Leatherman Monarch LED Lights

[Mike Micklea]

Leatherman launches their next line of LED flashlights.


             

Portland, OR, January 2009 - This spring, in response to their successful initial launch of the Serac™ line, Leatherman Tool Group will release, Monarch™, their second line of LED flashlights for the price-conscious and quality-minded consumer.

Four Models
The Monarch line will consist of four models to start, the 200, 300, 400 and 500. Size, in accordance with model number, will go from a two-inch keychain model up to a six-inch handheld model. Starting with the Monarch 200, output will range from a powerful 5 to 100 lumens.

Top-of-the-line Materials
The Monarch line will be constructed from 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum and have polycarbonate lenses and plated reflectors for a clean, evenly-distributed light pattern. They will feature 5mm, 0.5W and 3W LEDs with a single on/off function. Switch location will be on the tail for one-handed operation.

Excellent Value
The Monarch LED flashlights will begin shipping in late May and MSRP will range from a price-point-friendly $12.00 to $48.00. All four models will ship with batteries included and be covered under Leatherman’s five-year Monarch warranty (batteries not under warranty).


Monarch Series

Monarch 200

5 Lumen max Keychain light.  2in/5.08cm long, .61in/1.55cm wide at the bezel, with a weight of .75oz/21.2g.  Made of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum.  Features a 5mm LED surrounded by a plated reflector all under a polycarbonate lens.  Tail switch is a steady/task switch (click on or slightly depress for momentary on)  and the light is water resistant to IPX4 standards.  Runs off of 3 button cell batteries, with an advertised run time of 5 hours.  MSRP is approx $12.00 USD.


Monarch 300



15 Lumen max Keychain light.  3.6in/9.1cm long, .60in/1.5cm wide at the bezel, with a weight of 1.4oz/39.6g.  Made of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum.  Features a .5W Chip LED, plated reflector, and a polycarbonate lens.  Tail switch is a steady/task switch (click on or slightly depress for momentary on)  and the light is water resistant to IPX4 standards.  Runs off of 1AAA battery, with an advertised run time of 1 hour.  MSRP is approx $18.00 USD.



Monarch 400



35 Lumen max handheld light. 4.1in/10.4cm long, .91in/2.31cm wide at the bezel, with a weight of 2oz/56.7g.  Made of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum.  Features a 3W LED, plated reflector, and a polycarbonate lens.  Tail switch is a steady/task switch (click on or slightly depress for momentary on)  and the light is water resistant to IPX4 standards.  Runs off of 1AA battery, with an advertised run time of 1 hour.  MSRP is approx $30.00 USD.



Monarch 500



100 Lumen max handheld light. 6.1in/15.5cm long, .91in/2.31cm wide at the bezel, with a weight of 4oz/113.4g.  Made of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum.  Features a 3W Chip LED, plated reflector, and a polycarbonate lens.  Tail switch is a steady/task switch (click on or slightly depress for momentary on)  and the light is water resistant to IPX4 standards.  Runs off of 2AA batteries, with an advertised run time of 1 hour.  MSRP is approx $48.00 USD.

[Leatherman123]

The Monarch 300 looks just like my Serac S2!

[Grant Lamontagne]

These lights are gorgeous!

Def

[Gareth]

They look great but I can't say the numbers are all that impressive.  Not stunningly bright and only 1 hour run times just don't cut it for me.  Am I being to harsh?

[Leatherman123]

For the low price, yes! Just use rechargeables and there won't be an issue!

[Benner]

They look great but I can't say the numbers are all that impressive.  Not stunningly bright and only 1 hour run times just don't cut it for me.  Am I being to harsh?

I agree, that is a bit disappointing.

[Mike Micklea]

They look great but I can't say the numbers are all that impressive.  Not stunningly bright and only 1 hour run times just don't cut it for me.  Am I being to harsh?

I thought the same thing.  I don't know how they calculated the battery life, and there's also the possibility that they are under-reporting the number so they don't have any issues with the light not performing as advertised.

[Benner]

For the low price, yes! Just use rechargeables and there won't be an issue!

That won't help when you are out using it and it runs out though will it.

[Leatherman123]

Carry a few spares!

[Benner]

Carry a few spares!

Just carry a different light instead.    No need then.

[Mike Micklea]

Carry a few spares!

Just carry a different light instead.    No need then.

Very true   I think LM is somewhat banking on brand loyalty with this line...

[J-sews]

This line of lights is probably targeted (pun intended) for places like WalMart and Target. Millions of female shoppers scrambling after last minute gifts for the men in their lives won't give a hoot about the specs.

[Leatherman123]

I think these lights are going to make the Serac lights discontinued! 

[Benner]

... and Energizer loaded. 

[Gareth]

I think these lights are going to make the Serac lights discontinued! 

You think?    I know you have the Serac lights and I haven't seen them myself, but just going by the specs I would say they are aimed fimly at different markets. 

This new line works, is affordable, has a trusted brand name.  The kind of thing people will pick up and buy because of the leatherman name and, unless they're gadget nuts like us, will be perfectly happy with. 

The Serac range is a better spec light aimed at the type of person that will stop and read the blurb on the box and then decide what to buy.  The only advantage the Monarch range has is the price.  You will always have the people who won't spend, and those who will spend, on quality.