With almost three times the output of its predecessor, the new LED Lenser M7RX combines increased performance with the versatility of the original M7R. The M7RX has many unique features, including quick and easy focus adjustment, user-programmable function sets, and energy optimization schemes. Up to 600 lumens is available in boost mode, which creates an impressive wall of light in flood focus, and runtime varies from two to five hours, depending on the Energy Management Mode.
Key Specifications
- Output: 600 lumens boost, 400 lumens power, 85 lumens low
- Intensity: 13,800 candela
- Runtime: 2h Power (Constant Current), 5h 15min Power (Energy Saving), 8h 30min low
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Length: 6.14″
- Diameter: 1.4″ bezel, 1.1″ body
- Weight with Batteries: 7.4 oz.
- Warranty: 5 years
- MSRP: $300
- Actual Pricing: ~$240
Pricing & Contents
MSRP for the LED Lenser M7RX is $300, and the light is only available in black.
Included in the box (which is a carrying case) are: LED Lenser M7RX, 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 M7RX, which uses a battery carrier that is attached to the tailcap.
To charge the light, attach the tailcap to the magnetic charger. Charge time can take up to five hours.
The Light
The M7RX is a tactical-sized light with a type-II anodized aluminum body, and the body diameter is slightly larger-than-average because of the battery carrier. The light is easy to grip, especially if you have large hands.
Head
The grey bezel distinguishes the M7RX from the M7R, and the head features LED Lenser’s hallmark plastic total internal reflection optic.
To adjust the focus of the light, the head can be pushed forwards for a tighter beam or backwards for a wider beam.
Body
Light knurling along the body provides grip for the light.
Tail Cap
On the tail cap is a momentary-capable elecrtonic clicky switch, which also doubles as charging contacts. The switch is a little firm but has good tactile response and a solid, audible click.
Modes
The LED Lenser M7RX features eight 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 maximum output of 600 lumens.
Power (Normal)
A full click activates power mode, which is approximately 400 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 to select brightness level, release the switch.
Low Power
Professional and Easy: After turning the light on, a half press activates the 85 lumen low mode.
Blink
Professional: After turning the light on, two half presses activates a 3Hz blink.
SOS
Professional: After turning the light on, three half presses activates SOS mode.
Strobe
Professional: After turning the light on, four half presses activates a 20Hz strobe.
Tactical: After turning the light on, a half press activates a 20Hz strobe.
Function Sets
Function sets can be changed with four half presses followed by a full press, and the active function set is indicated by the number of flashes after the mode is changed.
Professional (One Flash)
Professional mode enables all available modes.
Easy (Two Flashes)
Easy mode is designed for simple operation, and only Boost, Power, Low, and Dim are available.
Tactical/Defense (Three Flashes)
Tactical mode is designed for quick 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, and the active energy management mode is indicated by the way the light shuts off after the mode is changed.
Energy Saving Mode (Dimming)
Output is reduced in two steps, from 100% to 35% in the first 10 minutes, then 35% for the next 25 minutes, then 15% for the rest of the runtime. Turning the light off will reset the step-down.
Constant Current Mode (Abruptly)
Output is reduced in one step, from 100% to 40% in the first 10 minutes, then 40% for the rest of the runtime. Turning the light off will reset the step-down.
Performance
Using a Cree XM-L LED, the M7RX has a maximum output of 600 lumens and 13,800 candela. Overall performance is similar to that of the M7R, except brighter and with a cleaner beam pattern.
In spot mode, the beam pattern has a round hotspot and a square corona. In flood mode, the beam is completely smooth. LED Lenser’s Rapid Focus system allows quick spot to focus adjustment, and simply twist the head to lock/unlock the bezel.
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.
Runtime
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Runtime depends on the Energy Management Mode that is selected, and the different behavior can easily be seen here. In Energy Save mode, the step-down behavior is more aggressive, while Constant Current mode maintains consistent output after the initial step-down.
Accessories
The M7RX comes with several accessories, including a mounting bracket, swiveling belt clip, and lanyard.
Conclusion
In the LED Lenser M7RX, the 600 lumens of output are definitely put to good use. Both the spot and flood beams are excellent and artifact-free on the M7RX, compared to the M7R, which has a couple rings and bands in the beam. However, increased output in the M7RX also brought along an increased MSRP of $300, which makes this light quite costly. Actual retailer pricing is slightly lower, but the LED Lenser M7RX is an excellent multipurpose light that has many features not found in similar lights.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Related Links
Hello,
Do you know is there’s a bigger mIlliampere battery available for this torch?
