Romer LED Rechargeable Handheld Searchlight Review

We purchased the Romer LED Rechargeable Handheld Searchlight so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

For fishing, hunting, and hiking, you need a flashlight that is strong enough to survive outdoor use. The Romer LED Rechargeable Handheld Searchlight is splashproof and impact resistant, with a conveniently rechargeable design and very light weight. We tested the flashlight’s features to see if it stands up to rough handling.

Design and Setup: Square base and lightweight design

The Romer LED rechargeable handheld searchlight has a design that makes it great for camping and fishing. The square base ensures that it doesn’t roll around when you put it down on a tackle box or cooler. The sturdy plastic handle can tuck into the palm, giving you use of your fingers without having to put the flashlight down. We were easily able to unscrew bottles and operate a handheld can opener while still holding the flashlight.

The searchlight’s Cree LED bulb can’t be replaced by the user, and neither can its battery. LED bulbs are so long-lasting that the bulb is the last thing you could possibly need to replace. The glass front, the plastic ring that keeps it on, or many other pieces are likely to break first.

Battery: Long battery life and convenient USB recharging

This searchlight can be used directly out of the box thanks to a built-in lithium battery. The USB cord provided for charging has a 5.5mm power jack that plugs into the flashlight. There is no wall plug provided, which wasn’t a problem for us. 

Romer claims the flashlight will last approximately 8 hours on its brightest setting, and we found that to be accurate. We left it running while going about our business one day, and it lasted over 7 hours. On dimmer settings, the flashlight can last up to an entire day. It takes around 12 hours to completely charge the battery again.

Plugging your phone’s USB charging cable into the flashlight also allows you to use it as a power bank. It’s convenient to have a battery built into the flashlight, especially because of the other features that make this flashlight so durable. The long battery life, utility as an emergency power bank, and easy recharging are all helpful features.

Performance: Dustproof, impact-proof, waterproof

We tested the Romer handheld searchlight while hiking through mountains in Texas. Through the windy, dusty conditions of the Franklin Mountains, the flashlight remained sand-free even in the charging ports, though it is not rated for dust.

IPX4 waterproofing prevents the flashlight from being damaged when splashed. We tested all angles with a few splashes, including the silicone-covered charging ports at the bottom, and the flashlight remained perfectly functional. Submerging the flashlight is not recommended, but it did float when we dropped it in a bathtub. We tossed it around the living room and even dropped it in the driveway, and the flashlight kept on shining.

That said, we aren’t convinced that it is 6000 lumens bright. The Torch Flashlight, with only 4100 lumens, is so bright and puts off so much heat that it can light paper on fire or cook an egg. The Romer searchlight is nowhere near that bright or hot. The high mode was visible for about one kilometer, while the low brightness mode wasn’t visible after about 1000 feet. Whether they’ve exaggerated the brightness or not (and they probably have), it’s still bright enough to work for hunting, spotlighting, and whatever else the average person would need it for.

Price: Fairly priced for the functionality

At $25 to $30.99 (MSRP), we think this price is fair after comparing it to other flashlights with similar features. IPX4 waterproofing and a rechargeable battery make this flashlight a great buy. It is quite bright, even if it isn’t likely to be 6000 lumens bright.

Competition: Choose the flashlight that fits your needs

The Anker Super Bright Flashlight is comparable in price, with IP65 water and dust resistance that makes it great for use in rain. It has a long battery life and a micro USB rechargeable battery. Multiple light functions, like strobe and SOS, are unique features that might appeal to some users, though we didn’t get much out of them. 

The J5 Tactical Flashlight is a cheaper option if you don’t need all the power of the Romer Searchlight. It has a sturdy metal build, two brightness settings, and a strobe option for bicycling. The maximum 300 lumens brightness isn’t that great, but for under $15, it’s still a good buy.