LightpathLED has unveiled its newest innovation, the Diesel Shortie XL 2024, a red light therapy panel designed for those who want a unique and powerful therapy experience.
This review dives into every aspect of the panel, from its design and performance to its pricing and suitability for various users.
Let’s break it all down.
Features and Specs:
The Diesel Shortie XL's control panel has been relocated to the side for easy access, a thoughtful improvement over traditional top-mounted controls. With 273 triple-chip LEDs, this panel delivers three specific wavelengths, emphasizing 810nm near-infrared light for targeted therapeutic benefits.
LightpathLED’s founder, Scott Kennedy, clearly focused on catering to athletes and recovery enthusiasts. This panel packs dual 810nm chips per bulb, ensuring a high concentration of near-infrared output. Its modular design allows stacking for near full-body coverage, and it comes with hanging accessories, a remote, and a quick-start guide.
An exciting addition is the pulsing feature, which incorporates preset Nogier frequencies for advanced users or allows customizable pulsing rates for red and near-infrared light. This feature is a rarity among panels, making the Diesel Shortie XL stand out even further.
The panel measures 34 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and weighs 25 pounds. For those looking for variety, Lightpath also offers a Diesel XL Combo variant that swaps some red wavelengths for 450nm blue light, catering to different therapeutic needs.
Wavelength Testing:
Armed with my spectrometer, I tested the panel’s real-world output against its marketing claims. While the panel advertises 620nm and 670nm for red light, the readings leaned more towards 630nm and 660nm. Near-infrared 810nm came close at 807nm, well within an acceptable 5nm variance.
The discrepancy in the red light wavelengths is concerning, especially for a brand like LightpathLED, which should prioritize quality control. While this doesn’t undermine the panel’s effectiveness, it’s a detail that seasoned users might find frustrating.
Power Output Testing:
The marketed power intensity of 74 mW/cm² at 12 inches fell short during my tests. At 6 inches, I measured an average of 54 mW/cm², peaking at 58 mW/cm². This performance places the Diesel Shortie XL 30th out of 41 panels in terms of intensity, but due to its width, it fares better in total power output, ranking 11th overall.
One notable aspect is the uniform light distribution. The minimal variance between peak and average readings ensures even energy delivery, reducing the risk of overexposure or undertreatment in specific areas—a big plus for therapeutic consistency.
Sound and EMF:
EMF readings showed 0.28 µT of magnetic EMF at six inches—not dangerously high, but not ultra-low. On the noise front, the panel scored exceptionally well at 38.8 decibels, making it the quietest wall panel I’ve ever tested.
Price, Shipping & Support
The Diesel Shortie XL costs $1,621, but with my discount code ALEX, it can be reduced to $1,461. Shipping is free within the USA, and international options are now available, though additional costs range from $150 to $200.
Value-wise, the panel ranks 24th in cost per watt at $10.40, making it pricier than some competitors but reasonable given its size and features.
The purchase includes a five-year warranty and a unique perk: a one-on-one call with the founder, Scott Kennedy. His active engagement in his Facebook community offers ongoing support and insight, a rare bonus in this space.
My Likes
The Diesel Shortie XL has several standout features:
- Triple-chip LEDs ensure excellent light coverage and blending.
- The high concentration of 810nm near-infrared light is unmatched, making it ideal for recovery-focused users.
- The uniform energy spread ensures balanced therapeutic delivery without hot spots.
- Customizable pulsing for both red and near-infrared light adds versatility.
- The panel’s 90-minute timer is a rare and welcome addition.
- A range of stand options at reasonable prices, catering to different setups.
- The quiet fan operation (38.8 decibels) ensures a peaceful user experience.
- Direct access to Scott Kennedy and the supportive LightpathLED community is invaluable.
My Dislikes
Despite its strengths, there are areas for improvement:
- The lack of dimming control limits customization.
- No app support—while not essential, it’s a common feature in competitor panels.
- The control panel, though improved, isn’t entirely intuitive.
- The quick-start guide falls short for beginners; a detailed manual would better support new users.
- Minor annoyances like screwing in rubber feet detract from the user experience.
- The discrepancy between marketed and tested wavelengths raises questions about quality control.
- Magnetic EMF readings, while not alarming, could be lower.
- Power intensity lags behind newer panels, impacting overall competitiveness.
Should You Buy the Lightpath LED Diesel XL Shortie?
The LightpathLED Diesel XL Shortie is a unique red light therapy panel with features and specifications that set it apart from the competition. But is it the right panel for you?
