I always enjoy receiving flashlights from Discount LED Lights & Knives to review. They sell the German made LED Lenser products, which are extremely nice. One of the latest LED Lenser flashlights in the new HP (High Performance) line that has come on the market is the P7. This light is unique in that it has a focusable lens and is super bright.
As per a lot of LED Lenser flashlights that I’ve reviewed in the past, the P7 also comes in a nice Black box which would be suitable for presentation as a gift.
Flashlight Specifications
Light type: Cree LED
Bulb: High-intensity 4.45-watt 167 lumens Gallium LED
Lens: Plastic composite material
Reflector: Advanced Speed Focus System
Beam type: Spot
Case type: Aluminum
Powered by: 4 AAA Alkaline batteries included
Water resistant?: Yes
Size: 5.5 x 1.4 in
Weight (with batteries): 7oz
Package Contents
P7 flashlight
4 AAA batteries installed
Handstrap
Canvas belt case
Instruction / spec sheet
The P7 has a Black aluminum case, with a knurled grip and an eyelet on the cap for the included handstrap. In hand it very feels solid and comfortable, with good balance. The only writing on the flashlight is the LED Lenser logo and model number.
The interesting feature of this light is that it has a focusable beam. Focusing is accomplished by extending and retracting the lens of the flashlight. When the lens is fully extended, it is approximately 5.5 inches long.
When you slide the lens back towards the body, it is shrinks by about .25 inches. The lens remains at the length you slide it to by friction. You can slide it back and forth while the light is on or off.
The lens is made of a plastic material with a dome in the middle that allows the LED to focus the beam of light. The P7 uses a Gallium LED that provides 167 lumens. I think it’s the brightest flashlight that I’ve reviewed yet.
On the opposite end, you find the metal power switch which is located in the end cap of the flashlight. It’s a spring loaded click switch with good tactile feedback.
The o-ring sealed end cap unscrews to reveal an attached battery holder. The P7 is powered by 4 AAA batteries which are thankfully included with the flashlight. This flashlight advertises the fact that it will give up to 130 hours of light on one set of batteries.
Also included with this flashlight is a nice canvas belt case. It has a belt loop and a small carabiner.
The P7 has a three step Quick-Cycle switch function. Press power without clicking it for maximum light, click it once for low light, click again for high beam and then again to power it off.
Here is a picture of my office with no lights on, at night, with the door closed. You can only make out the glowing LEDs from some of my electronics. I’m standing in the corner of the room focusing on the opposite corner approximately 16 feet away.
Now let’s power on the P7 and see what it can do…
This is what the beam looks like with the lens extended out 100% and the power switch clicked in once. It’s a narrow focused bright beam.
Here’s what the beam looks like on the second setting. You can see that the beam has widened, allowing you to see more area.
Here’s what it looks like when you slide the lens to the shortest position and press the power button once. The light is well spread out with no real bright spots or areas of intensity.
Click the power button once more and WOW, a super bright wide spread beam that pretty much illuminates the entire room. According to the specs, the P7 has a 0-711 foot light range. That’s quite impressive.
As you will notice from the images above, all of the settings have very visible differences in beam focus and brightness. I can understand how this flashlight would be very helpful for people that make their living working in dark areas. That said, I can also see how this light would be useful to anyone that needs to shed a little light (or a lot of light) into a dark spot.
I really like the LED Lenser P7 for its rugged design, variable focusing options and super bright beam. The fact that it uses regular AAA batteries is also a plus in my opinion. Even though it’s quite a bit more expensive, the P7 is now my favorite LED Lenser flashlight, unseating my previous favorite, the LL7732.
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Product Information
| Price: | 120.0 |
| Manufacturer: | LED Lenser |
| Retailer: | Discount LED Lights and Knives |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
That is one sweet flashlight!
I need to hunt down one of those for my tool bag!
hi julie..i agreed with you this is a nice torch. i bought this 3 days ago. but at the first time i’ve got a problem with the plastic lens its like a crack from inside. as u can see on your picture no.5 in this page, i notice there’s same problem like mine too.(but the torch does a good job) only its not nice when we look at the lens. The crack is on the left hand side of the lens. but only the P7 product all like that (is it faulty from the factory?) Not the hocus pocus from led lenser. Do you know why Julie?
Thanks
[Edited at November 20, 2008 02:53:40 AM.]
richardo:
I don’t think it’s a crack, I think it’s a break off point between the lenses. They probably have a whole sheet of them and break them apart. That’s just my guess though…
Hiya,
To get the maximum light output do you have to press and hold the power button or can you just press it once?
Thanks.
