO10R stands out in terms of brightness, just like the specs, but the MH5 is also bright enough and the range is not particularly narrow. The NEO6R is not suitable for lightening up far. As for the irradiation range, the NEO6R is large, and the NEO10R and MH5 are almost the same, but the NEO10R is slightly larger.
All three models have no uneven brightness within the illumination range.
Next, I illuminate my hands in weak mode and see the photo below. Due to the specs, the brightness of the weak mode is NEO10R: 10 lumens, MH5: 20 lumens, NEO6R: 20 lumens, but the difference is hardly noticeable. However, even if the NEO10R and MH5 are wide, the surrounding edges are a concern, while the NEO6R is comfortable, with its wide range of illumination that illuminates the entire field of vision.
The NEO6R is comfortable when irradiating your hands in weak mode.
NEO6R is perfect for illuminating nearby areas with wide light
All of the photos below are in wide light. The NEO6R has a very wide irradiation range, and is made equal to the human vision, which is said to be 150 degrees. It can significantly reduce stress by allowing you to see obstacles within your field of vision without having to shake your head.
Battery life: Long-lasting bright NEO10R with a large capacity battery, lightweight and versatile MH5, lightweight and long-lasting NEO6R
The battery life displayed on the headlamp package and website is merely about how long it can be illuminated to the maximum brightness the manufacturer considers, and is not a time that maintains full power. Unfortunately, it is possible that you bought it thinking it would last a long time, but in reality it will go dark quickly.
So we used a luminometer to measure the actual brightness change over time, and then compared how the brightness changes due to battery drainage.
All three models were fully charged with standard dedicated batteries, and in strong mode, they continued to illuminate the sensors about 3 meters apart, observing how the brightness changed over time.
The brightness (LX, Lux) here is merely a number obtained using this measurement environment and luminometer, so we hope that you will refer to the degree of change in how the brightness changes as the battery drains over time.
As the brightness and light types differ, let's start by comparing the NEO10R and MH5.
Both headlamps actually have a sudden drop in brightness when fully charged. It doesn't last for 5 minutes on the NEO10R. You can see that comparing headlamps with products in terms of brightness (lumens) at full power is not very meaningful.
Amazing battery NEO10R
However, after a sudden drop, the brightness is maintained at relatively high illumination, and although it slowly descends, it maintains sufficient brightness for more than half a day.
*The official battery capacity of the NEO10R was 3000mAh 3.6V, but when I checked the battery I used this time, it was 3400mAh 3.7V. I don't think it will affect many people, but the models currently on sale may have a slightly shorter lifespan.
Lightweight, yet practical MH5
On the other hand, the MH5 remains brighter than the NEO10R until after 30 minutes of full charge, and in about 40 minutes it suddenly drops. Then, the amount of light is maintained for about three hours, but after four hours it drops again, almost losing its brightness.
Although it is low-light, it has a long life and light life.
Next is NEO6R (photo below). This is only wide mode, and the brightness is too different from the above two models, so the graph is separated. The descending pattern is the same as the two models above, but this one has fewer initial drops and maintains a constant amount of light for a long time. This time, after 6 hours, it suddenly fell to almost zero.
Operating: All simple and intuitive operation
The operability is very simple on all models. There is only one button to operate and you can change the intensity and type of light. With many headlamps with complex operation, it is highly rated that it can be used intuitively without worrying about anything. However, the lens aperture when switching between wide spots between the NEO10R and MH5 requires a little more force, so I think it will be even more user-friendly if this can be easily done with one hand.
Both the NEO10R and the MH5 only have one battery, so it's very easy to replace. Replacing three or four batteries in the dark requires concentration and stress, so it's very helpful to just have one battery.
Functionality: Multi-functional MH5, waterproof NEO6R, easy to drive NEO10R
Here we will look at the accompanying functions rather than the lamp performance. Of the three models, the detailed features that were particularly impressive, which were tailored to the usage status of the MH5.
The lamp part can be easily removed from the headband and can be used individually. It can be used as a hand light, or it comes with a clip so it can be attached to a bag and used. It is very convenient because you can easily fix the direction of the light when cooking in a tent area.
The lamp itself has a clip, so it can be attached to a shoulder strap or something.
The MH5 also has a red LED on the front. The red LED seems to be a relief to those around you in tents and mountain huts.
Red LEDs allow you to avoid worrying about the people around you in tents or mountain huts
Other included rechargeable batteries are almost the same as AA batteries, and you can also use AA batteries instead. Of course, it cannot be 100% more performance than rechargeable batteries, but in an environment where it is not possible to charge, the ability to use dry batteries is extremely secure.
AA batteries can be used instead of rechargeable batteries
Other features that stand out on other models are the NEO6R, which has IP57 and has waterproof performance that can be used without any problems even when soaked in water. The NEO10R and MH5 are slightly inferior to IP54, but if there is a little rain you can continue using it without worrying about it breaking.
The NEO10R also allows the battery to be placed near the body using an extension cord, making it possible to overcome the heavy handicap that will be described later.
Weight: The NEO6R and MH5 are surprisingly light, and the NEO10R is heavy but doesn't bother you with the ingenuity.
The NEO10R is 178g (body: 129g, battery: 49g), which is slightly heavier than the other two models. However, since the battery is located on the rear, when you actually use it, it doesn't feel as heavy as the numerical value. What's distinctive is that you can use the included extension cord to move the battery to a bag or something similar. If you remove the battery box, the weight of the unit will be 71g (battery box is 107g), which significantly reduces stress on the head.
You can also use an extension cable to store the battery in a bag
The MH5 weighs approximately the same weight as 98g (body: 76g, battery: 21g), and the NEO6R weighs approximately the same weight as 96g. However, since the MH5 has the same battery storage position as the main unit, compared to the NEO6R, where the battery is located at the back of the head, the fit is slightly poor and will easily shake if you run, making it unsuitable for high-speed activities such as trail running or fast packing.
