Ledlenser P5.2

Great pocket-sized flashlight—easy to use, high quality, and compact. But there's better performance out there in similar sized packages.

LED Lenser P5.2 Pocket Torch 

The P5.2 is a great torch. It's lightweight and fits in a slim-fitting jacket or pair of trousers without being noticeable, which in my opinion is a real plus because it's far more practical for everyday carry (EDC) than, for example, my older LED Lenser P14 which is about 190mm long and has a 40mm head. That said, it's nothing like the size of lights which are being brought out by the likes of Fenix and Nitecore—my Fenix E15 is a case in point.

Its also pretty grippy, with a special tactical black coating and knurled handle. Be warned though, the coating does start to wear off after a while. Operation is simple, with the AFS focus system where you simply pull or push the head to change the beam type from spot to flood and vice versa. On/off is via a switch on the end of the body and has always worked seamlessly. 

It's not all roses, though. The simple operation is likely to be an annoyance to those who like lots of modes and settings to keep them occupied; it's just on or off. Also the twist battery cap end has partly twisted off once or twice in use, although its not a regular problem. On the whole though it is a very good, reliable flashlight which does the job without many bells or whistles.

Performance-wise I'd say it's better than average for the money: fairly bright but not amazing and the battery life is fine for most uses. Dont be put off by the 140 lumen rating which seems small in comparison to some others. I've always found that LED Lenser torches are far brighter than other brands with apparently the same number of lumens. It'll shine 50 metres or more in a dark country lane with a nearly full battery, and more in true darkness. The battery life is stated at 5 hours, which isn't particularly mind-blowing for this kind of light, but even so you'll still want to replace the battery after around 2.5 hours or so of use to maintain the full brightness.

Note that it isn't fully waterproof, and is only splashproof due to the Advanced Focus System that many of its competitors lack. It is however utterly reliable and I have no doubt that it will last for many years (unless I drop it into a deep lake or something).

Retailing at around £30, the P5.2 is reliable, useful, and easy to use. It just won't blow you away with its performance.