Richard:
You don’t have to hold the power button to get the brightest light. It’s just a feature that allows you to use the high beam without clicking the power button twice to cycle to it. They way it works is that you press the power button once and it’s in dim mode. Press it a 2nd time and it’s in bright mode. Press a 3rd time and it’s off. When it’s off, if you press the power button without clicking it all the way in, it will use the high beam until you release the button, at which time the light will be off. Hope this makes sense.
hi again Julie..
Thank you for your answer on my question Julie. just curious if thats not a crack, why the other type of the Led Lenser ex:hocus pocus or T7 that i looke. doesn’t have a break f point like my P7?
Thank you Julie…
richardo:
I’m going to try to get ahold of someone at LED Lenser and ask them about the defect in the lens. Since several people have told me that their own P7 has the same deformity, it makes me believe that it’s some sort of manufacturing defect.
Just to clarify then Julie, you have to press and hold the power button for the high beam. You couldnt press for the high beam and then put it down with the high beam still on? As soon as you release your pressure on the power button the high beam goes off althogether?
Richard:
The answer to your question is yes.
BUT: You can also press the power button twice to go to high beam and at that point, you can put the light down and it will still be on high beam.
The feature to just lightly press the power button to use high beam is for quick use. Does that make sense?
Thats great, thanks Julie.
ok than…i appreciate that. but if this is really a manufacturing defect how can i swap it over, because when i bought it, all the P7 in that store have the same problem like that.( im in Sydney).
i’m waiting an explanation from Led Lenser and thank you for ur concern julie.
Here’s the reply that I received from Rob at lightsandknives.com
It is a manufacturing tool mark that is in all of them. It is not
considered a defect by the manufacturer and does not have any effect on the beam characteristics.
Hej!
Pricken på linsen kommer från att de måste fästa linsen för att kunna slipa till den. Pricken påverkar inte skenet. Vad gäller tryckknappen. Första trycket ger 15% av tot. sken, andra utan att fästa ger 130% ljustyrka och slutligen fast sken på sista och då till fullt sken.
Gav det någon ledning tro
nicki
The small ‘crack’ is on all LED Lensers with the collumated lenses. It is part of the lens and not a defect.
Corbs
Yeah, that’s true, I own 2 of this. They all have tiny “crack” on the side of the lens. I did talk to seller about it, he told me it’s the way they made. But they won’t affect the light at all. By the way, it’s germany technology but made in China. The battery life is really good on this type of flash light. Much much longer than my Fenix TK10 flash lights, but Fenix is brigher but burn battery too fast. I mount one on my paintball gun, best part about this flash is I can set to spread mode while not in combat, and change to “focus” mode when in combat. I can even see the beam 100 meters away. Cool light! Worth every penny.
Hi, i really like this flashlight, i have 3 questions: i live in Dubai where can i get this from? second question how long do the batteries last? can i use rechargeable ones?
i need one bad
thank you
This seems thing seems pricey- I think the surefire flashlights or the fenix lights would be a better value. I don’t like how it uses the AAA batteries either – AA would be better.
Considering this since I have finally used up all of my cr123 batteries for my surefires (have 3 flashlights, and purchased 100 batteries at the same time 5 yrs ago) Looking at prices, definately cheaper to buy new flashlight and fill with much cheaper batteries. Will likely put the surfires in the cars since the batteries last forever. Surprised that the life and light are as good as the specs say for a AAA. But that allows for a smaller tube.
Looking forward to getting mine.
I did my research over many months on what would be “the final word” in pocket sized flashlights. On paper it sure seemed impressive. When I bought mine today ($103.94 CDN), I was blown away with the performance of it.
I had a hard time justifying the price tag, but I can see the quality components (precisely machined parts, gold contacts, etc.) and you get what you pay for.
It throws light like a star, and illuminates evenly.
About the previous comment about the flashlight being made in China: it is false.
The gift box was made in China; but the torch itself is all German, and it shows. (built in Solingen, Germany)
I recommend this light to anyone looking for a “pocket searchlight”.
Efficiency, power, rugged quality, and good looks.
In my opinion, this is the final word in pocket sized flashlights.
Can anyone tell me if there is a way to “lock” the switch button to prevent the torch being turned on accidentally?
@Ian: No, there isn’t any way to do that.
Thanks for the quick reply Julie. Your report on the P7 and other reviews I have seen on utube make me think that this is the torch to go for. However, I recently bought a much cheaper version of a 3 watt LED torch at a local supermarket as a “try out”. It is very similar in size to the P7 and has the same type of button switch at the base. I had it in my pocket yesterday and sat down at the computer. I felt the torch knock against the side of the chair and when I looked down, it had switched itself on (this is a “click” button – not momentary “on”). I haven’t had a torch with this type of switch before and it seems a weak point in the design if an accidental knock can turn it on. This could easily happen when the torch is packed away or inside a pocket. Still, I guess with the minimal battery consumption, it probably wouldn’t matter if it did turn on and you didn’t notice for a few hours. (I think you can guess I’m trying to persuade myself that this issue isn’t really a problem – so I can go and buy one!).
