So if you've been watching my videos for a little while, you'll probably know that my preference is to use a reflector board over an LED or light board. But I think I may have finally found an LED board that could just change my mind.
Standard Reflector Board Setup
Here we have a small dent in the rear door of this Ford Focus. Right now, I'm using my standard reflector board setup with natural daylight to read the damage. You can see that the lines are distorted around the dent, which helps me to spot and understand the extent of the damage.
Introducing the LED Board
Now, I'm taking a look at the same damage with my new LED board from BLE Tools, a great company for PDR tools here in the UK. The board has a really nice, bright reflection. It’s been set up just the way I like it, with three-millimetre width lines and three-millimetre gaps, creating a tight grid for precision work.
Adjustable Brightness and Glare Reduction
Like most LED boards, this one features a dimmer switch, allowing me to adjust the brightness. This is crucial because LED boards can produce a bright reflection that may cause glare or headaches during prolonged use. Being able to dim the light and reduce glare is essential, especially here in the UK, where dull, grey days are common. Conversely, turning up the brightness provides a clear, bright reflection, perfect for seeing all the paintwork details and micro-imperfections.
Advanced Features for Precision Work
The LED board has four strip lights, each controllable individually. This feature is helpful in the finishing stages when you might only need one light. You can isolate a single section of the board for focused work. Additionally, the board is powered by USB, making it more versatile with a long-lasting charge and quick recharging capability.
Efficient Design and Durability
One of the best features of this LED board is its efficient design. All the wiring is contained within the board itself, unlike other LED boards where wires run through the neck to the battery pack. This design reduces the risk of wires breaking from repeated bending and twisting, which had happened to me before. The contained wiring leaves the arm and mount completely free, adding to its durability and ease of use.
Lightweight and Portable
This LED board is super lightweight, making it easy to move around during repairs. The manual suction cup is incredibly strong, and the board has a sturdy neck and arm for stability. The battery pack slides neatly into the casing, keeping everything compact and easy to handle.
Final Thoughts on the New PDR Light
This mini LED light from BLE Tools is a game-changer for me. It combines portability, precision, and versatility, making it a strong contender for replacing my trusty reflector board. If you're interested, I’ll put a link to this product directly below this video in the description.