Deben Lamps

Deben has come a long way since their first Tracer lamps and like the original their new line of lighting products for 2013 is set to be equally well respected. What I have here is a small selection, which I will showcase this month, then look at them individually in field tests in following issues. First up is the gun-mountable Sport Gun Light. The unit uses a rotary head that gives fast and simple spot to flood adjustment along with an integral arm that attaches to a QD base that fits on the scope. This is adjustable for angle by a simple cam wheel.

There are two models with 170 and 140mm heads and two options in each; fixed (FP) or variable power (VP) all using Halogen bulbs. The 170 has a 75 watt with a quoted range of 600m and the 140 a 50 watt at 400m, weights are 425 and 395 grams accordingly. Typically there’s the usual range of in-line and variable power stock-mounted switches.

REMOTE CONTROL
For those wanting vehicle-mounted there’s the Remote Sport Lights. The lamps offer 210, 180 and 150mm head options with power outputs of 100, 75 and 50 watts accordingly. Quoted ranges are 800, 650 and 450m. The heads are angle-adjustable with an arc of 80° and lock by a quick and simple throw lever. As before the beam can be adjusted from spot to flood by rotating the head.

This connects to a T-handle assembly which gives full traverse and elevation with a locking ring to vary the amount of resistance. There are two options the standard FP and the VP. Both feature an ON/ OFF button but the VP has a rotary rheostat built into the opposite end. The handle has full fittings should you want to bolt it through the roof of your 4x4, or you can opt for a light bar with suction cups for a less permanent solution. Deben offer a range of coloured filters for both Remote and Gun Lights.

POWER UP
Both lights run on 12 volt systems. Deben were the originators of the hi-power lightweight batteries that revolutionised lamping in the UK. They have moved this technology on with their latest 12 V Lithium Polymer range of battery packs. At around 25% the weight of a standard lead acid design, I got a 22Ah BP2548 unit. Measuring 115x161x56mm it weighs just 1250 grams with a quoted run time of 4hr 20mins (50 watt) and 2 hr 10 mins (100 watt).

Features include a rubber casing, charge indicator, 12 V smart charger kit (mains and vehicle) and carry case. Advantages include a flat discharge curve so power remains constant longer and protective circuits to prevent over charge, over current, deep discharge and short circuit. There are four more versions at 14, 10, 8 and 4 Ah, which differ in size weight and run time, to suit both needs and pocket. With Deben’s usual hi-quality electronics and build I feel we can expect a lot out of the new Tracer range.

FOR - An imporved range for 2013
AGAINST - Not a lot
VERDICT - Deben knows how to build lamps