Head Torches Tested

Stuck on the side of the road after dark and need to work on your car? Nothing beats a head torch for easy, hands-free illumination. We put 12 of the brightest buys to the test

Auto Express Car Reviews

February 2011

They're not big but they are clever, as head torches provide the ultimate solution for shedding light on that roadside breakdown. It can shine light exactly where you need it, leaving your hands free to get on with the job you’re doing. The LED revolution has boosted output and lifetime, while allowing designers to fit them in ever-smaller packages. So which is the one to put you ahead of the game? We shone the spotlight on 12 top sellers to find out.

The Test

Top of our wish list was a wide, bright beam, with extra marks for units that could be adjusted. We also wanted to see some way of reducing the output to prolong battery life or make close work easier on the eyes.

Each torch was weighed and assessed for comfort, plus beam direction needed to be easily adjustable. Price was factored in, excluding any delivery charges, and we took into account whether batteries were included.

Verdict

It’s another win for Ring, as the super-bright Oculus retains its title with its focused beam. If the Ring is too heavy, we would recommend the compact Silva Ninox, while our budget pick is the effective Draper unit.