The Drop: Maratac LEP DX Reach Laser Flashlight
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It's a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
Maximum brightness is only one component of what makes for the best everyday carry LED flashlight. Another essential factor to remember is the distance your EDC flashlight can throw a beam out to illuminate things far away from you. And there are EDC flashlights designed to excel at going the distance. Lights like the new Maratac LEP DX Reach focus on getting you the throw you need to turn your EDC daily driver light into a mini searchlight when required.
The Maratac LEP DX Reach features a unique laser projection technology that focuses a blue laser beam through a phosphor element, turning it into a coherent, high-intensity white light that can go quite far. Because of that, this light is a Class 2M laser device, so it's essential (and legally required) not to aim it at people and aircraft. The Maratac LEP DX Reach is powered by a 18650 or 21700 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with maximum performance reached with the latter. Its beam is tested to achieve a 1.2-mile throw, and on High it puts out a rated maximum of 600 lumens at a massive 895,000 candela with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The best part is all that impressive LEP tech still fits in a relatively compact but robust package, with the DX Reach’s IPX8-rated aluminum body measuring just over 5” and weighing 4.1 ounces.
What we like: The innovative laser projection technology makes this a hybrid between a laser device and a pure LED flashlight. It's something you can't just get off the shelf; with its massive, focused throw, it’s an impressive tool for a specific job.
What to watch out for: This is a dedicated distance light, and because it is considered a laser, it is unsafe to aim it at people. There may also be legal considerations that you have to contend with if laser products are regulated where you plan to operate this device. LEP lights may also not be the best for everyday use since it’s all beam and next to no spill, so as mentioned above, it may be a niche light in your rotation.
Final verdict: This is a groundbreaking and innovative product with a compelling throw distance unique in the everyday carry flashlight realm.
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