German brand EDELRID has launched a range of head torches into the UK.
The brand, EDELRID, is one I associate with climbing gear. They make ropes, jackets, harnesses and all kinds of products that are more likely to be found in the G-Force’s kit cupboard than mine.
Now EDELRID have launched a collection of headtorches in the UK, being sold through Cotswold Outdoor stores.
The EDELRID range includes five torches priced from £13 to £55.
Top-of-the-range – and being tested here – is the EDELRID Tauri (RRP: £55), which boasts an impressive 260 lumens, 100m beam and 200 hours maximum burn time. It’s housed in a waterproof casing.
The Tauri features an over-the-head stabilisation strap for additional stability for activities such as running. It has a battery back mounted in the head strap.
An adjustable diffuser allows for a speedy interchange between a focused or wide beam.
The torch is recharged via a USB connection and power can be monitored using the integrated indicator.
Test of the EDELRID Tauri headtorch
As my reviewer Yvonne reports, the EDELRID Tauri is a third of the cost of my favourite head torch the Silva Trail Speed Elite and 260 lumens compared to the Silva’s 600 lumens (on high beam).
The torch was used in challenging conditions on a night hike of Ben Lomond. It was a night without obvious moonlight and higher up the mountain it became misty and cloudy.
Yvonne is new to headtorches and at first she was amazed by how bright the Silva head torch is. However, she was happy enough with the various lumen output options, especially the 260lm and 120lm, of the Tauri.
Most people would use the 120 lms output for an 80m beam. This give up to 4.5 hours of battery on one charge.
There’s also a brighter 260 lumen output with a 120m beam but this will drain the battery in less than an hour.
Other outputs to choose from include 95 lm and 40m beam with a battery life of eight hours; 12 lm; and a flashing light option.
The adjustable diffuser – basically a frosted piece of plastic that goes over the light beam – offers an interchange between a focused or wide beam. It didn’t seem to make a huge difference but it’s a nice extra feature and can help to stop the eye dazzle that often happens when you turn to speak to someone while wearing a bright head torch..
The Tauri is really lightweight at 126g. Even with the battery pack attached to the head strap it is easy to wear and comfortable.
Testing on a dark mountain
Yvonne walked on her own for sections and with my Silva head torch lighting the way as well. She reports having no problem seeing with the 120 lumen option.
The torch gave more than enough light for Yvonne to walk for four hours in the dark on a mountain path. She needed to be able to see well enough to stay on her feet. She found she could easily do this.
While the beam is not as bright as the Silva, even on the Silva’s lower beam setting, it was easily bright enough for a night-time hike. The battery lasted the full four hours of the hike without any problems.
For a cheaper option and the best lumens output I have seen at this price, the EDELRID Tauri is a great choice. The battery pack is impressively small and lightweight.
The battery recharges fully within a few hours, which is excellent.
See www.cotswoldoutdoor.com