Summary: Features of each model and recommended ways to use it
NEO10R: Bright, long and fit, perfect for trail running with intense movement
The NEO10R is a model for trail running by Ledlenser. Combined with a battery life of up to 600 lumens, it is cheaper than other trail running models from other manufacturers, making it a popular model for long distance trail runners.
As can be said for all Ledlensers, the NEO10R in particular illuminates the irradiated area from the center to the periphery. Although the center is bright, if the lamp gradually dips as you go to the surrounding area, shadows can easily be formed by rocks and trees, which can interfere with your vision. However, the NEO10R uses an advanced focus system that uses both a lens and a reflector, allowing the irradiation point to be illuminated without waste and evenly, and there is little shadow caused by obstacles.
Left: Strong mode (600 lumens), Right: Weak mode (10 lumens). You can see clearly even on stairs without shadows. You can see clearly even on stairs without shadows.
There is a ring around the lamp, and by twisting it you can switch the type of illumination between wide and spots. Wide allows light to disperse and wider areas, while spots can constrict the light to illuminate further away.
Left: Wide light, Right: Spot light
There is a significant difference in how wide light and spot light are visible. Wide light illuminates the same brightness from your feet a few meters away, but when you turn it into a spot, you can see it in a distance that is not visible with wide light.
Left: Wide light, Right: Spot light
The weight is heavy at an actual measured 179, but by bringing the battery to the back of the head, it maintains a balance that doesn't make you feel heavy.
The lamp and battery are separated so you don't feel heavy
The high fit is also suitable for activities that require a lot of movement. This high fit comes from the double layering of elastic bands and the shape of the battery box that is curved to match the shape of the head.
Battery box shape and double bands for a high fit
If you wear the battery box on the back of your head, the battery lamp also becomes a red rear light, so you can rest assured that you will be able to recognize it backwards.
If you wear the battery box on the back of your head, the battery lamp also has a red rear light.
Among the Ledlenser outdoor lines, the NEO10R is considered to be high-end. It can be used for a variety of activities, but the manufacturer itself is designed for activities such as trail running and fast packing, so the amount of light, weight and fit are set to show off the benefits of activities that operate at relatively high speeds at night. When it comes to trail running models, many models cost quite a bit, but the fact that they have sufficient performance and functionality can be purchased for 10,000 yen is a very high appeal. The simplicity of the operation with just one button also gives you the same peace of mind as usual, even when you're tired.
MH5: Lightweight, multifunctional and versatile, perfect for all outdoor activities such as mountain climbing
The MH5 is a high-end model for outdoor use. The 2020 model has detailed updates, improving both functionality and usability.
Like the NEO10R, it uses an advanced focus system to illuminate the illumination range evenly and with even brightness. This will be a very strong advantage when choosing a Ledlenser. There are two brightness levels: weak and strong, and you can switch between 20 lumens and 400 lumens each. When working at a tent or mountain hut, a low 20 lumen is sufficiently bright. When walking on night trails or moving in the dark, you can get enough brightness of 400 lumens, and while it is the bare minimum of brightness, it has sufficient performance.
Left: Strong mode (400 lumens), Right: Weak mode (20 lumens)
There is a ring around the lamp, and by twisting it you can switch the type of illumination between wide and spots. Wide allows light to disperse and wider areas, while spots can constrict the light to illuminate further away.
Left: Wide light, Right: Spot light
In the previous model, the battery had to be removed from the main unit and charged, but from the 2020 model, it can now be charged directly using a dedicated cable. It saves the trouble of removing the main unit from the headband every time to charge. However, when bringing a spare battery, you will need to attach it to the main unit to charge it, which may be a bit inconvenient. It's great that you can easily charge it with a mobile battery.
Updates allow external charging, making it even more convenient
The MH5 has excellent performance, versatile and versatile multi-use functionality, and functionality that improves ease of use. It has enough light of 400 lumens, and can be used with just one battery, and can be removed from the headband and attached to the shoulder strap of a bag, or fixed inside the tent to use as an indoor lamp, making it extremely versatile. Basically, you will probably use the included rechargeable battery, but since AA batteries are also available, it seems to be a great option for long-term traversing and traveling, and it is a very versatile model that can be used at home for disasters. When it comes to high-end models from other manufacturers, it seems that it is common for them to have special gimmicks, but using this model that seems to oppose this, makes me wonder what the real high-end models are.
NEO6R: Perfect for main lights for camping and disaster prevention, and for sub-lights for mountain climbing and trail runs.
Features of the NEO06R include its extremely wide illumination angle, high waterproof and dustproof properties, and a light fit. Although the power of the model we tested this time is inferior, it is bright enough to walk slowly, with a maximum of 240 lumens, and can be irradiated for 40 hours in Low mode, providing reliable performance in both the brightness and battery.
This light is focused on its ease of use in the vicinity, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping where you don't need to look far, and for disaster prevention because it is light and waterproof. A chest belt is also included as standard, so it is also very useful as a sub-light for illuminating your feet and other things, apart from the main light.
The lamp is very small and the battery is located at the back of the head, so although it weighs almost the same as the MH5, you'll forget that it's well-balanced. It has high waterproof performance, with IPX7, so it can be used without flooding even when temporarily submerged (30 minutes at 1m depth). It is waterproof, so it won't sway even if you leave it in your bag and get hit by heavy rain.
The built-in battery can be replaced, so you can use it without worry. The NEO6R is rechargeable, but there is also a lineup of NEO4s with comparable performance that can be used with dry batteries.
The battery can be removed and replaced