The LightpathLED Diesel Torch is the first red light therapy torch I have reviewed. I feel fortunate because this torch has many features packed into it.
This torch is a photomodulation/light therapy device that targets specific areas for treatment. Although it’s not intended for full-body benefits, it can still provide systemic benefits. For example, you can use it on your wrist, lymph nodes, or under your arms. It’s great for spot treatment, like soothing a sore elbow, healing a wound, or treating skin blemishes.
Features
There are four wavelengths: Red-620nm, 670nm, NIR-810nm, and Blue-460nm. There are three modes that use these wavelengths: Mode 1: Red only, Mode 2: Red, and NIR. Mode 3: Red, NIR, Blue.
I think mode 3 could be great for those suffering from skin issues. Blue light has many more benefits beyond acne and skin benefits. Check out my video below with Scott Kennedy; he talks about how the benefits of blue light go beyond acne and skin benefits.
Scott is the founder of LightpathLED.
The battery is rechargeable. You charge it using the provided USB-C dock and cable.
The head is adjustable, so you can rotate it easily. This feature makes it convenient to treat different parts of the body.
The torch comes in a small carry case. Inside the case, you will find various tips. One tip is a moon lens for better tissue penetration. The other is an intraoral tip that you can use in the mouth, nose, or even the ear.
You can use it intranasally or for a sore tooth. Having the blue light in there is beneficial. You can put it in your mouth and treat the sore spot.
There is a 10-hertz pulsing feature. To access it, you simply hold down the button at the top for a few seconds.
Let’s fire up the spectrometer!
Wavelengths
Let’s test the red wavelengths. This picture shows two peaks, 648nm and 680nm. There’s definitely not a peak of 620 or 670nm, which is a little off-putting since Lightpath LED listed 620nm and 670 on their website specs.
You are getting a decent amount of 670nm, but there's more 680nm than 670nm. Also, 650nm is a good wavelength, just not the listed 620nm.
The near-infrared light reached its peak at around 810nm- 811nm. This wavelength is advertised as. Many people are looking for this wavelength, so I am glad to see it included.
The blue light is marketed as 450, and the spectrometer also shows exactly that.
I have tested several devices with blue lights, and what’s unique is that some of them also emit a small amount of 900 near-infrared light. This is beneficial because it provides additional near-infrared light when the blue light is turned on.
Irradiance Or Power Output
I tested the red light and the near-infrared light and turned the blue light off at various distances.
- This small device achieved a remarkable result of 25mw/cm2 at six inches.
- At 1 inch, the measurement came out to be around 120mw/cm2. That’s an incredible amount of power.
- I placed the device right against the sensor and recorded a measurement of over 200mw/cm2. However, I always approach these numbers with caution as the sensor has been known to exhibit unusual behavior.
- When spot treating, you will experience good penetration. Keep in mind that near-infrared light penetrates deeper than red light. So, if you have deep tissue penetration or joint issues, this torch has more red light than NIR light.
Price, Shipping and Warranty:
You can purchase the Diesel torch for $231 using the discount code ALEX from LightpathLED.
They offer free shipping to the US. If you are outside the US, LightpathLED does ship to a few countries. Examples include Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. If you are shipping to these countries, expect to pay around $50.
The Diesel Torch comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- The power of the torch impressed me. It was my first time testing one, so I didn’t know what to expect. There are high-powered chips inside, and I can feel a significant amount of heat buildup. This confirms it has high-powered chips.
- It’s a plus to have multiple wavelengths. There’s red, near-infrared, and blue. Being able to separate between them is cool.
- Some people may not realize that they are using the device without near-infrared. You need to turn it on once for red, then again for red and near-infrared, and a third time for blue, red and NIR. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if some people just turn it on and use only the red light. When you switch to the near-infrared mode, there is no indicator to show that it is running, except for a beep. Near-infrared is invisible to our eyes, but there is no specific indicator for it on the device.
- If you want to tap into the benefits, the pulsing feature is 10 hertz. With just one button, you can easily enable this feature.
- The addition of blue light is appealing. It can be great if you have skin issues or want to benefit from blue light therapy.
- Including various tips can be very useful. For example, if you want to treat hard-to-reach areas like the back of the molars, the intraoral tip is perfect. You can also use it in the ear or nose. There is a moon lens included for deeper penetration of the body.
- When you buy this torch, you’re joining a community. You can contact the founder, Scott, for help with any issues you may have.
- You can join Scott’s active Facebook group to learn from others who are using these products and are passionate about red light therapy.
- I believe it’s a great price for an easy-to-use product. It’s portable, powerful, offers various wavelengths, and has pulsing. At $230, there’s really nothing to complain about.
Cons
What are the things I dislike about it?
- Although not a specific drawback of this product, torches have a smaller treatment area. Treating the entire face or body with this may not be ideal. Even if you’re using it for travel, it’s not very suitable.
- For around $200-$300, you can get a portable battery-powered handheld device that’s going to have a much larger treatment area.
As a tool for targeting, it performs well.
- I always wonder when there is a wavelength discrepancy. It makes me think, what else could go wrong? If a company claims one thing but it’s another, it raises questions. Did they properly test it? Do they really know what they’re selling? Is there something else that will be incorrect?
That being said: this product is from LightpathLED. Scott has invested a lot of time in researching both the science and product development. Perhaps this is one product that was overlooked and hopefully, we won’t encounter this problem in the future.
Should You Buy?
If you want a device that provides both red and infrared power to a specific area with good intensity, then yes, it’s worth considering.
It’s a great item to have handy in your coffee table drawer, office desk, or gym bag. If you have a toothache, you can easily address it while multitasking with activities like watching TV, listening to a podcast, or talking to your spouse.
Whether you’re on the go or at the gym, this small device allows you to harness the benefits of red light therapy with ease.
Packing it with the carry case might require some space, but you don’t need all those items. With just a USB-C charger and the torch, you’re ready to start.
For those who are new to red light therapy and want to dip their toes in with a low-priced option, I advise something larger. Whether it’s a handheld battery powered, Mito Mobile Flex or LightpathLED’s mini handheld device, or a tabletop device. I feel you’re going to get much more benefits, a much larger treatment area, better power, and just better value.
If you’re interested in a red light therapy torch, this is the first one tested but it is good. I won’t be surprised if I test a few others and discover that this one is still great.
Other Considerations:
Check out the video below if you are looking at handheld battery-operated devices.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
✅ To get a Lightpath LED Torch or Diesel XL Shortie use code ALEX and get 5% off
✅ For a Mito Red MobileFlex use this link and code ALEX5
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- LightpathLED Diesel Shortie XL review
This blog post was written by Alex Fergus. Alex is a ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people across the world with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
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