Oxford UltraTorch Pro 300

The Oxford UltraTorch Pro 300 is a compact, four-mode front light with a maximum output of – bet you can't guess – 300 lumens. Don't let the modest numbers deceive you, this could be the ideal front light for clutter-phobic riders wanting something as an accompaniment to a more powerful/dynamo system, in flashing modes, or for best bikes that still get a run on autumn/winter afternoons.

• Pros: Compact size, torch-style versatility, screw-down base
• Cons: A bit underpowered for the darkest lanes

It's pretty well made for the money. The shell is CNC machined aluminium with a hardy black finish and it meets IPX65 for water resistance, which is much higher than you'd expect from a road model, especially at this price point.

> Find your nearest dealer here

A screw-down base/back protects the internals and lolly-stick charge plug (the sort that just slots straight into mains or USB ports). Charge time isn't rapid but at 2hrs 30mins, give or take, more than practical enough for most people.

Behind the collimator lens lives a single Cree diode and a decent reflector. A halo type window is different and in many respects more effective than the bead-type windows when it comes to being seem from the sides.

Switch

Continuing this clear theme, the centre-mounted switch incorporates a crude though effective charge indicator: blue for good levels, red when things are on the slide. There's a fair bit of leeway, so red doesn't signal impending doom. While the casing might look a tad rubbery, the mechanism is fairly positive, so straightforward in full-finger gloves. It shouldn't accidentally engage when bouncing around the bottom of a bag either.

Output

We have three steady modes and a single flash. Thanks to the very pure beam (rather than the genre typical spot/flood hybrid), 300 lumen steady has more than enough bite for suburban runs and is just about navigational grade on semi-rural stretches, giving advanced warning of holes and other hazards.

It did feel underpowered along pitch black stretches, but visible to around 200 metres on a clear night. That said, its compact dimensions mean it's a godsend should a higher power system unexpectedly run out of juice, or you need to tend a puncture/similar mechanical by the roadside. Oxford reckons it should be good for 2 hours, ours has returned 5 minutes or so shy of that, which is pretty faithful.

Medium looks to be half that – 150 lumens, which is borne out in the run-times: 4hrs official, 3hrs 55-57mins my real world experience. Despite the aluminum housing and relatively modest output, it does become quite warm to touch at this point but not in finger singeing territory.

This would be my suburban/urban go-to mode, striking the right pitch between power and economy. Helmet mounting is possible, with a very big rubber doughnut type strap, and that pure beam is fine for rummaging through panniers, reading road signs/maps, or locating the house keys.

> Buyer's Guide: The best 2017/2018 front lights for cycling

Low, 30 lumens, has frugality in its favour and, again, is a good pre-standlight dynamo companion or emergency option.

Flashing is, by my reckoning, 150-160 lumens and far more effective for being seen than the low mode, ours doubling up with a higher power system. It's just about bright enough as a 'daylight' mode, while on a clear night I've caught the eye of oncoming traffic from 350 metres, nearer 200/250m within city limits. This was particularly helpful for maintaining my presence when I experienced an intermittent fault (traced to loose wiring) with an 80 lux dynamo lamp.

Conclusion

Overall and for the money, the UltraTorch Pro 300 is a solid little light. A memory function would be handy, and maybe an SOS/strobe option would win some additional brownie points, but it meets the townie torch-type brief remarkably well, right down to the simple but vibration- and ejection-free mount. It compares well on price with other 300-lumen options too, such as Xeccon's Link 300 at £32.99, and Fabric's FL300 at £49.99, though that has the option of being a rear light too.

Verdict

Well-made torch-type light with scope for darker commutes