Whether you're painting delicate miniatures, knitting a complex pattern, or sketching your next masterpiece, the right lighting can elevate your crafting experience from frustrating to flawless.
That's why we've reviewed several of the best craft lights on the market! The Native Lighting Slim Flex Lamp XL is a game-changer for crafters seeking flexibility in a smaller package.
Read on to find out what we loved about this clever craft lamp!
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL review
- Where to buy Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL
- Our verdict: should you buy Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL
- Looking for more craft lights?
Summary
A great craft lamp with a strong clamp for more space, a flexible neck for easy manoeuvring, and a bright light for all kinds of crafts.
How we tested
We put several craft lights through their paces, judging them on five main things: brightness, functionality, design, portability, and value for money.
Armed with a light meter app, we checked how bright each light was from 50cm away and matched it up against EU indoor work lighting standards. We played around with different lighting modes in various craft setups, tweaking angles and positions to see how each one shone (or didn't!).
We also gave the design a good once-over, considering both how aesthetically pleasing it looked and how comfy it was to use, plus how easy it was to transport to different crafting areas.
Finally, we sized up the bang-for-buck factor by comparing each light's features and performance to its price, to see which ones really gave the best value for money.
Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL review
Key features
- Lux output: 1300 at 30cm
- Colour temperature options: One (5500K)
- Dimensions (cm): 105 x 6 x 37
- Weight (kg): 0.5
- Adjustable angles: Flexible goose neck
- Warranty: 2 years
- RRP: £65.99 | $84.85
Brightness- 3/5
Although the manufacturer claims that this lamp reaches 1950 lux at 30cm, I could only get a reading of 1300 lux. However, I measured this using an app on my phone, so it might not be the most accurate.
That being said, the light feels really bright and high-quality, with a 5500K (daylight) colour temperature. You can hold down the button to adjust the brightness through three levels.
Portability - 5/5
This lamp is designed to be truly portable. I love how lightweight it is, at just 500g, yet the clamp feels sturdy and secure.
Powered by USB, it's easy to plug into an adapter or charger while on the go, which adds to its convenience. The spring-loaded clamp is robust and attaches securely to any work surface, making it perfect for moving between craft areas.
Functionality - 4/5
Setting up the Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL is a breeze—just plug the USB end into an adapter, and you're good to go. Turning it on and off is as simple as tapping the end of the cylinder. To adjust the brightness, just touch and hold.
Design- 4/5
The design of this lamp is aesthetically pleasing, featuring a slimline, sleek, and modern look. The clamp is strong, though it can move slightly when adjusting the positioning. The touch button is small and easy to miss, but the gooseneck is highly effective for precise adjustments.
Value for money - 4/5
This lamp works well and provides good value for money. I can imagine cheaper versions might struggle with clamping securely or maintaining flexibility.
The daylight-bright light is a plus, and the dimming feature is very convenient. However, for this price, it would have been nice to have the option to change the colour temperature.
What's in the box:
- Lamp
- USB lead
- Instruction manual
Where to buy Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL
Our verdict: should you buy Native Lighting Slim Lamp Flex XL?
You should consider buying this lamp if you're looking for a reliable and portable light source. It's lightweight, easy to set up, and versatile with its strong, adjustable clamp and flexible gooseneck. The lamp provides bright daylight illumination and has a convenient dimming feature.
While it doesn’t offer adjustable colour temperature, its overall functionality and design make it a good value for the price. If those features align with your needs, then it's a worthwhile purchase.
Looking for more craft lights?
If you're still browsing for the perfect lighting situation, check out our roundup of the best craft lights for more options!
