Leupold MX Modular torches

I have to say I was a little surprised when I was on the Leupold stand at IWA 2008, as along with the usual good stuff, plus new scope and binocular models they were showing their first ever compact torch the MX. Smart move really as this sort of hardware is always popular, so why not cash in on a growing demand? Plus and with their excellent reputation in optics a flashlight with their name on it is bound to be a must have item.

Also with their name it would have to be well built and also offer some unique feature to make it stand out from the plethora of similar, alloy bodied, compact torches now available.

Leupold through & through

As a long term owner and user of a number of Leupold optics, I have to say before anything else the MX feels right just like their scopes, being solid, well built and finished. Matt black with the distinctive ‘gold ring’ on the bezel first impressions really do count and they were good. However the MX had a few more surprises in store as it’s a modular system, which I believe is a first for a compact such as this. The MX system offers four light heads (bezels), two bodies maintubes (2-cell & 3-cell) and one, standard tail cap assembly with full and momentary ON/OFF functions. 

The bezels offers different powers and control functions and the 2 or 3-cell bodies give two different run times, so if you wanted a no-frills torch with a minimum power output but long life then one of the more basic bezels in a 3-cell body would be best. Let’s see what’s available; the second run time figure indicates a 3-cell maintube:

Model Bulb Mode Lumens Runtime1 Runtime2
MX-100* Xenon Single 601 / 1202* 1.5 hours 1.5 hours
MX-200 True WhiteTM LED Single 80 6 hours 9 hours
MX-300 Hunter True WhiteTM LED Multi-Mode
• Low
• Medium
• High
• SOS
• 10
• 80
• 145
• 25
• 50 hours
• 6 hours
• 3 hours
• 50 hours
• 75 hours
• 9 hours
• 4.5 hours
• 75 hours

MX-400 Tactical True WhiteTM LED Multi-Mode
• Low
• High
• SOS
• Strobe
• 10
• 145
• 25
• 145
• 50 hours
• 3 hours
• 50 hours
• 6 hours
• 75 hours
• 4.5 hours
• 75 hours
• 9 hours

This modular build gives us nomenclature for each combination too, as bezel, maintube, and tail switch has a three-digit part number. When the components are put together to form a flashlight, those part numbers create the designation. The first digit is the bezel, the second the maintube, and the third the tail switch. For example, the MX-421 consists of a MX-400 Bezel, 020 maintube, and 001 tail switch. The MX-131 would be a 100 bezel, 030 tube, and 001 switch.

3,2,1

I was sent a 321 Hunter model (300 bezel, 2-cell body and switch) and it’s here and in the 400 that the build really differs as the bezel offers a multiple functions (Multi Mode). Here you get low (10-lumen) medium (80-lumen) and high (145-lumen) variable light output, plus a Morse (flashing SOS) message. The 400 head offers medium, high, SOS and a 145-lumen strobe function.

The build is good with a precision reflector giving a bright and focused beam through a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. The head is waterproof down to four atmospheres and the whole torch is made from machined, T-6061, aerospace-grade aluminium and the hard anodized finish exceeds military specifications. A clever touch is that it will accept all Leupold’s 28mm Alumina® accessories such as flip up lens caps and filters etc, which are equally good kit.

The maintube is double O-ring sealed and knurled for grip with cut-outs either side, so you can hold the body between your fingers and use a ‘point & press’ technique. A long clothing clip and lanyard with QD catch are also included. The tail cap has a rubber-covered switch that offers constant ON or momentary activation and an 1/8th turn lockout. This by backing it off 1/8 - turn isolates the switch so it can’t be accidently operated…

Compact yet chunky

Power is by your now standard 3V (CR-123A) batteries, which are supplied with every main tube according to capacity. The MX Hunter is compact but chunky and weighs in at 6 oz and does feel a bit heavier than some other 2-cell compacts I have tested. The 3-cell adds an extra ounce to that at seven.

What I liked apart from the sheer build quality is the ability to vary the light you need and there for the battery life (run time), so at low you get a decent 50-hours, medium 6 and high 3, all this being continuous. Tests show excellent illumination out to 50 yards + with a medium/wide beam.

I readily admit to beign a bit of a fan of Leupold products, as my experience since 1976 has taught me they are well made and effective. Their new product direction is a bold move as they are up against the likes of SureFire and Streamlight; both high end market leaders in the USA, but I feel the MX product is more than up to the competition. I remember how well their Alumina range of accessories was received in the UK and would imagine the MX is going to create the same sort of attention too. Chances are being modular we can expect more from this line in the future with doubtless a rechargeable at the least.

PRICES:
Maintubes - 2-cell £58, 3-cell £66
MX 300 bezel - £175