Cheers,
Ian
Oh, by-the-way, thanks for your review. It gives good detail and the pics of the various beams/focusing are very helpful. When someone is wanting to know how good a torch is, it’s not much use telling them the wattage or lumens. You really need to see what the light is like and your pics show that.
I have just purchased a P7 and it is magic. You have to see the light to believe it. I would suggest that you borrow, buy or steal one to give it a try.
Cecil
Good review and good pics.
Does anyone know what shop I could buy this from in the UK? I don’t really want to order online.
Thanks.
For any photographers out there this is a great alternative to a video light, or to use in the shade, recomended by David Ziser in USA.
Just purchased the T7 and love it so far. I know the batteries claim 130 hours, but I imagine that is on low power. Anyone know how long the batteries last at high power?
That is really nice, but that is kind of pricey for me presently so what I did was find a 220 lumen led Dorcy rechargeable for around $50.00. This flashlight has a powerful spotlight function ONLY, but I say go out and find another flashlight with a beam like this, that is rechargeable (you simply plug the chord into the flashlight-there is No access to the batteries-and it comes with a DC chord as well), and can be purchase for about $50.00 bucks in fact I saw one site this evening where it can been purchased for $47.00
I love this light, but I am currently saving for a p7. $120.00
Have you ever tried the Luxem 10 Watt?
@Jason Chambers No, I haven’t, but I’ll try to get one…
Nathan, have a look here: http://www.ledco.co.uk/index_wheretobuy.asp (this is the UK distributor) but be prepared to pay £49.99 in a shop as opposed to £40ish online.
Steve
Hey great review on the P7, I just got one today. It trully is amazingly powerful. FUnny though, i dont see the small “crack” on the lense.
@Jien Maybe they received enough complaints that they have changed their manufacturing processes…
hmm lol yea maybe, im lucky then? thnx for the quick reply
Hi Julie:
The P7 has 3 light output; low, high & maximum..If you click the button once, the output is low…twice, the output is high…If I click the button again while in high output mode, will I get the maximum output? Can I use the maximum light output without holding or pressing the button?(like putting the P7 on the table with the light in maximum output turn on)..Hope to hear from you soon…Thanks
@Victor If you click the button a third time, the light will turn off. To get the maximum light, you have to hold the button in slightly after the 2nd click (on high). If you let go of the button the strength goes back to the high level.
Hi Julie,
Does the P7 have the PTT technology like the P5? Is the light output of the P5 same as the P7? Do you have a review of the P5 on your site? Thanks
@Victor I’ve looked at all the specs for the P7 and do not see that it has PTT technology. I’m going to write to the people that sent it me, and find out for sure. I’ll report back here when I find out.
@Victor The P7 does not have PTT. PTT is simply a step-up voltage circuit, which allows small lights with only one battery to have a higher output. The P7 runs on more than one battery. Hope this helps.
sorry to go off topic but… do you guys use lightandknives.com often? i ordered a LED light stick from them a last week and received an email from them about the order but nothing about it being shipped or a tracking number… i tried calling them a few times today but it goes straight to their answering machine… im starting to get worried.
@James They send us samples for review semi-often. They are usually pretty quick at responding to emails.
thanks julie, i just emailed them so hopefully they will respond back!
@James let me know if they don’t and I’ll contact them on your behalf.
Early in 2009 I bought the P7 for my mom to replace her very old 2-AA Maglite that had leaky batteries that became permanently stuck inside. A good flashlight is mandatory for the elderly.
The P7 redefines Rock N Roll in that it REALLY rocks! It rocks big time and seriously.
Having 4-AAA’s makes it a nice size to hand hold. I’ve considered the P14 which uses 4-AAs but it is 3″ longer (8.5″ total) and almost 0.5″ larger in diameter — hardly as hand-holdable as the P7. Not that the P7 has a ‘delicate’ appearance by any means!
The machining on it is as equally awesome as its battery life and ‘feel’. I took it to a club meeting (mostly retirees/pensioners present) and one auto designer from General Motors (here in Detroit) unscrewed the back switch-cap to look at the battery arrangement and marveled at the threading/machining…his comment, “Oh wow.” And then, “Oh WOW”. This P7 really is an elegant piece of work!
You can take the P7 to full Spot, place it right side up in a ~can so that it points up at a white ceiling in your home and it fairly illumines the room! Wonder how the P7 would work in this way in an infant’s room in the middle of the night when the parent needs to look-in or diaper/bottle (illuminating the ceiling and the room ~dimly). I mention this if anyone needs to justify it’s purchase to the other half!!!
