Most flashlights use a fixed focus because an adjustable focus without distracting artifacts is not as easy as it sounds, but the LED Lenser M7R, which uses an optic that is both a lens and a reflector, is one of the few that can be focused quickly for a smooth beam in both spot and flood mode. The M7R has a maximum output of 210 lumens and uses a lithium-ion battery, which is recharged using a magnetic charger that attaches to the tail cap of the light.
Key Specifications
- Output: 210 lumens boost, 165 lumens standard, 27 lumens low
- Intensity: 13,800 candela
- Runtime: 3h constant current, 12h energy saving, 20h low
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Length: 6.14″
- Diameter: 1.4″ bezel, 1.1″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 7.27 oz.
- Warranty: 5 years
- MSRP: $150
- Actual Pricing: ~$105
Pricing & Ordering
MSRP for the LED Lenser M7R is $150, and the light is only available in black.
In The Box
Included in the box (which is a carrying case) are: LED Lenser M7R, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, USB magnetic charger, charger mount, 2 x mounting screws and sleeves, AC adapter, belt clip, lanyard, and user manual.
Batteries
A rechargeable 2200mAh lithium-ion battery is used in the LED Lenser M7R.
To charge the light, attach the tailcap to the magnetic charger. Charge time can take up to five hours.
The Light
Head
The head features a plastic total internal reflection optic.
To adjust the focus of the light, the head can be moved forwards for a tighter beam or backwards for a wider beam.
Body
The light is made of type-II anodized aluminum inside and out with knurling along the entire body.
Tail Cap
On the tail cap is a momentary-capable clicky switch, which also doubles as charging contacts.
The switch is a little firm but has good tactile response with a solid click.
Modes
The LED Lenser M7R features seven modes, which are divided into three function sets. Modes can be changed with a half press of the switch at any time.
Boost (Momentary)
A half press of the switch activates boost mode for the maximum output of 210 lumens.
Power (Normal)
A full click activates power mode, which is 166 lumens.
Dim
Professional and Easy: After turning the light on, hold the switch halfway to activate the adjustable dim mode. The light will continuously fade between low and high, and release the switch to select the current brightness level.
Low Power
Professional and Easy: After turning the light on, one half click activates the 27 lumen low mode.
Blink
Professional: After turning the light on, two half clicks activates a 3Hz blink.
SOS
Professional: After turning the light on, three half clicks activates SOS mode.
Strobe
Professional: After turning the light on, four half clicks activates a 20Hz strobe.
Tactical: After turning the light on, one half click activates a 20Hz strobe.
Function Sets
Function sets can be changed with four half presses followed by a full press.
Professional
Professional mode offers all available modes to the user.
Easy
Easy mode is designed for simple operation, in which only boost, power, low, and dim are available.
Tactical/Defense
Tactical mode is designed for easy activation of strobe, and only boost, power, and strobe are available.
Energy Management Modes
Energy management modes can be changed with eight half presses followed by a full press.
Energy Saving Mode
First 2 minutes: 100% brightness. Next 5 minutes: 100% to 50%. Next 25 minutes: 50% to 15%. Remaining Runtime: 15%. Total Runtime: 12 hours.
Constant Current Mode
First 2 minutes: 100% brightness. Next 5 minutes: 100% to 60%. Remaining Runtime: 60%. Total Runtime: 3 hours.
Performance
The LED Lenser M7R is rated for up to 210 lumens with its Cree XR-E LED.
In spot mode, the beam pattern of the M7R has multiple rings around the hotspot. However, in flood mode, the best feature of an LED Lenser light, the beam is almost completely smooth. With the new Speed Focus, adjustment from spot to focus is quick and can be done with one hand. Just twist the head to unlock, and slide the head back or forth.
Low battery is signaled by a 3Hz blink. The light is rated for IPX4 water-resistance, which means it can withstand splashing water from all directions, and rainfall would be nothing to be worried about.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Accessories
The LED Lenser M7R comes with several useful accessories included in the package, consisting of a mounting bracket, swiveling belt clip, and lanyard.
One interestingly compatible accessory is the Streamlight anti-roll ring (part #75702), which will stop the light’s tendancy to roll around when set on its side.
Conclusion
During our testing of the M7R at night, a power system transformer blew and sent the entire community into pitch darkness, giving us a great opportunity to test out both focus modes of the light. Needless to say, we’re fairly impressed by the flood mode of the LED Lenser M7R. Usually we have to remove a reflector or bezel to get a flood beam, which is easier on the eyes, but the M7R’s adjustable focus makes going back to a tighter beam extremely easy.
