Forclaz HL900 USB

Buy Forclaz HL900 from Decathlon

400 Lumen Head torch

The Forclaz HL900 comes out best on test (2022/2023) for its all round usability and function. 

The Forclaz HL900 is great value for money offering features usually only found in more expensive models, especially the level waterproofing on this means it is fully submersible.

Hit the plus button and you get red, followed by low white, then a brighter white, then full beam at 200 lumens and finally 400 lumens “call the aliens from space” power level.

The full beam white was very bright with a relatively focused beam which lit up a small target at 25m on the pontoon easily. It can be switched off at any point by holding down the minus button. If you want the white strobe function, then simply hold the plus button down until it activates.

If you need to lock the head torch to avoid it being accidentally switched on then hold both plus and minus buttons together and it will flash red briefly to acknowledge it’s locked.

I can verify the waterproofing as this one was accidentally dropped in the water when climbing back on my boat after taking pictures. It was buoyant enough with air trapped in the strap for me to jump down and grab it as it was submerged under the surface with the strap pointing up. This isn’t a floating strap or head torch I should add, I just got lucky that I was qu8ick enough to grab it before it sunk. You do need reflexes of a mongoose to retrieve any of the head torches I’ve ever tested if they accidentally go for a swim.

But it was reassuring to know I could just rinse it under the tap and have no worries at all.

The extra bit of kit with the Forclaz was an additional battery t4ray that accepts 3 x AAA batteries making this suitable for a grab bag or for when you don’t have USB charging ability but you do have spare batteries.

The Forclaz HL 900 also comes with a small mesh carry bag which I thought was an excellent touch, though most of the time mine is fastened around a pole or rail, the bag is handy for travel and packing.

Light Modes:

Mode One : Red light, 3 lumen , 24hours

Mode Two : White, 30 lumen, 20 hours

Mode Three : White, 80 lumen, 8 hours

Mode Four : White, 200 lumen, 3 hours

Mode Five : white, 400 lumen, 10 minutes

Mode Six : white strobe, 400 lumen, 28 hours

Specifications

• Weight: 102g
• Batteries Required: 3x AAA if not using the rechargeable power cell supplied.
• 3 hours charge time
• waterproofing IPX7 (IPX7 – Protects in water up to 3 feet (1 meter)

Results of testing:

Battery life and recharging time 5/5

Full beam illumination 5/5

Low level light for reading 4/5

Red light 4/5

Water proofing 5/5

Eco (recyclable packaging and ability to replace head strap) 5/5

Weight and comfort 4/5

Buy Forclaz HL900 from Decathlon