FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NASHVILLE, TN – Bandit Lites has once again set a new benchmark in touring production, becoming the first lighting company in America to carry the all-new Ayrton EagleStrike luminaire. Making its live debut straight out of the warehouse, the revolutionary fixture hit the road immediately with HARDY, marking the very first American tour to deploy the EagleStrike. Designer Trevor Drawdy specified the fixture when it was first revealed to him.
Designed as a no-compromise solution for long-throw, outdoor, and high-impact applications, EagleStrike represents a bold evolution in lighting technology. Born from a bespoke request for a signature luminaire, it is Ayrton’s first LED-source followspot, engineered for extreme precision across vast distances. With HARDY’s production demanding intensity, flexibility, and unmistakable visual moments, the EagleStrike proved to be the perfect fit.
Bandit Lites Client Representative Mike Stanley worked closely with HARDY’s team to ensure the new fixture was tour-ready from day one, while Lighting Designer Trevor Drawdy embraced the opportunity to debut a luminaire purpose-built for powerful outdoor performance.
At the core of EagleStrike is an oversized 270 mm front lens weighing 7.7 kg, delivering an ultra-intense 2.9° beam capable of cutting through massive venues and open-air environments. Its proprietary 13-lens optical system provides a remarkable 15:1 zoom ratio, ranging from 2.9° to 43°, with dedicated gobo reducers allowing the beam to narrow down to an astonishing 0.9° or 2.5° when absolute focus is required.
Powering the fixture is a brand-new, high-efficiency 1,200-watt LED module, producing a staggering 55,000 lumens at 6500K and achieving a record-breaking illuminance exceeding 100,000 lux at 10 meters. For touring productions that rely on visibility, clarity, and punch at scale, EagleStrike delivers in every measurable way.
The fixture’s color system is equally advanced, introducing an ultra-fast CMY flag-based color mixing system that matches the speed of Ayrton’s renowned “Ultimate” series. A progressive CTO allows smooth tuning from 2900K to 6500K, while the comprehensive color section includes six complementary color filters, two CRI enhancement filters, minus green, gobo correction, and multi-color filters – ensuring creative flexibility without sacrificing output or speed. An optional onboard camera further allows EagleStrike to function as a remotely operated tracking spotlight, expanding its role on modern productions.
Behind the scenes, Bandit Lites’ commitment to execution was key. VP of Business and Innovation, Jake Tickle and the Bandit prep team worked meticulously to integrate the brand-new fixtures into touring inventory, ensuring they met the company’s and Trevor Drawdys’ exacting standards before rolling out with HARDY.
From the warehouse floor to the stage, EagleStrike’s first deployment underscores Bandit Lites’ ongoing mission: to invest early, prep thoroughly, and deliver cutting-edge technology to clients who demand the best. With HARDY leading the charge, the Ayrton EagleStrike has officially arrived – and Bandit Lites is proud to be lighting the way forward.
