First Look: Running Headlamps from Ledlenser

Published January 3, 2020 11:16PM

The first thing I noticed when I took the Ledlenser SEO 7R out of the box was how light it was. And while running, the beam did not bob up and down, nor the fit was secure, required no mid-run adjustment.

With it maxed at 220 lumens, the lamp casts a wide, bright beam. The multiple settings allows you to change the beam intensity depending on the situation and location (you don’t want to blast the neighbors with such a bright light, but you certainly appreciate it on darker trails or while cruising down the shoulder of a highway).

This headlamp has two impressive features and settings that stand out. The first is the Advanced Focus System technology, which gives you the ability to adjust the beam radius (by turning a circular silver knob on the front), allowing you to switch between a long-distance focused beam to a broader, softer beam for looking at closer items (like maps, phones, etc.). The second is Ledlenser’s OPTISENSE-technology setting, which senses existing light around you and adjusts the beam automatically, tailoring to the surroundings.

Other features include the ability to switch between full power to “power-saving” mode, signal strobe and red-light mode.

—Jacky Thompson is an avid mountain and desert trail runner. When she isn’t rock climbing, running, foraging or frolicking outside, she can be found practicing yoga and playing music.

The NEO headlamp is my kind of headlamp—minimalist, straightforward, light, bright and… did I say light? At just under 2 oz, it’s barely noticeable. With the battery housing (three AAA batteries) in the back, the headlamp avoids unwanted bob and offers a balanced feel .

The bulb is fixed in a slight downward angle and is not adjustable. There are three settings: 90 lumens, 20 lumens and flashing-90 lumens, making this the ideal minimalist headlamp.

With a thin, soft-foam pad backing the bulb casing, the headlamp is comfortable, and will soak up the sweat. Moonlight run, anyone?