Regular NZ4WD contributor Richard Soult has been using Lazer Lamps in his 4WD guiding business www.4x4exploreradventures.co.nz, and is now bringing the brand to New Zealand.

“As passionate overlanders, running our own guiding business here in New Zealand, and often travelling in Europe, we really put our gear to the test and only rely on the very best.

Both our UK and New Zealand-based vehicles are equipped with Lazer Lamps, and for a very good reason!

In New Zealand, our winters are long and dark and although trying to be in camp before sunset, we often find ourselves driving challenging tracks in the dark. Having lights that we can rely on provides us with the ability, confidence and safety to travel at night, being able to see what is around us and able to navigate difficult terrain.

Our summers spent in Europe also require us to have high quality driving lights and ample auxiliary light for when we are camped in remote locations such as the high Pyrenees or the French and Italian Alps.

In New Zealand, we have the Linear Elite 42” light bar, which will throw light out to about one kilometre, but more importantly has a 35° spread either side, allowing us to see what’s around us. We have combined this with two Sentinel Elites, which really give us the “punch” to put light out to 1.4kms.

In Europe, where in the summer, the days are longer and we rarely drive at night, we have a TRIPLE-R 1250, which provides a broad spread of light, combined with providing light out to 1350m.

For both vehicles we use the Utility Series work lamps when we are in camp or for recoveries.

Lazer Lamps provide us with everything that we need and more. Technological advancements, particularly in the realm of LED lights, have significantly transformed the auxiliary light market for many years now.

The new LED lights offer enhanced illumination while consuming less power, often within smaller, more compact, aero design packages. Still, an excess of technical jargon and specifications can make it hard to distinguish good from bad, but from experience we know not all lights are made the same, so what should we be looking for?

Generally, drivers will be looking to enhance safety when driving at night through a combination of better lighting both in the long-range and at the sides of the road. Getting the right balance of both is important and can either be achieved by using lights with a ‘combo’ beam pattern, or the more customisable option to use a combination of lights with either spot and/or flood beam patterns. Technical specifications can be useful to help steer your search for the right light(s) but try to find photos and videos of products in use (more helpful than a photometric diagrams), combined with independent reviews either from trusted websites, recommendations from friends, and word of mouth, which can also guide you towards reliable choices.  Be careful though, even amongst the reputable brands available, scratch beneath the surface and with some of these, there are questions over the design and manufacturing of the products and what it means for their performance and reliability.

All Lazer Lamp products are 100 percent marine grade with at least an IP67 rating, with some – Utility Series – being rated up to IP69K. Every light that comes off the production line in the UK is submersed in water for six hours. Any sign of water ingress or moisture leads to the product being rejected.

We have been away with so many people who have bought cheap foreign lights, proud of the small price that they paid, only to find that the first heavy rain or river crossing finds their lights full of moisture, greatly reducing their efficiency.

We regularly have water over the bonnet and have never had any sign of moisture within the units. The lights are guaranteed for five years and the lenses are guaranteed for life. Watch the YouTube video of the Lazer Lamps employee trying to destroy a Sentinel with a lump hammer. I was stunned and quickly removed my lens covers, realising that they served no purpose, apart from keeping them bug free.

For more visual information, check out any of the many videos by Lazerlamps that are available on YouTube. They are impressive.

World renowned (and non-sponsored) 4WD adventurer Andrew St Pierre White has recently decided to install Lazer Lamps on his Australian truck.

Lazer Lamps produce a number of models, all produced in the UK, to cope with every need.

The flagship spotlight, is the Sentinel, available in either 7” or 9”, Elite or Standard. We have two Sentinel Elites mounted on our Bull bar and they are incredible, throwing light out to well over 1.4 kilometres, allowing plenty of light to identify where the track is going and also adding ample spread (52°) to identify ditches and obstacles on the side of the track.

One of the standout features of the Sentinel range is its combination beam pattern.

It costs pay a little more for this quality but that means not having to replace lights after a year or two. The higher initial investment can often stack up very well. Reputable brands will be able to clearly demonstrate features which contribute to a better overall product, and include rigorous testing by independent organisations to ensure they meet certain standards of quality, performance and safety. This certification data provides information about factors such as light output, beam patterns, durability, and compliance with industry regulations.

Lazer Lamps is popular among both overlanders and agricultural users, who often work at night, with its impressive selection of high-quality lights specifically for 4WDs, trucks, and agricultural equipment, designed and manufactured in their headquarters in the UK. The Sentinel and Triple-R lights are notable offerings from Lazer Lamps.

While the beam patterns of the Sentinel and Triple-R lights are comparable, there are variations in their design and mounting options. Some lights within the Triple-R range feature a taller light distribution, making them preferable for higher mounting positions. Moreover, the choice between a light bar or round lights ultimately comes down to personal preference. Lazer Lamps’ products generally strike a good balance between distance and left-right spread. An even distribution of light also prevents glare from road signs, ensuring a glare-free driving experience – an attribute valued by Lazer users all over the world.
The Utility Series LED work lamps are outstanding. We have two fitted on either side of the vehicle for when we are in camp. We have fitted Amber lense covers, to prevent them becoming an “insect magnet”. Due to their extremely high light output, we have now installed switches to illuminate either the right or left sides or both. We found that when we have been in commercial campsites, having both sides illuminated was simply too bright for adjoining site occupiers.

If you’re looking for something more subtle, but with the same performance, Lazer Lamps offer integrated grill kits for most modern 4WDs, utes and light commercial vehicles.

What sets Lazer Lamps apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With an in-house UK design, engineering and production team, the company ensures meticulous craftsmanship that adheres to the highest standards. This level of control over the entire production process enables Lazer Lamps to deliver durable, reliable lights tailored to the specific needs of truck drivers. The company also recognises the importance of sustainability in today’s world. Lazer actively implements eco-friendly practices throughout its operations and employs energy-efficient manufacturing processes while striving to reduce waste and promote recycling. Their dedication to sustainability aligns with the growing environmental consciousness of customers and industry alike.

To explore Lazer Lamps’ extensive range of auxiliary lights and make an informed decision for your truck, visit the New Zealand website at www.4x4equipment.co.nz. Discover how these high-quality lights can illuminate your journey and enhance your driving experience.

We are based in Christchurch and are always happy to meet you to give you a demonstration one evening. We will also be at the wildnzexpo in Rotorua from 15-17 September, with plenty of product on display.

Call 027 367 6608 for some guidance from our team.”