In addition to the useful flood mode, the LED Lenser M7R includes a self-aligning magnetic charging system and the choice of several different function sets, so this versatile rechargeable flashlight would be great for simple tasks at home or heavy-duty use in the field.
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Hi, I have just bought myself the M7R, and would like to know what damage can be done, if any, if the torch is left on the charger for long periods without being used?
thanks for the great review.
graeme weston.
south africa.
Graeme,
Lithium-ion batteries are unlike NiCd or NiMH batteries, and like a laptop battery, it is acceptable to keep it on the charger.
Robin
Hi Robin. I’m pretty much set on getting one of these now, but was wondering what your opinion was on its weatherproofing? Past led lenser torches have been very good, but i’m unsure of the effect of moisture on the tailcap terminals…. Your thoughts? Did you see all the relevant seals in place?
Kind Regards, Harry
Harry,
Actually, the tailcap doesn’t concern me as much as the bezel. Testing on the P5R revealed that the holes on the bezel can leak water (there’s a flat rubber O-ring, which is not very secure), and I had to disassemble the bezel to dry the optic.
I expect the M7R to be similar, so I wouldn’t recommend using it in medium or heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, rechargeable flashlights with exposed charge contacts tend to have water ingress problems (except the M7R, which could have water ingress from the bezel).
Hope this helps!
Robin
Hi Robin,
May I know where does the flashligt make, it is made in German or China?
Cheers!
George
George,
Unfortunately, it’s not made in Germany. It’s made in China.
Robin
Hi Robin,
May I also know if M7R and M14 can withstand extreme heat and cold, and can be resistant to stress and strain? Not sure if there will be a full review on M14.
Thanks a lot.
George
George,
I would not recommend it, these lights are not designed for that type of use. If you are thinking about mounting it on a weapon, I would recommend a light that is specifically designed for that purpose.
Robin
Hi Robin,
Would you please recommend a flashlight from LED LENSER, SUREFIRE or other manufacturers which can withstand extreme heat and cold, and can be resistant to stress and strain?
Cheers!
George
George,
I would recommend taking a look at SureFire’s Fury line or R1 Lawman, as well as Streamlight’s Stinger or Strion series.
Robin
Hi Robin. Great to have your recommendations. I have just bought the P2X, it’s a good torch but I am now looking for a torch which should be run in AA battery and can withstand heat or cold. Would you please suggest? Thanks and kind regards, Johnny.
Johnny,
Most lights should not have any issue with extreme temperatures, so as long as you use lithium primary AA’s, any light should be sufficient.
Robin
Hey, I’m looking for a good pocket sized rechargeable light for work. I work on helicopters and usually that means im doing alot of it at night outside when its dark. the runtime and features of this light seem to be what Im looking for however I’m worried it looks a little big in the pictures. As far as your listed dimensions if they are acurate its not really that big of a light, maybe it just looks that way in the photos. Would you say its small enough to be carried in a cargo pocket of pants easily enough? is there any sort of pocket clip that can be purchased for it? I’m currently usuing a pelican 2360, and am looking for something close to that size, but with more power and rechargable. The P5R just doesnt seem to have a very good runtime chart, thats why im looking at the M7R, do you think its a good choice or is it just a bit too big?
Jeff,
It’s not as big as it looks, and the thick body diameter probably exaggerates its actual size. It will fit into a pocket without issue, and the dimensions we posted are accurate.
Hope this helps!
Robin
I wanted a new led module for the M7R, because mine has broken.
The M7R is fallen from 6 meters downstairs.
there is no re-seller that de led module can deliver.
Only after februari 2013 !!!! Maybe……
i have contacted Belgium en Germany, but no way….
Who have a led module for me???
Hi sorry but I am very clear, as does the battery using the 210 lumens?
Need help,i bought this led 1 years ago,but now it will not power on.please tell how to fixit?
Jiro,
If the battery is charged, please check with LED Lenser and the warranty should cover any issues.
Robin
I PURCHASED THE M7R AND LOVE THE LIGHT. HOWEVER I AM HAVING PORBLEMS WITH THE CARGER. USING THE USB PORT ON MY IN CAR COMPUTER I AM GETTING A STEADY RED FLASHING LIGHT. COULD THERE BE A MALFUNCTION WITH THE CHARGER?
Preston,
Have you tried the AC adapter? Also, make sure the charging contacts are clean. If nothing helps, the light has a warranty so you can contact LED Lenser.
Robin