The P7 is high performance and rocks the top end of the coolness chart.
Would I recommend it? I bought one! (IOW, unequivocally yes!).
If you can hit this www site be certain you have plenty of time and a towel to sop up your drool!!!
http://www.ledlenserusa.com/technology.php
Hi Julie,
I just got my P7 today and I tried it in my room with the lights close. I was really impressed with its performance..I ask the lady in the store about the INOVA flashlight and they told me it has a higher quality than the LED LENSER..Hope you can make a review about the INOVA light, because I am planning to buy one also…Their X series model is much cheaper than the Led Lenser 7732, they are also same in size and shape but I don’t know if it performs as the same with the 7732.
Hi Julie,
I have a question: Are COAST LED LENSER & LED LENSER the same and one product brand? I’ve check the site of Discount LED lights & Knifes site and I saw they are the authorized dealer of Coast Led Lenser & Led Lenser products…
Victor
Led Lenser is made by Coast, just a corporate division.
About the ‘momentary on’ feature:
With practice, this light is usable at great ranges to ‘ping’ morse code (S.O.S.) messages to potential rescuers. Both a plane or ship should have no problem seeing your message. That, or using it to strobe to get attention from a distance.
It took me some practice to keep even pulses, but I think it could become an invaluable skill to use this light for rescue signal purposes.
I can illuminate every street sign for 4 city blocks when I turn this light on at high power on spot focus. When hiking, I can light the whole trail, or use the flood focus to create the effect of an automotive headlight.
This light may not be as bright as some of the competition’s, but no AAA powered light can come anywhere close. All the competitors use expensive big batteries, or CR123 lithium batteries, which cost $5 Canadian dollars each to replace (and they typically only last 1-3 hours on 100+ lumen settings). AAA is available everywhere, and can be easily found as rechargeable batteries. I still haven’t burnt out a set of AAA’s on the P7 yet, and I almost always use the high power setting. I can’t say how long they last on high output, but it is longer than you likely expect.
I bought the P7, chucked it in a rifle mount for LED Lenser’s Hokus Focus and it’s the best thing I have ever used for night hunting.
I’ve been using all manner of gun mounted lights for the last 6 years and this torch runs rings around them. The battery life and brightness rocks!
Maybe I seem stupid, but could one of you comment on the real differences between the P7 and the T7? Why would one choose for the one or the other type?Thnks
The difference between the P7 and the T7 is the outer casing.
The T7 has their ‘tactical’ casing with un-knurled circles for mounting rings (to attach to a weapon). The internal components and features are identical. A hunter or law enforcer may prefer the T7 over the P7.
LED Lenser Products:
http://www.ledlenserusa.com/products.php
Hi, bought my P7 yesterday, nice review. I notice you say that one full click of the button from ‘off’ turns on the low beam, another full click turns on high beam and another turns it off. On mine it would seem one full click turns on high beam, the next turns on low beam and the next turns it off. I bought mine in Australia, would this make a difference to your product?
Also, on mine the function of getting maximum beam by only partially depressing the button does not seem to work as you say it does on yours…mine only seems to go maximum for the fraction of a second when you press the button in.
@Hugh I just doubled checked mine to make sure what I said in the review was valid and it is. It’s possible that they’ve changed the functionality of the flashlight since my review…
Ah thanks. Does yours flicker at all when you lightly press the button for maximum power?
@Hugh No, it doesn’t flicker. It’s pretty much either ON or OFF.
Julie, what is the difference between P7 and B7? Thanks.
@SK No idea, I’ve not heard of the B7…
Thanks Julie. Still figuring out how to use the different modes effectively.
I bought a B7 that looked exactly like P7 except it is Titanium colour. Overall, I am very please with Lenser over other CREE LED flashlights that I have used. Although it appeared costly but I would called it cost effective based on the built and the intensity of light that it produced.
Wow! I’ve owned this flashlight for a couple of weeks now and I’m still excited about it. I’ve owned a lot of flashlights over the years and this one, by far, tops them all. I live on a couple of acres and I wanted a good flashlight for walking the dog at night. The first night I used the P7, I laughed out loud. It was amazing! I could stand on one end of the property and light up the other end with this light. With the widest setting, the yard was flooded with light. With the focused setting, I could shine an intense beam all the way across the yard. Incredible.
Regarding the small slit in the lens mentioned above, I have not found this on my lens. Also, the bright setting on my flashlight is the same intensity as the momentary setting. I can’t tell any difference in the two beams. The lower intensity setting is just fine for general use and compares with most other flashlights’ normal intensity. One word of caution: be careful not to shine the high intensity beam in anyone’s eyes!
Thanks for the great review Julie. It led me to the purchase of this fantastic flashlight.