This review in an unbiased one of the Lightforce Striker lamp based on experienced usage in the field.
The basic construction of the lamp consists of a hard black plastic shell made from a glass filled polycarbonate composite, this gives the outer shell of the lightforce a strong and durable build whilst reducing weight to a minium. The parabolic reflector is computer designed and as such throws the maximum amount of light possible, maximising the xenophot bulb’s output and performance from the 170mm striker reflector. The lightforce striker also features the ability to focus the beam from a tight spot to a wide flood simply by rotating the reflector housing, this housing is connected to the main lamp handle view a sturdy threaded mount, with an inbuilt seal that prevent water and dirt ingress into the main bulb unit.
The striker model is fitted with a 100w xenophot bulb of the vertical filament variety this style filament produces a more circular spot beam than the horizontal types which produce a slightly oval spot from the lamp. The base of the striker handle can be unclipped and slides out easily revealing the wiring connections, that fit to the lamp on/off switch and onwards to the bulb, within this handle a spare bulb can be placed, in the off chance you blow the bulb whilst out, there’s nothing worse that being a mile or two away and treading back through field and scrub when a backup could of been fitted to prevent the inconvenience, the bulb can be replaced in seconds without NO tools. Further down the lamp handle base a brass ferrule is fitted to provide other mounting options, this is of the size 5/16th BSW.
Accessories for the lightforce lamp range from variable power dimmer switches which provide the ability to reduce the beam power to a minimal amount and conserve battery power, this option is also available retro fitted to the back of the lamp handle by the UK distributor Deben, this provides a very versatile compact unit. A wide range of filters are available for the striker for hunting purposes I would only recommend two of these, the amber filter and the red filter, personal choice but from experience the red filter produces much better results on rabbits and fox than the amber filter, although the red filter blocks more light output and limits the range of the striker it provides curbs the harsh white light and prevents animals which have been lamped regular from being jumpy, the amber filter is a half way point between the red filter and the lightforce’s standard white beam output.
Additional models of the lightforce range include the lightforce lance which is the strikers smaller sibling, utilising a 50w xenon bulb, this provides excellent running time from batteries doubling that of the strikers run time, obviously the power will not be up to striker standards, but its more than adequate for rabbits and foxes, leaving the likes of the cluson laserlite standing, the other model available is the Blitz, this offers a 240mm reflector and the same 100w xenophot bulb as the striker but the increased reflector size gathers all the available light output and throws it down rnage providing phenomenal distance, with the minus point being its increased overall size. From the lightforce models available the striker is the most popular, its the allrounder offering compact size and great light/lumen output.
There’s also vehicle mounting options for the lightforce range of lamps, these include roof mounting suction bars, which allow easy removal from a vehicle after every outing and also a window damper kit which mounts within the windows guides on your vehicle door frame, from both tested the suction mount is the winner as the window damper could easily move whilst travelling as slow speeds over terrain, the suction bar remains solid regardless if fitted correctly. Te best option for vehicle mounting and not suited to everyone is the permanent fixture handle available in two sizes, this requires drilling of the vehicles cab area, fitment of handle via bolts and then the lightforce lamp of choice fitted to the vehicle, this is the best solution for everyone but it provides an excellent setup for serious vermin shooting.
Overall verdict of the lightforce lamps? Well these lamps are as close to perfect as you will find in what’s available in the modern market, there size, strength and light output outperform all the competition, on the downsides they do have an Achilles heel, that being in the wiring connections, through prolonged use, excess heat can cause the connections to fail, also during harsh movement they could be affected, many users have replaced wiring themselves and suffered no further problems, others have been fine with the standard wiring… I’ve experienced this myself on the gun mounted lightforce models and hand held, they were easily fixed with a soldering iron or crimp connections, hopefully Lightforce listen to the users and provide a remedy for this fault… to provide an overall quality lamp that is deservedly the best available.
