Words & Photos by Craig Seckerson

We took the Lightforce Night Hunter Elite and Scout into Australia’s croc-infested Kakadu National Park to see if they could handle the dark.

At Adventure Rigs Magazine, we like to evaluate gear and put it to the test in some of the most unforgiving environments, so we have decided to put the latest Lightforce Night Hunter flashlights through their paces in Kakadu National Park. Located in the far North of Australia where darkness, wildlife, and the Australian rugged terrain demand dependable performance. 

Kakadu National Park waterways are home to one of Australia’s and the world’s most formidable predators, the Saltwater Crocodile, or “Saltie” as the locals affectionately call them. Growing to more than six metres in length, these prehistoric reptiles sit comfortably at the top of the food chain. Their remarkable ability to remain perfectly concealed is what fascinates me most, you can stand within a metre of one and have absolutely no idea it’s there until it moves. My goal for this trip was simple, to capture a photograph of a Saltie’s unmistakable eyeshine after dark.

Until this expedition, my trusty flashlight had been a bargain-bin CREE LED purchased from eBay nearly 15 years ago. It had served me surprisingly well, but preparing for Kakadu made me realise it was finally time for an upgrade. I wanted a serious primary flashlight backed up by a compact secondary light, so I contacted our local South Australian manufacturer Lightforce to see what their latest Night Hunter range had to offer.

The Night Hunter lineup currently consists of two models, the compact Scout LED and the flagship Night Hunter Elite. While the Scout is readily available in the United States, the Elite remains exclusive to Australia and a few select regional markets for now, although that may change in the future.

So, let’s start with the larger and what will be my primary flashlight for this adventure, the Lightforce Night Hunter Elite. This is a purpose built four-colour LED flashlight designed for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts or professionals who demand maximum versatility in the field. With military-inspired design, this Australian engineered flashlight is Lightforce’s most powerful to date.

It can assist with identifying wildlife or targeted species in dense vegetation, all while minimising the chance of startling wildlife through its four independent light sources which can be selected with the slide of an ergonomically designed thumb lever.

Lightforce Night Hunter Elite

The Night Hunter Elite features a 6000K white LED for maximum visibility, a red LED to preserve natural night vision and minimise animal disturbance. The green LED option for enhanced contrast in low light conditions, this colour setting prevents your pupils from expanding and contracting rapidly, which maintains your natural night vision.

Used by the military, the green light is ideal for map reading because the human eye is highly sensitive to the green spectrum allowing you to use an extremely low energy output to see the map clearly. The Elite also utilises an advanced 850nm Infrared (IR) LED, invisible to the naked eye and intended for use with compatible night vision equipment. Unfortunately, I won’t have an opportunity to test the IR as I currently do not have access to night vision equipment, but the claimed performance from the 850NM high efficiency infrared illuminator emits an invisible beam up to 357m.

One feature that immediately impressed me was the Elite’s adjustable beam shroud. Rather than relying on the push-pull focus found on many budget flashlights, the Elite uses a smooth rotating collar that allows precise adjustment from a wide flood beam to a tightly focused spotlight.

With a maximum beam distance approaching 700 metres, it provides outstanding flexibility whether you are scanning open floodplains or searching through thick bush. More importantly, the beam quality itself is exceptional, the hotspot in the centre is crisp, bright and well defined, with very little unwanted spill around the edges. Gone is the square “LED chip” projection often associated with cheaper torches, instead, the Elite produces a clean, perfectly round beam that inspires confidence the moment it’s switched on.

The Elite’s body is machined from aerospace grade 6061 aluminium and finished with a premium Type III hard anodised coating. This process transforms the outer surface into an extremely durable ceramic like layer, providing excellent resistance against scratches, corrosion and hard use in demanding environments.

While I wasn’t about to deliberately throw a review sample across the Australian Outback, the quality is immediately obvious from the moment you remove it from the box. Compared with my ageing budget flashlight, the difference in machining, finish and overall fit is clearly night and day.

Hunters will also appreciate that the Elite includes a dedicated firearm mount as standard, allowing it to be securely attached to rifles for night hunting or tactical applications. Another standout feature is the rear mounted rotary power switch, which doubles as a fully variable brightness control, it is simple, intuitive and easily operated one-handed, allowing quick adjustment of output without cycling through endless brightness modes.

Powering the Elite is a high capacity 5,000mAh rechargeable 21700 lithium-ion battery, providing excellent runtime for extended nights outdoors. Lightforce rates the Elite for up to 12 hours on its lowest output setting and around three hours at maximum brightness. While I didn’t have the opportunity to run a full endurance test, I used the flashlight for approximately five hours over several nights while regularly changing brightness levels, and it never showed signs of running flat.