It comes with 2200mAh but I’m hoping there’s maybe a 3500 or 5000 mAh
Battery available.
Apparently genuine is the only way to go?
Thank you
Andrew
Andrew,
There is no 5000mAh lithium-ion battery available, regardless of brand.
With the M7RX, upgrading to a larger capacity battery isn’t going to help, as the light is pre-programmed to step-down after a fixed interval.
Robin
bought this light few days ago in Moscow for 300 $. very nice torch ! instead of trying more powefull batteries i,m very interested in m 17r model of led lenser. Do you think it is worth buying ?
Michail,
LED Lenser’s pricing has gone up quite a bit with their latest models, and the M17R is very expensive. For that much money, there are better choices, and I would recommend looking into a rechargeable SureFire.
Robin
Robin, many thanks for your advice ! one more question: making a present to my brother which model is better : m 8 or X 7R ? Thank you
Michail,
I didn’t know there was an M8, but rechargeable lights generally have better performance than those that use primary batteries (due to discharge characteristics and voltage maintenance). It’s hard to say which is better, since rechargeable lights are less convenient (non-standard batteries) but cheaper to operate.
Personally, I prefer rechargeable lights because I don’t need to worry about leaking alkalines or expensive lithiums.
Hope this helps.
Robin
Hi I have just purchased a new charger lead it’s blinking red and Won’t charge can you tell me and help thanks for you advise
Julie,
Blinking red means charge error. Make sure the contacts are clean and the light is seated properly. If the issue persists, contact Leatherman support and they will take care of you.
Robin
pr5 will not charge in usb magnetic charger. Only get blinking red light. Cleaned contacts and even took magnetic base partially apart and blew out with air . Thanks, Jeff.
Hi,
When charging my M7RX, the charging indicator always flashes red AND green (alternately). Anyone else had this happen?
Chris,
Make sure the charging contacts are clean and try again. Sometimes if the battery is fully discharged (light won’t turn on anymore), it could take a while before charging actually begins.
Robin
Thanks Robin for the tips.
However, the contacts are 100% clean, and battery is not fully discharged. The red-green alternate flashing continues for as long as the torch is on charge (>> than 5 mins). Any other ideas?
Cheers,
Chris
Chris,
Have you tried another USB adapter (make sure it’s rated for at least 1A output)? Otherwise, try contacting your local LED Lenser distributor to see if they have any other ideas (or can replace your charger).
Robin
Robin,
Since you published your test of the M7RX a new M7R has been released which gives out 400 lumens compared to the X’s 600 – they both use the same type of battery.
There is not much info on the web concerning the differences between these two lights but from what I can gather the M7R not only has a longer burn time (40hrs v 8.5hrs) but a longer throw as well (280m v 235m).
I think this is because the emitter/lens combination in the M7RX projects a wider beam than the M7R.
To me the M7R is more appealing due to the longer throw and burn time and also it’s currently available for half the cost of the X here in the UK.
Do you have any info on the differences between the new(ish) M7R and the M7RX that may sway me in favour of the X version?
Cheers,
Steve.
Steve,
I don’t have any specific information about the updated M7R, but it likely uses a smaller emitter than the M7RX. With the same sized optic, a smaller emitter will produce a tighter beam pattern.
With LED Lenser runtimes, it’s important to note that they use step-down regulation (and sometimes quite aggressively), so it’s unlikely that you’ll get 400 lumens for 40 hours.
Robin
I had a quick question. My M7R was almost completely discharged of power. When I put it on the charger I do not get any light indicators on the charger..I will give it a little while and hopefully the charging light comes on. What do you think?
Corey,
If the battery is discharged too much, the protection circuitry will disable the battery. When the battery has been disabled, it will take a couple minutes for the charger to re-enable the battery. Once the battery has been re-enabled, it will charge normally.
Robin
Ok. Well, it has been on the charger all day and no charging light… ugh.. it worked great last time I charged it…. maybe I will try again. I will let you know…thanks
I just checked the charger with a voltage indicator light and there is power going through the cord up to the charger
I just bought a new battery…. we will see…