Ledlenser TT3R flashlight review: A torch so versatile even Batman would want one

Ledlenser makes some of the best headlamps on the market, including the excellent HF8R Signature RGB head torch, which I trail-tested last year, but this is the first flashlight from the German brand that I’ve ever managed to get my hands on. And I have been impressed – it’s right up there with the best handheld torches I’ve ever used.

The company could do with employing someone with a bit more imagination in product naming, but the people working in their technical innovation and design departments clearly know exactly what they’re doing.

Ledlenser TT3R Review

Price and availability

The Ledlenser TT3R Flashlight is available now from reputable outdoor shops and specialist websites worldwide.

In Britain, buyers can expect prices around £150, with availability primarily through online platforms and specialist retailers catering to outdoor and tactical equipment enthusiasts.

Buyers in North America will pay in the vicinity of $200 or $220, while the TT3R is available for around $250 in Australia and €160 across the EU. Head to Ledlenser for more information.

Specifications

• RRP: £149.95 (UK) / $205 (US) / €159,95 (EU) / $256.95 (AU)
• Weight (including battery): 218g
• Length: 154mm
• Head diameter: 40mm
• Tube diameter: 29mm
• Power: 3.6v 21700 Li-ion battery (rechargeable)
• Brightness: Up to 1900 lumens
• Range: 300 metres (Standard) / 80 metres (Low)
• Modes: Low / Mid / Standard / Blink / Strobe / Red / Blue
• Run time: 50 hours (Low) / 2 hours (Standard)
• Ingress rating:  IP68

Design and features

Made with a hard, anodised aluminium housing featuring a textured grip pattern, the Ledlenser TT3R Flashlight has an ingress rating of IP68, which means it is completely sealed, dustproof, and extremely waterproof.

It’s not a diving torch, but it will work perfectly fine in one metre of water for at least 30 minutes, should you need it to (basically, if you get caught out in torrential rain, or drop it into a stream or shallow river, it will survive).

A sensibly sized torch that fits nicely in your hand, the TT3R has enough weight to feel robust (or to make it useful in a self-defence situation) without being cumbersome to carry.

It also comes with a lanyard, a clip and a very robust tailor-made holster so you can wear it on your BatBelt^TM with all your other gadgets, keeping your hands free until you need to draw it and fight the night (or explore a cave, or whatever).

Technical capability

The tactical flashlight itself is made to a 'professional grade' – I’m not entirely sure what that means (other than it can be used by pros, like police and security guards), but what I do know is that the TT3R is an impressive piece of kit with a great deal of capacity.

On the white light setting, the torch offers three principal light modes: Low Power (120 lumens), which throws a beam 80 metres and lasts as long as 50 hours on a single charge; Mid Power (1000 lumens, 220 metres, three hours) and Standard Power (1900 lumens, 300 metres, two hours).

You can also set the torch to a red or blue beam, or switch the light to ‘Blink’ mode, when the unit automatically emits red or blue light impulses at regular intervals, or ‘Strobe’, which does exactly what you'd imagine.

The torch can be recharged quickly (via a USB-C cable, included), and a set of indicator lights below the head shows the battery charge level.

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Instead of having to toggle through these modes using the main button, as is the case with many flashlights, you switch between settings using the rotating bezel at the base of the torch handle, which can be turned through the symbols for white beam, RB (red and blue) and lock.

You activate the flashlight using the large thumb button on the base of the handle, which also lets you set the beam to Low, Mid, or Regular (another boring name for a beam that tears the night apart).

The only thing that is perhaps missing is the ability to refine the light into a spot beam. While the throw range is impressive, it's set to wide, and you can't focus it more specifically on a target.

Performance in the field

I have been using the TT3R handheld flashlight for several months, for everything from the mundane (walking the dog during dark evenings in late winter and early spring) to the more exciting, including taking it on the first camping adventures of the year.

The range of beams and brightness settings isn’t overwhelming, but it covers everything the average outdoorsy person could possibly need in any situation, from camping and night hiking to fishing, amateur exploring, and various tasks after dark.

The removable clip can be faced forwards or backwards, allowing you to attach the torch to various things, from clothing to trees and tent lines, and direct it where you need light. The only thing missing, perhaps, is a magnetic base, which can be helpful when you’re working on or around vehicles.

The blue and red colour light options are excellent for those times when you need some light but don’t want to shatter your night vision (to read a map or locate something while stargazing, for example), or for observing wildlife without alarming it or blinding it.

Blue light will penetrate fog well and show up liquids ranging from blood to oil (it’s good for finding leaks and injured people/animals, if you happen to need that sort of capability).

The ‘Blink’ setting is good for communications, and both that and the Strobe can be used in self-defence scenarios, when the rapidly flashing light can have a confusing, blinding effect on an assailant.

For the most part, though, this is just a very good, extremely capable and reliable torch to have to hand when you’re out and about after dark. It holds its battery charge well, performs perfectly, and will survive plenty of rough-and-tumble without failing.

Verdict

Unlike many ‘tactical flashlights’, which seem to have been designed for overnight watchmen who dream of being called up into the special forces, the TT3R is relatively lightweight to carry, while still being highly functional and very capable of surviving a whole lot of knocks and drops without sustaining damage.

This simple-to-operate torch offers several bulb colours and a sensible range of beam and brightness settings, all of which are useful without risking blinding anyone you might encounter in the dark.

Ultimately, the TT3R is positively defined almost as much by what it’s not (too heavy, stupidly large, ridiculously complicated, over-specced) than by what it offers: excellent functionality, superb throw distance, ease of use, great build quality, tough finish and impressive power preservation.

Some alternatives to consider

If you do want a bit more beam for your buck, the AceBeam P20 is powerful flashlight with a long body and a stellar throw. For an even chunkier option, which is much heavier to haul around but can be positioned easier than either the TT3R or P20, check out the bazooka-like AceBeam X75.

For a smaller, but still very capable option, the Olight ArkPro is an excellent hand-held torch with a dual beam, which punches well above its weight. Or, if you’re into Everyday Carry, and want a pocket rocket of flashlight, check out the classy and brilliant little Olight Baton 4.