Charging is handled via USB-C, which also doubles as the connection point for the optional remote pressure switch, a particularly useful accessory for hunters and tactical users. The remote connects directly into the USB-C port and instantly gives you full control of the flashlight features, turning on and off and varying the level of brightness. This allows the operator to keep both hands connected to their equipment knowing the remote operation is silent and requires minimal movement for increased stealth.

Elite verdict

The Lightforce Night Hunter Elite is a premium flashlight that delivers exactly what it promises, exceptional performance, impressive versatility and, from everything I experienced during testing, outstanding build quality. From the moment you pick it up, it feels like a professional grade tool rather than just another high output torch. The precision machining, excellent beam quality and intuitive controls immediately separate it from the countless generic LED flashlights on the market.

Its biggest strength is the combination of four selectable light sources and the fully adjustable beam shroud. Instantly switching between white, red, green and infrared illumination while fine tuning the beam from a wide flood to a tightly focused spotlight makes the Elite incredibly adaptable. Whether you are navigating camp after dark, spotting wildlife, searching through dense scrub or working with night vision equipment, it is ready for the task. Combined with its aerospace grade aluminium construction and premium finish, the Elite feels built to handle everything from harsh Australian conditions to the inevitable knocks and bumps that come with serious outdoor use.

When you open the supplied Night Hunter Elite canvas carry bag and it is immediately obvious this isn’t aimed at the casual user. Alongside the flashlight is a selection of accessories that hunters and tactical operators will genuinely appreciate. Included is a 1-inch (25.4mm) tube allows the Elite to be mounted to a wide range of rail and universal mounting systems, providing secure handsfree operation when mounted. As noted above, included is one of my favourite accessories, the remote pressure switch, connecting directly to the USB-C port it allows for silent activation and brightness control with minimal movement.

During our time in Kakadu National Park, the Night Hunter Elite proved to be far more than simply a source of light, it became an essential piece of equipment. The clean, evenly focused beam, straightforward controls and exceptional build quality made every nighttime excursion safer, easier and far more enjoyable. 

The only real drawback is the price. There’s no denying the Elite sits firmly in the premium end of the flashlight market, but it is equally clear where that investment goes. The engineering, materials, included accessories and real world performance justify the cost for anyone who depends on reliable equipment.

For hunters, outdoor professionals, campers and serious adventurers, the Lightforce Night Hunter Elite earns a strong recommendation from me. It is not simply an upgrade from a budget flashlight, it’s a completely different class of lighting equipment. After relying on it in one of Australia’s toughest environments, I would find it difficult to go back to anything less.

Dimensions:

Length (flood state): 166mm / 6.53”

Length (focus state): 177mm / 6.78”

Head size: 55mm / 2.17”

Body tube: 25.4mm / 1”

Weight 217g / 7.65oz

Warranty 3 Years

Lightforce Night Hunter Scout

Moving on to Lightforce’s smaller sibling, the Night Hunter Scout, I immediately noticed that its size and weight were remarkably similar to my old eBay flashlight. It even uses the same rechargeable 18650 battery, making it feel familiar in the hand. However, the similarities end there, as from the moment you pick up the Scout, the difference in quality is obvious.

My old torch was arguably one of the better budget flashlights available when I bought it 15 years ago, but the Scout simply feels like it belongs in another league. The machining is cleaner, the finish is noticeably more refined and every component gives the impression of being engineered for longevity rather than built to meet a specific price point.

The military-inspired styling is unmistakable, with its rubberised rear tactical power switch and robust construction giving it a purposeful appearance. Rated to IP65, the Scout is clearly designed for life outdoors. While hunters and outdoor adventurers will certainly appreciate it, I can just as easily see it finding a home with weekend campers, hikers, overlanders, tradies or anyone wanting a dependable flashlight around the home or workshop.

What impressed me most was the Scout’s performance. For such a compact flashlight, it produces an astonishing amount of usable light. The combination of rugged construction, quality optics and impressive output makes it incredibly easy to like, and throughout my time using it, the Scout consistently punched well above its size.

At the heart of the Scout is a high output LED with five selectable brightness modes, allowing you to balance light output and battery life depending on the task. Whether you’re setting up camp, following a trail after sunset or carrying out repairs in poor light, changing between modes is quick and straightforward.

My only real criticism is the placement of the mode selector, on several occasions I found myself reaching for the rubber USB-C charging cover instead of the adjacent mode button. It is not a major issue, and I am sure it would become second nature after extended use, but in the dark, or when operating the flashlight under pressure, it could lead to a moment of hesitation.

