All high def flashlights claim to help you see further and clearer, that's all standard lingo, but none of them are quite like the new Bushnell HD Torch, which is constructed of light-weight aircraft-grade aluminum and produces a whopping 165 Lumens displayed in a square beam of light. Powered by two 3-volt lithium batteries, this high def flashlights run time is 1.5 hours. The Bushnell HD Torch comes standard with two operating modes: high and safety-strobe for emergency use, making it more than just a flashlight, but also a survival and rescue device if needed.
When we were approached a few weeks ago by the Bushnell team to test and review a flashlight for them, we originally said thanks, but no thanks... Who want's to hear a review about a flashlight anyways? Then they explained more about the HD Torch and it's innovative approach to projecting light, a few conversations later, we knew we had to test it for ourselves!
The Problem: Conventional flashlights produce circular patterns of light that are non-uniform irregular "blobs" of light.
The Solution: Bushnell's innovative and patented technology provides a uniform pattern of light - from edge to edge. Resulting in a perfectly uniform square beam of light and providing "High Definition Illumination." (illustrated in the image below...)
HD Torch Key Features:
- Evenly distributed square beam light pattern
- Powerful 165-lumen output
- 1.5-hour continuous run time
- Rugged, waterproof, aircraft-grade aluminum housing with hard-anodized finish that won't scratch or mar
- Find-Me feature and battery-life indicator
- Includes two 3-volt lithium batteries
The Review:
Brightness: (9.5 out of 10) It's incredibly bright, even at long distances! We were thoroughly impressed with the 165 lumen output the HD Torch provides from such a compact low-power flashlight. And it's square beam of light works beautifully, as advertised. From edge to edge there is no blurry space, only clear and crisp light is projected.
Design: (10 out of 10) This flashlight is a very nice size and weight, it's not too big and not to small. It fells like it's built to take some major abuse and since it's water proof it can be used in almost any condition mother nature throws at you! There are two buttons on the HD Torch. To turn it on and off use the rear button. To switch from "high mode" to the safety-strobe use the smaller button located on the handle. This is important knowledge for first time users... Believe us, it took us nearly 2 minutes to figure the dang thing out, when simply reading the instructions would have taken 10 seconds!
Battery Life: (7 out of 10) We were a little less than impressed with the battery life on the HD Torch. Only 1.5hrs of continuous run time in the world of LED technology isn't all that great. Though the flashlight does incorporate a glowing "B" Bushnell logo in rear button that serves as a battery life indicator. If the logo glows green the batteries are full, if it glows orange or red get ready to change out the batteries. On the plus side the HD Torch does come with two 3 volt lithium batteries included at purchase.
Value: (8.5 out of 10) If you need an intensely bright, durable, and lightweight flashlight for daily or regular use the HD Torch is worth every last penny. For anything less than regular use, the $110 price tag is could be a bit much, and hard to justify.
The Bottom Line: This flashlight is top of the line and we'd happily suggest it for anyone, but more specifically it would be most useful for hunters, police / security offices, military personnel, and frequent campers. The
Busnell HD Torch and it's square beam of light are truly unique, there's nothing else like it on the market right now. As long as you keep it charged with fresh batteries it will not let you down.
Check out the embedded video below to see the HD Torch in-action!