To answer that, let's delve deeper into who might benefit from this device and some alternative options for those with different needs or priorities.
Who Is the Diesel XL Shortie For?
This panel is a standout choice for anyone who wants a substantial amount of 810nm near-infrared light. It’s likely the only panel on the market offering such a high concentration of 810nm in its design.
This emphasis on 810 nm could be a game-changer for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone focused on physical recovery. The wavelength is known for its penetration depth and potential recovery benefits, making it ideal for addressing muscle soreness, joint issues, or deep-tissue rejuvenation.
The Diesel XL Shortie’s even light distribution ensures uniform treatment across the illuminated area. If you’ve been frustrated by panels with “hot spots” or uneven energy delivery, this panel’s triple-chip LED design offers a more consistent and effective treatment.
Moreover, the panel's 15-inch width is a significant advantage for those seeking broader coverage compared to the more common 9-inch or 12-inch designs. While it doesn’t deliver full-body coverage, stacking two units or upgrading to the taller Diesel XL model can provide broader therapeutic reach without breaking the bank.
Another key selling point is the direct access to Scott Kennedy, the founder of LightpathLED. His expertise in red light therapy, coupled with the active community support on Facebook, is invaluable for those new to the technology or for users who appreciate hands-on guidance. This panel's value increases significantly if personal support and a strong brand community appeal to you.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
Despite its strengths, the Diesel XL Shortie isn’t without limitations. It lacks modern features that have become standard in other premium panels, such as dimming controls, an app interface, or 850nm wavelengths. While these may not be deal-breakers for everyone, they’re worth considering if convenience and versatility rank high on your priority list.
The marketed wavelengths versus actual tested wavelengths also raise questions about LightpathLED’s quality control. While this discrepancy doesn’t impact the panel’s efficacy, it’s something to consider if precise specifications are critical to you.
Finally, Diesel XL Shortie's power output is lower than some of its top competitors. Although its size allows it to perform well in total power output, it doesn’t match the intensity of panels that dominate the market in this category.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Diesel XL Shortie doesn’t check all your boxes, there are several excellent alternatives to explore:
- Mito Light Mitohacker Panel
The Mitohacker panel is a strong contender for those seeking cutting-edge features. Priced at $1,900, it’s slightly more expensive than the Diesel XL Shortie, but it delivers six wavelengths, including 850nm, and is packed with modern features like dimming controls, app integration, and more. The larger panel size also ensures superior coverage for those needing full-body treatments. - MitoRed Light Mito Adapt Range
If 810nm is your focus but you want a more conventional panel, the MitoAdapt series offers 25% of its energy dedicated to 810nm. However, these panels are narrower, meaning you may need two or three units for shoulder-to-shoulder or full-body coverage. Despite this limitation, they are competitively priced and well-regarded for their quality.
- Rojo Therapy 900 and Block Blue Light Mega 4.0
These panels are excellent budget-friendly options, with 17% of their energy allocated to 810nm. While they don’t match the Diesel XL Shortie’s emphasis on near-infrared light, they are versatile and high-performing devices ranked second and third in my 2024 panel comparison. Both models offer great value for those who don’t need a high concentration of 810nm but still want quality red light therapy panels. - Lightpath LED Diesel Combo or Standard XL Models
If you like the Diesel XL Shortie but want more variety, the Diesel Combo might be a better choice. It swaps out some red light wavelengths for blue light, which could be helpful for skin-related treatments or a broader range of therapeutic effects. Alternatively, the taller Diesel XL provides more treatment area while maintaining the core features of the Shortie.
Final Thoughts on the Diesel XL Shortie:
The Diesel XL Shortie is an excellent investment if you value a high concentration of 810nm light, even energy distribution, and the ability to work directly with a knowledgeable founder like Scott Kennedy. It’s a unique offering in the market, particularly for athletes or recovery-focused users who need a reliable and specialized red light therapy panel.
However, if power output, modern features, or broader wavelength diversity are higher on your priority list, exploring alternatives like MitoRed or the Block Blue Light Mega may serve you better. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific needs and how you plan to use the panel in your red light therapy journey.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
• LightPathLED - https://aferg.co/lightpathled, use discount code - ALEX
• Mito Light Europe - https://aferg.co/mitolight, use discount code ALEX
• MitoRed Light - https://aferg.co/7d221 , use discount ode ALEX5
• Rojo Therapy - https://aferg.co/rojo-rlt , use discount code ALEX
• Block Blue Light - https://aferg.co/BlockBlueLight , use discount code ALEX
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Alex's Bio
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.
