West Sussex-based Exposure Lights have been leading the way with super-compact light technology since it introduced its first LED light nearly seven years ago. Things have moved on pretty quickly since then though, with a comprehensive range and impressive output figures at the top-end.

For 2012 rather than launch any new models, the range is fairly comprehensive anyway, they focused on fettling with the internals to bring small but welcome performance improvements. A new Intelligent Thermal Management technology has led to a 7-10% output increase across the board, which in the fourth generation MaXx-D we have here, means an increase from 1200 to 1285 Lumens.

It’s an altogether smaller and lighter unit too, weighing just 337g. It derives its output from four Cree XPG R5 LEDs, and the lens does well to offer a broad far reaching beam pattern with real punch in the spot area.

Battery life remains as good as ever, despite the increase. On high you’re looking at a solid 3 hours, while the medium manages a whopping 10 hours. Out back the new gold plated charging port is now protected with a rubber hood, preventing mud and grit getting in there and possibly causing problems.

We say

The MaXx-D that we’ve just received seem an even better buy than before. It’s now in its fourth generation, and with this latest update makes it, to our eyes at least, the pick of the range. Yes, the Six Pack is impressive with nearly 2000 Lumens, but for over a hundred notes less the MaXx-D punches 1285 Lumens onto the trail, which many will agree is more than enough.

Full review soon

£325 from www.exposurelights.com