Review Leatherman Monarch 300

[Gareth]

  Having just received the Monarch 300 in the post today I thought I might give some of my initial impressions of this little torch (or flashlight if you prefer ).  



  First thing that struck me is the extra length of the thing compared to my Fenix L0D.  As you can see it's more than a touch bigger at 3 5/8" or 93mm long.  While this makes it a bit less friendly as a key-ring torch it's also understandable as the extra size is as a result of having a deep reflector and the inclusion of a tail switch.  So while this torch might not disappear  into your pocket quite as easily, the extra size does at least have some benefit.



  The construction feels nice a solid with well formed threads on both the head and tail-cap assemblies.  The finish is a very tactile, slightly bead-blasted effect that gives a nice level of grip and feels like it would stay that way even if wet.  On the down side it also feels very soft and already I can see a couple of little marks showing up.  Time will tell but I suspect this one will end up looking well worn before its time.

  It comes with a detachable split-ring and stainless pocket clip (not pictured).  The pocket clip looks good enough and would certainly hold the torch in place, but it's also not without it's flaws.  First and foremost IMO is the fact that it is very free to circle around the body of the torch and has already left a faint ring mark where the tip comes in contact, for that alone I have taken it off.  Also an issue for some would be that there is only one position the clip can be placed in and it means it cannot be used as a ball cap headlight.
  The split-ring is a better affair overall, mounted on a circlip it's strong enough that I cannot see it ever coming off unless you really mean it.  The circlip is also necessary to secure the pocket clip (when in place).

  One of the reasons I got this light is because of the tail switch.  Fortunately it's a nicely constructed piece that has a strong positive feel to the click.  One downside is that it's a reverse click and so has no 'momentary-on' capability, also there is no way this thing will tail stand.  Neither one of these facts is that important to me but it may bother others.

As I said at the start of this review the Monarch 300 has quite a deep reflector compared to the L0D.  I believe (but feel free to correct me I'm no torch Jamie) this is the reason it has a far tighter spot and and much less spill.  I actually rather like this as it seems to give a good amount of usable light, for all that this is only advertised as putting out 16 lumen.
  The beam colour is just fine with a touch less blue to it than the Fenix, so nothing to complain about here.  
  
So on to the beamshots, where would a torch review be without beamshots?  I've not gone for trying to bounce the lights on a white wall, but rather have gone for a more 'real world' effect.  So this is the inside of my front door taken from approximately 15' away.  Both light have  freshly charged Ni-MH cells.


Monarch 300 (16 lumen as advertised)


L0D medium (21 lumen as advertised)


L0D low (7.5 lumen as advertised)


L0D high (75 lumen as advertised)

As you can see it stacks up rather well against both the low and the medium settings on the L0D and I think it more than forgiveable that it can't compete with the high setting.

So all in all I'm happy with this little light.  I could wish it smaller but then I'd miss out on two of the features I really like (the switch and the bright spot) so I don't think I have grounds to moan.  The only real let down was the pocket clip, there is no reason that it should be left to move around and all it does is mark up the body.  One little flat surface machined into the attachment point is all that's needed to solve the issue and I'd be a even happier man.  For the money I don't think I have much to complain about, well done Leatherman.

[jim guy]

 

[edap617]

Nice beamshots, Gareth. Thanks.

[nuphoria]

Nice bit of kit, thanks for the run down on it.

I don't mind lights being a little bigger is they "feel" right... if you know what I mean 

[ringzero]

Good review, Gareth.  Looks like a very decent light for the money.

Looks similar in output to the Streamlight MicroStream, which works great clipped to a baseball cap as a makeshift headlamp.  Very useful to have an instant headlamp when you need your hands free for some task.

It's a shame about the clip on the Monarch.  The clip on the SL MicroStream is reversible for bezel up or bezel down carry.

You might keep an eye out for a clip that could be removed from another penlight, ink pen, etc.  Something that'll fit on the output end of your Monarch, so it'll work as a cap light.

.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Great review there mate

[Gareth]

Slight update on this.  I carried it on my keys all day yesterday and it felt fine, not overly bulky at all.  However the ribbing at the top end is very aggressive and seems to serve not real purpose as this isn't a twist-on light.   What it does do though is scratch the heck out of SAK scales.   I spent half an hour today polishing out the marks from my Ambassador.

So for now I've taken it off my keys and dropped it in my other pocket along with my change.  Not perfect perhaps but it'll do until I come up with a better plan.

[scrappy]

nice review

[DaveK]

Yeah, I've been looking at these for a while, but pretty much have all my torch needs covered at the moment so never did get one.

Thanks for a very informative review Gareth

[Gareth]

I've just come up with this little add on, an improvised diffuser stick.  Starting with a Vicks Sinex stick, remove the label.



Widen the opening on the cap very slightly with a sharp knife and you end up with this.


BTW I can just get the Monarch to tail stand but it won't work on anything that is less than perfectly flat.


Vicks product: http://www.vicks.co.uk/sinus-breathing/inhaler-nasal-stick/

 

[ecfiffer]

glad to hear you like it.  i got one on trade and carry it with me from time to time clipped to my pocket.  i will have to try the mod you made

[J-sews]

Odd about the heavy ribbing on the top end. Seems like they could have left it off altogether.

[Magnus]

how did you measure the light output of the torches?  do you need some kind of special meter?

