The Trek Star is the big brother/successor to the Eco Star, and big improvements have been made in almost every area.
This version now makes use of three AAA batteries, but Nextorch have still managed to keep the weight down to a respectable 84g inclusive of these. Changing them is slightly fiddlier than on its predecessor; while still accessed via an end-cap, this end cap is screwed in place rather than being hinged. A tool to undo said screw is conveniently built into the headband buckle.
Maximum output has increased over 300% to 140 lumens, with an additional "mid" mode of 75 lumens accompanying the 6 lumen low output. Run times have also seen a huge increase over the Eco Star; 4 1/2 hours/12 hours/150 hours for the high/mid/low modes respectively.
Along with an increase in light output comes an increase in beam range, doubling to 60 metres, and the much-missed memory function has been added to this model, allowing the torch to turn on in the same mode that it was in when last turned off.
Red and SOS modes are still present, and all modes bar SOS feature a "soft start"- when the torch is turned on it ramps up to the chosen output level to give your eyes chance to accustom themselves.
Waterproofing has been increased to IPX6 rating, which should withstand a downpour but don't go throwing it in a lake.
The ability to pivot has been restricted by its triangular shape, but while the Trek Star doesn't offer the full 180 degree range of its little brother, its still capable of considerable upwards and downwards travel.
The Trek Star, like the Eco Star, is quickly and easily detachable from the head strap mount for hand-held use and both share the same strap and mounting.
Looking at the Trek Star's obvious competition (based on maximum light output), the Petzl Tikka+ is about the same weight and has an extra light mode, but is only splashproof (IPX4) and falls way short on run time.
The Silva Ninox II boasts better waterproofing (IPX7) and significantly higher run time, although it lacks a memory function.
Black Diamond's ReVolt is another worthy contender and a very close match, though its run times look like pure fabrication (300 hours in full output?! Come on....) and is only splash-proof. Spot, another Black Diamond model, is again very similar, with similarly fictitious run times and only splash proof.
While the above mentioned models all offer reasonable competition for the Trek Star, none manage to include all the features of the latter. But they still give it a good run for its money, right? Well no, not at all, and that's the thing. At the time of writing, all the above models are at least two-to-three times the price of the Nextorch, and try as I might I cannot find a similarly-specced head torch from a renowned manufacturer for anywhere near the Trek Star's price tag.
And that is why I say that not only is the Trek Star best in class, its the best in several classes above.
Nextorch Trek Star
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