More punch in a smaller and lighter package for the Elinchrom Ranger Quadra

The Quadra is one of those interesting pieces of kit.

When it was first introduced I considered it to be a contender for use on 'one man' quick shoots and I was convinced that the full sized more powerful Elinchrom Rangers would continue to be my mainstay.

As time has passed though, I have found myself using the Rangers less and less, and the Quadra's more and more.

The compact, lower weight and sheer convenience has carried the day on many occasions.

Well there is an interesting upgrade available on the near horizon.

Elinchrom has developed a Lithium Ion battery option for the Quadra, which is smaller, lighter and is rapid to charge too.

Left the current Lead Acid Gel and right the Lithium Ion

Here are the specs

Comparison Chart 

	Lead Gel	Li-ion	Advantage
Flashes @ Minimum Power (Slow/Fast)	2000/1500	4800/4200	+240%/+280%
Flashes @ Maximum Power (Slow/Fast)	150/110	320/280	+213%/+255%
Recharging Time	2hrs	1hr 30mins	-25%
Battery Dimensions	15x8.5x21cm	15x8.5x18.5cm	-28%
Battery weight	1.7Kg	0.7Kg	-57%

In addition, the Li-ion battery will recharge in 30mins to more than the maximum capacity of the Lead Gel battery!

The good news is that it is you can 'convert' your existing Quadra to accept the LI battery.

Each battery costs £250.00 plus Vat and can be pre ordered at The Flash Centre

I understand that future Quadra's will still be supplied with the current Lead Acid gel battery and that Lithium Ion will be an 'extra'

I will be buying at least 2 of these batteries and will let you know how I get on.

The only fly in the ointment is that some airlines are cautious about letting you fly with Lithium batteries.

Though these batteries are Swiss built to the highest standards, with documentation which shows they are safe complying to International standards, therefore safe to fly with.

But imagine this debate with airport/airline staff.........