[Gareth]

Odd about the heavy ribbing on the top end. Seems like they could have left it off altogether.

It does seem rather redundent.

how did you measure the light output of the torches?  do you need some kind of special meter?

Yes.

That's it, I don't know any more.  There are other folks here that know a lot more about torches than I do, perhaps one of them can give a slightly fuller answer.

[Abe Arceo]

Thanks for the pics man. Great idea on that diffuser using the Vicks stick too!

[Zed]

good review gareth, did it come with a clip as well as ive seen some with a clip, i think this will be the next torch for my EDC 

paul

[Gareth]

Thanks for the pics man. Great idea on that diffuser using the Vicks stick too!

Thanks Abe.

good review gareth, did it come with a clip as well as ive seen some with a clip, i think this will be the next torch for my EDC 

paul

Yes it does come with a clip but it's free to spin all the way around the torch and leaves a nasty mark on the body.  As a clip it works fine though.

[Zed]

Thanks for the pics man. Great idea on that diffuser using the Vicks stick too!

Thanks Abe.

good review gareth, did it come with a clip as well as ive seen some with a clip, i think this will be the next torch for my EDC 

paul

Yes it does come with a clip but it's free to spin all the way around the torch and leaves a nasty mark on the body.  As a clip it works fine though.

cheers gareth as wont to clip it in my holder, 

[JohnD]

Good review, Gareth.  Looks like a very decent light for the money.

Looks similar in output to the Streamlight MicroStream, which works great clipped to a baseball cap as a makeshift headlamp.  Very useful to have an instant headlamp when you need your hands free for some task.

It's a shame about the clip on the Monarch.  The clip on the SL MicroStream is reversible for bezel up or bezel down carry.

You might keep an eye out for a clip that could be removed from another penlight, ink pen, etc.  Something that'll fit on the output end of your Monarch, so it'll work as a cap light.

.

How does that work mate? I can't get the clip too budge

[Dunc]

I've got one of these and while it can't compare to the high level setting on my Fenix L0D its alot easier to turn on one handed due to the rear clicky and you can feel which way its pointing better then the Fenix as you take it out of your pocket .All in all its alot less fiddly to use and the throw is quite acceptable .I keep mine in the leg pocket of my cargo trousers .

The thing is do I need to have both the Fenix and the L0D    Maybe I'll put the Fenix up for trade as the LM eels better in the hand 

Dunc

[Gareth]

I've got one of these and while it can't compare to the high level setting on my Fenix L0D its alot easier to turn on one handed due to the rear clicky and you can feel which way its pointing better then the Fenix as you take it out of your pocket .All in all its alot less fiddly to use and the throw is quite acceptable .I keep mine in the leg pocket of my cargo trousers .

The thing is do I need to have both the Fenix and the L0D    Maybe I'll put the Fenix up for trade as the LM eels better in the hand 

Dunc

I really do chop and change between the two of them as well.  I think if I was to only have one light on me it'd be the L0D, the high setting is just so nice to have, but if I have a second bigger light in my bag then I feel fine with the Monarch 300 for just the same reasons you mention.  I'll be hanging onto both of them myself.

[Dunc]

Yeh I always have a Fenix TK20 close by , they are really superb lights 

Dunc

[Dunc]

I've just come up with this little add on, an improvised diffuser stick.  Starting with a Vicks Sinex stick, remove the label.

(Image removed from quote.)

Widen the opening on the cap very slightly with a sharp knife and you end up with this.
(Image removed from quote.)

BTW I can just get the Monarch to tail stand but it won't work on anything that is less than perfectly flat.
(Image removed from quote.)

Vicks product: http://www.vicks.co.uk/sinus-breathing/inhaler-nasal-stick/

What a great idea , I think I'm going to try it 

btw my wife has something like this but much much bigger .She must have a really blocked up nose then 

[Gareth]

 

 

[markn951]

What a great idea , I think I'm going to try it 

btw my wife has something like this but much much bigger .She must have a really blocked up nose then 

Aww jeez, why'd you have to go and say that?

FWIW, I also have this torch and really like it. It's sort of my "reference" light in that it's what all my other lights are/will be compared to.

[Soulreaver296]

One thing you can do is make a stand out of the cap of a tube of krazy glue (the plastic tube with the red cap). i just cut the center part out, and put it on upside down (so the fat part is sticking up along with the flashlight, since thats the way that works for me) and i also bent the pocket clip a bit on the semi ring, and have it so it can act as a hat light (would give pics, but don't have a camera right now... have to grab it later)

[Dunc]

Welcome to the forum Soulreaver 

[Gareth]

Sounds good Soulreaver.  Welcome to the forum.

[darkhawk]

I've just come up with this little add on, an improvised diffuser stick.  Starting with a Vicks Sinex stick, remove the label.

(Image removed from quote.)

Widen the opening on the cap very slightly with a sharp knife and you end up with this.
(Image removed from quote.)

BTW I can just get the Monarch to tail stand but it won't work on anything that is less than perfectly flat.
(Image removed from quote.)


Thats a great idea! thanks for sharing
Vicks product: http://www.vicks.co.uk/sinus-breathing/inhaler-nasal-stick/

What a great idea , I think I'm going to try it 

btw my wife has something like this but much much bigger .She must have a really blocked up nose then 

[New_World]

thanks for the review gareth!
looking into getting one of these.