Peli 8060 LED torch

As a young shooter I owned the big, MagLite D-cell torch for my 870 shotgun. At the time I thought it was the most powerful light I had ever seen. But technology moves on and these days far smaller designs using modern LEDs and running on tiny batteries produces more power than the old MagLite ever could.

Tough Enough

I have something here that looks about the size and weight of the MagLite but offers some serious illumination – the Peli 8060 rechargeable LED torch. In truth the 8060 is aimed more at the professional, however as hunters we might also need powerful, hand-held illumination.

The body is made from Xenoy, a tough synthetic with a polycarbonate lens that is as described; as I managed to drop this one down a ladder onto a hard floor with no ill effects. It measures 12.67” long with a body width of 1.5”. Grips is supplied by integral, rectangular, shapes (grenade grip). Operation is simple with a rubber-covered, momentary and press ON/OFF switch just behind the lamp head. Weighing in at 23.2 oz the 8060 is a working tool.

White Light

Power comes from a rechargeable, C-size, NI-MH battery pack with a run time of 6-hours, which runs an LED in a long and tapered reflector that outputs 190-lumen. This may not seem massive given some other torches, but backed up by the battery it can punch out a tight beam to 150-yards to easily shoot by at night.

The 8060 comes as standard with a mains charger that is rated for a 4.5-hour re-charge cycle. The cradle has red and green LEDs that indicate what it’s doing – charging or full. Peli say the torch needs a few charges to get it up to its full run time capacity. A 12V car adaptor is optional. One thing I do like is the fact that if the NI-MH cells are drained you can pull them out and run the torch on 4 x C-cell disposable batteries.

Power To Spare

I have been using the 8060 for a couple of months for tasks ranging from walking the dog to shooting rabbits and have no complaints about its ability. The quoted run time is about right and the power levels stay high right up to the end of the charge, so you barely notice the drop off. The beam is good and tight with little overspill and can punch through mist and rain easily.

To be honest this is not a gun light, as there’s no provision for mounting it easily, what it is, is a big and powerful general use torch that would suit those looking for a product that is tough and practical. OK at around the £200 mark this is not a cheap light, but when you factor in its ability and the economy of it’s rechargeable system it’s well worth a look if your are wanting something of this nature.

For: Big, tough and powerful with a good run time
Against: Do you need to spend £200 on a torch?
Verdict: If you need serious power in your hand then the Peli 8060 is the answer

PRICE:
£195.50 + vat
Car charger £10.10