Lightforce HID lamp with bag

Lightforce is probably the biggest name in driving lights and lamps in the world and in the UK that means night shooting. However, other companies follow where they lead and there are also some very close imitations of the marque too. So Lightforce have decided to up their game and come out with the new HID lamping kit. They use a new range of Xenon bulbs which we are told gives 30% better and whiter light output with a 60% reduced power consumption.

Ballast Base

Visually they look identical to the Lightforce Enforcer, which is a mains and battery-powered design, with a distinctive block under the grip that houses the re-chargeable cell. With the HID this is used for the internal 35-watt ballast required for the light’s operation. However, it aids in handling too, as it balances out the lamp head and in use the difference in feel is most appreciated. Plus it provides a base that will allow the lamp to be placed up right on a flat surface.
It is made from lightweight composite materials and appears strong and well up to field use.  The total weight of the version with a 170mm reflector, including the 3.6-metre coil cord fitted with a cigarette plug, is 1.9lbs. The 240mm model tips the scale at 2.6lbs. The head rotates and allows you to adjustment the beam from wide flood to a tight spot. A clip-on red filter is also included.

Walk About

There are two power options, the first runs off your vehicle’s electrical system via the cigarette lighter socket. However the kit comes with a rechargeable 12 volt/9.0 AH, sealed, lead/acid battery complete with charger, carry case and shoulder strap. So no problems if you want to go walk about! Also good the 35-watt HID bulb is more powerful than a regular 100-watt unit, yet has half the current draw of a light with the same output of a quoted 3,200 lumen. This too has a beneficial effect on run time which is around two hours.
I had the 170 HID on test. In terms of practical range you can see to shoot up to around 300-yards, but can pick up eyes at 500. In battery mode I did find that the plug can work its way out of the socket and also when you turn it on it take a few seconds to come up to maximum beam. Visually not a lot in it but you can see the brightness increase, this only happens from cold though. As I said the ballasted base makes it far better balanced in the hand. Nightforce also seems to have got around any overheating problems too, as you can run it for long periods without any adverse effects. I ran it for 20-minutes nonstop and both the reflector casing and ballast got hot but not unbearable though the handle remained cool.
Overall a good lamp with decent run time and range ability. The only thing I th
ink missing would be a tripod adaptor in the ballast base, as that would make it more versatile. Currently you can buy the HID lamp kit with a Lightforce gear bag, which is a special offer while stocks last.

For: Good run time and range ability
Against: Expensive by comparison
Verdict: Decent and powerful hand lamp but not cheap

PRICES:
170mm £238
240mm £266