As every refinisher knows perfect paint jobs do not come by accident and one of the keys to delivering quality is to have the right lighting for on the job paintwork inspection. Automotive lighting and accessories supplier Ring recently introduced the Al5, a new compact colour match lamp to its range of ultra bright LED Inspection Lamps. To see how it performs in a busy bodyshop Autobiz asked the team at the hugely respected Ashmore Ryder Accident Repair Centre in Dunlin to put it through its paces.

Colin Ashmore commented, "We found this inspection lamp to be a great help around the workshop and in the spraybooth. It is light and very easy to handle which makes it perfect for inspecting small area paint jobs. The light output is excellent and it offers great flexibility which is especially useful for inspecting a finish on the lower part of a car.”

The Al5 Colour Match lamp has an LED colour rendering index (CRI) of 95; with 400 lumens of light output and a 4500K colour temperature. This makes it perfect for assessing bumps, scratches, imperfection and material coverage. Its design also means less light bounce back making it easier to assess a paint match.

Coin adds, "The lamp is very quick and easy to use when compared to more cumbersome larger units, something that can save a great deal of time. We also liked it’s feel and its charge seems to last forever.”

Ring say the Al5’s robust aluminium and rubber construction means it can cope with any workshop environment and it also features an integral hanging hook, multi-angle mechanism, and magnetic base to add to its range of uses. The lamp comes with an AC mains charging adaptor.

The Al5 inspection lamp is available from Ring stockists nationwide.