Energizer Tan Helmet Torch (IR)

ENERGIZER 'HARD CASE TANGO TACTICAL HELMET LIGHT'

•  Cost: ££££ (£84.95) 
•  Value for Money: 5 
•  Ease of use: 5 
•  Construction: 4 
•  Alliness: 5 

I’ve had one of these lights for a while now and it is quite simply awesome! It costs a few quid but you really do get your moneys worth. So what do you get with it? 

 First up it has multiple light sources. In the visible spectrum it has white and red light in variable brightness and flashing. In the non-visible spectrum, it has an infra-red illuminator to augment your NVGs and it has an IR IFF beacon with three different patterns. The design is such that you can easily identify the right switch for each option in the dark and wearing gloves. 

 Next it is an extremely rugged construction. It is made of a lightweight polymer so it is strong as well as light. The light sources are all LEDs so you don’t need to worry about a bulb going. If you do get a failure it has a lifetime warranty. It has been drop tested to 3 metres and it is waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It also runs off of a single AA battery. 

 But there’s more! It also comes with several attachment options. Firstly, there is an elasticated strap so that you can use it as a headtorch. It feels a bit weird to use as the light is to one side, rather than in the middle of your forehead like most lights, but the fitting for the light is adjustable through 360 degrees so you can wear it on either side and angle it to suit. Next there is a helmet mount. This fits the light onto a standard set of side rails. Like the elasticated strap it is fully rotatable. The next is a Picatinny rail fitting. This lets you mount the light onto a rifle. This has good utility as you can use it as a light source for room clearing, a red light source to examine something in low light without NVGs. Of course you also have the infrared light source to augment your NVGs inside buildings. Then there is a MOLLE/vest mount so you can mount it on your body armour or vest. This mount is hinged so you can adjust the angle for map reading etc. Finally, there is a mount to attach it to a cap. I have an older version of the light and it did not come with this accessory so I cannot directly comment on its utility. 

 The light comes in a hard carry case, about half the size of a packet of cigarettes, that takes the light and a battery. It is available in black or sand. 
I rate this as a seriously good bit of kit. I have used it extensively in hostile environments and simply out camping. 

 Now for the cons... The light can easily switch on if it is loose in a pouch or a pocket. You could carry it in its case, but this is too bulky. I normally just turn the battery around the other way. Next up is the retention system. With the exception of the helmet mount the light just slides into place rather than locking into position. I sometimes have mine mounted on the front of my vest and I worry about it coming off if I go prone or climb over an obstacle, so I tie it on to me. Clearly this isn’t a big drawback as I have managed not to lose the light over the last 5 years I’ve had it. That said Infanteers should be a little more wary. The final con is that when you use the visible lights you have to cycle through all of the different modes, including flashing, to turn off the light. Not a deal breaker but a simple on off functionality would have been better I think. 

 To sum up, this is a great bit of kit which comes with a good number of actually useful accessories. It is pricey but you do get what you pay for. I consider it to be a well worthwhile purchase. 

 You can find it here

 This Kit Pest Review was written by Ben OToole. Hopefully you enjoyed it and if you have any questions or feedback don't forget to leave a comment!

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