Ring RIL0115: The Flexible Head Torch
Imagine this: it’s the dead of night, you’re deep in the woods, your trusty 4x4 nestled beside you, and all you need is a bit of light to make sense of that suspicious clunking sound coming from the engine. Enter the Ring RIL0115 hands-free inspection light - a gadget that’s about to become your new best mate on every outdoor adventure.
This nifty bit of kit combines practicality, comfort, and a sprinkle of clever design to keep your adventures well-lit without making you feel like you've strapped a brick to your forehead like some head torches.
The standout feature of the RIL0115 is its flexible headband design. Unlike traditional rigid or elastic straps, this torch's headband is fully adjustable and crafted with a soft, lightweight material that moulds comfortably to your head. Whether you're a big-headed genius or on the more petite side, this torch fits like a dream.
I’ve hung it on a tree branch, and even wrapped it around around a couple of drinks bottles, so you can definitely get creative with where you position your light.
The headband style is particularly useful when having something protruding, like a traditional chunkier style head torch, wouldn’t allow you to get into an awkward, tight space - like shimmying under a vehicle. The broad glow of the strip means it is easier to see a wider range than a one spot head light when working in dark close knit spaces.
Ease of use is another highlight. The controls are intuitive, with a simple on/off button that cycles through the brightness modes. The torch offers 3 light settings. On the first press you get its brightest at 115 Lumens, press again and you go down to a softer glow of 56 Lumens, useful for close-up tasks like reading a map. The lower light is ideal for anyone who’s ever been temporarily blinded by their own overly powerful head torch - we’ve all been there! On the third setting the lights flash - great for being noticed in an emergency. There are also 3 coordinating red LEDs on the back which are perfect for being seen when working at night or in poor light.
Another bonus is the rechargeable battery. Forget lugging around spare batteries or cursing yourself for forgetting to pack them. Simply plug the torch into your car or powerbank using the provided Micro USB cable, and it will take 1.5 hours from dead to full charged. A single charge lasts long enough for most overnight camping trips (4.5 hours on max power, and 5.5 hours on lowest setting), and a handy LED indicator lets you know when it’s time for a top-up.
Any Drawbacks?
The light itself, while bright and versatile, isn’t the style that projects the light into the distance, it’s more for lighting your nearby area, so if you’re planning a night hike up Ben Nevis, or a midnight 4x4 trail through dense woods, you might find it lacking. Additionally, while the USB charging is convenient, there’s no option for a battery backup, so if you forget to charge it before you head out, and don’t carry a separate powerbank, you could be left in the dark - literally.
Our Verdict
Despite those minor grumbles, the RIL0115 Flexible Head Torch is an excellent all-rounder. It’s comfortable, practical, and versatile, making it a great choice for camping, vehicle maintenance and DIY. And let’s be honest, having a hands-free light that doesn’t make you look like you’re auditioning for a spelunking expedition is a win in our book.
Price: currently £19.99 from Amazon.co.uk - https://amzn.to/3WjMWbD