NEXTORCH UT61 – Tactical Helmet Light with Smart-Link & IR

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Helmet Light · Team Marking · 940-nm IR
In a dark vehicle, at the rally point, or under NVG: Light must solve the task without tying up your hands.
The NEXTORCH UT61 combines directed close-range light with colored 360° marking and Smart-Link synchronization. White, red, green, blue, and IR cover different roles – but only if operation and signals are clearly trained beforehand.
Honestly evaluate the UT61

Our honest assessment

The UT61 is a signal and close-range light, not a searchlight. 20 lumens of white light are enough for work in the immediate surroundings; the colored sources and the all-around light mainly serve marking and coordination. Smart-Link is only a real advantage if several compatible lights are available and the team agrees on fixed meanings for colors and blink patterns.
The biggest drawback is not the light output but the control: Two published user reports on the manufacturer’s site praise the versatile use but name the small controls with gloves as a weak point. One report especially criticizes the lack of tactile feedback when mounted on a helmet. This must be independently
en Setup checked.

Works well if …
you’re looking for a lightweight marking and close-range light for helmet, carrier, or shoulder, need visible colors and 940-nm IR, and want to use Smart-Link with a fixed team procedure.


Less suitable if …
you expect a long-range main light, want to operate IR without compatible night vision gear, or must be able to feel the operating status on the helmet without visual check.

What the features practically do


Five light sources, eleven modes White is for close-range work. Red, Green, and Blue ease marking and role-specific signals. 940-nm IR is intended for compatible NVG tech and cannot be reliably checked with the naked eye.


Smart-Link up to about 20 m Multiple UT61 units can synchronize color and blink pattern. In a group, runtimes drop compared to single operation; structural obstacles and shading can reduce manufacturer range.


120° adjustable head The directed light can be aimed at hands, map, or work area, while the rest of the light body remains as a marker on the wearer.


16340 or CR123A The USB-C rechargeable 16340 battery is suitable for everyday use; a CR123A can serve as a backup. Primary cells must never be charged in the charger or via the battery connection.

Trainer and user tips

Signal plan before issuing devices: One color without shared meaning creates no coordination. Define role, blink pattern, and abort signal in advance.
Practice blind operation: Mount UT61 on the actually worn helmet or carrier, put on gloves, and operate On/Off, color, and IR in a controlled way. Then verify status with a partner or NVG.
Test mounting dynamically: Check Velcro and clip while running, crawling, vehicle movement, and contact with straps or branches. Secure additionally if there is a risk of loss.
Standardize power: Decide in the team whether 16340 or CR123A is the primary power source and clearly mark the backup supply.

Reading runtimes correctly


Visible continuous light, single Red 20 h · Green 16 h · Blue 17 h · White 11 h.


Visible blinking light, single Red 69 h · Green 63 h · Blue 64 h · White 54 h · Red/Blue 60 h.


IR, single 940-nm IR constant 25 h, blinking up to 72 h.


Smart-Link group Depending on color and mode about 8–22 h. Radio operation costs runtime.


The maximum runtime of 72 hours applies to blinking IR in single operation – not for white continuous light. Temperature, cell condition, and Smart-Link operation affect achievable duration.

Useful alternative and advice

If you’re looking for a more directed helmet light with ARC rail mount instead of all-around marking, compare the NEXTORCH rStar. The roles differ: UT61 prioritizes marking, Smart-Link, and flexible Velcro/clip mounting; rStar is more intended as a directed helmet lamp.
More suitable systems are in the NEXTORCH collection and in the Light & Tactical Lamps section. Both goals were checked before release.

Technical data with practical interpretation


Light White 20 lm · Green 12 lm · Red 3 lm · Blue 2 lm · IR 940 nm. For close range and signals, not for area search.


Communication Smart-Link according to manufacturer up to approx. 20 m in free sight. Test before use in real environment.


Housing Polycarbonate · IPX7 · Drop test 2 m · Head adjustable up to 120°.


Dimensions 69 × 61 × 30 mm. The compact design is intended for helmet and gear; check clearance to sight, hearing protection, and other mounting hardware beforehand.


Power 1× 16340 Li-Ion, 800 mAh, USB-C rechargeable; alternatively CR123A.


Identification Model UT61 · SKU UT61 · EAN/GTIN 6945064214540.

Scope of delivery

Included in the delivery are the NEXTORCH UT61, a USB-C rechargeable 16340 Li-Ion battery with 800 mAh, the curved
e hook-and-loop base and the removable clip. The battery is charged directly via its USB-C port; alternatively, the light can be powered with a CR123A primary cell.

Safety and Care

Do not shine directly into eyes or use blinking modes at close range. Use IR only with suitable night vision equipment and practiced status control. Do not present red-blue blinking light as an official or traffic-legal warning signal. Never charge CR123A primary cells. Check hook-and-loop, clip, battery compartment, and housing for secure fit and damage before each use.

FAQ
Is the UT61 a main light for longer distances? No. The white light delivers 20 lumens and is designed for close range, orientation, and task lighting. For search or longer working distances, you need a separate main light.
What does Smart-Link really do? Multiple UT61s can change color and blinking pattern together within the manufacturer's range. Without a previously agreed signal procedure, however, the function remains just a technical extra.
Is 940-nm IR visible to the naked eye? Not reliably. The mode must be checked with the intended night vision device and a secure procedure.
How are multiple UT61s paired? One light is set as Master ("M") at the connection switch, others as Slave ("S"). According to the manual, the devices are brought close together and Master and Slave are each pressed for three seconds until yellow sync blinking indicates pairing mode. A short press on the Master completes the group.
Which power supply is correct? The supplied 16340 battery is charged via USB-C. Alternatively, a CR123A is possible; this primary cell must not be charged.

Black Raptor
Honestly advised – by trainers and users for users.
We don’t sell function as an end in itself. The UT61 is strong when marking, power supply, and operation fit into a clear procedure. Exactly this honest assessment and exchange in our community are part of the product for us.