James Roddie takes the LEDLenser NEO 3 out for a spin and finds some issues among things to like about this head torch.

I really like some of the features on the LEDLenser NEO 3. The power button glows green when the torch is turned on, meaning there’s never any faff finding the switch.

James Roddie’s verdict

The design and features of this torch make it well-suited to casual trail running.
Pros
  • price
  • rear safety light
Cons
  • not rechargeable
  • ‘halo’ effect on edge of beam
Quick Specs
RRP: €36.90 | £36.95 (available from LEDLenser)
Weight: 99g
Output: Up to 400 Lumens
Power source: 3x AAA batteries
Features: Red ‘safety’ light. Reflective strips on headband.
ledlenser.co.uk

The cradle features reflective strips, and there is a low intensity flashing red safety light on the battery pack. There is also a battery indicator light. 

Overall this is a low-bulk head torch. The lamp housing is very small (only 4x2cm) and feels very unobtrusive to wear. Balance is great, with the battery pack at the rear, and there is zero ‘bounce’ once adjusted. The headband is only around 1cm deep, making it feel more pleasant for sweaty, high intensity activities than some deeper or more substantial headbands, although I did find adjusting the headband quite fiddly and my hair would sometimes get caught in the buckles. I also have a few concerns about durability as the stitching on the headband was starting to pull after only a few hours of use.

Operation is straightforward, with three main power settings and a 400 lumen boost mode that lasts 10 seconds. You get a cool white beam at the lowest output, and a warmer beam at the highest. Unfortunately, I found there was a distracting curved ‘halo’ around the left edge of the beam on anything but the lowest setting. I found this quite off-putting and it kept catching my eye.

The design and features of this torch make it well-suited to casual trail running, rather than to serious use in the hills. Weighing 97g, the battery life and output of this head torch fall short of other options at a similar weight, although the price is good.

How we tested 

James tested these headtorches in a variety of conditions during winter, spring and summer in the Scottish Highlands, mostly on short backpacking trips and night-time ascents of Munros, with occasional testing whilst running and cycling. 

This review was first published in the January 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with other models in our head torches buyer’s guide.