Personally, I would have preferred to see the mode selection incorporated into the rear rubberised power switch, similar to my old flashlight. Having both functions controlled from a single switch felt more intuitive and eliminated any confusion, reducing the chance of pressing the wrong control as I found a couple of time using the Scout. It’s a small ergonomic detail, but I found myself missing this detail during tests.

The Scout’s beam performance was probably one of its most defining features. Despite its compact size, this little flashlight throws an impressive beam out to 362 metres in Turbo mode, which is activated by pressing and holding the side mounted mode button. For something so small, the amount of usable light it produces is remarkable. Whether spotting wildlife, identifying hazards on a track or scanning the surrounding bush, the Scout delivers far more reach than its dimensions suggest.

Another feature that stood out was the Scout’s warm white colour temperature. Coming straight from the cooler white output of the Night Hunter Elite, it took a little time to adjust, but I quickly came to appreciate its advantages. The warmer beam produces a more natural looking light that is easier on the eyes during extended use, reducing fatigue compared with the harsh blue-white beams found on many modern LED flashlights. It also provides excellent colour rendition, making the surrounding environment appear more natural and easier to interpret after dark.

As mentioned above, powering the Scout is a premium 3,400mAh rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery, delivering an impressive runtime of up to 135 hours in Eco mode, so more than enough to keep the flashlight going through extended trips away from civilisation. Recharging is handled via the supplied USB-C cable, making it easy to top up the battery at home, in the vehicle or from a portable power bank while travelling. Like most high performance LED flashlights, the Scout intelligently manages its output as battery voltage drops. Rather than abruptly switching off, the brightness gradually steps down to maximise runtime while continuing to provide dependable illumination throughout the discharge cycle.

As the beam comparison images above show, the Scout produces an impressive 1,900 lumens in Turbo mode. This maximum output is available for around two minutes before automatically stepping down to High mode to manage heat and preserve battery life. Even after the output reduces, the Scout continues to deliver excellent performance, with enough beam reach to illuminate objects more than 350 metres away when maximum distance is required.

Scout Verdict

After spending considerable time with the Night Hunter Scout, I came away genuinely impressed. It is a premium compact flashlight that performs well beyond what its size would suggest. Combining excellent beam distance, thoughtful features and rugged construction, it is a torch that inspires confidence whether you’re exploring the outdoors or simply reaching for it around the home.

The Scout is equally capable as a standalone everyday flashlight or as the perfect companion to the larger Night Hunter Elite. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while its performance ensures you never feel like you’re compromising by choosing the smaller model. Whether it is tucked into a backpack for hiking, stored in a camping kit, kept in the workshop or left in the back of a 4WD as emergency equipment, the Scout feels right at home.

For anyone looking for a dependable, high quality compact flashlight without stepping up to the Elite, the Lightforce Night Hunter Scout earns a strong recommendation. It delivers premium performance in a practical package and proves that you don’t need a large flashlight to produce serious illumination.

Dimensions: 

Length: 140mm / 5.51″

Head size: 30mm / 1.18″

Body tube: 25.4mm / 1″ & 23mm / 0.9″

Weight 91g / 3.2oz

Night Hunter flashlight summary

With the Night Hunter Elite and Scout models, Lightforce has engineered two genuinely impressive flashlights. Both are built using high-quality components housed within robust IP65-rated bodies, delivering the durability and reliability you would expect from a premium lighting product. Backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, they inspire confidence whether you are using them for work, recreation, or remote adventures. If you are in the market for a premium, exceptionally well manufactured and dependable flashlight, I would strongly recommend taking a closer look at the Lightforce range. It just might enlighten you (pun intended).

Unfortunately, my mission to capture the unmistakable eyeshine of a saltwater crocodile ended in failure. There were two good reasons for that. Firstly, after seeing these enormous apex predators up close and in broad daylight, I quickly realised just how incredibly well camouflaged a five-metre saltwater crocodile can be. Even from only a few metres away, they were remarkably difficult to spot, so attempting the same task in complete darkness would have been an entirely different challenge.

Secondly, venturing down to the water’s edge after dark simply didn’t seem like a particularly wise idea. The locals certainly did not recommend it, and for good reason. I had absolutely no desire to become the next crocodile attack statistic, or worse still, an English breakfast for an exceptionally large and undoubtedly hungry prehistoric reptile lurking in the shadows.

More information on the Night Hunter flashlights and other lights in the Lightforce portfolio such as Driving Lights, Utility Lights, Driving Bars, handheld spot lights and HID search lights can be found on their website: https://au.lightforce.com/