- Joined
- Mar 24, 2012
- Messages
- 172
Picked one of these up recently so thought I would do a quick review on the Chapman/Leonard Lenslight Mini for anyone interested.
I have no affiliation with lenslight and this is strictly an objective 3rd party review for information only.
Overview-
This model is a limited edition USN toxic mini light, which is an aerospace aluminium body fitted with a green anodised titanium crenulated bezel.
The mini model is offered in either aluminium or titanium and respective bezels, which are interchangeable between models. Prices vary from $159 to $400+ subjective to materials and finish applied, this particular model has a rrp of $250. The light accepts one CR123 battery in either disposable or rechargeable. It has a 2 stage tail cap switch with outputs set at 5lum and 300lum @ 1m, two quick presses of the switch will cycle the modes.
Unpacking-
The lights come packed in these tough reusable plastic bags, with some spare O-rings, stickers, a battery, user manual and contact information. A nice change from the standard cardboard box or blister pack.
Size-
The mini is an ideal size for my edc flashlight, it fills the palm of the hand nicely with enough bulk for a sure grip if using the bezel for impact, but still small enough for comfortable EDC.
Carry / application-
The mini lights come fitted from factory with derlin pocket clips which is some form of composite/plastic. On the lenslight site you can find a host of 'advantages' to this style of clip, but personally I don't like them. I found it very hard to remove from a jeans pocket, as the lip hooks on and wont let go, I had to use 2 hands to get the clip off my pocket, you could perhaps modify the clip to make it more edc friendly however they seem to be geared toward molle use.
I was happy to find I could stretch a 4sevens finger grip over the mini as these are great for retention and tactical applications.
You can also purchase lanyard rings from lenslight for $5, this is my preferred method of carry as it offers most of the advantages of the finger grip without having the light fixed to your finger. I carry in my coin pocket between knife and pen, which allows the lanyard to hang out or be tucked in. Its very easy to grab the light by the lanyard and once in hand slips between the fingers to provide some lateral grip. The lanyard shown is a hinderer titanium item, lenslight offer stalingear lanyard beads for sale but those are way overpriced IMO.
Output-
The lens is advertised as a patented focusable aspheric lens system made of high impact hardened glass, they liken it to a magnifying glass. There will be no beam shots or technical gibberish here but as mentioned before the settings are 5 lumens and 300 lumens, the lens is very efficient and produces a warm natural light. The 5 lumen setting is plenty bright enough for walking around at night, the 300 lumen setting will illuminate a spot easily in the daylight and will blind any would be attacker or animal while hunting at night. The beam / spot size can be altered by turning the head, winding the lens out will refract the light over itself and give a very intense small spot, when winding the head in will give a wider spot of lower intensity. Unlike most cheaper lenses which have a hot spot in the middle and scattered spot the lenslight provides a solid beam of equal intensity, one curiosity is the beam having a some what square appearance. There is a small black dot in the center of the lens which appears to be a product of manufacturing or calibration, this is not visible in the beam. The emitter is reportedly a Bin high CRI CREE XP-G LED.
Summary-
All in all I think the lenslight mini is an excellent edc lighting solution, quality materials and construction, exceptional functionality, innovative delivery and design with great customer service to boot. They aren't the cheapest lights around but I would certainly argue the price is fair, I value a good light as much as a good knife and this really is the kind of light that would last a lifetime.
I have no affiliation with lenslight and this is strictly an objective 3rd party review for information only.
Overview-
This model is a limited edition USN toxic mini light, which is an aerospace aluminium body fitted with a green anodised titanium crenulated bezel.
The mini model is offered in either aluminium or titanium and respective bezels, which are interchangeable between models. Prices vary from $159 to $400+ subjective to materials and finish applied, this particular model has a rrp of $250. The light accepts one CR123 battery in either disposable or rechargeable. It has a 2 stage tail cap switch with outputs set at 5lum and 300lum @ 1m, two quick presses of the switch will cycle the modes.
Unpacking-
The lights come packed in these tough reusable plastic bags, with some spare O-rings, stickers, a battery, user manual and contact information. A nice change from the standard cardboard box or blister pack.
Size-
The mini is an ideal size for my edc flashlight, it fills the palm of the hand nicely with enough bulk for a sure grip if using the bezel for impact, but still small enough for comfortable EDC.
Carry / application-
The mini lights come fitted from factory with derlin pocket clips which is some form of composite/plastic. On the lenslight site you can find a host of 'advantages' to this style of clip, but personally I don't like them. I found it very hard to remove from a jeans pocket, as the lip hooks on and wont let go, I had to use 2 hands to get the clip off my pocket, you could perhaps modify the clip to make it more edc friendly however they seem to be geared toward molle use.
I was happy to find I could stretch a 4sevens finger grip over the mini as these are great for retention and tactical applications.
You can also purchase lanyard rings from lenslight for $5, this is my preferred method of carry as it offers most of the advantages of the finger grip without having the light fixed to your finger. I carry in my coin pocket between knife and pen, which allows the lanyard to hang out or be tucked in. Its very easy to grab the light by the lanyard and once in hand slips between the fingers to provide some lateral grip. The lanyard shown is a hinderer titanium item, lenslight offer stalingear lanyard beads for sale but those are way overpriced IMO.
Output-
The lens is advertised as a patented focusable aspheric lens system made of high impact hardened glass, they liken it to a magnifying glass. There will be no beam shots or technical gibberish here but as mentioned before the settings are 5 lumens and 300 lumens, the lens is very efficient and produces a warm natural light. The 5 lumen setting is plenty bright enough for walking around at night, the 300 lumen setting will illuminate a spot easily in the daylight and will blind any would be attacker or animal while hunting at night. The beam / spot size can be altered by turning the head, winding the lens out will refract the light over itself and give a very intense small spot, when winding the head in will give a wider spot of lower intensity. Unlike most cheaper lenses which have a hot spot in the middle and scattered spot the lenslight provides a solid beam of equal intensity, one curiosity is the beam having a some what square appearance. There is a small black dot in the center of the lens which appears to be a product of manufacturing or calibration, this is not visible in the beam. The emitter is reportedly a Bin high CRI CREE XP-G LED.
Summary-
All in all I think the lenslight mini is an excellent edc lighting solution, quality materials and construction, exceptional functionality, innovative delivery and design with great customer service to boot. They aren't the cheapest lights around but I would certainly argue the price is fair, I value a good light as much as a good knife and this really is the kind of light that would last a lifetime.
