PRODUCT GROUP TEST 15 | 11 | 2017
Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive.
Energizer Hard Case Professional Pivot Light Price: £19.99 Claimed lumens: 300 Contact: 01488 662770, www.caeurope.co.uk Rating: ★★★
THE Energizer is different in most respects, not least its strong, IPX4 plastic case. Its design includes a torch head that swivels through 175 degrees, and a magnetic base. There are high and low flood modes, operated by a large orange button, ideal for gloved hands. Either setting provided lots of light in the engine bay; outside, the beam reached just 10 metres.
Ring RT5194 Heavy Duty Cree LED Torch
Price: £15 Claimed lumens: 200
Contact: 0113 213 2000, www.ringautomotive.com Rating: ★★★
AS the shortest torch on test and the second lightest, this Ring was easy to use. The end button toggles through the three modes, but having to go through all of them every time is a bind. We liked the Ledlenserlike sliding head system for focusing. Flood setting was reasonable for inside work; outside, the spot spread from 10 to 45 metres, but the flood created shadows.
Draper 81115 XPG LED Hand Torch Price: £18.42 Claimed lumens: 220
Contact: 023 8049 4333, www.drapertools.com Rating: ★★★
THE Draper is the only torch that doesn’t come with the three AAA batteries required. It has the Ring’s toggling system through full, medium and strobe modes, but no way of focusing the beam. The lower power setting gave reasonable performance in the engine bay, while outside, the light was quite patchy, although it reached 50 metres.
Ring RT5195 Telescopic LED Torch with Lamp
Price: £20 Claimed lumens: 250/220
Contact: 0113 213 2000, www.ringautomotive.com Rating: ★★★
A HYBRID torch probably aimed at campers. The conventional beam produces a bullseye-shaped flood. Pulling back the lower part of the unit reveals a built-in lantern that gave flood lighting at 250 or 110 lumens. But toggling between functions required too many button presses. Outside, the torch beam reached almost 50 metres but was rather scattered.