Sometimes when you’re recreating outdoors, you just need to light your way. I was once caught down-climbing Lone Peak after dark with a headlamp that was so dim, I just about relied on the Salt Lake City lights far below to illuminate my path. At that moment, I sure could have used the Neo headlamp from LED Lenser. This headlamp may look small, but it packs a big punch of light. I’ve been testing it this winter on everything from nighttime ski sessions up Mill Creek Canyon, to finding tools in my unlighted garage in pitch-black darkness. Through it all, I’ve come away impressed.
The LED Lenser Neo Headlamp features:
- 90 Lumens
- 10 meter range
- 150-degree beam
- Rear blinking light
- 3 modes (high power, low power, strobe)
- Weighs 1.9oz
I first held the Neo headlamp when it was still in the packaging, then turned it on and promptly blinded myself. Seriously, this light is bright, evidenced by the warning label on the box that states, “don’t look into the lens!” Too bad I didn’t see that before shooting enough light into my eyeballs that I felt like I stared into the sun. After the spots in my vision went away, I used the Neo around the house and yard. Winter means the daylight fades around 5pm in Utah, so it has been nice to have the Neo on hand for rooting around in the garage (which has no lighting) and grilling steaks after the sun goes down.
For me, however, a headlamp like this has serious recreational possibilities. Dawn patrol is an ideal use of this headlamp, as the wide, bright beam will light the way on any before-dawn skin track. Unfortunately, I have not been able to go out on a dawn patrol so far this season, but have been skinning up the road in Mill Creek Canyon in the evenings. I generally like to ascend in the dark (it’s amazing how well your eyes adapt to darkness) but on the fast descent, I use the Neo, and it lights up my path so far ahead of my skis that I never fear about something unseen getting in my way without my knowing.
What is surprising about the Neo, is that it is so small despite the amount of light it casts out. The result is a compact system that does not feel heavy on the forehead. In fact, I often forget that it is even there. The downside of this is the button is so small that it can be hard to operate with gloved hands. Also, it does not tilt up or down. However, the beam is so wide, I never really wanted to tilt the light anyway.
The power comes from a small box on the back of the headlamp strap. It takes three AAA batteries, and also feels quite light on the back of my head. It also has a red, blinking light so it’s very useful for added safety when running or riding bikes in the city at night.
The Good: Very bright, wide beam, small & light weight, many uses.
The Bad: lamp does not tilt, difficult to operate with gloved hands
Final Word: The LED Lenser Neo headlamp is an awesome light that is well suited for everything from household to recreational uses after dark. Keep one in your pack, one in your kitchen drawer, and one in your car, and it won’t let you down. Just please, don’t stare into lens when you turn it on.